time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.
1. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that 2021 seems to have sped by. But I think I’m on track (barring injury) to reach my 1000 mile running goal.
as of today, I’m up to 935!!!
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m not into challenges and definitely not one related to ST but in November I actually completed one:
One 60 Second Plank each day for 30 days (through ZOOMA run club)
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that what I like about this Plank challenge was that it only took ONE minute a day… and it got easier rather than harder. Since I was working from home, I could do it any time of the day and even in my PJs or running clothes.
Most plank challenges have you add time each day… so that you get stronger..
Hey, a one minute plank was a big enough deal for me. LOL
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that no, I was not tempted to continue my planks after November 30.
But due to the time change, I’ve had to do more of my 3 mile weekday runs at lunch time (or lighted UAlbany) and do my walks at the mall (both outdoor and indoor).
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I only have one more race for 2021. That makes 21 for the year. (That number was just an accident.)
I’m pretty excited about this fun one because it was canceled last year and I was injured in 2019. And you get to dress up. But more importantly is that this is the last year for the Holiday Lights in the Park so it will most likely be the last year for this race. Sigh.
Happy Running! What’s new with you? Any challenges completed? Any holiday-themed runs or races planned? Please share.
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 love to hike as you know. I also love artsy things. So I decided to visit another Sculpture Park. But it was closed when I got there. I went around the gate and walked around…. Took pictures. Glad I did not get arrested. lol.
re-opens May 2022 according to the sign
2. I runfess…
In Last month’s runfession, I talked about 2022 races. My running friends and I plan a race-cation every fall. This year there are TEN of us!!
So I booked a house (8 bedrooms) on the ocean. The race is not even open for registration yet (and we can only get 50% back if we cancel.)
just have to look out the window for the ocean sunrise – 7 of the bedrooms have an ocean view
3.I runfess…
About the race mention above – I did contact the RD and he stated that it was confirmed for Oct. 2. And my friends said that they didn’t care if we run an in-person race or just run on our own. But I do want to run a real half marathon. Fingers crossed.
4. I runfess…
For the first time in years, yesterday I did not run both the Troy Turkey Trot 10K AND 5K. I only ran the 10K. I did have a little FOMO but since I had just run a half marathon, it was probably the smarter decision.
2019
5.I runfess…
I said many times that I was ONE and DONE when I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019. But with the perfect weather conditions, I had serious FOMO this year. And I had tears in my yes watching the winners and even more so when I watched those who struggled but finished in the late hours.
struggled with RA but finished in almost 11 hours (last 10 miles with a walker)
Even Chelsea Clinton ran it…
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Have you signed up for any 2022 races yet? Have you ever gone around a barricade and entered a place that was closed. Did you have FOMO when you watched or read about the NYCM? Any race-cations planned for 2022? Please share.
In these often stressful times, it is important to reflect on why we are thankful for running:
Here are FIVE+ reasons why I AM:
I am HEALTHIER.
an energetic run in Central Park after a hard day’s work
I hardly even get sick. It’s very rare that I even get a cold. (knock on wood) If I ever feel rundown or tired, I just go for a run and that feeling disappears.
Running is my Energy/Vitamin source.
2. I feel YOUNGER.
hanging out after a 5k with thirty somethings
This may sound corny but I sometimes forget that I am 68 years old when I am running. I often run faster than runners half my age. And often slower than runners older than me. So I guess
Running is my fountain of youth.
3. I have MET so many awesome PEOPLE since I started running.
I have met them by joining running groups, at races, through social networking and through other runners.
In other words, Running has become part of my Social Life.
4.Running has made me feel moreCONFIDENT.
I am not athletic. I never played a sport growing up. In fact, I am very clumsy. Imagine my surprise when I won my first age group. I tell people that I am not fast but it depends who shows up at a race. My speed is not bad “for my age.”
Running has filled my empty Trophy Case.
5. Running has given meSTRENGTH.
I have done things that I never thought possible. Run 13.1 miles? Who me?
first half marathon
Run a marathon? Now way, Jose!
first marathon
I have been able to push through pain and not give up on things that seemed too hard. Yes to running through injuries, hills, running in the rain, heat and sub zero temps.
Running is my Kryptonite.
