October 2, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for October 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 I am going to NYC for work TWICE this month. I’m just a sub so I do not get scheduled there very often.

So when I do, I hope to run in Central Park,

See a Broadway show (or 2):

And even squeeze in a dinner meet-up:

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when we first starting planning race-cations, everyone in the group ran a half marathon…

back in 2017

Each year, fewer and fewer complete the distance.

In fact, this year I was the ONLY one to run the half marathon.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that next year our group will be even smaller. For various reasons only THREE out the ten are able to go.

the diehards

4.Over coffee…

I’ve already started my search for a fall half marathon in the NE:

- Surftown Half Marathon & 5k (Westerly , RI) – Sept 12, 2027
- Apple Harvest Ramble Half Marathon and 5K – (Harvard, MA) – Sept 26, 2027.
- PortRun Half Marathon and 5k (Newburyport, MA) – Sept 26, 2027
- SoNo Half Marathon & 5k (Norwalk, CT) – Oct 3, 2027

I think it maybe Surftown… and it will obviously be easier to find a place rent for 3 instead of 10 but I will really miss our big group.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that again this year, I may have become pumpkin-obsessed.

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Do you like pumpkin-flavored foods? Have you been to NYC recently? Any recommendations for a half marathon in the NE? 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!!

September 25, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for September 2026

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…

Obviously I have runner’s amnesia because after my last 5k that felt inexplicably hard, I vowed to prepare better so I would not feel defeated with my slow finish time.

I did not do any speed work for tomorrow’s 10k.

But I have another 5k the week after.

Will those drills come to fruition?

yes, there’s a HS track nearby…

2.I runfess…

I don’t expect any 5k PRs but I haven’t given up hope on that sub 30 (or realistically sub 31) finish.

Upcoming 5ks:

- 10-03-26 –Barn to Bridge 5k
- 10-24-26 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
- 11-15-26 – Upstate Classic 5k (as a STEM mentor)
- 12-13-26 – Winter Series #1 (5k)

Wish me luck.

3. I runfess…

Even though my last half marathon was my slowest finish time ever, I don’t regret running it.

I enjoyed the challenge, a new place to run and I even won an age group award.

4. I runfess…

My last half marathon was #79 and if I can stay healthy, I’m going for 100!

My 1st and it was going to be my only one… (Naples, Fl – 2011)

I’ve already signed up for 2 more in 2027!

- 02-28-27 – NYCRuns Central Park Half Marathon
- 04-03-27 – Publix Savannah Women’s Half Marathon

5.I runfess…

Again this year, I am mentoring a group of new runners as part of the STEM program.

They use the Couch to 5k app (most likely because, it’s cheap and easy to use.)

I HATE it!

You start and end each run with a 5 minute walk. And in 10 weeks, you increase your runs from 60 sec. to 30 minutes (without walking).

Maybe it’s because I’ve adopted the run/walk method.

Do you need to be able to run without walking to complete a 5k? Do you walk for 5 minutes to start a race? What new runner will finish a 5k in 30 minutes?

End of rant…

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!!

September 18, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: Fall Races and Bucket List Races

Today’s Topic is: Fall Bucket List Races

However, I do have 5 races on my schedule each year:

1.A Race-Cation with my running friends (date and location vary).

2.A local 10k.

3.A local 5k

4.A local 15k

5. Of course, a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot:

What about bucket list ones? Here are a few:

1.A Trail Race at Olana

Barry Hopkins Run at Olana (@BarryHopkinsRun) • Facebook
2.New Local Half Marathon (it used to be called Palio Half and was one of my favorite races)

2026 Saratoga Half Marathon Race Reviews | Saratoga Springs, NY

3. A Half Marathon in Salem, MA (always wanted to visit).

4. Newport Half Marathon (can’t beat the views)

Amica Newport Marathon & Half Marathon
5. RunFluent Christmas (trail) Half Marathon (it’s before Dec 21 so technically still fall)

May be an image of text

Happy Running! What races do you usually have planned for the Fall? What races are 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, and Runs with Pugs,

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

September 11, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Reasons Fall Is The Best Running Season

I LOVE summer but running-wise, it is tough.

Fall is the Best Running Season and here are 5 Reasons Why:

1.Cooler and Less Humid Weather Conditions to Run In.

As I said, I normally love the sunshine and warm temps of summer.

Hopefully, my runs will be more comfortable and hence speedier.

