FFF: 5 Things That Motivate Me

1.Staying Healthy

I really believe that running outside 4x a week (so matter what) has kept all those sicknesses (COVID, RSV, Flu, Cold, etc.) away!

-7 with the wind chill… I survived!

2. My Friends

As often as possible, I try enlist the company of a friend or two on my runs.  Running alone is no fun!! And you cannot procrastinate if someone is waiting for you!!

3.Food

I admit it.  Food is my reward after any hike, run or race.

4.Races

I enjoy racing.  But if I have a race on my schedule, I will NOT skip a run or cut short a long run.  I want to run well in a race but more importantly, I want to remain injury-fee.

12 miles in preparation for an upcoming race

5.Blogging.

I post 3x a week. If I don’t run, I feel like a phony since I schedule my upcoming runs or races on Sunday’s blog post and then recap them the Sunday after.

Happy Running! So what motivates YOU? 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.

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FFF: First Ultimate Coffee Date of 2023

It’s that time of the month…

Hello 2023 Happy New Year 2023 31st December 2023 Loading Gift Coffee Mug

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

New year and as always, there are things to update you on:

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I added another Half Marathon to my 2023 schedule (#5).

It was NOT planned.

But I got an email that said I had a guaranteed entry to

The Brooklyn Half Marathon is back with sweltering heat

May 20, 2023

According to the standards, I DID NOT qualify because my qualifying race was when I was 69 not 70 (so my time was not fast enough) …. but hey CARPE DIEM!

I’m in!

my rainy Brooklyn Half of 2018

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I almost registered for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC.

Cuz?

FOMO!! (Damn you bloggers!)

I did not…. (but I know they always have many bibs available since they allow deferrals if I change my mind and someone needs a roommate)

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that when I registered for the above race, I forgot that I had added on a 10 miler to my April Half for the following weekend.

May 28, 2023

It was cheaper to register for both races and you get a third medal if you race the challenge…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I met my annual mileage challenge for the third year in a row! (It wasn’t my best year. That was 2016 with 1046 miles.)

Jan – 102 miles
Feb – 80 miles
Mar – 89 miles
Apr – 89 miles
May – 80 miles
Jun – 73 miles
Jul – 80 miles
Aug – 90 miles
Sept – 90 miles
Oct –  94 miles
Nov – 81 miles
Dec – 80 miles

It’s about 84 miles a month so only 20 miles or so week…

If I do not get sick or injured, it perfectly doable.

It has kept me racing yet injury-free.  So I see no need for change. My 2023 goal is again 1000 miles!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that there were NO PRs in 2022 nor were there any PR goals. There may have been a few PWs but since I don’t remember, obviously I don’t care.

My main goal for 2023 is to race as often as possible and to meet up with as many friends as able (through running, racing, blogging, etc.)

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 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.

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FFF: The Last Runfessions of 2022

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

And the last one for this year!!

1.  I runfess…

I flunked Planksgiving.

I had good intentions and I started out strong. In fact, I planked for the first 12 days.

On November 13, there was the Stockadeathon 15k race…

And you what happens once you stop, it’s hard to start again.

And so I didn’t.

2.  I runfess…

Last month I admitted that I had a weakness for cute running shirts.

Actually I have a bigger obsession for calf sleeves.

I like to wear ones that match my outfit, and for each season or holiday…

St. Patrick’s Day and Thanksgiving covered.

Now I have three new pair:

3.  I runfess… 

I signed up for ALL FIVE races offered in Dec-Feb through a local racing club.

They are FREE, have age group awards and delicious food after… so why not??

Well, the races are on Sunday.  My running friends run on Saturday… the course is quite boring but there are usually three distances to choose from (the longer the distance, you more you loop).

First world problems…

I may walk on Saturday and then race on Sunday or run long on Saturday and fun run on Sunday… TBD

Winter Series #1 = “fun” run

4.  I runfess…

So with no half marathons scheduled for December and January, I’m losing my weekend long run mojo.

It’s hard to want to run double digits in the freezing cold, right?

brrrrr

I even considered signing up for the Fred LeBow Half Marathon again in NYC..

