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.

I have 3 close friends running it (another may also qualify and another who is entering the lottery).

FOMO is real.

Training is hard!!

It’s so expensive!

Spectating could be lots of fun!!

Anyone interested in entering the lottery?

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.

February 23, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for February 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…

Cari was correct, I did defer my entry to this half marathon because I will probably run it in 2025.

2. I runfess…

Since I had to pay $40 to defer, I do not plan to register for the race until the very last minute next year. That way, I will be sure that I am trained and healthy and more importantly, the registration cost will be at its highest (I won’t feel so bad for paying the $40.)

3. I runfess…

It’s hard for me to go on vacation without running a race.

As you know by now, I ran a 5k while I was there.

And it was so much fun!!

4. I runfess…

Of course, though my speed work was zilch and my ankle still iffy, I still checked the results to see if my slow time won me an age group award.

And I won my age group with my slowest time since my first year running (2008). You just have to show up sometimes.

5. I runfess…

Now that I’m running again, the race bug has bitten me. A new race (for me) and I haven’t been to Governor’s Island in a few years.

Aug 3 – a 10k with ice cream – around NYC’s Governor’s Island

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!!

February 16, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Things I Love About Myself

Today’s Topic is: Five Things You Love About Yourself

This was a hard post. It is much easier to critique yourself than point out what’s good.

1.I Am Dependable.

If I say that I’m going to do something, I do it!!

I told my running friend, Deb, that I would join her…

2.I Am a Loyal and Supportive Friend.

I know I appreciate support from my friends so I try to return the favor.

helping my friend, Deirdre finish her 18 miler…

3. I Enjoy Learning and Trying New Things.

SUPing!

4.I Don’t Give Up When Things Get Hard.

I so wanted for quit after mile 10!!

5. I Can Leave My Comfort Zone.

icy trails…

Happy Running! What are some things you love about yourself? 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:

February 9, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Things I Love About Working Out

Today’s Topic is: Five Things You Love About Working Out

I’ll preface this post by saying I NEVER work out at home and I only do it at the gym (which I joined last March). I also only go early in the morning (before work).

YMCA

1.It gets me out of bed.

I try to go 3 times a week and it forces me not to sleep in.

2. It wakes me up and kickstarts my day.

So I have to drive to the gym and often the temps outside are freezing. After any time at the gym, no matter how tired I was when entering, I always feel more energized after.

3. I can strengthen other areas (besides my legs).

I usually run 4 times a week including a long run on the weekend. That’s it!

However, my arms are still incredibly weak. And my hips are tight!

Hence, the machines for those areas…

4. Hopefully I can delay the arrival of that lose aging skin.

I often focus on my arms when I use the machines. Batwings (as they call them) are unavoidable as you age but maybe this will help?

5. It may improve my running or at least keep me injury-free longer.

You never know. It can’t hurt, right? (Unless I fall again. LOL)

Happy Running! What are some things you enjoy about working out? 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:

February 2, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for February 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’ve told you already that I registered for our race-cation race in Cape Cod in October. (Use my code for $10 off if you want to do it too – DARLENESGROUP).

Oct 13-14, 2024

This is the house that we rented:

: sleeps 16!!

: outdoor party time…

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my cat Mac who disappeared on Dec 4. never returned. 😦

: Mac

: Champ

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we’ve never had just one cat, so guess what?

Champ now has a younger sister.

or Lady Di as I call her… she’s 4-6 mos old and very loving

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I finally decided to defer my 2024 entry until 2025.

Not as easy as you think. I contacted them and they said you can defer as long as it’s 72 hours before the race.

After several emails, I finally got a form to fill out. $25 before 1/1 and $40 after. Deadline Feb. 1!! What?

The race is Feb 18!! I contacted them again and they said to just send the form and the money.

So do I pay $40 to NOT to run the race this year and maybe run it next year??

Or forget the whole thing!! Very tempting!

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m still looking into a Florida 5k instead during that weekend.

I’m leaning toward the first one because of the course (scenic and over a bridge) but it’s also the longest drive…

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.

January 26, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for January 2024

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

…the first one for 2024!!

1.I runfess…

When I was not running due to an ankle injury, I was still tempted to make running-related purchases.

I mean you always need new shoes when recovering, right?

Topos Atmos

2. I runfess…

Although I’ve barely started running again, I still haven’t deferred my Feb. 18 half marathon in Florida.

I know I am not in shape to run 13.1 miles but I just can’t pull the trigger yet.

is it because of the medal?

3. I runfess…

I have more running clothes than I’ll ever need but I finally could not ignore the bargains from Skirt Sports (they are going out of business, as you know.)

I wear a “S” but the skirt runs small and the top runs big…

4. I runfess…

I already signed up for our September race-cation race… because I wanted to take advantage of the cheap price. Hope I don’t burned again.

HALF MARATHON – Early Bird Fee (ONE WEEK ONLY): $75 – January 15, 2024 through January 21, 2024.

Regular Fee: $90 – January 22, 2024 through August 1, 2024. (unless race sells out)

Late Fee: $105 – August 2, 2024 through September 29, 2024. (unless race sells out)

If you are interested in running this race, use this promo code – DARLENESGROUP to get 10 off..

5. I runfess…

I don’t enjoy racing alone. Yet I registered for the Brooklyn Half Marathon because I time qualified.

I selfishly talked two of my running into entering the lottery.