Friday Five

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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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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

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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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

2022 — Mayflower Wind Cape Cod Marathon — Race Roster — Registration, Marketing, Fundraising

Oct 13-14, 2024

This is the house that we rented:

2. Over coffee… 

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

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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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

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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.

Phew.. they BOTH got in.

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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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FFF: 5 Things to Never Do in the Gym

Today’s Topic is: Five Things You Should Never Do in the Gym

1.Hogging a Machine by being on your Phone

This really bugs me because I have limited time there. I don’t want to wait for a machine when someone is just catching up on social media.

2.Talking Loudly to Others

Again the gym for working out not for chatting with your friends.  Meet for coffee after for that. Plus, I’m don’t wait to hear the details of your life.

3.Leaving a Machine with your Sweat.

Yes, gross. There are towels nearby so wipe it off when you’re done.

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4. Coughing/Sneezing and Not Wearing a Mask.

It’s not just about catching COVID or the Flu  (I’ve had all the latest vaccines) but I don’t want to catch a cold either.

5. Walking Two A Breast on the Track.

Again, this happens because people want to chat while they’re walking. See #2. But they are not paying attention and walking SLOW.

I had to go around them 45 times last Saturday!!

Yes, I can walk around you but it’s hard because the other lane is for runners.

Happy Running! What are some things you should never do in the gym? Please share.

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FFF: 5 Things to Accomplish in 2024

The Hit List - 24 Things To Do in 2024 - The Tarot Lady

Today’s Topic is: Five Things You Want to Accomplish This Year

1.Recover From My Current Injury

IOW, be able to run well enough to race….

H2H 2022

Patience is not my virtue… so we’ll see how things go.

2. Work Out in the Gym Several Times A Week

at the YMCA

I don’t enjoy it but I know it’s good for me.

3. Not Get Injured Again

Injuries suck.. both mentally and physically.

Do I need to bubble wrap myself?

4. Run a Sub 27:00 Brooklyn Half Marathon

2023 race (in the rain) and post broken foot.

Pride?

Yes, but more importantly, it allows me the flexibility to run the NYC and Brooklyn Half Marathons in 2025 as well as the NYC full marathon (if I so choose.)

5. Complete My 3rd NYC Marathon

and actually enjoy it.

as I did in 2019…

Happy Running! What are 5 things that you want to accomplish this year? Please share.

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Runfessions for December ’23

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

…the last one for 2023!!

1.I runfess…

I really enjoyed running in a warmer climate.  Yes, I had to race slower but it was so nice not to wear layers.

FOMO, Florida runners.

2. I runfess…

Of course, I was disappointed that I was not acclimated enough to the humidity to run faster.

I was expecting a slower time but not this slow:

3. I runfess…

I had a qualifying time for the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May so I signed up.

I’m hoping third time is a charm.

IOW, it does not rain hard the whole race (like 2018 & 2023) and I can actually stay and visit Coney Island.

4. I runfess…

I don’t really like downtime.  I enjoy a routine – 3 weekday runs and 1 long run. Training for a big race! (Of course, that’s when I’m not injured!!!)

However, my next half marathon was not until Feb, 18!

and I ran 8 miles – just because

In hindsight, I’m glad I pushed myself (as it will be my last long run for awhile).

5. I runfess…

Being injured really sucks (as I know you all know).

I am relieved that it’s winter (and gray and rainy for the most part.)

My next race is Feb 18 (in Fla) and my big race in NYC is on March 17.

Fingers crossed, my ankle heals in time (though at this point, I’m thinking that I may not be ready for a half marathon until April. Sigh.)

I guess I’ll being spending more time at the gym and on my stationary bike than I planned.

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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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FFF: Five Fitness Goals for 2024

Today’s Topic is: Five Fitness Goals for 2024

1.Run 1000 Miles for the Year.

It’s not the number that is important but it means that I’ve run consistently and haven’t been injured or sick.

2022 (not 2023)

2. Continue gym workouts (or find another outlet).

I started going last March (for free) and then officially joined in July.

Being honest, I don’t enjoy working out but everyone seems to think it is important.

So I will give another shot this year.

3. Vary my runs. Do some “drills.”

I’m a creature of habit or I am almost always pressed for time.

I just run.  No watch. No speedwork. No hill repeats.

As I age, this could possibly give me some speed back.

Ladder Track Workout

4. Complete the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.

Third time is a charm?

No.

But 4 of my local friends are running it and

I need redemption, they say.

Hopefully I can end my marathon racing on a good note.

5.Continue on toward my half marathon goal (75 before 75).

The Finger Lakes Half Marathon in September was my 65th half marathon.

Too bad I DNSed 3 last winter. And ran 0 in 2012.

At one point I was hoping to run 100 Half Marathons…

Here’s to good health (or feet/legs) and hoping…

Happy Running! What are your fitness goals for next year? 

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