September 1, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for September 2023

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 was hedging on signing up for a 5k at the end of this month…

Sept 30, 2023 – 10AM

I did sign up!

It was such a fun time in 2022

Now I need to figure out how to get my 18 miler done too…

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may just add 5 more miles to my Half Marathon the weekend before.

Sept. 23, 2023 – 8AM

Two of my running friends will be running the 18 miler and so I plan to join them after I’m done (if my legs let me.)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have been going to the gym 3 times a week (on non-running days.)

I use the same machines and I’m getting quite bored.

But besides Sundays, I’m in a rush to get home in time to go to work.

I’m looking for ideas to spice things up… maybe wear my headphones and listen to podcasts, walk on the track…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did buy a new car (well, a 2021 which is newer than my 2010. LOL).

In my last Coffee Date, I mentioned my car requirements:

- All wheel drive – need in the NE to get to my running routes, hikes and races in all wintry conditions.
- Heated seats and steering wheel – to immediately warm up after the freezing temp runs, hikes and races.
- Big enough trunk for all my running/hiking gear but an SUV is not necessary since my hubby drives a pick up truck.

My new car met all my running needs and more…

I did keep some important things from last car

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m excited about a visit to NYC this month. Not work or race-related. Just a day trip to hang out with a college friend.

us in France in the 70’s. LOL

Of course, I’m trying to figure out the logistics of squeezing in a run and connecting with Cari…

5 years ago! Cari meet-up, running, Central Park, ice cream = ❤

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

August 25, 2023 by Darlene

Runfessions for August 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…

I recently skipped one of my favorite 5ks – Run for the Roses (2022 recap).

Of course, I checked the results.

I didn’t need to because my running friends, Janet and Sue (pictured above) texted me and thanked me for NOT coming.

2023

2. I runfess…

The reasons that I skipped this race were not totally related to running.

I could have run the race. My finish time is always under 30 minutes but I’m pretty sure it would be slower today but not too slow to win an age group award.

2022

I wanted go to the gym (as I always do on Sunday) and the weather was perfect for boating (several Sundays have been rainy and last Sun, my hubby was sick)

3. I runfess…

I’m still on the fence about future 5ks. Do I run them as I did in past years???

- 09-09-23 – Malta 5k
- 09-30-23 – Great Pumpkin Challenge OR Barn to Bridge Fall Fest 5k

I like having company on my long runs but they conflict with these races.

And this year since I am marathon training, my long runs seem much more important…

4. I runfess…

It’s been a strange running year. Last year I ran NINE half marathons.

Due to a broken foot, I’ve only run ONE!

a wet one in Brooklyn (that qualified me to run NYC Marathon in 2024)

I have two more scheduled in September but I’m only thinking of them as marathon training runs.

5. I runfess…

Instead of worrying about my races, I am stressing about that dreadful 20 mile training run. (Remember I do not like to run alone..)

- When?
- Where?
- With whom? (some of my running partners may be away…)
- As part of a half marathon (as I did in 2019) or one long run?

: 7 +13 = 20

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

August 18, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Does Age Matter?

Today’s topic is Five Ways Age Affects Your Fitness Journey.

IOW: Does Age Matter?

Not to Jeannie Rice!

At age 75, she is still setting world records at ALL distances from ONE mile to 26.2 miles.

But to the rest of us mere mortals, does our age affect our fitness?

Well, rather than list the ways it does because that may be depressing (healing slower, bone loss, lack of muscle tone, weight gain, etc), I will post about…

Five Ways to Lessen the Effects of Age on our Fitness Journey:

Because Age is just a Number | Inspirational Blog for Senior Athletes - Sportsmatik

1.Keep moving. Every Day!

You don’t have to train to run an ultra marathon.

It can just be walking, biking, going to the gym, playing tennis…

Do whatever you enjoy that gets you off the couch!

2. Eat healthy enough to keep your weight to a normal BMI (18.5-24.9).

Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone. Some people can eat ice cream everyday and not gain a pound.

Unfortunately, as older adults, our metabolism slows down and we have to be more careful about what we eat (and drink.)

And you also may not agree that BMI is the best way to judge your healthy weight. You can monitor your weight by the numbers on the scale or how your clothes fit.

We all know that it is easier to gain weight than take it off.

3. Establish Realistic Goals.

Your goals most likely will have to change as you get older.

Unlike Jeannie Rice, most older runners will not achieve PRs.

Rather than worrying about your slower pace, try for an age group award. They are often easier to win as you age.

Increase your daily steps.

Learn a new sport. Pickleball, anyone?

Join a gym. Enroll in CrossFit, Orange Theory, Peleton, etc.

4. Find a role model.

Sometimes you feel old and unsuccessful in your fitness journey until you read about someone who is older and doing so much more.

That person may not be older but they may have a physical handicap that is not holding them back.

