January 28, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: First 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 first one for this year!!

1. I runfess…

Even when the temps dipped below zero, I never regretted not having a treadmill. For some reason, being outdoors just made me feel healthier (with improved immunity). Mind over matter? (Luckily I was always able to find a dry/safe route to run.)

2. I runfess…

After all these years of winter running, I may have figured how to stay warm yet be comfortable. I used to wear a jacket (and I have several). But now I just don two shirts and a vest. If it is really cold (under 20), I’ll add my DIY arm sleeves and a buff (in addition to tights, beanie and gloves/mittens).

easier to move your arms without a jacket… who knew?

3. I runfess…

I need to match my running outfit items even when it is cold. So I graciously accepted a free beanie because it was pink.

Thanks Deborah!

4. I runfess…

I am a loyal Skirt Sports ambassador but I bought my first Athleta item – tights. (Don’t report me!)

so comfy that yup, I bought another pair (both on sale!)

5. I runfess…

During my race weekend in NYC, I spent more time worrying about/planning COVID-safe activities than the race itself.

outdoor eating when the temps are in the 20s…. at least there was a heater

I can’t wait to get back to normal relaxing NYC activities.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

Have you been braving the cold and running outdoors? Do you tend to over or underdess? What is your favorite brand of tights? Any race-cations planned? 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.

January 21, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Super Hero Muffins

I’m sure I’m late to the Super Hero muffin bandwagon.

If you haven’t heard about them, most of these muffin recipes come from Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky’s cookbooks and many runners (especially Ali on the Run) have raved about them.

Did you know that they were originally created by elite athlete coach Jerry Schumacher (Shalane’s trainer) to tame his sweet tooth without adding processed bars? (I did not!)

I don’t bake at all these days but I decided I had to try them for myself.

Here’s what I discovered:

1.They are tasty.

I admit that I have a big sweet tooth. And I really liked them.

2. They are healthy.

They’re packed full of veggies and sweetened with maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar. In addition, almond meal/flour and whole grain oats replace nutrient-stripped white flour.

They are Shalane’s go-to muffins. Need I say more? Maybe they will make me run faster!

the original ones

3. They are easy to make.

I’m not a baker. In fact I rarely bake since the kids are grown and have left home. But like anything that’s worth doing, they do take time.

blueberry yogurt

4. There are many varieties (and they use similar ingredients.)

Honestly, the first time I made them, I had to buy most of the ingredients. After that, I just had to make minor purchases.

5. You can customize to your own tastes and needs.

Instead of almond meal in the recipe above, I used wheat flour and added 2 tbsp of butter (as suggested).
To keep the muffins dairy-free, you can use coconut oil instead of butter.
To go nut-free, you can use roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of nuts.
You can substitute maple syrup for pure honey as the sweetener.
To remain gluten-free muffins, you should use gluten-free almond meal and rolled oats.
You can always add chocolate chips!

pumpkin spice (with chocolate chips)

If you don’t have any of the cookbooks above, here are some links so you can give them a try:

Happy Running! Do you bake often? Have you ever made these muffins? If so, which is your favorite? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

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

January 14, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Say “No” to the Treadmill

I know that there many benefits to using a treadmill for your runs. You all know them so it’s not necessary to list them here.

I don’t even own one and I’ve run on one very very rarely (and since the Pandemic, not at all.)

And I have been able to train effectively through the winter and COVID.

But if you are wondering if due to winter weather conditions or COVID surges, you should either spend the money and buy a treadmill or join a gym and run masked on one, here are my FIVE + reasons NOT to run on a treadmill.

1.Lack of air resistance

When running on the treadmill, it is obvious that you are not running through the air. When running outdoors, the wind raises resistance. The quicker you run, the more you feel the air resistance over you. To me, running seems so much harder when there is wind. And we need to prepare for such conditions.

I struggled running into the wind during this race

2. Less front slope

Some studies have shown that runners run with less forward inclination of the body when they train on the treadmill. Leaning forward is essential as it maximizes the runner’s ability (and energy) to move forward. Of course, we want this when we race.

3. Unrealistic running surface

The treadmill surface is obviously uniformly level and soft. This offers a significant disadvantage. When running outdoors, the surface is mixed: stones, soft and hard surfaces, wet or dry points, and combinations of all these. Running on these varied surfaces is a challenge but it is an important aspect of training as these different surfaces have impact on the muscles, joints and affect balance. And it is rare that we race on a flat, straight (no curves), soft surface.