2. Fall Foliage Viewing on Your Runs.

Living in upstate New York, we are usually treated to gorgeous fall colors. Hopefully our wacky summer weather this year will not impact this.

3. More Racing Ops.

Many more races are scheduled in the Fall compared to the summer.

fall fest 5k

great pumpkin challenge 5k or 10k

stockade-athon 15k

upstate classic 5k or HM

troy turkey trot

4. A Race-cation with Friends.

Last fall, I went to Lake Placid with my running friends…

and we had so much fun that this year, we rented a house again and plan to spent 4 days in Plymouth, Mass. which will include running a race and other assorted shenanigans.

5.Pumpkin everything as a post run treat.

Yes, I do love Fall food!! Especially those with pumpkin. A must-have after a long run or race.

Happy Running! Are you looking forward to Fall? Which season is the best 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, and Runs with Pugs,

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

September 4, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for September

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 after 17 years of playing mah jongg weekly, I finally bought a mah jongg set. (on FB MarketPlace… the price was right!)

can’t wait to use it…

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the summer flew by and when boating ends so does my expanded reading time..

I’ve read so far:

- The Calamity Club
- Theo of Golden
- My Husband’s Wife
- Pineapple Street
- Yesteryear
- Strangers: a memoir of marriage
- The Divorce
- Once and Again
- Whistler
- The Storm
- The Midnight Train
- The first Wish of Mr Murray McBride
- The last Wish of Mr Murray McBride
- It’s hard to be an animal

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that nothing has changed with my 3rd cat, Dali. She still stays mostly upstairs and hates the other two cats… (and yes, I’ve tried every trick on Google.)

I experimented with food in Dali’s room … a lot of growling and hissing after they finished eating…

And she is still afraid of my hubby.

She likes me, at least.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve 11 PT appointments. Did they make a difference? I think so. I have someone dictating and watching me do the exercises and I have access to different devices.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that after this half marathon, I’m looking forward filling up my end of the year race calendar with shorter races.

- 09-05-26 – Silks and Satins 5k
- 09-19-26 – Tiger Trot 5k?
- 09-26-26 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k
- 10-03-26 – Barn to Bridge 5k
- 10-24-26 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
- 11-08-26 – Stockadeathon 15k
- 11-15-26 – Upstate Classic 5k (as a STEM mentor)
- 11-26-26 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
- 12-13-26 – Winter Series #1 (5k)

I don’t have a half marathon on my schedule until Savannah in March.

Happy Running! What’s new with you? What books have you enjoyed this summer? Any races planned for fall? 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.

August 28, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for August 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 must have amnesia because I ran a race TWICE in the same conditions… HEAT! HUMIDITY! I suffered both times! A race with no shade in August is going to be a killer. Remind me next year…

2. I runfess….

That same weekend, I had 9 miles on my training plan so I thought I might run the 5k race that I had registered for the next day.

last year

Nope, I decided that relaxing at the lake was a better plan…

and I ran those 3 miles on Monday.

3. I runfess…

That I love summer but as I get older my tolerance for heat is waning.

Sadly, I’m looking forward to fall temps.

4. I runfess…

Except in a race, I do run/walk intervals… I vary my intervals. 90:45 is my preference but there are days that 60:60 is all I can handle… and I’ve even resorted to 30:30.

Movement is the key, right?

5. I runfess…

In 2 weeks, my annual girls race-cation is scheduled. I love my local running friends but in addition to the group shrinking (3 have/will have moved away), we eat together more than we run together.

For this vacation, we still have 9 going but I maybe the only one running the half marathon…

As a result, I’ve been doing all my long runs solo.

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!!

August 21, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Things To Focus On Before Fall Training Starts

This week, the topic was supposed to be: 5 Quick & Healthy Meals For Busy Athletes. I could post quick meals but not sure if they are healthy. LOL

So, this was last week’s topic.

Here are my tips for those training for a fall race, building up the mileage after slacking off during the summer or maybe even recovering from an injury.

1.Start up a routine.

IOW, make a schedule of which days you will strength train, which days you will run, which days you will rest, etc.

Put it on your calendar, if that helps.

2. Improve your diet.

Summer time is ice cream time.

Try to get back to healthier eating habits.

3. Inventory your running attire.

Do you need to give away items that are worn, don’t fit and just outdated?

Do you need new shoes?

4. Take care of those little aches and pains you’ve been ignoring.

Do you need to see a doctor?

Or maybe you need PT or a visit to the chiro?

5. Set a goal.

A big one or some small ones.