Marathoner Tanya Khvitsko

5. Focus on what you CAN accomplish rather than what you CAN’T!!

If you can’t complete a half marathon, sign up for a 5k.

Instead of a road race, try a trail race.

Walk a 5k if you can no longer run.

Of course, there are many goals that aren’t even related to running but keep you moving forward.

Happy Running! Have you had to change your fitness routine based on your age? Any other suggestions? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

August 11, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Avoiding Fitness Burnout

Today’s topic is FIVE Ways to Avoid Fitness Burnout:

1.Do not do it alone.

Whether it’s the gym or biking or running, it’s more fun with the company of a friend.

Obviously, you have to be flexible. Maybe not do it the time you prefer or the location you prefer.

You won’t bail if someone is waiting for you. You will work out more often. You will run longer or even faster.

love my walking/hiking/running buddies

2. Have a realistic goal.

It could be to walk a certain number of steps each day. Maybe it’s to lose a few pounds.

It could also be to increase your cadence or pace or even complete a certain distance.

Having a goal can help you keep at it each day.

My 2023 goal

3. Switch it up.

Vary the time you work out. Try for sunrises rather than sunsets.

Or change the location where you run. Switch from road running to trail running.

Go biking or swimming instead. Take a yoga class.

Learn something new such as SUP or Pickleball.

4. Make it fun.

It shouldn’t feel like a punishment.

Take photos of the pretty scenery where you run or hike.

Reward yourself with a delicious treat.

5. Cut yourself slack.

The most important thing to consider when it comes to avoiding fitness burnout is how you deal with yourself.

We are always our own worst critics. If there are days where you just don’t feel like getting up and working out or running, your first instinct may be to start overwhelming yourself with negative thoughts (i.e. “I feel so lazy.” “I’ll never be ready for this race.”)

They don’t help you. They’re certainly not encouraging you to achieve your fitness goals.

Instead, say to yourself: “I’m tired. That’s okay. I’ll get up and shower and if I’m still really not feeling like a run, I’ll go for a walk instead and I’ll run tomorrow.”

Happy Running! Ever feel that fitness burnout? If so, what do you do? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

August 8, 2023 by Darlene

TT: Favorite Facebook Photos of 2023

Today’s topic is Favorite Facebook Photos.

Last week, I posted some of my favorite IG photos from 2023. I actually post just as many (or more) on FB.

So again I just posted a few below from 2023:

Bird watching in Florida

Blogger meet up in NYC

Tennis vacation in Florida

Running with my buddies

College Friends 4ever (NYC reunion)

Age Group winning racing friends

Cheers!

Happy Running! Which are you favorite Facebook pictures? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

August 4, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for August 2023

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 love routines which means that I run 4 times a week and work out at the gym 3 times.

Obviously running is a priority because the past 2 weeks I did get my runs in but my gym visits slacked off. In fact, I never got to the gym at all when I was not working from home…

Yup, only on Sundays!

Sundays are for leisurely gym mornings

Hopefully, I will continue to work remotely most of the time so that I don’t have to cancel my gym membership.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that speaking of running and not working from home, that also meant that my runs would have to be after work (I’m not a 5 am runner).

Not a problem, right?

after one of those painful runs…

Yes. problem this summer when it is HOT and insanely humid… sucky runs!!

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my car may be on its last legs…

I do love my car but it is over 13 years old (168K miles) and lately the repairs have been killing my budget.

hate this nasty light

So what does this have to do with running?

Well, I find myself requiring certain things in a new car…

- All wheel drive – need in the NE to get to my running routes, hikes and races in all wintry conditions.
- Heated seats and steering wheel – to immediately warm up after the freezing temp runs, hikes and races.
- Big enough trunk for all my running/hiking gear but an SUV is not necessary since my hubby drives a pick up truck.

Stay tuned for an update…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been on a knitting frenzy since my granddaughter will be born in a month.

I finished the blanket and now want to make a hat and booties.

Working, running, hiking, working out… when do I knit?

Long car rides to and from the lake and also train and subway rides (when I worked in NYC).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that sometimes I’d love to disable those memories on Facebook.

Many in July were at races

2013 – Andrea and Crista (both bloggers) at Biggest Loser 5k in VT

Silks and Satins 5k where we first met

Both of these women have since died from cancer…

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Can you identify with any of my updates? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

July 28, 2023 by Darlene

Runfessions for July 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…

I downloaded Hal Higdon’s Novice Marathon Training Plan.

As you can see below, I’ve already made so many changes to the plan.

Maybe I should just create my own. LOL

2. I runfess…

In my last Coffee Date, I was debating on whether or not to switch my long run to a half marathon.

Since then I talked some of my friends into running this race with me and so I did register:

I just can’t resist a local race with friends.

last year’s crew

3. I runfess…

I was also debating on switching my race-cation half marathon to the 18 miler because that distance would fit better into my plan

I guess that I debated too long:

4. I runfess…

I had to skip my recent 5k due to transportation issues.

