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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

Meat Loaf

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

Chicken Marsala

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

Beef Vegetable Soup

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

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 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!

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.

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.

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 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!

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?

Happy Running! What clutters your brain? 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.

1.You need to look the part.

In other words, you have to wear the right clothes (or brands) to be a good runner.

I obviously like to match my clothes.  But I know that many runners do not.

I used to run pretty well in my Target and Walmart brand clothes.

2. You should eat the right food.

Sticking to the same pre-race food.  Using the same fuel during a race.  Even eating or drinking certain brands (that the professionals use).

I admit I am superstitious and always have coffee & oatmeal before a run and pizza the night before. And I fuel with a Gu every 3-5 miles.

But many runners can vary their foods and fuel with no adverse effects..

3. You must warm up or you will get injured.

For some runners, it may help to stretch or do a dynamic warm-up.

I rarely do…

4  If you’re not sore, you didn’t work hard enough.

Most likely you overworked your muscles.

5. Age matters.

Younger runners are faster?  Yes, most of the time.

But not always.

I know older runners that are faster than I am and I am faster than some younger runners.

+It’s bad luck to wear the race shirt on race day.

I usually do not but many runners do and run a great race.

Happy Running! Any other superstitions you have heard of or believe in? 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.