4.Lack of visual perception

When running outdoors, you move between trees, buildings, cars and other people. When you’re on the treadmill, you are not actually moving so you do not have all this visual experience that gives you the feeling of running. If you are lucky, you can look through a window or at a computer/TV screen. Not the same!!

5. Shorter length of stride

The limited physical size of the treadmill can give you the impression that either you will step off the treadmill or that you will fall. This usually leads to smaller and/or more perpendicular strides. I know that I run at a slower pace on the treadmill because when I up the speed, I feel like I will fall off. I can only comfortably sprint in a race or at the end of a training run outdoors.

6. Running on a limited space

You may feel claustrophobic when running on a treadmill because you are usually in a close and restrained space. There’s nothing like the feeling of the great outdoors (even when it is 90 degrees or 0 degrees).

7. Lack of confidence

Many runners who do their training runs on the treadmill do not feel properly trained for races (for many of the reasons I mentioned above.)

8. Boring and monotonous

Running “in the same spot” aka the “dreadmill” can be very boring and very monotonous. No matter what I try…podcasts, music, TV, Peloton. 3 miles feels like 13 miles!!

Related image

So there you have it. If you avoid the treadmill like I do, you now have reasons to justify your decision to run outdoors…no matter what (though I am NOT saying to be reckless. Skip those dicey ice days and wear yaktrax/spikes for running through the snow.)

-4 wind chill when we started and ice/snow-covered paths but we ran on the roads and chatted the whole time… It was a confidence booster for sure.

Happy Running!! Anyone else agree with me? Any other reasons to NOT run on a treadmill? 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.

December 31, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Last Runfessions of 2021 – The Half Marathon Saga

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. Obviously the half marathon is my favorite distance. Hey, I’ve run 53. I toyed again with the goal of one half marathon each month. But it’s too difficult to find races in the summer months. I runfess… I could run virtual ones but I’m so over them!!

Nope it’s virtual…

2. I had previously mentioned that I had a choice between two NYC half marathons in January – Frozen Penguin (Jan 9) or Fred LeBow (Jan 23). Both races have the basically the same Central Park course. Although it was more expensive, the date worked better and so I chose Frozen Penguin. I runfess… I chose the wrong one!!

changed it to a 5k with no deferral or refund option

3. There was no deferral or refund for the Frozen Penguin but you were given the choice of running the 5k or another one of their half marathons – Queens Half in April or Central Park Half in February. I runfess… I half heartedly chose Central Park because I didn’t want to waste the $80 that I paid. But it’s only 2 weeks after the half marathon that I am running in Florida. Sigh!

Feb. 27, 2022

4. So with no half marathons scheduled for December and January, I’m losing my weekend long run mojo. I runfess… I even considered signing up for the Fred LeBow Half Marathon. I didn’t sign up (but I did book an hotel just in case).

Jan 23, 2022

** Update – I signed up for Fred LeBow!!!!!

5. When the NYC Half Marathon was cancelled in 2020, I had the choice of deferring or getting a refund. If you deferred, you would still have to pay to run it in 2021. I chose a refund and ran it virtually. $290 to run a half marathon!? Again it was cancelled but now the race will happen in March of 2022. It seemed that everyone chose the deferral option. I runfess… I got FOMO and did enter the lottery.

** Update – I was not selected in the 2022 Lottery!!!!

I runfess… that instead I signed up for half marathons in April (Helderberg to Hudson) and May (Steel Rail). And together ($45+$75), I spent less than for NYC ($130) with no hotel or travel expenses since both races are local.

…………………….April 16, 2022………………………..

Steel Rail Half Marathon – May 22, 2022 (in MA)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Any similar or crazy half marathon runfessions? 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!!

December 24, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Everyone Should Volunteer at Races More Often

I really appreciate volunteers. They are often responsible for the success of a race. They direct runners at all the turns, give out water and medals and do it in heat and frigid temps.

I know I should volunteer more often but I am selfish.

I want to race not watch others race.

One of my goals for 2022 is to volunteer at races more often.

Here’s why you should too:

1.To network and meet other runners.

I think my favorite place to volunteer may be at packet picket up. I did that for the Freihofer’s race and I met so many new people. Runners are the most friendly people!!

2. It’s fun and exciting.

At a local half marathon, I volunteered at the finish line. I got to watch the winners cross as well as several friends.

