May 10, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Ways to Celebrate the Mother Runner

Today’s Topic is: Five Ways to Celebrate the “Mother” Runner

I’m a stepmom to 2 grown sons and now a grandma. So here are my ideas:

1.Gift Card for Running Shoes

2. Sunglasses

If you’re like me, I always either lose them or break them.

3. Socks

Yes, I often lose one and only my good ones.

Image result for balega socks

4. Entry fee to a big race

Yes, these are expensive.

Image result for race entry fee

5. A new GPS Watch

I use a Garmin 230 but there are many others with more features.

Introducing the Garmin Forerunner 645 and 645 Music. (Photo: Business Wire)

***Gift certificate for a pedicure

A necessity in the summertime when we wear sandals all the time

What Is A Pedicure And What Does A Pedicure Feel Like

Happy Running! Any other ideas? 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!!

Join the link party!

May 3, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for May 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

This is in honor of Jenny (who used this in a March post).

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that May is my favorite month:

- My annual tennis vacation to Naples, Fl.
- My birthday (Jenn is my b-day twin).

May is my birthday month, so I'll be happily accepting gifts, food, drinks and money all month long.

- Tulips in bloom.
- Boating on Lake George begins.
- Lots of races (5k, 10 mi and half marathon).

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m currently in Florida, We arrived yesterday. In addition to playing tennis (for the first time since last May), I plan to run everyday.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I skipped this race last year, I did sign up again. Anyone surprised?

Tropicool 5k – 5/5/24 in Naples, FL

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that a local 5k race that was cancelled last year and re-located in previous years, has returned to its original date and location. I am tempted to sign up…

it’s dedicated to Summer (a STEM participant) who died of a drug overdose

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m really looking forward to sunshine for my Brooklyn Half Marathon that ends in Coney Island. It has poured the other two times I’ve run it. It’s my last shot. Hotels are too expensive so I don’t plan to register again for this race!!

Does that look fun?

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.

April 26, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for April 2024

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

I cannot believe it’s almost May (and I’m still wearing a beanie and gloves!!)

1.I runfess…

I walked a 5k race.

Yes. Me. Not injured but I didn’t feel like exerting myself.

I had mentored a group of beginning runners.

One was recovering from COVID and wanted to walk the race. So I jumped at this opportunity.

2. I runfess…

After my last two half marathons, I’m looking forward to to shorter runs for awhile.

That is until July 1 when I start training for the NYC Marathon.

3. I runfess…

In order to enjoy my training runs for my next half marathon more, I signed up for shorter races instead of doing those long runs.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k, Tropicool 5k, Prospect Mountain 5.67m or Summer Smith 5k

4. I runfess…

I had thought that the Brooklyn Half Marathon would be my goal race this year…

But nope. See runfession #3.

Brooklyn Half sells out within hours...again - Canadian Running Magazine

I plan to just finish and enjoy a hot dog and a beer at Coney Island.

5. I runfess…

I bought new running shoes. That’s no surprise. Topos. Also no surprise.

Atmos – Boston -inspired… just because

They also made a Specter Chicago for Men.

What about New York City??

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!!

April 19, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Favorite Races of All Time

Today’s Topic is: Five Favorite Races of All Time

This was quite a challenge. Races that I’ve run well? Or races with friends? Or races with scenic courses? How do you choose?

Since I’ve done so many races, I’m going to divide my list into 5ks and Halfs.

Five Favorite 5Ks of All Time

1.Freihofer Run for Women (June)

It’s local, for women of all ages and abilities. This year will my 17th time running it.

2. Bacon Hill Bonanza (April)

It’s rural and small but you get farm fresh chocolate milk at the end and you can win a homemade pie.

3. Bridge the Gap (February)

My most recent 5k. A spur of the moment Florida race on Singer Island…. a beautiful course with free breakfast/mimosas afterward.

4. Run for the Roses (August)

Another small rural race (with hills) … it raises money for the local library and you get a book and a rose.

5. Barn to Bridge (September)

It’s very local and downhill… and part of a fall festival so there’s great post race refreshments and many familiar faces.

Five Favorite Half Marathons of All Time

1.ZOOMA Bermuda

It was very hilly and my foot hurt, otherwise the course was beautiful (Feb. 2020 – need I say more?)

2. Naples News

My first!! And a scenic course in SW Florida plus my hubby came. (Jan. 2011)

3. West Palm Beach and EAU Palm Beach

A winter getaway to the Florida east coast… lovely views of the ocean and great weather. (Jan 2015 & Dec. 2015)

4. Steel Rail

Still my PR and a flat course in western MA… along a bike path with lakes on either side. (May 2018 & 2022)

5. Finger Lakes

A girls race-cation … run on a flat dirt trail near a famous waterfall in Western NYS. (Sept. 2023)

Happy Running! Which races are your favorites? 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!!

Join the link party!

April 12, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Things in My Race Kit

Today’s Topic is: Five Things in Your Race Kit

What wouldn’t I race without?

In addition to a skirt, top, socks and shoes:

1.Garmin watch

I run without it. I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at its stats after.

2.SpiBelt

I don’t like to put pins in my clothes. I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer. So I attach my bib to it. I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.

SPIbelt Genuine Performance Belt Water Resistant with Purple Zip Pocket, Black, S – XL : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

3.Goodr Sunglasses

I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes.

Goodr Sunglasses - The OGs - Find Your Feet Australia

I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match any outfit. And they are so light and comfy.

4. Baseball Cap

It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)

Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).

