January 9, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Goals for 2026

When I look back on my older blog posts, I see that I had once posted weekly goals. Then I transitioned to monthly goals. And onto race goals and eventually yearly goals. Some recent years, I had set NO goals.

My older goal posts always included numbers, pace, finish times, awards, etc.

I don’t know if it’s age-related or being more realistic, but numbers no longer matter much to me.

I may run a lot of races but only because I enjoy them.
I may win a lot of age group awards but only because I belong to an age group where there is not always a lot of competition.
I may travel to NYC often but only because it’s a train trip away and I earn perks through work.
I read because it’s relaxing and I’ve always been a big reader.
I go to the YMCA because I have paid for a membership and I need to strengthen my arms and hips.

I will try to tie my 2026 goals into my word for the year… (Suspense… post coming on 1/20).

Here are my top FIVE:

1.RUN CONSISTENTLY.

Long runs on the weekends, short runs solo or with friends several times during the work week (where and when they fit.)

2.KEEP WALKS, HIKES, GYM VISITS IN MY ROUTINE.

Walks when work schedule allows, hikes on days off or weekends, gym workouts before work on non-running days.

3.CHOOSING RACES THAT BRING ME JOY.

New races, scenic courses, racing with new and old friends and/or in different places.

4.MAKE TIME FOR LEISURE-TYPE ACTIVTIES.

Plays, movies, dining out, reading, brain games, knitting, pickleball, etc…

5.MAINTAIN FAMILY AND FRIEND RELATIONSHIPS.

Making time with others a priority.

NO NUMBERS!!

Ok, if I need mojo on any of the above, here are my number goals.

In 2026, I will try to:

Run 900 miles
Complete 30 races
Read 50 books
Visit the gym 100 times
Walk or hike 50 times

Happy Running! What are some of your 2026 goals? Do they include numbers? 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, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

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

January 2, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for January 2026

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that yes, once you start (with ChatGPT), it’s hard to stop…

Christmas in Florida?

Running through the snow?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that you don’t have to travel… ChatGPT will take you there…

back sipping a cafe au lait at a Parisian cafe (40 years later?)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first non-race of 2026 was yesterday…

wind chill of 2 degrees… but we survived!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my next “real” race is in NYC.

Feb. 1

This was not on my radar but for some strange reason, I entered the lottery and then I GOT IN!!

I can never turn down a NYC visit so I will do it…

I know nothing about the race except that it’s a 10k and in Central Park.

So I assume that it’s a similar course to the Mini and/or Greta Gallop… (Cari will know!)

New York Mini 10K 2022 Race Recap - The Runner Beans

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do plan a non-racing day in NYC next Saturday with a college friend (a French theme since we went to France together):

Paris-based Fouchon is bringing its famed macarons, chocolates 🍫 and other delicacies to 42nd Street near Sixth Ave, across from Bryant Park. 🍽️ Keep up with New York at Cititour.com #french #patisserie #

The Morgan Library Opens a Landmark Exhibition of Renoir's Drawings - Galerie Magazine

at the Morgan Library

Monet and Venice: Inside NYC's Largest Monet Exhibition in 25 Years | Brooklyn Museum | 2025 - YouTube

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, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

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

December 26, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for December 2025

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

The last one of 2025…

1.I runfess…

I was planning to run the Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon again when I am in Florida in February.

But with TWO half marathons scheduled for March, I decided NOT to sign up (Are you disappointed, Jenny?)

2. I runfess…

That being said, you know that I rarely travel anywhere without a race scheduled…

When I was recovering from a sprained ankle, instead of the half marathon, I ran a local 5k in Florida.

I loved that race (and met Jeannie Rice) but they changed the date this year until later in the month.

No worries. I found a new 5k.

Darlene Cardillo's Avatar

8th Anniversary
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Bradley Park • Palm Beach, FL
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3. I runfess…

But yes, I do plan to run BOTH half marathons in March. I’ve never run TWO half marathons 6 days apart!!

Wish me luck!!

March 15, 2026

March 21, 2026

4. I runfess…

My annual miles is the lowest ever…(even with no injuries).

I’m healthy so that’s all that matters.

5. I runfess…

I’ve mentioned that I didn’t want to run a trail race but I got outvoted.

It wasn’t so bad…

I didn’t fall. LOL

And who knew it would be so much fun… a different animal from road racing.

But I have no future plans on racing trails (No offense Jenny.)

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!!

December 12, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Must-Have Accessories Under $30

For Today’s Post, I will pick my top FIVE:

1.GOODR Sunglasses

Cheap, durable, cute and comfy (and they can match all your outfits and seasons.)

2. SPI BELT

Holds your phone and you can even attach your bib to it. And it stays in place.

3. BASEBALL CAP

Holds your hair in place, protects your face from the sun and your eyes from the rain.

