FFF: Runfessions for May 2023

Runfessions

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

Very happy to be running consistently again. You can’t RUNfess if you don’t run, right?

But this month, I actually started racing so these will be RACEfessions instead.

1.  I racefess…

I had decided to focus on recovery and training for my May half marathon.

But it sure was hard to pass up all those shorter races that I normally run each year…

Yes, I skipped 6 races.

2.  I racefess…

I planned on running the Tropicool 5k when I was in Florida.  I even paid for it.

It involved having a friend get up early to drive me to the start (after a late night out) and another to pick me up.

I just had zero mojo to do it this year.

So my $$ went to their charity and I ran in the ‘hood instead.

3. I racefess…

Each year, I’ve done this race, I’ve placed in the Grand Master Category.

My previous finish times have been: 29:07, 28:14, 27:28, 27:31.

No surprise that I checked the results for this year:

I guess everyone has gotten slower, including ME!!

4. I racefess…

I will have to force myself to the start line because I am so over DNSing races that I’ve paid for.

  • 06-03-23 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
  • 06-17-23 – Valley Cats 5k
  • 06-24-23 – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lakes
  • 07-04-23 – Firecracker 4
  • 07-15-23 – Silks n Satins 5k
  • 08-13-23 – Run for the Roses 5k

I’m in a new age group so my finish time should be slower, right? I need to toss my ego out the door.

5. I racefess…

I said, of course, that I just wanted my foot to heal and be able to run again. And that my snail’s pace did not bother me.

That being said, I was elated to finish the Brooklyn Half Marathon fast enough to qualify for the 2024 NYC Marathon.

I finished Brooklyn HM in 2:21:41

My running friends didn’t get in the 2023 lottery but they plan to run the NYC Marathon in 2024.  Now I’ll have the option to join them.

Happy Running! Anything to run or racefess this month? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

FFF: Tips for Summer Running

Summer is coming soon. There have even been days already that felt like summer.

Here are some of MY personal tips to enjoy running:

1. Stop complaining and posting about the temps and humidity.

Ok, I do it too.  (But I will try not to…)

If the heat bothers you:

  • Don’t run.
  • Run earlier or later in the day.
  • Run indoors.
  • Run slower.
  • Run fewer miles.

victory for running in only a tank and skirt

2.Wear Compression Calf Sleeves.

I know it sounds crazy but it is so buggy in the summer. Besides protecting your legs from injury, it will help ward off ticks and mosquitoes.  With spring rain, the bugs can be insane.

the ice cream helped as well as the socks lol

3. Wear a Baseball Cap.

It keeps you cool (if you have thick hair like me).  It shields your face from the sun and most importantly, it protects your scalp from the sun. Most runners neglect to put sunscreen on their head and a visor will do zero for you there.

Image result for cap run hair don't care

4. Plan your Hydration.

That doesn’t mean that you have to carry water. I don’t usually.

I mean, how much can you really carry during a hot weather run, anyway?  An everyday runner does not have to purchase a hydration vest.

an old pic (I lost that water bottle 😦 )

But you need to drink even if you think that you are not a heavy sweater.

I usually plant water somewhere on my route or loop my runs so I pass my car (where I have water).  I have even stopped a local convenience store during my run and bought a bottle of water.

Or you can buy a skirt or shorts that can hold a small water bottle or two.

5. Sign up for Races.

You knew this one was coming.

The adrenaline of the race will make you forget about the heat.  There will be water stops along the course and maybe even watermelon or ice cream at the end of the race.

Ok not as comfortable as sitting in your air-conditioned home or floating around a pool but better for you and much more fun.

at one of my favorite summer 5ks

Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying the summer run?  Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

FFF: Favorite Running Tunes

I runfess, it’s been awhile since I’ve run with music.  I often listen to podcasts when  I run alone and usually I do my long runs with friends.

But I do have my “old” favorites still on my phone:

  • Fight Song – Rachel Platten

  • One Step at a Time – Jordan Sparks

  • Stronger – Brittney Spears

  • Don’t Stop Believin‘  – Journey

  • I Run for Life – Melissa Etheridge

  • Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga

  • Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

Yes, there’s a theme here…

Happy Running?  Do you run or work out to music?  If so, what are your favorite songs? Please share. 

 

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for May 2023

It’s that time of the month…

CafePress - Naples, Florida Mugs - Ceramic Coffee Tea Novelty Mug Cup 11 oz

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

While you are reading this post, I’m enjoying my coffee in Naples, Florida.

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that except for 2020, I have gone on this vacation with 9 tennis friends every year since 2005.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that originally, my goal for the trip was to play tennis everyday and take lessons. That is is still the goal for the others.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I have NOT played tennis at all since last May, I plan to play every morning (after my run.) I hope my friends are patient. However, I will no longer take lessons.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once I became a runner, I also looked for a race to run during this May vacation. Fortunately there is usually a 5k scheduled.

 Of course, I did sign up.  It’s a great charity and I may or may not run (depending on weather and transportation.)

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it will be HOT but I plan to run each morning (if possible) but I will not be able to fit in a long run.