I was only a little disappointed.

Of course, I did check the results to see if I would have won an age group award… LOL

My time for this race has ranged from 27:xx to 29:xx. So I may have won… BUT

New for 2023:

Let’s Go Green: Help us make our races financially AND ecologically sustainable! We have spiffy Prospect Park-shaped medals … however they are the same medal as in 2022. If you have already received a medal in the past, we invite you to soak in the cheers at the awards ceremony, but turn down a medal.

so here I am with that same medal last year (and I was wearing coincidentally the same outfit this year)

Hence no FOMO (and I did run 3.1 miles that evening.)

5. I runfess…

Last month I complained that the finish times in my recent 5k races were course PWs and that I needed to do some speed workouts if I wanted to get faster.

Of course, those speed workouts never happened but I am happy to report that although I didn’t PR at the recent Silks and Satins 5k, I did run it a little faster than in 2019.

2023

2019

So there’s still hope…

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

July 21, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Sometimes Once is Not Enough (Part 2)

I wrote about the 5 reasons why I am running the NYC Marathon again in November 2023. (Read that post here).

But there are at least FIVE more reasons for this decision:

1.As one of the World Majors and a NYRR race, it is so well organized.

I found it easy to get information on every aspect of the race.

2. As a huge race with more than 50,000 runners, I will be middle of pack and not have to worry about a cut-off time.

I can relax and run as slow as I want and walk as often as I want. I have no BQ aspirations and just want to finish standing (and hopefully before dark.)

3. The expo is amazing.

It is held at the Javitz Center and it is overwhelming but packet pick-up was very organized. And I was able to find products (such as fuel) that I had not seen anywhere else before.

4. Repeating this race allows me not to worry about the pre and post race logistics and just concentrate on the race itself.

Even with all the information provided, it was still stressful to figure out how to get to the start and where to exit after race.

5. NEW YORK F###ING CITY!

You get to run over FIVE bridges and through all FIVE boroughs with thousands along the course screaming your name.

Happy Running! Ever repeat a race? When and why? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

July 14, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Sometimes Once is Not Enough (Part 1)

Back in 2008, I wanted to run a 5k…

Well, we know how that turned out.

the latest of over a 100 5k races.

In 2010, I remember saying that I wanted to run ONE Half Marathon…

2023 – Half Marathon #63…

In 2019, I emphatically said, I AM ONE AND DONE!!

So four years later, why am I running the New York City Marathon again?

1.It’s so hard to get in and I GOT IN!!

Yes, it’s easier at my age to get a guaranteed entry due to a NYRR half marathon finish time…

but still, I’m grateful I can run that fast.

Jan 2022 – Thanks Fred!

2. It’s relatively inexpensive.

Relatively because I can take the train there and I have enough hotel points for two free nights.

celebrating at the Even hotel (where I’ll be staying again!)

3. My Support on the Long Runs.

I have a great group of friends whom I can depend upon to run with me on those overwhelming number of weekend miles…

we run together and party together!!

4. And Cheerleaders on Race Day!

It’s close enough that some friends can come watch the race, as well as, those who already live in NYC.

Lisa (on the right) is actually running it too…

5. Carpe Diem!

I have lost several friends already to cancer.

There will come a day when I cannot run 26.2 miles.

I THINK I still can… so why not?

Happy Running! Is one distance enough for you? When and why? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

July 7, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for July 2023

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 4 of my running friends had been worrying about registering for the Virtual NYC Marathon so that they could get a guaranteed entry into the 2024 NYC Marathon.

Last year, the link to the Virtual was posted on June 8 and it sold out immediately.

We waited and waited and finally they opened the link on June 21 at noon.

Well, I may ALSO be running the 2024 NYC Marathon because Sherry and Deirdre got in. Stan is running it for Team for Kids …

my 2024 training buddies…

and Kevin will hopefully time qualify.

He BQed here and then also qualified for Chicago

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that Marathon Training has begun…

however, my rest day will be Tuesday not Monday

Fortunately, in June, I had been running 6-7 miles on most weekends.

7 miles with the help of friends

And so it doesn’t get scary until September.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m on the fence about two things in September.

First instead of a 13 mile training run, signing up for the Run 4 the River Half Marathon (IOW switch 13 and 10 miles).

ran it last year

Second, change my Finger Lakes Half Marathon to the 18 miler option?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my gym membership really did end on July 1.

Drum roll….

Yes, I joined!!! (My health insurance does reimburse me for up to $400/yr)

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was at the supermarket buying some alcoholic canned beverages (to bring on our boat) and the cashier remarked: “Those are my grandma’s favorites too!”

Ok, should I be insulted that she meant that I look old? Am I being too sensitive?

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Would it bother you to be called “grandma”? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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