No, I didn’t sign up!!

At least I have one in February and March to train for.

2021 Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A VIRTUAL Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, & Kids Race

2023 United Airlines NYC Half

5. I runfess…

Instead I signed up for half marathons in April, May (this one should be a Runfession but I’ll explain next Friday) and September:

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

April 15, 2023

2023 RBC Brooklyn Half Apply

May 20, 2023

September 23, 2023

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!

FFF: The Benefit of Shoe Insoles

When I first started running, I went to Fleet Feet and bought shoes that they recommended. They also told me that I needed to buy insoles.  As a new runner, I did what I was told.  I didn’t want to ruin my feet.

As I proceeded to order shoes though the years, I moved my pink Super Feet insoles to the new shoes. I even replaced the insoles.

Once I switched to Topos because they have a wider toe box, my insoles didn’t fit right so I just used the existing insoles. And I have continued to buy Topos and not replace the insoles with more expensive ones.

Until recently.

One of my running friends was suffering from PF and bought insoles which she said helped greatly.

That got me thinking about my neuroma.  It doesn’t hurt most of the time but by the end of a long race I can still feel it.

And I so I put insoles in my shoes…

The verdict is still out but my foot did not hurt during my last half marathon (but it could have been numb from the cold. LOL)

5 Benefits of wearing Insoles:

1. Reduce strain on and stabilize your feet (and ankle).

2. Experience relief from foot, heel and arch pain, including pain from plantar fasciitis and neuromas.

3. Energize your runs by providing comfort and support to your feet.

4. Improve overall gait and pronation.

5. Help prevent common running related issues.

5 Insoles recommended for runners:

1.Super Feet

“Clinically proven to increase comfort, minimize repetitive stress and prevent injuries, the proprietary Superfeet shape cradles your heels and hugs your arches to deliver just the right amount of targeted support…”

They come in different colors depending your arch type and if you use them for comfort or pain relief. (cost~$50)

2. CURREX RunPRO Insole

“These insoles use a deep heel cup, dynamic arch support and high-rebound cushioning to keep your feet feeling fresh, mile after mile…”

There are three different arch profiles to choose from (Low, Medium, and High) (Cost~$50)

3.Powerstep PULSE Maxx Insoles

Powerstep Insoles, PULSE Maxx, Over-Pronation Corrective Insole, Running Shoe Insert, Sports Orthotic For Women and Men

“These insoles have a firm but flexible shell with built-in arch support and a heel cradle to keep your feet secure and supported while you take an evening stroll or train for your next 5k…” (cost=$50)

4. Sole Active Insoles

Unlike other insoles that have a relatively quick break-in period, the SOLE Active insoles have a roughly 3 day break-in period (per their published data).  Cost ~ $55

SOLE Active Insoles

5. Cadence Insoles

Cadence Insoles

These Insoles are designed by a Physical Therapist, with the goal of providing semi-rigid orthotic support while also providing shock absorption. (cost~$45)

5 more things to consider re: insoles:

1.Google Insoles for runners and you will find so many options. There are cheaper ones than the ones listed above but you get what you pay for, right?

‘2.Talk to your podiatrist for recommendations. You may need custom orthotics and your insurance may cover the cost.

3.You should break in new running shoes before adding insoles.

4.Insoles are not a miracle cure for a an injury. See a doctor first…

5.Lastly, while your foot mechanics are important in running so are posture, cadence, and stride length, etc.

 Happy Running! Do you use insoles in your running shoes?  If so, which ones? Please share.

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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.


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Four (or Five) Somethings for September-November

Harmony Harkema - The Well-Juggled Life

Share Four Somethings is a monthly link-up that Heather Gerwing started back in 2018. The concept is to share the same four topics every month as a way to look back and recap your month. The link-up opens on the 4th Saturday of every month and stays open for one week.

The topics for 2022 are: Something Loved. Something Gleaned, Something Braved or Saved and Something Achieved.

Feel free to join her.  I’m adapting it and changing the post date obviously and rather than ONE month, it’s for THREE months.

1.Something Loved.

Warm Fall Temps and Pretty Fall Foliage.