4. PORTABLE WATER BOTTLE

Hydrate whenever you need to… this one is light and easy to carry.

5. Comfy No Blister Socks

Nothing is perfect but these are close…

Happy Running! Anything to add? 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!!

December 5, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for December 2025

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decluttered and got rid of sooo many pairs of running shoes.

So I ordered 3 different new older model Topos from REI.

Then I got an email with a REI discount code for $30 off.

Yes, I had to order a new pair. I couldn’t waste it.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that is that I found a pair of NEW Topos in my closet that I’ve never worn.

I am NOT buying any shoes for a long long time.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I entered the NON-NYRR guaranteed entry lottery for the NYC Half Marathon (on a whim). I didn’t care if I got in.

And of course, I did!

My goal race was supposed to the Asheville Half Marathon on March 21 (with my friend Sue).

My local running friends are on the fence about running the NYC HM again this year.

And the hotel prices are so high (I don’t have enough points for a free room.)

So we’ll see… (But as Cari says; I’ll probably do it…)

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the friend that I often run with (who only runs marathons), just got into the Tokyo marathon on March 1, 2026. She ran it last year (and it didn’t go well.)

She is so excited and I’m happy that I will have a motivated running partner during the cold winter months.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that on my local running friends is moving to Tacoma, WA and so we had a going away dinner for her.

we have named our group “Soul Sisters” and finally ordered shirts…

I told her that there’s a half marathon there in August…

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.

November 28, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for November 2025

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…

I am ok with getting slower. It happens with age (for most of us except for those Jeannie Rice types.)

I enjoy racing because you are only compared with those in your age group.

2.I runfess…

Sometimes my ego gets in the way.

In my recent race, I finished behind someone (Debbie Kelley) whom I am always faster than.

Hmmm… did she have a good race or did I have a bad race?

3. I runfess…

That being said, I noticed that I beat someone (Martha DeGrazia) who always beat me…

I wonder if she even noticed? Or cares?

4. I runfess…

Speaking about races… I already started signing up for next year:

- 01-01-26 – Winter Series #2 (3.5m)- free
- 01-11-24 – Winter Series #3 (3.5m) – free
- 01-25-24 – Winter Series #4 (3.5m) – free
- 02-01-26 – Manhattan 10k
- 02-08-24 – Winter Series #5 (3.5m) – free
- 03-21-26 – Asheville Half Marathon

5. I runfess…

I didn’t run the NYC Half Marathon in 2025 (My friends deferred and I ran RnR DC instead)

I did run it in 2019 and 2024. It was cancelled in 2020 & 2021. I ran the virtual in 2022 to get into 2023 but then I broke my foot and couldn’t run it.

I didn’t run any NYRR halfs to quality for 2026 but for some reason, I submitted my local half time.

The qualifying time is 2:27:00 and my time was 2:25:41

can’t believe I got it!!

And according to NYRR…

You’ll traverse two boroughs as you run through diverse neighborhoods and take in stunning views.

Fun fact: The United Airlines NYC Half is the only race to ever run across the Brooklyn Bridge—an unforgettable experience!

Other unique features include a stretch on the FDR Drive with gorgeous East River views and a run through Times Square—one of just two times each year this landmark is closed to traffic.

But…

As you see above, I had already registered to run the Ashville Half 6 days later… Gulp!

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!!

November 21, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Five Reasons that I’m THANKFUL for Running

It’s almost Thanksgiving so the Topic for today is: 5+ Reasons to be Thankful for Running!

1.Health and Fitness.

I always credit running as the reason that I don’t gain (much) weight and I rarely get sick. But this year (with COVID-19 cases back on the rise), it became even more important.

Running got me outdoors several times each week.

Training for 5 half marathons (and 25 or so other distances) has also forced me outdoors for several hours each Saturday.

2.Friendships.

In addition to running each weekend, we brunch together after each run and we scheduled weekly evening hikes in the summer.

By seeing each other frequently, we are definitely more bonded and I feel that I know each runner better.

3.Race-cations.

I do run a lot of races but my favorite one each year is the one during our race-cation.

We pick a race, then rent a house (for 8-10 of us) for 4 days and plan fun activities.

like jumping on the beach…

4.Age Group Awards.

As you age, you do get slower. (At least I do). The great thing about running is that your success is not compared to others who are younger and faster.

As a result, sometimes, you just have to show up.

5.Coping with Tough Times.

Unfortunately I have a few close friends currently experiencing serious health issues and a former co-worker who just died suddenly last year.

And my job has been very stressful on occasion.

Running has been there when I needed it.

+. My Virtual Friends

All of you who read my blog even if I have never gotten to meet you, I am thankful for your support.

Hopefully, our paths will cross in the future.

Happy Running! Do you have anything to add? How are you thankful for 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!!

