November 15, 2019 by Darlene

The Marathon Ad

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.

Ok, I said that I would stop talking about the Marathon but …

Not yet…

If you have never done one, this post is for you. Remember, I was one of you. I never wanted to run one either.

Why should YOU run a marathon?

1. You’ll stay motivated to run.

For other distances, you may be able to skip runs and still succeed.

But you can’t get away with not training when it comes to a marathon. So having one on your calendar will keep you motivated to stick to a training schedule, at least for those long runs.

On days when your motivation is lacking, you’ll think about how you’ll feel during those 26.2 miles if you’re undertrained or can’t finish the race.

2. You’ll be a great role model.

It’s hard not to revere someone who is dedicated and determined to complete a substantial goal such as running a marathon. You’ll be setting a great example for many people in your life – family, friends, co-workers, etc.

Even though, it may not be true, people will be telling you how “awesome” you are.

If you are lucky, you will inspire someone to start running or run a longer distance race.

3. You’ll find out that pain is indeed temporary.

Pain, chafing, sweat, tears, and blood will all just be memories.

Yes, you will most likely hurt. The pain may be so bad to make you want to quit.

But you won’t.

When you see that finish line in the distance, you will forget. You will cry but they will be tears of joy.

4. You’ll gain the confidence you never knew you had.

Although you’ll no doubt experience rough patches during your training. After you’ve logged that 20-miler, you’ll feel like you can conquer the world. Your running confidence will overflow into other areas of your life, such as work and relationships.

You’ll enter that marathon start line with your eyes on the prize (the finish line.)

5. You’ll have a lifetime of bragging rights.

Once you cross that finish line, you’re a marathon finisher and will always be one. No one can ever take that title away from you.

Remember only 1% of population has run a marathon.

Happy Running! Have I convinced you? A little bit? If you ran a marathon already, what was your reason?

November 8, 2019 by Darlene

The NYC Marathon Edition

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.

So as I am sure you know, last Sunday I ran the NYC Marathon as my first full marathon.

Eventually I will stop talking about it…

but not yet.

What did I learn from this experience?

1. Long Training Runs are easier if you have company.

I was lucky. I never did them alone. I may have run some of the miles each weekend solo but for every run, my running friends were there to support my efforts. I couldn’t have done without you guys. ❤

2. It is Better to Be (10 Miles) Undertrained than (1 Mile) Overtrained.

I heard this from a fellow blogger and friend. I’m not sure that I believed it.

Basically I felt undertrained because my job got in the way of doing any longer runs during the week. I usually ran 3-4 miles instead of the 5-10 on the training plan.)

in Rochester along the Erie Canal

I worried that my legs would not be strong enough to carry me through 26.2 miles.

However, I think the lower mileage helped keep me injury free the whole 18 week training cycle and enabled me to complete the long weekend runs better.

3. Pain is indeed Temporary.

Yes, my feet hurt. My hips ached. My lower back…Oy. The Pain.

Everything hurt during miles 14-20 this day… so I knew what to expect I guess

But as soon as the race is over, you forget about it and you savor the experience.

Every time I look at my medal, I don’t think about the pain. I smile and I am proud of what I accomplished.

4. Marathon Training does not have to take over your Life.

I was afraid that I would be obsessing and thinking about nothing else but the marathon.

Work being very busy and traveling for 8 weeks during peak training helped take my mind off the suggested weekly mileage.

I went to movies, shows, dinners and spent quality time with my family and friends. I never said I CAN’T. I HAVE TO RUN.

high school reunion (instead of my run)

5. I Enjoyed the Race immensely. I’m glad I did it. But I don’t want to run another.

Back to running short races, skipping bad weather runs and signing up for Half Marathons.

H2H Half

The Good Life. 🙂

Happy Running! If you have run a marathon (or a half marathon), what did you learn from the experience? Please share.

October 31, 2019 by Darlene

NYCM Ultimate Coffee Date for November

It’s that time of the month…

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

The NYC Marathon Edition….

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am excited about running my FIRST full marathon and I am glad that I chose NYC. It’s only a train ride away, I have free pts for my hotel and most importantly, I do LOVE NYC and know my way around this city.

If you have run a marathon (or half), which one was your first and why?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that recently I met up with two college roommates.

We reminisced about our last meet-up. It was in NYC in 2013 the day before the NYC Marathon.

I had them take a picture of me at the finish line.

And now 6 years later, I am running that race.

Do you believe in serendipity? Have you had a similar experience?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that unfortunately my hubby will be in Palm Springs that same day competing in a national tennis tournament. Yes, what are the odds that it would be the same day as my first marathon?

Back in 2014, he did come to a race.

I was sad that he could not come since it is my first (and most likely my last) marathon.

