October 2, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for October

It’s that time of the month…

Starbucks BEEN THERE Series BTS--New Hampshire (NH) 14oz Mug NIB

where I am right now!!

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I said that I was over Virtual races after May’s 5k.

I didn’t run any ALL summer.

Then I signed up for this October Half Marathon one:

ZOOMA merged with Skirt Sports and I’m an ambassador

and this September 5k and 10K:

to support this local organization

and this Fall series of 8 5ks:

it was free because I ran the Steel Rail half marathon (virtually)

and of course, my budget list NH half marathon that went virtual.

and this Oct. one:

to support the Lake George Conservancy

My problem, I don’t even consider them races so I run/walk them. I don’t even want swag (unless it’s for a real race.)

I will have run at least 5 virtual halfs in 2020. Do they even count??

I think NOT.

Do you actually race your “virtual” races? What do you do with swag that you didn’t really earn? Do you count virtual half marathons as half marathons??

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my friends and I decided to go to NH this weekend even though our race has been cancelled.

our rented house with ocean view – 9 beds, 3.5 baths

Don’t tell anyone in NH but if we are from NYS, we are supposed to self-quarantine for 14 days. We debated about not going because of this but then decided to pretend that we didn’t know the rules. Ignorance is bliss.

Would you travel to a state and ignore the pandemic restrictions?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the weather was perfect for running 2 weeks ago and I was injured. As you can guess, it was hard NOT to run. I even thought that I should not walk or hike. But if you know me, I couldn’t handle that amount of inactivity.

: 6 miles on Corning Bike trail

: 3.5 miles on Vosburgh Trails

: 6 miles on the Zim Smith Bike trail

So I did walk a lot. I did hike.

: 100 Acre Trails

: Community Gardens Trails

: Ushers Rd. St. Forest

It seemed to get better the more I moved. By last Sunday, I was even able to run.

🙂

Have you ever ignored an injury and hoped it will just get better?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I HATE Fall.

I miss summer already!

I want to get up, throw on a skirt/tank and go for a walk and at lunch, the same, and after work the same.

too cold in the am, too warm in the pm ???

It’s too cold for that in the morning. I have to find layers or even remember what to wear in this cooler weather. And then after work, I have to rush to avoid getting caught in complete darkness.

Yes, I know it will just get colder in the winter but by then I’ll be used to it.

How do you feel about Fall?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I realized that my running mojo is tied to racing.

I love the excitement of a race and all it entails, even the training.

my last race … sigh

In the beginning of the pandemic, I ran because I thought I would eventually race. Races got cancelled one by one but there was still hope.

Now I’ve run out of hope. I don’t know when I’ll race again.

As a result, I prefer walking and hiking. I wasn’t even that disappointed in my SI joint injury (besides the pain) when I figured out that I could still walk and hike.

I do still run but it’s slow and less often than when I was preparing to race.

this is more fun now

Do you retain your running mojo when there’s no race?

6. (sorry I’m an overachiever) Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I think I’ve inspired my young friend, Anna, from Moscow.

In 2012, she came to visit and watched me run a race. She was intrigued. She had never seen a race before.

Then in 2016, she came to NYC to visit and told me that she wanted to run a race with me. I was surprised because she never mentioned that she ran. So we ran the Dash to the Finish 5k – her first race.

I could tell that she may get hooked. And I was right. She came back in 2018 to run another 5k. Unfortunately it got cancelled due to a thunderstorm.

Fast forward to 2020. Here she is running a 10k in Moscow.

running in a skirt, compression socks, spi belt, baseball cap – I may have influenced her outfit too

I hope that she can come back again some day so we can race together.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

September 25, 2020 by Darlene

Runfessions for September ’20

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

I cannot believe that it is Fall. Where did the summer go??

1. I runfess…

I signed up for a series of 8 fall virtual 5k races. I don’t normally wear a watch but you have to post your times in order for it to count.

Instead of my Garmin, I used my Apple watch.

The problem is that I am so out of shape, that I stop and catch my breath every 30-45 sec (no exaggeration).

A bigger problem is that my watch may be on auto-pause. (actually sometimes it stops when I stop and then sometimes it does not. I never manually pause it.)

You get my drift?

2. I runfess…

I also signed up for another virtual 5k and 10k.

And I actually won my age group in each.

sign of the times…no shirt but a mask instead

At least this time, the faster runners did not run the race so I don’t feel as guilty about my awards.

3.I runfess…

I intended to run last Saturday but three of my friends had decided to walk instead of run. I gladly joined them

Who am I? Choosing to walk rather than run??

at least it was 6 miles so I could earn brunch from Leah’s

4. I runfess…

I am very comfortable running intervals at 13-14 min pace.

30:30 intervals but so enjoyable to run slow and with friends

Though I know that if I raced, this would make me very unhappy. But it doesn’t bother me enough to run alone and try to regain some of of former speed.

5.I runfess…

I’m an amateur biker… so amateur I’m not even sure that I use the gears correctly and….. I don’t have a helmet (I know, I know, I will get one soon!!)

first bike road trip – 7 flat miles

Don’t worry. You won’t ever see me and Big Red in a duathlon.

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? So glad to get mine out in the open? Can you identify with any of them? Please share.

September 18, 2020 by Darlene

Fall Lovings

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

It’s almost Fall 2020 and time for a What Am I Loving Now post so that’s my topic this week.

Some things are probably the same as previous Falls but one big thing that has changed… NO FALL RACES!!

2018:

: RnR Montreal Half

: Govenors Is 5k

: Poland Springs 10k

and no BIG RACE to train for 😦

2019:

1. Cooler Temps

Of course even I, who love sunshine and flowers, appreciate that it is easier to run when it is cooler.

a run too cool for a skirt and tank…

2. My Deep Tissue Massage Gun (cheap version of the Theragun)

It’s advertised to “rejuvenate sore muscles and aching joints, greatly reduce your recovery time after sports and improve your health condition. It has 11 Speeds and 6 Heads to be used on “different muscle groups and provides targeted treatment for fast recovery.”

Amazon.com: Muscle Massage Gun Deep Tissue for Athletes, Pokehome Deep Tissue Massage Gun Percussion Muscle Massager Handheld Deep Tissue Massage Gun, 11 Speed High Intensity Vibration, 6 Heads Included: Health & Personal

I’ve used it on my calves and my lower back. My hubby has used it for his tennis elbow. Thumbs up so far.

3. A New Starbucks Flavor

it’s Medium-roasted coffee with:

Turmeric
Ginger
Black Pepper
Cinnamon

Starbucks® Golden Turmeric | Starbucks® Coffee At Home

I like it. The Turmeric taste is not as strong as you think. And Turmeric (anti-inflammatory qualities, and antioxidant qualities) is healthy, right? .

4. Our Weekly Trail Walks

Our local running club (ARE) in non-pandemic times organized runs on different local trails every week.

As a substitute, my running friends (the Sole Sisters) and I decided instead to walk on a different trail each week. These will continue as long as it stays light long enough. Then we may have to switch to the weekend.

: 3.5 miles on Vosburgh Trails

5. My Long Run Saturdays

I love ALL my running friends and they have gotten me through all my long runs. I used to find these a struggle but I haven’t run fewer than 10 miles since last August. It’s my favorite run of the week and one I never miss. Who knew this 5k runner would prefer the longer distance?

last year’s pic but the same partners in crime plus Debbie

But even better than the long runs, are the conversations had over brunch afterward. We are still able to do take-out and sit outdoors … apart. Not sure what will happen when the weather gets cold.

the good ole days – pre-pandemic

6. (because I can’t stick with 5). Hiking the Mountains

I’ve been hiking all summer and wish I had more time…

: Vroman’s Nose

: Moxham Mt.

: Mt Severance

: Cat Mountain

but I can’t wait until the leaves change color. It will be even more awesome.

view from Prospect Mt.

Happy Running! What are you loving right now? Please share.

September 11, 2020 by Darlene

Remembering 9-11

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic for this week appropriately is: Remembering 9-11

1.World Trade Center

1991

I had the luxury of visiting the Twin Towers before 9-11-01. I brought foreign students there to visit several times. So glad I did. I even saved the ticket stubs (and I am not a saver.)

The World Trade Center opened in 1973

2. September 11, 2001

I remember the day it happened and actually watched on TV live when the second tower was hit. It was shocking. I’ll never forget what I saw.

9/11: Second plane hits South Tower - YouTube

3. January 2002

My hubby and I visited NYC 4 months later and there was still smoke in the air. We visited the Ground Zero. It was very sad.

4. Recent NYC Visits

Since then I have visited the Memorial and often run near the Freedom Tower.

Every time I see the new tower, I think about what used to be there.

5. Remember and honor today as runner

Run or Walk a Virtual Race:

https://www.thevirtualrunchallenge.com/virtual-race-event/2020-9-11-memorial-virtual-run-walk/

Run or walk at 8:46, 9:03, 9:38 or 10:03 am EST.

At 8:46 am on September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked and crashed a passenger jet into the north tower of New York City’s World Trade Center. A second plane slammed into the south tower at 9:03 am. At 9:38, a third airliner dove into the Pentagon right outside the capital. At 10:03, fourth jet, bound for Washington D.C., crashed in Pennsylvania.

Run or Walk 9.11 kms or 9.11 miles.

I plan to walk 9.11k.

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Do you remember 9/11? How do you commemorate the day? Please share.

September 4, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for September

It’s that time of the month…

still optimistic for Oct 2-5 vacation

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I said that I was over Virtual races. I hadn’t run one since May.

I asked for a refund for both of my September Half Marathons and asked for a deferral for the August one BUT my October race has gone VIRTUAL with no refund or deferral option.

So I guess I’m doing another virtual race. Reluctantly. I really don’t care about getting a half-zip or medal when I have not run a “real” race.

How do you feel about this? Do you want swag from “virtual” races?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was okay when I heard that Skirt Sports was going out of business. I have made quite a few friends in past years by being an Ambassador and I have enough skirts to last (my lifetime).

As you may have heard, the company was bought by Sarah R, the owner of the ZOOMA race series.

I ran ZOOMA Bermuda last February and met Sarah. This race was one of the best race experiences (and I have run a lot of them lol).

And there were quite a few Skirt Sports skirts at the race.

: and MCM Mama

Perfect match, right?

Have you run a Zooma race recently? If so, did you enjoy it? Do you wear Skirt Sports? How do you feel about its future?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that related to the above 2 updates, I signed up for another virtual race. I signed up with two other Skirt Sports ambassadors…

and it’s a ZOOMA race.

virtual swag

Have you done any virtual races lately? How about any ZOOMA virtual races?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although gyms in NYS were allowed to open, my free gym has not.

It’s not that I was a frequent gym goer but I do worry about when winter comes. I do not own a treadmill or a stationary bike.

Have you gone to a gym yet?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have unearthed my old bike.

last ridden in 2012!?

You won’t see me at any duathlons. I will be just be a casual biker. So far, I have only ridden around the neighborhood.

I need to get a bike rack for my car if I want to ride it on any of the bike paths. But it turns out bike racks are like toilet paper in March …None to be found 😦

How often do you bike? How far?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

August 21, 2020 by Darlene

Self-Care

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic for this week is: Self-Care

I’ll admit that I stole this idea from @runstrongrun’s IG post. I hope she doesn’t mind.

It’s always been important to take care of oneself but even more crucial during these stressful times.

Since it is Friday Five, I’ll pick the first 5 on this list:

1.Exercise

Run, walk, hike, work out. Whatever works for you. It may only be for a short time but try to fit in some form of exercise each day.

I rarely work out but I do try to run or walk or hike every day.

2. Alone Time

It’s important to carve time where you are completely by yourself.

I work from home now. That’s means I’m home with the hubby more than usual. Driving to a local preserve is my alone time. Sometimes it’s my daily run or walk.

3.Read a book.

It doesn’t have to be for a long time…maybe just a few pages before bed or while your dinner is cooking.

I do read every night before I fall asleep but I especially enjoy reading on the lake.

4.Spa Day

This can be just soaking in the tub, getting a manicure or pedicure or even a facial (home mud mask). Try to find some time to pamper yourself every day.

I do get monthly manicures, always have my toes painted but some days I am lazy. I need to remind myself to take a long bath rather than a quick shower each day. We have an outdoor hot tub (that I unplugged to set up my laptop on the deck). I need to set that up again for a post run spa.

5.Friends

Humans are made to be connected with other humans. So call or text a friend, ZOOM or Face Time with him/her, meet at a park. Connect with at least ONE friend each day.

my college friends

I’m pretty good with keeping touch with those important in my life. I text friends whom I can’t see or ZOOM with those who live too far away to see in person. Of course, I do try to see my close friends at least weekly at dinners/brunches

and on runs/walks.

We are all busy especially if you work full-time or have young children at home. You may not be able to do all of these self-care items every day, But several can be combined such as:

1 and 3 – Download an audio book and listen while you exercise.
1 and 2 – Spend your alone time walking, hiking or running.
1 and 5 – Run/walk or work out with a friend.
1 and 4 – Run or workout and follow it with an Epsom salt bath or massage.

Have you noticed which number works with the all the rest??

And remember

Self-Care Strategies for Holidays — Rape Recovery Center

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! How many of these do you do Daily? Please share.

August 14, 2020 by Darlene

Enjoying the Summer Runs

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic for this week is: Running during the Hot/Humid Summer Months

I’m not going to list the obvious because we all know about these tips:

Carry Water
Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Run early or late when the temps are cooler
Wear Bug Repellent and sunscreen
Wear a cap to protect your scalp and face from the sun
Choose a shady route

It may be August but those hot temps are still around. So what else can we do to enjoy our runs at this time of year?

1.Embrace the Suck

Stop whining about how the heat and humidity are sucking the life out of your runs.

hot hot hot

GUILTY AS CHARGED!!

Soon we’ll be complaining that it is too cold and icy and we have to resort to a treadmill.

Either just Run or Don’t run.

Walking, hiking and biking are great ways to move if it is too uncomfortable for you to run.

96 degrees on the ground. Cool and breezy on the top of a mountain.

2.Use Intervals

I’m not one to use intervals when I run but this summer, I wanted to do more walking and hiking during the week and run longer on the weekend.

weekly group trail walks

The only way to get this done for me was to run using intervals.

If you do already and you find that the run parts are too long and the walk parts too short, just shorter the run and lengthen the walk. The only person who cares about your pace is YOU!

30:30 – 14 mm pace – got it done and barely sweat

3.Provide Rewards

That is for post run. Rewards are always an incentive. But in the summer they are necessary (at least for me) and they should be cold ones.

Mine seem to be either ice cream or a thick shake or iced coffee – it depends on the time of day.

Just choose something to motivate you to get out there and get it done!

BTW: It doesn’t have to be food. LOL

4.Distract Yourself

Runs are hard and they are even harder in the heat.

I prefer chatting with a friend or friends.

But if this is not possible, you can listen to music, a podcast, focus on nature or even your own thoughts.

Whatever works for you.

Sometimes I do wear my After Shokz and listen to a podcast or Hamilton soundtrack

But if you read my blog, you know that flowers are my preferred distraction.

5.Avoid Comparison

Maybe this means avoiding social media or not uploading your runs to Strava or Garmin.

In other words, run for yourself and don’t compare the distance or your pace to others. The heat may not affect other runners in the same way it affects you.

I don’t wear watch but most runners could not do this and still run. (My runs still count!! I record only the distance and on my blog.)

happy to just squeeze in a run during my lunch break – sometimes 3 miles take the whole hour lol

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Have you found ways to survive the hot humid summer runs? Please share.

August 7, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for August

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when I upped my daily miles in the NYS Challenge from 500K to 1000k, I regretted it at first because I could have been done last month and then now I could rest my foot and start doing some biking.

But it is going well. It’s not as overwhelming as I thought. I should be done by the end of the month or earlier.

It’s all good.

Are any of you participating in these challenges? If so, how are you doing?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I am moving a lot each day, it’s not because I have been running a lot.

March – 91 miles
April – 89 miles
May – 86.5 miles
June – 82 miles
July – 78 miles

Notice a trend??

Yup, fewer miles each month. I’m still on track to finish 1000 miles for the year but barely. (84 miles monthly is about what I need…)

Why the drop in running miles?

No half marathons not even virtual ones scheduled for June and July and maybe none for the rest of the year. Minimal running during the week because I am walking and hiking a lot more. No need to train for any races. Just enjoying my social distanced group Saturday runs and brunches.

How is your monthly mileage? Running more or less?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I cancelled my Peleton trial subscription. If I had a stationary bike or treadmill, I may have kept paying. I don’t do any yoga or strength training. Running is my thing and only outdoor running now that the gyms are closed. Even you preload the class before you run, it still uses data (and I do not have an unlimited plan.)

What's a Peloton Bike? - 8 Things to Know Before Buying A Peloton Bike

I do have FOMO when I read about all the fun Peleton classes many runners are taking. Maybe I’ll be back if I can afford to buy a Peleton bike or decide to get a stationary bike or treadmill.

Any one use the Peleton app outdoors? Anyone use it for other things than biking?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do like my new Topo Fly-Lyte running shoes. I may even try the Magniflys (love those free returns).

For trails, I am wearing Altra Lone Peaks. I like them too.

My foot problem is bearable however, not totally gone. I am still considering the expensive Laser Therapy. Just procrastinating.

Anyone else wear Topos or Altras? If so, which model?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am not an Intervals runner. I did not even use them to train for or run my marathon.

But with this insanely hot/humid summer, I have run almost all my long runs using them.

either 30:30 or 45:30 allows me to run forever…. Pace is over-rated.

Anyone else switch to intervals this summer?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

July 31, 2020 by Darlene

Runfessions for July

Runfessions

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

Time flies in a pandemic. This is my 4th pandemic Runfession post.

1. I runfess…

I have a high tolerance for pain. I’ve raced with a stress fracture and a broken foot.

this was my last painful run

No surprise that that I waited several weeks before I went back to the podiatrist for my neuroma.

Economic evaluation corticosteroid injections mortons neuroma

Next up maybe laser therapy…

Do you seek medical attention right away or procrastinate? Have you gotten laser therapy for pain?

2. I runfess…

Once I experienced foot pain back in November, I ditched my favorite Mizunos and bought:

Altras (and returned them)
Brooks (and returned them)
Hokas (and returned them)
Another style of Hokas (for walking)
Back to Mizuno Inspires (for short runs)

And now I am trying Topos!!

Did you try different shoes or stick with one brand?

3.I runfess…

I thought I would continue with some virtual races. For good reasons. Support the racing organization, charity, add to my swag collection or just to motivate myself to run faster.

5k, 10k, 13.1 Virtual Challenge medal

Nope, I’m done!

At least paying money to run them. And who needs another glass or medal??

If they are free, maybe??

Are you still signing up for virtual races?

4. I runfess…

We’re pretty good in Upstate NY with Covd-19 though there are still new cases. I am considering running a race, any race.

Aug 15…maybe? Maybe not?

Anyone else have run a real race or considering doing so?

5.I runfess…

I upped my goal in the NYS Challenge from 500k to 1000K because I would be done too early in the summer.

One NY Virtual Challenge - Race Across New York!

Then my foot started bothering me so I thought I should probably cut back on the walking, hiking running and maybe get my bike out.

can’t remember the last time on this???

Biking miles don’t count!!

And I am stubborn. So back to walking, running and hiking until I am done with 1000k.

Would you bike even if it did not count? Do you like biking?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

July 24, 2020 by Darlene

Summer Running – Love it or Hate it?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic this week’s is: What do you love/hate about summer running?

All apply even we weren’t in the midst of a pandemic.

Love:

1.Less Layers

I can get changed in minutes. Tank. Skirt. Cap. Go!

so easy to squeeze in a run during lunchtime

2. Sunshine

I love the SUN!! It motivates me to get outside and get my dose of Vitamin D!!

blues skies, sunny days = ❤

3. Longer Days.

As a working runner, this is especially important to me. It is no fun running in the dark after work. When it is dark, it limits the places where I can run.

after work runs are my favorite because I can drive to favorite routes

4. Nature is prettier.

I love trees and flowers. So much to look at during this season. And different flowers and trees are blooming each week.

flowers and more flowers

5. No Training Runs.

Even during a normal year, I run my big races in the winter, fall and spring. So summer is just for running. No plans. No stress.

just for fun and connecting with friends

Hate:

1.Mosquitos/Ticks/Black Flies

I am very susceptible to insect bites so I need to always apply insect repellent. Sometimes I am lax and I pay the price with lots of itchy bites.

2.Humidity

Dry heat is great but when it is humid, it is tough to get the miles in and the speed. I have to do a lot of walking…

too humid to run!!!

3.More Laundry

Less layers but they are sweaty. That means that I can’t wear items more than once like I do in the other seasons.

4.Competing Activities

In the summer, there’s hiking, tennis, boating, BBQs, etc. It’s hard to fit it all in and sometimes, I may have to just skip the run in favor of a summer-only activity.

just suffering on the lake lol

5.Lack of Races to Motivate You.

Many more races to sign up for in the spring and fall. Not many even during a normal summer. So it may be hard to motivate yourself to get out the door or do those weekend long runs.