With running on Saturdays and boating on Sundays, hiking had taken a back seat.

But even with a very dry summer, the leaves this Fall were pretty decently colored.

And I have been able to continue running in skirts!!

2.Something Gleaned

New way to increase stiches in Knitting: M1L and M1LR

How to M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) Knitting Increase - YouTube

For some reason, I’ve never used this technique. It was for knitting two cowls.

3.Something Braved

Back to in-person teaching…

I’ve been teaching remotely (using WebEx) since March 2020.

will be missing my furry assistant

But I have to say “It was just like riding a bike..”

4. Something Achieved

Age Group Awards won in all most of my Fall races. Not braggin’ ‘cuz as you know, sometimes you just have to show up.

5. Something Read or Watched

Yes, most of my weekend/evening activities involve running, hiking or walking…

My TV viewing has been limited… just a few shows:

The White Lotus - HBO Limited Series - Where To Watch

season 1

The White Lotus | Official Website for the HBO Series | HBO.com

season 2

while waiting for new seasons of Bridgeton, .Gilded Age, Virgin River, And Just Like That, I binge watched:

Dead to Me Season 3 Trailer Teases Trouble Ahead for Jen and Judy

season 3

Watch the 'Firefly Lane' Season 2 Trailer - Netflix Tudum

season 2

Otherwise basically The Good Doctor and Grey’s Anatomy. I need to catch up on Call the Midwife. (I guess I enjoy medical dramas. LOL)

There have also been many Books Read.

Here are just a few that I have enjoyed:

Happy Running! Anything to share on the topics above or one of your own? Please share.

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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 blog


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Ultimate Coffee Date for December’ 22

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 if you’ve read my blog, you know that I ran THREE races in November and I enjoyed 2 out of 3.

The 15k and 10K were fun and the half was a miserable experience Yes, weather can impact how you feel about a race not just finish time.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m very excited about my next race because it will be in NYC and a NEW race for me!!

NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K

Dec. 3, 2023

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I do not train on hills so I am relieved that the above race does not include HARLEM HILL!

It does include two runs up CAT HILL and a few other annoying hills.

Cat Hill - Still Hunt By Edward Kemeys - Outdoor Sculpture in New York

That’s what walking is for. LOL

Oh and Cari is running it, as well.

Feb ’22 – our last race together…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I love visiting NYC during the holidays… no place does it better:

I also booked a 1.5 hr walking tour of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. (Read about it here).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I already registered for SIX 2023 races:

Publix Fort Lauderdale Half (Feb), NYC Half (Mar), Helderberg to Hudson Half (Apr), Miles Along the Mohawk (May), Freihofer Run for Women (Jun) and Finger Lakes Half (Sept).

No surprise there.

I’m cheap frugal and want to get the lowest price.

I am most looking forward to the Finger Lakes Half Marathon… it’s a new race for me, a race-cation with 9 friends and the RD also gave us a group discount.

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 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

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Runfessions for November ’22

First Runfessions of Fall

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 am addicted to buying running tops.  Most of the race shirts don’t fit so…

I had to buy this one for my Thanksgiving race.

There may have been some other half price shirts in my cart, too.

2.  I RUNfess…

All the excitement about the NYC Marathon did give me FOMO.

TCS New York City Marathon

So much so that I am thinking of signing up for 2023.

I have until until February to come to my senses.

3.  I RUNfess…

One reason to run it in 2023 is that I age up and my time from a 2022 NYRR half marathon would give me a guaranteed entry.

4.  I RUNfess…

If I do run it in 2023 (and that’s a big IF) and if I finish faster than 5:30 (a bigger IF but my 2019 time was 5:29), I could run it again in 2024.

memories from 2019

I have two friends interested in running it in 2024 too.

More FOMO.

5.  I RUNfess…

Nevertheless, I will be getting my NYC running fix with these two races:

Ted Corbitt 15k Classic - New York City, NY - 12/3/2022 - My BEST Runs - Worlds Best Road Races

another bucket list race checked off

United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon

Hopefully it will be a healthy re-do of 2019

Hooray for points and FREE hotel rooms.