3. You can often get cool swag.

Maybe not the best reason to volunteer but it’s nice to get something useful for free.

a sweatshirt

4. You will feel appreciated.

I volunteered at this frigid marathon relay…. I was overwhelmed by the number of runners who passed me and thanked me.

WMarathon-023

5. Runners and race directors NEED you to have a successful race.

Volunteers are needed to as course marshals to direct runners and of course, to hand out water at water stops. They are also need volunteers for setup before the race, at packet pick-up, at the finish line. I could go on and on. There is a job for everyone and many of these jobs can be done at a time that is convenient for you.

Happy Running! How often do you volunteer at races? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 17, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Big Hairy Goal for 2022

So many of you have asked me what my big Hairy goal will be..

Well, the suspense is over…

To recap:

In 2019, my big hairy goal was to run my FIRST MARATHON. And I ran the NYC Marathon! In 2020, before the pandemic, I planned to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH. I ran 3 live races but had to run 6 half marathons virtually due to all races being cancelled. In 2021, unfortunately the Pandemic continued. Even though racing opportunities started opening up, I never felt that I would be able to achieve a BIG goal.

For 2022, this is what I said it would NOT be:

run streak
triathlon
ultra
BQ
Ragnar race
obstacle race
50 state challenge
online certification courses

In that same post, I wrote about why it’s important to have a BIG goal.

So my 2022 goal is:

Run a SUB 2:27 half marathon!!

qualifying times for the NYC Marathon and Half Marathon

Why sub-2:27?

So I can qualify to run the NYC Marathon and NYC Half Marathon..

To give you some background, I ran SUB 2:12 for half marathons in 2018 (Brooklyn HM) and in 2019 (H2H HM). So I did qualify for the NYC Marathon and NYC Half Marathon in 2019 (which I ran) and in 2020 (when the races didn’t happen).

Since then my half marathon times have slowed down considerably.

Here are my 2021 half marathon times:

- 2:35:58
- 2:22:51
- 2:20:57
- 2:16:05
- 2:19:21

But the good news is that I will be 70 in 2023.

That means that in 2022, I need to run one certified half marathon SUB 2:27!!

With running, I take nothing for granted. I am not confident that it will happen. My legs are not getting any younger. My feet still have issues. But at least I will give it a shot.

So why this goal:

1.It will help me stay consistent with my running and even make improvements.

Even if I don’t meet that goal, I will be a better runner.

almost 19 minutes faster in Oct. 2021 than Feb. 2021.

And even if I do, there’s no guarantee that I will get in anyway.

But as they say, the journey is what is important.

Bring on those LONG runs…

2. There is no other marathon that I want to run.

I know that because I’ve already run it. It was amazing in every way.

And it’s nearby and hopefully friends will come to cheer me on again.

I’d also like to run the half marathon again. When I ran it in 2019, I was recovering from a calf injury. And I never have been selected through the lottery.

I enjoyed it but I was a little nervous that I would re-injure my calf.

3. The old adage: “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”

And you never know unless you try. This gives me a number to shoot for.

And that’s something that I rarely do. My race goals are usually “Just Finish!”

So I may crack under the pressure. Or my feet may give out.

4. Carpe Diem.

You never know what the future will bring. I have friends who have died before they hit 70.

I have no idea how long I will be able to run and how much longer I will be able to run 13.1 miles let alone 26.2.

5. Can you think of a better way to celebrate reaching age 70?

70 and awesome – 70 year old - 70 Year Old - Magnet | TeePublic

Happy Running! What do you think of my BIG goal? Do you have one for 2022? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 10, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: What I Cannot Race Without

Everyone has their quirks.

What can’t you race without? (Not counting the obvious – running shoes & socks)

Here are my must haves:

1.Baseball Cap

It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)

Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).

2.Sunglasses

I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes. I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match my outfit.

3. Skirt

In the spring and summer, it’s just a skirt but in the fall and winter, I have ones that have capris and tights attached.

I love the pockets that it hides (and my thighs, of course).

4. Race Belt

I don’t like to put pins in my clothes. I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer. I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.

5. Garmin

Yes, I have raced without it and I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at the stats after.

** Compression Calf Sleeves

Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket. Once I race without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time. I wear the calf sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.