I got my 12 miler done last weekend so as they say “the hay is in the barn.”

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Have you ever been to Naples, FL? Do you always run when you are on vacation? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

FFF: Runfessions for April 2023

Runfessions

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

1.  I runfess…

Though I created a 9 week training plan for the Brooklyn Half Marathon

I didn’t exactly follow it.

My long runs were: 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 miles for the first 5 weeks (instead of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8).

Sorry. Not sorry.

2.  I runfess…

One of the reasons that I didn’t follow the plan was that I actually started running BEFORE March 20 (the day I got the x-ray that my foot had healed.)

Not a lot of miles but running here and there and the foot felt fine.

3. I runfess…

Another reason is that I will be in Florida for week 7’s long run.  It will be 90 degrees and humid.  There’s no way I will be running 12 miles in that weather.

there will be more tennis than running this week.

4. I runfess…

Of course I couldn’t resist signing up for my annual 5k race while I’m there.

Tropicool 5k in Naples, FL

I can guarantee that there will be NO podium finish this year…

But I’m just happy to be able to run….

5. I runfess…

I’ve been part of the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC) for years as a runner then as a Race Ambassador.  But through changes in leadership, it had become less useful to me.

This year, I thought that it would be a good idea to be a mentor and to support others who are running this race.

I may be one and done with this.

First they changed the location (farther away, boring path, NO restrooms) and then the Couch25k app that the Beginner group is supposed to use is no longer FREE.

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 AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

FFF: 5 Ingredient Recipes

5-Ingredient Recipes: 39 Simple 5-Ingredient Dinners | MrFood.com

Below are my throw it together quick easy dinners:

Pumpkin or Squash Chili 

  1. Cooked Ground Turkey
  2. Diced Tomatoes
  3. Pinto Beans
  4. Frozen Pumpkin or Butter Squash Chunks
  5. Chili Seasoning

Healthy Fall Pumpkin Chili Recipe | Chew Out Loud

Tuna Noodle Casserole

  1. Can of tuna
  2. Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
  3. Can of (Almond) Milk
  4. Frozen Peas
  5. Cooked Egg Noodles

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole - Bowl Me Over

Sausage ‘n Peppers

  1. 2 Packages of pre-cooked Chicken Sausage (my favorite is Apple and Italian)
  2. Bag of multi-colored frozen Peppers
  3. Bag of frozen Peppers & Onions
  4. Can of diced Tomatoes or tomato sauce
  5. Cooked Rice or pasta

Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Onions Skillet Recipe | Diethood

Meat Loaf

  1. Meatloaf Mix (veal, beef, pork)
  2. Egg
  3. Seasoned Bread Crumbs
  4. Milk
  5. Seasoning

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe - I Heart Naptime

Chicken Marsala

  1. Browned chicken breasts or tenders
  2. Marsala Wine
  3. Beef Broth
  4. Sliced cooked Mushrooms
  5. Cooked Pasta

Creamy Chicken Marsala {So Easy} Modernmealmakeover.com

Beef Vegetable Soup

  1. Browned Stew Beef
  2. Beef Broth
  3. Spices
  4. Frozen Mixed Vegetables
  5. Can of Sliced or Cubed Potatoes

Soup Supreme Vegetable Beef with Barley Soup, 4 Pound -- 4 per case

The key word to these recipes is FAST which is why most recipes use frozen or canned ingredients.  Obviously fresh produce can be substituted.

Happy Running! Any quick 5 ingredient meals to share?

 

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

FFF: 5 Words That Describe Me

This might be the most difficult post ever to write. It is hard to be objective about oneself. Do I pick good traits? Or maybe those where I need to improve?

Well, here are the first five words that came to mind:

1.Loyal

I think that this is the most important quality to have to be a good friend. I hope that all my friends think that I am. Thanks to social networking, I have remained in contact with close friends from high school, college, tennis teams, and all of my jobs, in addition to, those whom I see frequently in-person (i.e. my running friends.).

2.Consistent

I call it Consistent, others may call it ‘stubborn” or “crazy.” I usually run or walk outside pretty much no matter what.  In the cold, when I don’t feel well or may be a little sore and when conditions are not optimal, I “Just Do It.” I have to say that I am “Consistent” about fitness-activities that I enjoy (walking, running, hiking, tennis,) not about all other activities (such as yoga, strength training, biking, etc.)

I am also a “Consistent” blogger… I guess it’s because I enjoy interacting with my fellow runners 3x a week.

3.Active

The hardest part about the Pandemic or having a broken foot was sitting still or being stuck indoors.  Pacing in my house is not an ideal way for me to get in steps.  Rest Days for me are days when I can bike, walk or hike instead of a run.

4.Introverted

As a child, I was very shy.  I hated to speak in front of class. I still do. I became a teacher and learned to become somewhat comfortable in front of students. I still dreaded those observations. Still do. Yes, I am social and have lots of friends but prefer to interact in a small group. You will never see me recording myself and posting the video for all to see. Never.