6. Running has taken me to new PLACES.
Yes, all my vacations involve races. As a result, I have traveled to Philly, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Montreal, Bermuda, Paris and more!!
Running is actually my Travel Agent.
7.Running gets meOUTDOORS
I am sure that if I weren’t a runner, I would read more, watch TV more maybe even cook or clean more often.
But it’s running that drives me out of my house early on the weekend mornings and out of my office at the end of a long work day.
Running is my Vitamin D.
and
Happy Running! Why are you thankful for running? Please share.
What is your next big race? How did you decide which one to choose?
Here are some things to consider:
1. Size
Sure there are more logistics to deal with when running a large race.
But there is more crowd support.
You are never running alone. The atmosphere is electric.
Both of these factors are important to me. I would never run a small marathon!!
2. Location
How will you get to the race – plane, train, bus, car?
Is it easy to get to the start – shuttle, walk, public transportation?
If you have to drive, is there ample parking?
shuttle to the start? yes, please
If I drive, I love when there is nearby parking. Otherwise, I hope there is public transportation or I take an Uber. Best case scenario is staying in a hotel near the race start (if you can afford that…)
3. Deferral Policies
If the race is canceled, what happens? If you are injured, can you defer to another year? Do either of these matter?
The half marathon that I am planning to run in February was deferred (free) from 2020. I am glad with COVID that many races offered that option. Many just went virtual (not happy about that) but who knew a pandemic would happen in 2020?
4. Cost
The cost of registration? What swag does it include? Do you have to spend additional money on transportation and hotel?
$$ but worth it!!
Neither one is really a dealer breaker for me. But enough with the shirts!! A hat, hoodie, gloves, something more practical, please. I do, however, enjoy good food and drink after a big race!
5. Course
Is road or trails?
Is it point-to-point or a loop?
Is it scenic or boring?
Is it flat or hilly?
Steel Rail Half = perfect
My preference would be point-to-point, scenic and mostly flat. But obviously I’m not picky. I love to race!!
I would also add: who else is running it? A friend, another blogger? It’s much more fun to run a race with someone else.
Happy Running! How do you pick a marathon or big race? What is your next ‘big’ race? Please share.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.
1. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I lost a lens in my Goodr sunglasses. I contacted Goodr and in case you wear Goodrs too, here’s another reason to love them. They replaced them for FREE!
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I also wrecked the lens in my favorite pair of Goodrs (Pride theme). Unfortunately, they no longer make that style. I ordered a bland grey pair instead. But they replaced them also for free.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that when my new Goodrs arrived, I realized that I had already replaced them. (Senior brain.)
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that that it gets worse, I was cleaning out my car and found the missing lens.
So who wants to trade???? I’ll send you my white/blue Goodrs if you send me one of yours…
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I always try to match my Goodrs to my outfit
or the season…
Fall and Christmas
I also buy ones from a favorite race.
Wineglass, NYC and Surftown
Yes, I have many pairs.
Can you have too many Goodrs?? I think not.
Happy Running! What’s new with you? Do you wear Goodrs? If not, what is your favorite brand? Please share.
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 signed up for 10 week Troy Turkey Trot Challenge because I wanted to train for the 10K and to run with my usual Challenge friends.
Well, for the ‘advanced” group, there really isn’t a coach. Different and few runners show up each week. My friends did not sign up. The course is often on the track or a dark neighborhood or campus route. It was only 8 weeks not Ten.
I’m not a quitter. But I may skip the rest of the runs and I definitely will not sign up next year.
2. I runfess…
I won my age group at a recent 5k (Malta 5k). They didn’t have an award ceremony. You had to pick up the award at the local Fleet Feet store (which is not local for me.)
So I ignored it. I figured it was another medal that I didn’t need.
While I was in NH for my half, I got a call from someone at the store reminding me to pickup my award. Coincidentally, he would be in NH running the same race. Anyway, I asked him what the award was and he replied: Gift card to Fleet Feet. My response: I’ll pick it next Sat.
Long story short, I drove there the next Saturday but the RD has picked up the awards. (They may track it down and mail it to me.. but I doubt it.)
I didn’t want to waste the long drive:
new Topos for my November half marathon
3.I runfess…
After reading all those posts about saving money, I went to the Poshmark site…
Yup, I HAD to buy them.