Happy Running! What are your race necessities? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 3, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for Dec. ’21

It’s that time of the month…

Amazon.com: Ceramic Running Christmas Coffee Mug | Running's My Favorite : Home & Kitchen

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that 2021 seems to have sped by. But I think I’m on track (barring injury) to reach my 1000 mile running goal.

as of today, I’m up to 935!!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m not into challenges and definitely not one related to ST but in November I actually completed one:

One 60 Second Plank each day for 30 days (through ZOOMA run club)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that what I like about this Plank challenge was that it only took ONE minute a day… and it got easier rather than harder. Since I was working from home, I could do it any time of the day and even in my PJs or running clothes.

May be a closeup of text

Most plank challenges have you add time each day… so that you get stronger..

Hey, a one minute plank was a big enough deal for me. LOL

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that no, I was not tempted to continue my planks after November 30.

But due to the time change, I’ve had to do more of my 3 mile weekday runs at lunch time (or lighted UAlbany) and do my walks at the mall (both outdoor and indoor).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I only have one more race for 2021. That makes 21 for the year. (That number was just an accident.)

I’m pretty excited about this fun one because it was canceled last year and I was injured in 2019. And you get to dress up. But more importantly is that this is the last year for the Holiday Lights in the Park so it will most likely be the last year for this race. Sigh.

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Any challenges completed? Any holiday-themed runs or races planned? 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 26, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for Nov. ’21

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 love to hike as you know. I also love artsy things. So I decided to visit another Sculpture Park. But it was closed when I got there. I went around the gate and walked around…. Took pictures. Glad I did not get arrested. lol.

re-opens May 2022 according to the sign

2. I runfess…

In Last month’s runfession, I talked about 2022 races. My running friends and I plan a race-cation every fall. This year there are TEN of us!!

So I booked a house (8 bedrooms) on the ocean. The race is not even open for registration yet (and we can only get 50% back if we cancel.)

just have to look out the window for the ocean sunrise – 7 of the bedrooms have an ocean view

3.I runfess…

About the race mention above – I did contact the RD and he stated that it was confirmed for Oct. 2. And my friends said that they didn’t care if we run an in-person race or just run on our own. But I do want to run a real half marathon. Fingers crossed.

Maine Marathon | Maine Half Marathon | Maine Marathon Relay

4. I runfess…

For the first time in years, yesterday I did not run both the Troy Turkey Trot 10K AND 5K. I only ran the 10K. I did have a little FOMO but since I had just run a half marathon, it was probably the smarter decision.

2019

5.I runfess…

I said many times that I was ONE and DONE when I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019. But with the perfect weather conditions, I had serious FOMO this year. And I had tears in my yes watching the winners and even more so when I watched those who struggled but finished in the late hours.

Unofficial final finisher Fredilyn Bangwa is all smiles during Sunday's NYC Marathon.

struggled with RA but finished in almost 11 hours (last 10 miles with a walker)

Even Chelsea Clinton ran it…

Chelsea Clinton with her parents, Hillary and Bill Clinton, after she finished the race.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Have you signed up for any 2022 races yet? Have you ever gone around a barricade and entered a place that was closed. Did you have FOMO when you watched or read about the NYCM? Any race-cations planned for 2022? 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 19, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Why I am Thankful For Running

In these often stressful times, it is important to reflect on why we are thankful for running:

Here are FIVE+ reasons why I AM:

I am HEALTHIER.

an energetic run in Central Park after a hard day’s work

I hardly even get sick. It’s very rare that I even get a cold. (knock on wood) If I ever feel rundown or tired, I just go for a run and that feeling disappears.

Running is my Energy/Vitamin source.

2. I feel YOUNGER.

hanging out after a 5k with thirty somethings

This may sound corny but I sometimes forget that I am 68 years old when I am running. I often run faster than runners half my age. And often slower than runners older than me. So I guess

Running is my fountain of youth.

3. I have MET so many awesome PEOPLE since I started running.

I have met them by joining running groups, at races, through social networking and through other runners.

In other words, Running has become part of my Social Life.

4. Running has made me feel more CONFIDENT.

I am not athletic. I never played a sport growing up. In fact, I am very clumsy. Imagine my surprise when I won my first age group. I tell people that I am not fast but it depends who shows up at a race. My speed is not bad “for my age.”

Running has filled my empty Trophy Case.

5. Running has given me STRENGTH.

I have done things that I never thought possible. Run 13.1 miles? Who me?

first half marathon

Run a marathon? Now way, Jose!

first marathon

I have been able to push through pain and not give up on things that seemed too hard. Yes to running through injuries, hills, running in the rain, heat and sub zero temps.

Running is my Kryptonite.

6. Running has taken me to new PLACES.