5.Spontaneous

I am not sure if this quality is positive or negative.  Positive – I don’t miss out on things by over thinking and hesitating. I just sign up or just go. Negative – somethings that I have done were not good choices or planned out well.

Happy Running! What words would you use to describe yourself? Do you share of these qualities? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for April 2023

It’s that time of the month…

Unique Spring Coffee Mug, SPRING IS IN THE AIR, Floral Prints Mug, Ceramic Tea Cup

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I starting knitting socks when I broke my ankle in 2012.

the first of MANY pairs

Then I started again during the pandemic

ugliest (year) socks ever (ran out of wool)

And then 3 years later, I broke my LEFT foot. LOL

I started knitting socks again but this time I bought extra yarn!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when I got my first x-ray on my foot, I asked to see the x-ray.  The doctor asked why?  I said to post on my blog.  He replied I’ll show it to you next time.

So here it is:

The most interesting thing about this x-ray was the screws from my previous ankle surgery.  I knew there were 4 screws on one side but not going in different directions?!

3. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that normally I trained for a half marathon with a 12 week plan.

Of course, when I ran a half marathon every month (as planned), I just recovered between races.

After NO running for 5 weeks, I only had 9 weeks before the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

As a result, I had to come with my own training plan (by modifying a 6 week plan):

Plans are meant to be ignored: week 1- 2, 2, 2, 4; week 2 – 4, 3, 2, 6; week 3 – 2, 4, 3, 8

But I think it’ll enable me to finish the race.

The question remains… do I want to just finish or cancel and run it next year instead??

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as you know it’s been killing me not to race and I have had to miss quite a few that I’ve paid for…

I probably shouldn’t race at all before Brooklyn…

Check out these races on my spring schedule:

    • 04-15-23 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
    • 04-16-23 – Delmar Dash (5m)
    • 04-22-23 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K
    • 04-30-23 – Sasha’s Super Hero 5k
    • 05-07-23 – Tropicool 5k
    • 05-13-23 – Prospect Mountain Run
    • 05-18-23 – CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge (3.5m)

A recovering runner dilemma…

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this coming month I’ll be working in NYC for the last time this year.

(Yes, I work all day but evenings are for running, sightseeing, friend meet-ups and Broadway shows..)

The worker who has been out sick has returned.  I should now only to going to NYC for fun/races.

+Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once my foot healed, I decided to again participate in the Freihofer Training Challenge. This year for the first time, not a a runner, but as a mentor.

It’s a great way to meet new people, give back to the sport, get back in shape (and receive a 12 week free gym membership).

this year’s group

I plan to mentor with the beginner group on Mondays, maybe some Wednesdays too.

Monday location…on Wednesdays, it’s near where I live

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Any signs of spring where you live?  Any races coming up? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

FFF: Runfessions for March 2023

I was going to change this photo but March did look like this in Upstate NY.

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

Just because I was not running most of the month doesn’t mean there’s nothing to RUNFESS…

1.  I runfess…

You may remember that I got accepted (though my time) to the NYC Marathon in Nov. 2023.

My fingers were crossed that my local running friends would get into the lottery.

But they did not!!

At least they said that they would help me train and come cheer that day…

2.  I runfess…

I love to volunteer at races.  I know how important they are to the success of a race.

at a local marathon/half marathon Oct. 2022

However, I’ve only volunteered at races that I didn’t sign up for.

I decided since I couldn’t run the Electric City 10k (that I registered for), I would instead volunteer.

I admit.. big FOMO (even in less than ideal weather conditions)!!

3. I runfess…

I was planning a 3 day weekend in NYC as part of running the NYC Half Marathon.

My first inclination after I got injured was to cancel the race, cancel my train, cancel my hotel…. (and hide in a hole until after the race.)

My two local running friends convinced me to come for 2 days and that it would be fun to spectate and cheer.

I admit that I agreed but with lots of hesitation.

However, I did have some fun times…

4. I runfess…

  • As you know I LOVE to race.  I race a lot.

Believe it or not, I’ve never spectated at a race. Certainly not at a race with 25,000 runners.

Yes, I was a little nervous about the logistics and finding my friends.

taken by Cari, spectator extraordinaire

And although I thought I had it all planned out..

Well, I did see them but they did not see me… hence lousy pics:

5. I runfess…

Not running or racing has not stopped me from buying running-related items.

on sale!!

planning my comeback with run/walk intervals

This has been a hard month for me…. thanks so much for all your support!!

I really appreciate it!!

❤ U all!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Anyone else get into the lottery for the NYCM 2023?  Any advice for training after a layoff from running? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

FFF: Five Sources of Mental Clutter

We all know that our minds mess with our running.

Here are a few examples:

1. I’m too old for this. Should I just stick to short distances?

2. My pace is so slow. Maybe I shouldn’t race anymore?

3. I don’t have time to follow a plan. Can I just wing it?

4. Why do I need to walk so often during my runs and races?

5. Am I am pushing my self too hard or not hard enough?

+ Am I injured or just sore?

motivation - your mind

Happy Running! What clutters your brain? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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