November 14, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Five Ways to Give Back to Running

Run MA Challenge - MillenniumRunning.com

The Topic for today is: 5 Ways to Give Back to Running

When I think about what running has given to me, I am overwhelmed.

When I think about how much money I spend on running and there are people who have very little or are too sick to run, I feel guilty or even greedy.

Maybe it’s because when I work in NYC, I see so many homeless people on the street (esp. in the winter!).

But rather than buy another running outfit, shouldn’t I give that money to someone less fortunate or contribute that money to a charity??

Maybe I am the only one who feels this way but if I am not, here’s my FIVE suggestions on how you can give back to running:

1. Donate your extra running clothes or shoes.

Check out your local store store, gym or running club to find out where you can do this.

2. Volunteer at a race rather than run in it.

These races cannot happen without volunteers. We often take that for granted.

I bet he doesn’t want to be doing this in freezing temps.

3. When you register for a race, donate extra money to the charity it supports.

I know that races are expensive enough and we don’t feel like adding more money to the fee. So register for one less race and donate that money to a charity.

Buy one less running outfit or pair of shoes and donate to runners in need.

This is a great cause – http://stemrunning.com

Or raise money for a charity in order to run a race that you didn’t qualify for or didn’t get into the lottery for.

just one of the many charities for NYRR races

4. Mentor/Coach a Runner

Everyone of us was once a beginning runner. I am also aware of the fact that some of us have coaches and want to get faster. So just find a time in your schedule when you are not training for an important race and help someone else.

GOTR is one of the many opportunities out there.

STEM is a group of runners that I coach/mentor

our June 5k offers mentoring opportunities

5. Help someone who cannot run for themselves.

Organizations like Team Hoyt and Ainsley’s Angels provide the opportunity for runners to pair with an rider and work together to cross the finish line.

There are also runners needed as Achilles volunteers.

Happy Running! Do you have anything to add? How have you given back to 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!!

November 7, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for November 2025

It’s that time of the month…

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

Last weekend I spectated for the first time at the NYC Marathon. So I’m got a “New York state of mind.”

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decluttered and got rid of sooo many pairs of running shoes.

However, even the ones I’ve kept are worn. I can still run in them but for racing, I would need new ones.

Yup, I ordered 3 different new Topos from REI. Not expensive since I ordered older models.

no pretty colors but in this case, price mattered…

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my favorite shoe is one I don’t run in. My NYC Brooks Ghosts from 2018.

I wear them to the gym and on NYC trips. Luckily I found a (barely) used pair on Poshmark and they were so cheap Yay!

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I entered the lottery for the Manhattan 10k (on a whim). Of course, I didn’t care if I got in. (It will be cold!!!)

And I did!

Fortunately I still had some points left for a free hotel room.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you spectating at a marathon is hard work.

Especially one that goes though 5 boroughs.

And following 3 runners (at 3 spots along the course) who were not running together.

But we did it…

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was with 4 other runners and so we cheered and jetted around the city together.

I did stay in a different hotel than everyone else. (They were near Penn Sta and I was in the financial district downtown).

That gave me the opportunity the next morning to get in a NYC run.

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 24, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: What I Like About Running Where I Live

The Topic for today is: 5 Things You Like About Running Where You Live

Albany | History, Population, Map, & Facts | Britannica

FYI: I live just outside of Albany, NY.

1.We have FOUR Seasons.

Unfortunately, it seems that summer is the shortest and winter is the longest. Some years, we barely have a spring or fall.

But we do get to run in varied temperatures and the scenery changes for each season.

winter

spring

summer

fall

2.We have many bike paths nearby where we can run safely.

Zim Smith

Voorheesville-Albany Rail Trail

Corning Bike Path

Nisky Bike Path

3. There are also many parks to run in.

The Crossings

Washington Park

Saratoga State Park

4. We can choose to run on different surfaces.

Though my preference is the road, there are many trails to run on. In the spring and summer, there are weekly trail runs offered.

There are also tracks at local high schools and colleges and indoor tracks at local YMCAs.

5. There is an abundance of racing opportunities.

Many races support of charities but we also have two running clubs (ARE and HMRRC) that sponsor races for ALL distances.

: Mohawk Hudson Marathon

: 2025 – 4th H2H HM

: Miles on the Mohawk 10m

: Stockeade-athon 15K

: Electric City 10K

: Delmar Dash 5m

: Home Run 5k

Happy Running! What do you like about running where you live? 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!!

My First 5K and More…

an "older" runner's blog

Friday Five

FFF: 5 Goals for 2026

Ultimate Coffee Date for January 2026

Runfessions for December 2025

FFF: Must-Have Accessories Under $30

Ultimate Coffee Date for December 2025

Runfessions for November 2025

FFF: Five Reasons that I’m THANKFUL for Running

FFF: Five Ways to Give Back to Running

Ultimate Coffee Date for November 2025

FFF: What I Like About Running Where I Live

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