5.iPhone

To take photos before and after and also to keep in touch with others.

Can you spot the phone in my hand?

***Compression Calf Sleeves

Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket. Once I raced without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time. I wear the sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.

Zensah are my faves but I also have a few pairs of Legendware.

Happy Running! What things are in your race kit? 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!!

Join the link party!

April 5, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for April 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

To that mug, I would add “in a skirt.”

Hopefully that will happen soon…

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my 2nd half marathon of 2024 is coming soon – April 13.

I am healthy so there are no excuses…

My goal is to feel better during the race (SMILE) and accept my finish time (even if it is not what I had hoped for.)

: H2H 2019

: H2H 2022

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the weather and work interfered with my training for the above race. So “no excuses” has turned into:

Snow, ice, power outage and then long days in NYC (with rain during several). More rain, snow…

Looking ahead now to the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May… LOL.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that only 4% of those (close to 165k) who entered the lottery for the NYC Marathon got accepted. Two of my friends were among the unlucky ones.

I am glad that I bit the bullet and will run it for 3rd (and last) time.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that our 4 hotel rooms are already booked for the November NYC marathon.

I’ve decided for the first time to stay in the Wall Street area and take the Staten Island Ferry to the start rather than staying in Manhattan and taking the bus.

We’ll see if more sleep (and less waiting time) will help my performance. LOL

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that ice cream is the theme of my summer races.

I’ve registered for two:

at High Lawn Farms last summer

in Lee, MA

and

August 3, 2024 on Governor’s Island, NYC (10k)

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 29, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for March 2024

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 was hoping to have a slower than 2:27 finish time for the NYC Half Marathon.

That way, I wouldn’t time qualify for any big NYC race in 2025.

Success!! Not even close!

Big PW!! (but love age-graded time)

2. I runfess…

Although I knew I was not fully trained or mentally prepared to run the NYC Half Marathon well, I was discouraged that it was so hard (especially the last 3 miles!!)

Age? Hills? Ankle injury? No Mojo to push hard? Too many miles on the legs the day before?

I have more half marathons on my schedule so I’m not sure how to proceed…

If only I could be happy with my current snail pace…

3. I runfess…

I am mentoring TWO running groups. Both use the Couch to 5k app.

I really hate this app for training new runners to run a 5k.

I used to feel that you should be able to run without walking… but now, I know that it’s ok to walk… you still finished friggin’ 3.1 miles.

And it peaks at a 30 minute run (or JOG as the app calls it). What beginner runner finishes their first 5k in 30 minutes?

4. I runfess…

Peer pressure took over.

I’m sure you are not surprised that I did sign up to run the NYC Marathon in November… for the last time!!

5. I runfess…

I am very excited to have companions as I train for and run 26.2 miles.

Misery loves company.

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 22, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Fitness Things I’d Love to Try

Today’s Topic is: Five Fitness Things You’d Love to Try

I’m pretty boring. I like to run, walk, hike…

But if I left my comfort zone, here’s a few:

1.Lifting Weights.

I stick to the machines that I’m comfortable with at the gym. But many runners seem to be lifting machines…

2.Zumba.

I have two left feet. But it looks like fun and it is very popular at my gym.

3. Track Workouts.

I just run and slowly with walks thrown in the mix but if I want to get back some speed, this might be a good idea. A local running club does offer these on Tuesday evenings.

4.Peleton Strength Workouts.

I subscribed to several free trials but I only used Peleton for the stationary bike and outdoor runs. I’m not sure I’d pay for it again but there are many free Peleton workouts.

5. Outdoor Cycling.

I seem to choose running, walking or hiking when I have time. And the stationary bike when I am injured.

But I know biking outside has its benefits. One of my running friends has been bugging me to try it. And there are many bike paths in my area.

As I said above, these are all out of my comfort zone… but maybe I will try one or more…

Happy Running! What things would you love to try? 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!!

Join the link party:

March 15, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Where I’d Love to Run

Today’s Topic is: Five Places Where You’d Love to Run

I added VISIT because for me, travelling is not only about running but it’s about places that I’d like to see.

So far in my running life, I’ve visited and run in some exciting places:

Maine
NH
Vermont
Wine Region of NYS
NYC
LA
Denver
Palm Springs
Vegas
Florida (East & West coasts)
Philly
NJ (Asbury Pk)
Montreal
Paris!!
Cape Cod (coming in Oct.)

And there are a lot more places I could mention besides these five US places:

1.Napa Valley

2.Hawaii

3.Alaska

4. New Orleans

5.DC

A girl can dream, right?

Happy Running! Where would you love to 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party:

March 1, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for March 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

NYC is the theme for this month’s post:

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first half marathon since last September is in TWO weeks (and in NYC)!

It’s #66 but I’m still anxious about it.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this is the second time I’ve run this race but both times it has been a “recovery” race. And so the goal of my training has been “just finish.”

Do you believe that I thought this was a “slow” finish time? Now I’ll be happy with 2:36:01.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I haven’t been to NYC for work in two months but after I return home March 18 from the race, I go back on March 24 and I’m there for the rest of the work week.

You will be seeing plenty of Central Park pics… I hope the cherry blossoms are early this year again.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am also working in NYC in April, twice in June and in July.

Maybe that why I subconsciously signed up for races in May

May 18 (Prospect Park to Coney Island)

and August

Aug 3- 10k (on Governor’s Island)

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the sign up for the guaranteed entry for the 2024 NYC Marathon opened up on Feb. 21… and I have until March 21 to decide if I want to run it for 3rd time.