A distance, a pace, a race?

Whatever will motivate you to get moving…

Happy Running! Are you looking forward to fall? Any tips for getting ready? 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.

August 14, 2026 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Facts About a Runner’s Age

1.Age Groups Rock.

I mean you should not be comparing your pace to someone younger than you.

I used to play competitive tennis and I hated that it seemed to only matter if you won or not and what your score was.

You may not win any awards because the numbers of those running in their later years have been increasing (and quite frankly many are faster than I ever was.)

But still, it’s good that you can see how you compare to someone your own age. (And often, there are 3 or less in your age group!)

2. If you keep running, you will most likely get slower.

I say “most likely” because I’m sure that there are runners who still improve as they age.

But as a rule, after 10 years of running, your finish times will be slower.

So if this bothers you, stop racing. LOL

I admit, it’s not easy to accept that my 5k, 10k and half marathon times have reverted to slower than they were when I first ran those distances many years ago.

3. Body Parts Will Hurt.

It’s part of the aging process. But it’s different for each runner.

For me, it’s my lower back and my feet. For others, it may be your hips or your knees.

Again, I say, if this bothers you, stop running.

4. Misery Loves Company.

In other words, don’t go at it alone. Run with others. Find your tribe!

5. Cross Training is even MORE Important.

In addition to running, find another activity for those rest days – yoga, walking, weight lifting, spinning, Zumba, pickleball, etc.

I do a lot of walking and hiking but in those winter months, my stationary bike could be my new best friend.

6, (one more): Age is “Just a Number”. You can do hard things.

Yes, you can run an ultra.

recognize this blogger?

I ran my FIRST marathon at age 66, and another at 70 & 71.

Happy Running! How has ‘age” affected your fitness? Any facts 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, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

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

August 7, 2026 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for August 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 I said my next visit to NYC would be in October.

I lied.

It’s today.

I convinced my friend to run a 10k on Governor’s Island with me tomorrow.

2024 NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap | My First 5K and More...

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I had already registered for a 5k on Sunday, the next day.

Oops.

I’m ok if I don’t do it as the money going to a local library.

My plan for the half marathon is 9 miles this weekend so 10K + 5K = 9.3 miles

It will depend how how my Achilles feels, the weather, boating, etc.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my 3rd cat still stays mostly upstairs and doesn’t like the other two cats…

And she is still afraid of my hubby.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve had 4 PT appointments.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was thinking of the Run 4 the River as a training run and my 79th half marathon.

last year… the race finishes at a brewery…

But my DIL scheduled my granddaughter’s 3 year b-day party at 11am that same day.

Instead I registered for the Silks & Satins 5k (which has been re-scheduled by the 1st day of the Saratoga race track to the last.)

hoping for better weather this year…

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.

July 31, 2026 by Darlene

Runfessions for July 2026

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

This month, I should call them Shoefessions…

1.I runfess…

It took a while to figure things out.

Every time I raced in my (low heel drop) Topos, my right Achilles stiffened up after.

When I recently raced in (high heel drop) Brooks, it did not…

2. I runfess….

My Topos (which I have too many to count) relieved my Neuroma issues so I became hooked on them.

4 years ago…

3. I runfess…

Last summer, I had a similar (but short-liven) issues with my left Achilles. And so I bought Brooks Cool Max shoes.

Once my foot felt better, I returned to running/racing in Topos.

4. I runfess…

I am hoping to return to my beloved Topos (since I have so many pairs in so many styles and colors)…

But I relented and bought these pair of Brooks Ghosts 18 until then…

5. I runfess...

There’s a story behind these shoes…

I tried on many pairs and none felt great (though I almost bought a pair of Hokas).

I tried on Brooks Ghosts in my normal running shoe size (1 size bigger than my regular shoe size) and they seemed too long…

I spied a pair of returned shoes (1/2 price) in a size smaller but a wide.

They felt perfect (and so was the price).

I bought them!!

Stay tuned…

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!!

My First 5K and More…

An "Older" Runner's Blog

Friday Five

Ultimate Coffee Date for October 2026

Runfessions for September 2026

FFF: Fall Races and Bucket List Races

FFF: 5 Reasons Fall Is The Best Running Season

Ultimate Coffee Date for September

Runfessions for August 2026

FFF: 5 Things To Focus On Before Fall Training Starts

FFF: 5 Facts About a Runner’s Age

Ultimate Coffee Date for August 2026

Runfessions for July 2026

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