Some of my running friends have expressed interest in coming down to NYC for the day to cheer me on. But the logistics are not easy. I doubt they will be able.

I think a few of my tennis friends may come…. (Fingers crossed.)

If not, I will gather energy from the thousands of cheering fans that I do not know personally.

Do your family and friends cheer you on at big races?

Anyone coming to cheer? If so, let me know where you will be?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that there are quite a few current and former bloggers who are running the NYC Marathon. Hopefully we can arrange a meet-up.

Cari, Lacey, Linda, Pam, and ???

Anyone else coming to run? If so, when can we meet up? I’ll be at the expo on Sat.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have zero time goals for this race. It is my first full as I have mentioned. My longest run was 20 miles and it was very painful. I did run two 14 milers, one 16 and one 18. I did not increase my mid-week runs due to job commitments. My weekly mileage was only usually in the 20s.

So do I think I can finish?

YES!!!

Will it hurt?

YES, most likely.

My goal is to run the first half SLOWLY, enjoy the WHOLE experience and get my MEDAL at the end!!!

Do you have a time goal for your big races or do you just do it for fun?

It’s also 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!

October 25, 2019 by Darlene

Runfessions for October

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 wore brand new running shoes out of the box for my 20 miler.

It was during a 7 mile re-race run followed by a half marathon. And they were the same as shoes I had previously wore out — just a new pair. I was in pain but it was NOT because of the shoes LOL

happy to be nearing the finish line (and my cheering friends)

Anyone else race in new shoes?

2. I runfess…

I skipped one of my long runs in favor of a 10K race.

It was supposed to be a 14 miler but I did walk 8 miles that day in addition to the Grete’s Great Gallop 10k race in NYC.

a fun time in Central Park

Anyone else not worry about getting in ALL their long runs?

3.I runfess…

I signed up for a race the day after my 20 mile training run.

I planned to walk it. I was in a lot of pain during the second half of the run (and after) but the next morning all the pain was gone. I was good, though and walked MOST of it. Check out that 5k finish time LOL.

Anyone else recover from a long run or big race with a race?

4. I runfess…

I also signed up for a 15K race the week after my first full marathon.

I was at a recent expo and there was a discount. Again, I can take it slow if I am still sore, right?

during last year’s Stockade-athon

Anyone else race right after a full marathon ?

5.I runfess…

I also may run a 5k race (tomorrow the week before my full marathon and add on 5 miles before or after.)

It’s for a great cause and my running friends are busy this weekend. Why not race/run?

Oct. 26, 2019 9:30 am

Anyone else like to race all the time?

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.

October 4, 2019 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for October

It’s that time of the month…

some people try to run in all 50 states. I just collect Starbucks mugs lol

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s only October and I’ve already registered for TWO half marathons in 2020.

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

April 15, 2020

Feb 16, 2020

Have you already registered for any 2020 races?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I only have ONE more week of insane traveling with my job. After that it should be the normal occasional travel to NYC. (Should but who knows?)

Too bad, the 8 weeks of travel was during peak Marathon Training. UGH!

Anyone else have work get in the way of training for a big race?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m following the minimal (get to the finish line) Marathon Training Plan. That means ONE 16, ONE 18 and ONE 20 miler (and NO long mid-week runs).

Long runs are tough!!

Kinda nervous. Hope the adrenaline and the crowds will get me through 26.2 miles.

All you first time marathoners, How many long runs did you do? How did it work out?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that speaking of that dreaded 20 miler, I was going to run 7 miles from the finish of a half marathon and then take the bus to start. But the bus leaves at 6:15 am and the area is kinda shady plus it’s DARK.

Image result for hannaford half marathon

Oct. 13, 2019

New plan.

Park at the start and run 7 miles there. (Safer area). The race starts at 8:00 am. Then take the bus back to the start after the race.

Anyone else run a half marathon and use it as only a training run?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m thinking of running the NYC Half Marathon again.

You can sign up for the lottery on Oct. 17 but I think that I may get in by my H2H half marathon finish time (2:11:15).

AGE MARATHON TIME HALF MARATHON TIME

one of the advantages of being OLD

It’s not guaranteed (like last year) since it was not a NYRR race but my time was fast enough.

Fingers crossed.

(And yes, that again would qualify me to run NYCM. And no, I WILL NOT RUN ANOTHER MARATHON!!!!!!!)

Anyone else entering the lottery for the NYC Half?

It’s also 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 27, 2019 by Darlene

Runfessions for September

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 don’t comment on most blogs.

I read many running blogs. But I either don’t have time to comment and they won’t let me comment using my iphone.

I feel guilty since I enjoy when runners comment on my posts.

Anyone else read blogs but don’t comment?

2. I runfess…

I post for myself.

My readership is pretty small. But I’m okay with it.

I often don’t even link up my posts.

If you read my post from last Friday about why I blog, you know that I plan to continue blogging even if no one reads my blog.

Anyone else not worry about who reads their blog?

3.I runfess…

My life if not perfect.

Some people have commented that I am so lucky, I get to travel, have so many friends, do so many interesting things, etc.

Um…. there is plenty of not so great things going on with my family, friends, work, etc.

I just prefer not to share those things.

For the most part, I blog about my running and on FB and IG, I like sharing the good stuff.

(I not NOT judging those who share all kinds of things – good and bad. I do enjoy getting to know you better.)

Anyone else prefer to keep the bad stuff in their life private?

4. I runfess…

I’m planning my Marathon outfit.

It’s the one thing I can control. My training runs, the weather, my ache and pains… NOPE).

So I am definitely wearing a Skirt Sports skirt (with pockets), NYCM compression calf sleeves, race belt, baseball cap.

But the shirt. I want it to represent where I’m from. So it will probably be from a local race (H2H, MHM or Freohofers.)

Anyone else obsess over their race outfit ?

5.I runfess…

I miss racing.

When I wasn’t training for a full marathon, I would race almost every weekend. Around here, in the fall, there are so many races to choose from.

I’m trying to be good about getting my long runs in. But it’s so hard not to click that “register” button.

Just a few of the races I’m skipping:

Anyone else like to race all the time?

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.

September 20, 2019 by Darlene

The Dying Blogger

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.

No bloggers are not literally dying but their blogs are.

Ten years ago, many of the local runners had blogs and that’s how I met them and that’s how we became friends. Yes, Amanda, Suzy, Melissa, Tammy, Janis, Bridget, Judith, etc no long blog. Luckily most of them are on IG or FB and I run into them at local races.

I also was fortunate to meet face to face with other bloggers that no longer blog.

Yes, I miss your blogs Tricia, Holly, Karen and MaryBeth. And Karen from France.

and AJH.

So Why Do I Continue to Blog?

1. To Stay Connected

I have quite a few local running friends but I enjoy reading about the escapades of my non-local running friends. And planning meet-ups.

I got to connect with current bloggers, Kim and Marcia

and Kim and Michelle.

I learn about races and products. I get inspired by every blog I read.

2. To Be Accountable

I update each week of running and I plan my next week.

Would I run if I didn’t do this. Yes, of course. But posting it on my blog does help motivate me to get out there.

Yes, I did this!! My longest run ever!

3. To Share Interests (and Photos)

I enjoy writing but I mostly enjoy taking photos of my travels, runs, and races.

My blog is a venue to just post what I do and hopefully others will enjoy viewing or reading.

4. To Inspire Others

I hope that especially anyone who has hesitated to start running (at an advanced age) will read my blog and RUN! Or anyone who has hesitated to run a half marathon will do it? Or anyone who works full-time and has felt stressed about training… etc etc.

I’m 66 and running has made me feel healthier, stronger, happier and more confident than ever.

5. To Expand My Network

Yes, I am always looking for new blogs to follow, to learn about new races, new products, to meet new runners. If you blog and I don’t follow you, let me know!

If you are running the NYC Marathon, let’s meet up!!!

Happy Running! Do you blog? How long have you been blogging? Do you ever think about stopping? How long do you think you will keep it up? Please share.

September 13, 2019 by Darlene

Running & Dieting

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.

As I listen to podcasts and read blogs about fitness and running, two topics often pop up. Weight and Pace.

I am just as guilty as the next one in talking about both.

It dawned on me that there are a lot of similarities in wanting to LOSE WEIGHT and wanting to RUN FASTER (these are only in MY OPINION not based on anything else):

1. Quantity Matters

In other words, if you have 50 pounds to lose,10 lbs come off a lot quicker than if you only have to lose 10 lbs. (This I know from a contest among my tennis friends).
If you start off running a 40 minute 5k, you can shave 3-4 minutes off your finish time easier than a runner who starts out running a 30 minute 5k. (This I also know from experience too.)

2. The Plateau

Yes, it happens.

You take off some weight and then it stops. No matter you do, it’s hard to drop more. In fact, you may even gain some back.
You get faster and faster and then all of sudden, you do not. Your finish times stay about the same and for some races, your time is slower.

Frustrating, right?

3. Comparisons

Yes, everyone makes them. It’s normal.

You compare yourself to others. “I wish I was as thin as…”

You compare yourself to you at a different time. “I wish I was thin like when I was …. years old”

The same goes with running.

You wish you were as fast as someone else or as fast as you used to be.

4. Harder as You Age

Our metabolism slows down. You naturally gain weight as you age.

I am at a heavier weight than ever and I am more active than ever.

So it goes.

As you get older, your pace will slow down. There’s no formula for when this will happen (it depends on how long you’ve been running) but it will happen.

That is life.

5. Over Sharing and Social Media

Blogs, Facebook, Instagram.

Sharing of weight loss journeys. Buff bodies, etc.
Running photos, finish times, paces for runs.

Again I am not being critical because I am guilty of this too.

6. Not Satisfied rather than Grateful.

Wanting to improve is a good thing.

So wanting to be at a healthy weight is great.

The negative is focusing too much on body image and how you look. (Thank you media.)

Wanting to be a better runner and to challenge yourself is also admirable.

Running faster is not what running should be about.

This rings home to me right now as I have two running friends to undergoing treatment for cancer.

You need to be grateful that you are healthy and that you are able to run.

no pics in this post so I have added one of my current favorites.

Happy Running! Does any of this ring home to you? Do you think there is too much emphasis in blog posts on running pace and weight/dieting?

September 6, 2019 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for September

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 the logistics for my first marathon – NYCM are set.

Hotel for Nov 2 & 3 – booked (free with pts)
Train to NYC on Nov 2 – booked(free with pts)
Bus home on Nov 4 – booked ($1 megabus)

On August 1, I battled the website and signed up for my baggage and transportation.

Who knew it was this complicated?

I chose the Poncho as recommended instead of post-race bag check.

Image result for nycm poncho option

And I picked the 7 am bus to the start instead of the ferry.

Related image

I’d love to take the ferry to watch the sunrise on the Hudson River but after you arrive in Staten Island, you still have to board a bus.

Just seems easier to walk to the NY Public Library from my hotel and take ONE bus to the start.

If you have already run NYCM, which options did you choose and did you make the right decision in the end?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that traveling with my job is picking up. That will be making my mid-week mileage quite challenging.

3 miles instead of 6

But it is what it is.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate in the next two months so at least I get complete all my long runs.

Anyone else keep their weekday runs short (or even skip them) and concentrate only on long runs when training for a big race?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that last two weeks while I was working in NYC, all my friends at home were seeing Hamilton locally.

FOMO.

I could see it on Broadway since I’m there so often but I’m always running!!

I finally broke down and bought a ticket.

Can’t wait!! (And Marathon training will be over!!)

Have you seen this show?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that tomorrow I am running a half marathon in RI. I had planned to run this race at some point because my college roommate built a home (on the water) nearby. But I couldn’t go until this year….and then I signed up for my first full marathon.

So it will just be a training run. It should be hilly but have beautiful water views. Perfect conditions for relaxed 13.1 miles, right?

Anyone else run a half marathon and use it as only a training run?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for work I went to NYC three times in August (5 days, 3 days and 3 days) and this week, as well (3 days).

I ran a race in Brooklyn, ran along the Hudson and East Rivers and in Central Park.

Then there’s nothing there for me until the NYCM on Nov. 3.

So of course, I signed up for a 10K race on Oct 5.

Do you have a favorite city to run or race in?

One more for good measure –

6 .Over coffee…

I’d tell you that a few weeks ago, I ran along the Hudson River in NYC so I could see the GW Bridge and the Little Red Lighthouse.

I learned that a book was written about it.

Ever buy a children’s book?

It’s also 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 30, 2019 by Darlene

Runfessions for August

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 was raced obsessed again this month. Three races but TWO races in ONE week!

August 14, a 5k in Brooklyn
August 17, a local 5k

(I came to my senses and DNSed a one mile race on Aug 19. Good thing, I was in NYC working on Aug 21 so I couldn’t run another 5k.)

Anyone else ever run more than one race in a week?

2. I runfess…

I am still confused on the shoe/foot issue.

One day the pain is gone. One day for no reason, it is back.

I’ve gone back to wearing my neutral Nikes for short distances. Sometimes they are fine. Sometimes not.

Then I added my insoles to my new Mizunos for long runs and they felt better…sorta.

Anyone wear different shoes for different distances?

3.I runfess…

Last month I bought a new Garmin, a 230 but I have yet to try it. Still doing my weekly runs naked and my races with my Garmin 205.

Anyone else hesitate to make technology changes or when you buy a new watch, do you use it right away?

4.I runfess…

Every year, my tennis friends and I go to NYC to see a Broadway show.

I do the organizing so I picked this show:

won a Tony for best musical

and got group tix for October 5.

Yup, this 10k race is why I chose Oct. 5.

Do plan races when you visit another city? Anyone else running Grete’s Great Gallop?

5.I runfess…

I used to play tennis almost everyday and on numerous teams. Then running came into the picture and tennis no longer seemed to fit.

2010 was the last year that I seriously competed o a tennis team

I thought I didn’t miss it but I watched tennis at the Aurora Games and last weekend, I hung out with my tennis friends. And now the US Open is on TV.

Yup, I do miss it.

Has running replaced any other activity in your life? Do you think that you will ever stop running?

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.