Of course I would have saved more money if I didn’t buy them at all.
4. I runfess…
Now that I have signed up for ALL my 2021 races (I will have run 21 by the end of the year), I am figuring out my 2022 schedule.
I think I have my February Florida half marathon picked (a deferral from 2020)
Feb. 13, 2022 in Melbourne
but I am debating on my January race…
I definitely am having NYC FOMO:
Jan. 23, 2022 in Central Park, NYC – I want the HAT!! – cheaper
OR
Jan 9, 2022 – also in CP – a better date
5.I runfess…
My April half marathon choice is even more difficult..
Apr. 16, 2022 – local and downhill (if they go back to the original pre-Pandemic course)
OR
Apr. 24, 2022 – in Brooklyn
It’s nice to finally say that there are actually choices.
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Do you replace your shoes often? Have you signed up for any 2022 races yet? Please share.
As Fall seems to be the time for Big races (especially this year), this topic seems appropriate.
Grete Waitz is a legend and I always think of her when I hear people lament that they are running a race but they didn’t train well. (Often it is me LOL)
She had never run farther than 12 miles before her first marathon in New York in 1978. Not only did she finish the race, but she won it – and set a course record. At age 25.
Most unprepared runners aren’t so lucky.
So if you are signed up to run a big race and have not adequately trained for it, here are some things you can do:
1.Consider your alternatives.
Some races allow runners to switch from a marathon to a half-marathon, a half to a 5K, or to enter a relay with friends rather than completing the entire distance alone. You can also try contacting the race director to see if you can transfer your bib to next year’s race. Volunteering to give out water or simply cheering are also good ways to be part of the race without risking injury.
my friend Tina downgraded to the 5k from the Half. (in Montreal)
two of friends (left & right) decided to spectate rather than run.
But if you’re committed to running the entire race. All hope is not lost. You just have to approach the race with the strategy and mindset of a champion – even if your training was anything but.
2.Prepare Your Body
Sometimes life or your body gets in the way of your training.
So two weeks prior to the race, do not do anything crazy. The last thing you want to do in the final two weeks is squeeze in those long runs because you think that you will be better prepared for the race.
The best thing you can do is just get a few short runs in to keep your legs fresh.
Calf injury curtailed my Half training – had to cut back rather than doing my long double digit runs.
In other words, don’t cram in those miles.
3.Prepare Your Mind
It’s even more important to manage your expectations when entering a race with little or no training.
It is very unlikely that if you didn’t train for the race that you will achieve a PR or BQ.
thrilled with finishing the NYC Half Marathon
my friend Deb walked the half because she hadn’t trained
Remember to celebrate FINISH LINES not FINISH TIMES.
4.Race Strategically
Once the gun goes off, hold yourself back. Pace yourself, take walk breaks and even take time periodically to stop, stretch and massage any muscles that are getting tense.
You can also play mind games with yourself. Think about the race as smaller segments – a half marathon could be broken into about four 5Ks races, for example.
Another hint is to “Run the mile you’re in” rather than thinking about all the miles you have YET to run and how hard it will be to finish the race distance.
with no double digits runs done for this half…my legs were indeed weary at this 15k point!!
Try to maintain positivity, not panic. This is the real trick to finishing a race when you’re not trained.
I’m certainly not an expert but something special happens on race day. You have support, you have crowds, you have water stops, and more.
You will be mentally fired up in a way that you cannot be for any training run – that’s why we do races. You have to have faith in race day magic.
Believe me, it will happen.
my friend Heidi lost some precious weeks early in her training but she adapted and ran a great race
5.Have fun!
If you are not trained for race, the race will most likely feel tough but it can still be enjoyable.
Often, the greatest joy comes from the toughest challenges.
As they say: “Pain is temporary. Pride lasts forever”
I say “GO FOR IT!”
This was my slowest half marathon (in 2011). I walked half of it due to recovering from an Achilles injury but I had the BEST time!!
** None of the above applies to racing with a serious injury or against Doctor’s orders!!!
Happy Running! Have you ever run a race without training? How did it turn out? If so, any other tips to add? Please share.
Today I am going to offer some tips to help achieve that goal:
1. Create a Schedule
Don’t leave running to chance, Post your schedule where it is easily accessible (paper calendar, online calendar, etc.) And stick to it.