Racing is not a cheap sport!!

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 blog

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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FFF: Why Turkey Trot?

There’s nothing better than a race before stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving Day!!

According to this article, the turkey trot is the most popular race in America.

In 2009, I ran my first turkey trot & I did it in Central Park in Schenectady.  In 2010 & 2011, I did one in my hometown.

I was injured in 2012 and then in 2013, my favorite local turkey trot went NON-TIMED.

So in 2014, I joined the Troy Turkey Trot Challenge group and ran a 10k on Thanksgiving Day.

And I have run a turkey trot in Troy almost every year since. (Some years I ran BOTH the 10k and 5k there).

And I plan to continue with this tradition as long as I can.

Why should you run a turkey trot?

1. FOMO.  Everyone else is doing it.

There are so many scheduled around the country. I’m sure that you will be able to find one near where you live.

2. You can wear a costume or enjoy viewing others’ costumes.

This is about as festive as I could be and still compete:

3. It’s a stress-free race.

Many people will walk it.  Or just run it for fun.

4. Make it a family affair.

As I said above, you don’t have to be a runner to do a turkey trot. Get your family to join you!!

Troy Turkey Trot (@TroyTurkeyTrot) / Twitter

Ok, not successful.  One year, I got my hubby to sign up for the 5k… (but he DNFed).

Still trying to convince my stepson to join me (as he was a runner in high school.)

5.  You can justify that extra helping of stuffing or extra piece of pumpkin pie.

 Happy Running! Do you usually run on Thanksgiving Day? Will you this year? Please share.

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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

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Ultimate Coffee Date for Nov. ’22

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

RACE ADDICT

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

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that if you’ve read my blog, you know that I ran THREE races in October: two 5ks and half marathon.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am planning to run a 10k, 15k and half marathon this month (as I did last year) and then another 15k and 5k in December.

I’m most excited about the second 15k because it will be in NYC and a NEW race for me!!

NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K

Dec. 3, 2023

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I’m starting to plan the logistics of my Florida race-cation. I booked my hotel in Fort Lauderdale for the night before the race as well as my flights.

Feb. 19, 2023

I still have to rent a car and schedule (4) other night stays, activities and friend meet-ups.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we already picked our running group race for 2023.

Finger Lakes Festival of Races

Sept. 23, 2023

In addition to this race, I hope to visit the Watkins Glen waterfalls and several wineries.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we also have already BOOKED an amazing house (for 10 of us) on a lake for that weekend.

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 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

Runfessions for Oct. ’22

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

1.  I RUNfess… 

You know how they say “Never wear anything new on race day”?

I ordered these new Topos (Specters rather than Phantoms) and they were supposed to come after my last half marathon.

So I planned to test them out on a long run and wear them for my 15K and half marathon races in November.

But the shoes arrived early…

thumbs up… no worse than the shoes I was going to wear.

2.  I RUNfess…

I hate tapering.  Before a race, I get antsy and want to run even more.

The week before my last half marathon, I ran SIX days in a row!!

But I did take two days off before the race.

3.  I RUNfess…

I organized a college reunion in NYC …

We went out to lunch and then since we were all French majors, we visited The Little Prince exhibit at the Morgan Library.

because I wanted an excuse to run there. (I hope my friends don’t read this blog…)

fait accompli

4.  I RUNfess…

I will be limited on my NYC racing because I no longer work in the city and I’ve used up all my hotel points (unless anyone has any advice on cheap places to stay.)

So my last two stays will be in Dec for this race…

Ted Corbitt 15k Classic - New York City, NY - 12/3/2022 - My BEST Runs - Worlds Best Road Races

another bucket list race checked off

and in March for this one:

United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon

Hopefully it will be a healthy re-do of 2019

5.  I RUNfess…

I bought each of my running friends Maine Marathon mugs as Christmas gifts to motivate them as they trained for our recent race-cation in Maine (or maybe to selfishly have training partners..)

But I forgot to give the mugs to them.

I discovered them when I was packing for the trip so I brought them to Maine.

it became a race memento instead….

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 blog

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter