December 9, 2022 by Darlene

Four (or Five) Somethings for September-November

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:

season 3

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.

runner-sig

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 blog

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

December 2, 2022 by Darlene

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.

: 2022

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!!

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 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.

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

November 25, 2022 by Darlene

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

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 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 blog

November 18, 2022 by Darlene

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.

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.

November 4, 2022 by Darlene

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!!

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.

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 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.

October 28, 2022 by Darlene

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…

another bucket list race checked off

and in March for this one:

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 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 blog

October 21, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Girls Weekend Race-cations

raceaddict
As you may know, I’ve run a lot of half marathons. Many have been run alone, one on vacation with my hubby, a few with one friend, several with friends locally.

But my fondest memories and the ones that were the most fun were the races that I travelled to with a group of friends.

I’ve been fortunate to have run half marathons in Philly, Panama City FL, Corning NY, Las Vegas, Montreal, Hampton Beach NH (x2) and most recently Portland ME. – all with wonderful groups of women!!

Here are a few reasons why Girls Weekend Race-cations are the best:

1. Training Support

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

2. Cost Savings

It is definitely cheaper to share a room or house with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

3. Visiting New Places

I love to travel and explore new cities. In addition to the race itself, there’s always time to see the sites.

4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

You go to the expo together, carb load the night before, line up at the start and meet after the race to debrief.

5. Forging New Friendships

You may run together but spending 24/7 together for several days creates a strong bond.

And you learn many things about each other…

(Remember- What happens in ____________ stays in _____________, right?)

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation? 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.

October 14, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Why I Hate Fall

Yes, I know that the colors of the leaves are pretty and it’s easier to run with cooler temps

BUT:

1. I have to wear shoes.

IOW it’s really too cold for OOFOS and sandals.

Shoes hurt my toes.

Boots hurt my ankles.

Sigh.

2. Most flowers are dead.

Decorative echinacea seedheads

You may be wondering what I will be taking pics of when I run.

I am too.

3. My after work running routes are limited.

There are no lights in my neighborhood or on any of the bike paths.

In fact, the only place I can run after work is UAlbany. That was not so bad when I worked in my office (since it was nearby.) But not when I am still working from home.

4. No more homegrown fruits and veggies.

Organic Homegrown Fresh Summer Produce Heirloom Tomatoes Vegetable Harvest Stock Photo - Download Image Now - iStock

Just the expensive tasteless ones in the supermarket.

5. Less likely to eat ice cream after my runs.

What will I eat post run, race or hike?

***What Fall really means:

Word winter is coming scraped by hand on the frozen rear glass of car, auto glass covered with snow, cold winter season concept, first snowfall is a difficult weather for drivers and transport Winter Stock Photo

Happy Running! How do feel about fall? 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.

October 6, 2022 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for October ’22

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

GOES HIKING

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m looking forward to more hiking….

Boating Sundays will change to Hiking Sundays.

Until it gets too dark, Trail Thursdays will continue.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NOT been to NYC since July so I arranged for a college reunion there.

These are the friends that I spent a year in France with.

pic from a previous NYC reunion

We’re going to see the exhibit on The Little Prince: Taking Flight and going out to a French restaurant.

<strong>The Little Prince: A New York Story </strong> A drawing by Saint-Exupéry at the Morgan Library & Museum.

The exhibit is at the Morgan Library (where I’ve been wanting to go after reading the book below to see the Belle da Costa Greene exhibit.)

I plan to stay overnight to do some running and sightseeing on Monday.

not sure if I’ll get to see a sunset or sunrise but I do love this pic… Thanks Cari.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that after a 3 month membership to Peloton, I’ve ended it again. I only paid for one month but I used it even less than before. That $$ is best spent elsewhere.

Why?

Nothing against Peloton. It’s me!!

I haven’t been on my stationary bike nor do I work out. I used it a few times for outdoor runs but most runs this summer have been with other runners.

3 times in 3 months!! But actually they were all in the first month. LOL

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been crossing my fingers that my (free) gym that closed during the Pandemic would re-open.

and now the equipment has been removed 😦

I guess NOT!!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s been two months since we got our new cat. His name is Macch (pronounced Mack) which is short for Macchiato. I didn’t name him after the coffee (although I do like caramel macchiato) but after the tuxedo kitten that I fell in love at the shelter.

Here’s an update:

- He hid in the basement for the first 4 weeks.
- Then he started coming out of hiding for food and playtime.

- Now he lets me pet him but he still won’t come upstairs much and is afraid of my hubby and other cat.

- But there has been a lot of progress and he is so darn cute (and purrs loudly.)

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.

September 29, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for Sept.. ’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 planned on going to the gym this month with my free membership.

You didn’t see any gymfies because I never went.

It seemed that in order to get the FREE one month, you had to join the YMCA and pay $100.

I told them it was false advertising and I refused to pay the $100 and hence…

no gym workouts for me 😦

2. I RUNfess…

I scheduled my flu shot and COVID booster around my running.

I waited to get the flu shot until after my September 3 half marathon.

I waited to get my 3rd booster until after my September 10 5k race.

Of course, I was worried that if I got a reaction (which really was NOT important in the long run) would interfere with my running schedule.

Nope, no reaction and was able to run right after BOTH shots!! Woo Hoo!

3. I RUNfess…

I was not disappointed in my last half marathon finish time. It was almost identical to the same race a year prior (just 4 seconds faster.).

But I was annoyed at how painful the second half of the race was for me. It is not fun running in pain.

However, the next day, I didn’t feel ANY after effects.

Not sure what I will change for the next one on October 2. New shoes? Intervals? Nothing?

4. I RUNfess…

Even though I complained about my lack of endurance during the last 7 miles of my last half marathon, my training long runs for the next one included TWO 5k races.