2. Eliminate Barriers
Lay your clothes out the night before you’re due for a morning run. Bring your clothes to the office if you are running after work.
3. Enlist an Accountability Partner
Find a running partner or a coach or someone to check in with regarding your runs and progress toward your goal.
4. Eliminate Distractions
If checking social media before a run decreases the likelihood that you go on said run, save that for a post-run. Same with walking a dog. Do it at another time or have someone else in your household do it so you can run.
5. Plan a Reward
What ever it takes to give you that added motivation. Food, New clothes, a Trip, etc.
Happy Running! Are you a “BIG” goal setter? Any other tips to add? Please share.
She now plans to run all six majors this fall—in person in Berlin, London, Chicago, Boston, and New York, plus a virtual race in place of the postponed Tokyo Marathon AND finish each under 3 hours!!
WOW!! That is a big hairy goal!!!
In 2019, my big hairy goal was to run my FIRST MARATHON.
check!
In 2020, before the pandemic, I planned to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH. I ran 3 live races (but had to run 6 half marathons virtually.) So I did not run 12 halfs but was proud of my 9 half achievement.
In 2021 – Unfortunately the Pandemic continued. Even though racing opportunities started opening up, I never felt that I would be able to achieve a BIG goal.
For 2022 – I doubt things will be normal (if ever) but it may be time to come up with another BIG goal….
Not sure what that will be yet. Any ideas for me?
But I know what it will NOT be:
run streak
triathlon
ultra
BQ
Ragnar race
obstacle race
50 state challenge
online certification courses
Anyway, here are some reasons to set a Big Hairy Goal:
1. Big goals stretch what we believe is possible.
I have heard many runners say “I can’t….” (Guilty as charged lol)
When we say that, it becomes true.
Of course, we CAN run a marathon!!
Believing is the first step to accomplishing something big.
2. They cause us to make improvements.
It’s easy to get into a rut. For example, we race the same distance or type of race, we may get comfortable and be successful with little effort.
In order to achieve a big goal, you will most likely need to make adjustments – train harder, train differently …
3. If We Allow Ourselves To Dream, We Get Really Excited.
When we stop and think about what it would feel like if we actually achieved that big goal, we get excited. We may buy that 26.2 magnet for our car or a shirt that says “I am a Marathoner.”
The excitement of the possibility pushes us to train and to push forward toward that goal.
4. We will see how far we have come
While the destination is important, it’s the journey that matters most. Without goals, it’s hard to see how far we have come.
I ran 5ks for years. I got faster and was content.
It wasn’t until I ran my first half marathon did I realize how much my running had improved. And an unexpected result of running longer races was that I felt stronger at the shorter ones.
5.It’s OK to swing and miss.
I’ve heard it said that If there’s not a decent chance we’ll fall short, we’re not setting high enough goals.
What if we train for an Ironman and we don’t meet the cutoff after one the legs. We would, of course, be disappointed.
What an accomplishment to have made it to the start line! What did we learn along the way? Was there anything we could have done better? Should we try again?
Happy Running! Are you a “BIG” goal setter? Any other tips to add? Please share.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.
1. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m on my way to NH for a race-cation with friends. I would have been shocked if you told me a year ago that today we’d still be wearing masks and worrying about COVID.
At least this year, the race will be an in-person one.
cooling off after our virtual half last year
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that normally I don’t have time goals for my 2021 half marathons…but I think I want to finish at least be ONE second faster than my last one….so 2:20:56.
The reason being is that my last one of the year will be HILLY and no chance of improvement.
hills of Altamont in the Upstate Classic – Nov. 21, 2021
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that yes, I signed up for another half marathon even before I ran the current one.
No surprise…
Nov 21, 2021
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that boating season has almost ended and hiking season has begun.
The biggest dilemma is where to go…
to new places??
This one was new…
or places that I’ve already visited but loved???
Moxham Mt. last year
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that one home reno project leads to another. First I wanted to get rid of the wallpaper.
That led to new cabinets and appliances.
That led to plank flooring
and granite countertops.
The new flooring made me want to get rid of the carpeting in the family room… (but instead decided to put that on hold and just get our carpets professionally cleaned since we also need a new washing machine and my car needs work done.
My First 5K and More... 