April 24, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for April 2026

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 have amnesia. Have the spring temps always been this erratic?

One day 70 degrees and the next day 30 degrees.

Wind, rain, snow, sun…

2. I runfess…

This month used to be my favorite for scenic runs..

But where are all the flowers?

3. I runfess…

With THREE half marathons in one month, I hope I can keep up the mojo to run those long runs…

So I guess I’m glad that I do have TWO 10 mile races scheduled at the end of May.

The Boilermaker's Erie Canal Races (10 Miler, Relay & 5K)

May 17

4. I runfess…

I signed up for a 10k because it was only $15 (if you’ve never run it before)…

and it was a 10k (there aren’t many races at that distance.)

It is very hilly. Hope I won’t regret it too much.

4. I runfess…

My goal for running my last half marathon was to finish slower than 2:27.

oops!

Why?

That’s the qualifying rime for the NYC and Brooklyn half marathons (for my age group).

I didn’t want to be tempted to register.

Instead next spring, I signed up to run this one:

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, and Runs with Pugs,

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

April 17, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: Five Spring Running Essentials

spring

Now that it is officially spring and temps are even warming up, what do you need on your run?

Though many of the items below are things that you bring on your winter runs, they are more essential when it is spring:

1.Sunscreen

sunscreen for runners, sunscreen, summer, sun, lotion, sun lotion,

2.Bug Spray

Insect Repellent Guide: Deet vs. Picardin | REI Expert Advice

3. Baseball Cap

Best Running Caps | Coach

4. Sunglasses

5. Hydration

Run Longer with These Hydration Packs and Water Bottles | The Strategist

ENJOY THE NICE WEATHER!!

Happy Running! What spring running essentials do you need? 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!!

April 10, 2026 by Darlene

FFF:18 Years Later

Who knew when my tennis friends talked me into taking a running class at age 55 that I’d still be at it 18 years later??

One of the best decisions of my life!!

What has changed through the years?

1.My Clothes.

2008: shorts (from Walmart?), cotton tank (from Target?), Saucony shoes

2026: Tank & skirt (from SkirtSports), Compression calf sleeves (from Zensah?), Topos shoes, Goodr glasses

2.The Technology

2008: Camera for photos, Nike chip in shoe (for distance/pace)

2026: iPhone for photos, Garmin (for distance/pace)

3. Distances

2008: 5ks ONLY

did I only have one outfit?

2026: 3 Marathons, 78 Half Marathons and countless 10ks, 15ks, 10 milers so far…

4. Speed

2008: 9-10 minute miles, trying to PR at every race

2026: Finish uninjured

5. Social Connections

2008: Races every weekend

2026: Local running friends, local racers, bloggers, etc.

What has NOT changed?

My love of running, the feeling of accomplishment at the end of any race, wanting to keep running no matter how old or slow I get!!

Happy Running! How long have you been running? How have things changed (or not)? 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 blogs!!

April 3, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for April 2026

It’s that time of the month…

in different places (like Asheville & NYC)

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

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I feel like I’m out there running as much as I can but numbers don’t show it…

2026 Miles
Jan – 55 miles
Feb – 78 miles
Mar – 68 miles

The old me made sure it was at least 84 miles each month so I could reach 1000 for the year.

The new me doesn’t care as long as I am healthy and can race often.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that next Saturday is my 3rd half marathon of 2026.

Asheville – Mar 21.

NYC – Mar 15.

I’ll still be racing but I’m taking a half marathon break until September…

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do enjoy racing in different places so I’ve already registered for September’s race-cation.

in Marshfield, MA

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s our annual girls weekend. The VRBO is already booked for 9 of us in Plymouth, MA…

our mighty group (minus Denise – top right- who moved away)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that speaking of racing in different places, I am planning on doing 3 new races: a 5k in Naples, FL and a 10 miler and 15k in Utica, NY.

May 2 (new course)

May 17

Observer-Dispatch Events - Boilermaker Road Race

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that Sue & I had so much fun traveling together to race that we are already looking for a 2027 race…

Asheville, NC

Washington DC

What do you think?

April 10, 2027

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

March 27, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for March 2026

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 absolutely love NYC.

Those BIG NYRR races are exciting but also stressful.

That being said, I’m DONE!!

Three was not a charm but instead I plan to try to run new races outside NYC and some smaller NYC races

so I quitting after THREE:

- 3 Brooklyn Halfs

: 2018

: 2023

: 2024

- 3 NYC Halfs

: 2019

: 2024

: 2026

- 3 NYC Marathons

: 2019

: 2023

: 2024

2. I runfess…

I had so much fun last March running the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon with my friend Sue and getting a PW that I decided to do a repeat performance…

This time we flew to Asheville, NC and ran a half marathon there.

It was super hilly and we were so slow but when you’re “old,” you can still win age group awards.

3. I runfess…

I may opt to do all my races like this. At least ones that I travel to with a friend.

Tentatively next year, we may fly to Philly and do the Love Run.

New Orleans and Savannah are on our bucket lists, as well.

Stay tuned…

4. I runfess…

That being said, my next half marathon is local and downhill.

It will be my 6th time running this race (once was COVID canceled and once I volunteered when injured).

So I am hoping (or dreaming) to finish it with some semblance of speed.

2024

and I really hope the weather is better than last year.

snow, sleet, rain…

5. I runfess…

After my April half marathon, I am looking forward to a half marathon break…

I may not run one until September!!!

No worries, I’m not taking a racing break, there will be plenty of shorter races…

- 04-25-26 – Bill Robinson Memorial 10k
- 05-03-26 – Tropicool 5k
- 05-09-26 – Prospect Mountain Run (????- my birthday!!)
- 05-17-26 – Boilermaker’s Erie Canal Race (10 miler)
- 05-24-26 – Miles on the Mohawk (10 miler)
- 06-06-26 – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k
- 06-13-26 – Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k
- 07-04-26 – Firecracker 4
- 07-12-26 – Boilermaker 15k
- 07-19-26 – Keep MOO’ving 5k
- 08-09-26 – Run for the Roses 5k

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!!

March 20, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Reasons to Run A Half Marathon Tomorrow

Asheville Full and Half Marathon Training 2026 - Fleet Feet Asheville

MARCH 21, 2026

1.I ran the NYC Half Marathon last Sunday

so I am trained, right?

2.Race Description:

The course winds its way through beautiful Asheville neighborhoods like Omni Grove Park, Broadway, Montford, and Riverside on the way to the finish line in New Belgium Brewing. As runners pass through city streets, you will see evidence of Asheville’s vibrant arts scene with murals and Art Deco architecture. After the race, visit nearby 19th-century Biltmore Estate for a tour of the 8,000-acre grounds and impressive gardens…

3. I ran the Rock n Roll DC Half Marathon last March with Sue and we had a lot of fun.

4. I love running in new places.

5. Visiting Asheville has been on my bucket list.

Happy Running! Ever run this race? Ever run a half 2 weekends in a row? Which race is on your bucket list? 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!!

March 13, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Ways to Get Race-Ready This Spring

Yes, it’s been a colder and snowier than usual this winter which has made it extra hard to be ready to race.

Here are 5 ways that I recommend:

1.Sign up for a race (or 6).

- 03-21-26 – United NYC Half Marathon
- 03-21-26 – Asheville Half Marathon
- 04-11-26 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
- 05-17-26 – Boilermaker’s Erie Canal Race (10 miler)
- 05-24-26 – Miles on the Mohawk (10 miler)
- 05-30-26 – Run for Women 5k

06-06-26 – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k

If you haven’t been running much, pick one where you will have enough time to get in shape.

2. Join a Training Group.

If there aren’t any local ones, try an online one or even hire a coach.

3. Buy New Shoes.

Who doesn’t want to use new pretty shoes?

4. Sort Through your Running Clothes/Shoes

Donate those you don’t wear.

Throw out the worn ones.

5.Pick a Goal and Make Plan.

Go slowly. Be realistic.

Amend it as needed.

If your 2025 goal was “run more”… Respectfully, that's not a plan 😅 Most goals don't fail because of motivation. They fail because they only work on perfect weeks. Try this: 🛣️🎯

Happy Running! How are you getting race-ready this spring? 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.

March 6, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for March 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 you probably know, I have THREE half marathons coming up;

- 3-15– United NYC Half Marathon (Brooklyn Bridge addition)
- 3-21- Asheville Half Marathon
- 4-11 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

Half Marathons #76, 77 and 78!!

I shouldn’t be nervous… but I am!!

They seem to get harder….

But using run-walk-run intervals has helped me get through ALL my training runs! Thank you Jeff!!

Galloway's Half Marathon Training: Use the Run Walk Run Method to Finish Every Race Strong: Galloway, Jeff: 9781782552208: Amazon.com: Books

such an inspiration to runners… he will be greatly missed!!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been experiencing niggles of late.

First it was my lower back. I went to the chiro but a week in Florida seemed to cure that.

When I went to PT, she said that my right SI joint was tight and she gave me exercises to do…

I ‘am going back to PT to complain that my left hip now has bothered me when I run…

It’s always something…

could this help???

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am sure everyone in the NE is complaining. We’ve had the worst winter to train for any Spring race.

cold, snow, wind… does this look fun?

I am so happy that I escaped for a week… no slippery roads, no jacket or gloves ❤

the cover of the Palm Beach Daily News!! the lady in “red” = me. Feb. 14!

I have to also mention that my friend Jenny whom I run most of weekday runs with did complete the Tokyo marathon.

It was hot and sunny in Tokyo that day and unfortunately she and many others (even Sara Hall had to DNF) were not acclimated to this weather.

definitely wearing summer running clothes … (that’s NOT Jenny. LOL)

4..Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I and the Race Directors are probably hoping for better weather. So many races this winter had to be cancelled.

at least 4 NYRR races had to be cancelled…

So much money lost… medals and shirts all ready. (I didn’t pick mine up but many runners did.)

Will that affect race prices for future races?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have a 10k tomorrow… Unfortunately every year, the weather is awful for this race…

And rain is predicted for tomorrow… (it could be worse, it’s not supposed to snow.)

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.

February 27, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for February 2026

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 ran several times with TWO different shoes.

They are the same style (Topos Aura) but different colors and one is much older (left).

Good thing my friend noticed or I’d still be running like that.

2. I runfess…

Pace is so individual…

The runner that I met during my recent 5k in FL told me that she had a PW.

She is undergoing chemo so that’s understandable.

But her PW would have been almost a PR for me…

3. I runfess…

As you can imagine with all my racing, I have a zillion race shirts.

Some that are tech material and fit, I keep and run in.

Then there are some that I want to keep and make into a quilt.

There are also long sleeve ones that I will use as race throwaways.

Finally, there are those that I sleep in or wear when I am gardening.

What’s left?

FOUR garbage bags of shirts and I donated them!!!!!!!

4. I runfess…

In addition to winter running in the NE being depressing, I think all those layers make you to slower.

I so enjoyed being in Florida and not wearing a jacket or beanie or gloves when I ran!

And I even ran a mile under 10 minutes!! Woo Hoo!

5. I runfess…

I’ve always believed that runners are the nicest people.

And running bloggers are even nicer…

I want to meet you all…

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, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

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

February 20, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Fitness Habits that Stick (even when it’s cold)

Just because it's cold outside 🥶 doesn't mean you have to skip your workout! Adapt your workout routine to and stay motivated with these tips: 💪 Set specific goals and track progress