June 7, 2019 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for June

It’s that time of the month…

honeymoon gifts from my stepson and his wife

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that on a whim, I signed up for a new 5k in Brooklyn.

I must have amnesia on how hard it is get up at 5:30 am, stand all day and after work take the subway, LIRR and another subway to get to the race on time and run a 5k.

June 11, 2019 7 pm

and since I was on a roll, I signed for this one in Brooklyn too:

August 14, 2019 7:10 pm

Ever impulsively sign up for a race and then regret it?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran my 4th half marathon in FOUR months in May.

I’m not tired from training because honestly I did not train but I am tired of thinking that I should train.

My next one is not until September 8. And it will be a training run since I will be in the midst of marathon training at that time.

How many halfs do you run in a year? How far apart? Do you train for all of them?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that our new kitten, Chap (short for Champion) has finally warmed up to my hubby (though I think he still prefers me). Our older cat is still not a fan and Champ is afraid to go outside. Our cats have always been outdoor cats and I will have to buy all new furniture and rugs if he does not get over his fears.

Do your pets get along? Any advice to make my older cat hate the kitten less?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I registered for a local half marathon because I am nervous about completing a 20 mile training run.

Oct. 13, 2019

This way I will have company for the last 13 miles of it. I hope to run with some of my running friends.

My plan is to first run 7 miles near the finish, take the shuttle bus to start and end up back at my car.

Have you ever used a half marathon as a part of a training run for a longer race?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you I ran the Freihofer Run for Women for the 12th year in a row. It’s the only race that I have run EVERY year (no matter what.)

2008 – my first (and they still give you a box of cookies)

Is there one race that you always run each year?

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!

May 31, 2019 by Darlene

Runfessions for May

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

1. I runfess…

Boating season has started and there’s running and racing…I want it ALL! It’s a challenge on the weekend. Fingers crossed for hubby’s tennis and the weather to coordinate with MY plans.

Ahhh…Lake George

Do you have other activities on the weekend that conflict with your running?

2. I runfess…

I have a red wine problem. I never was much of a drinker. For awhile it was Reisling. Then it was nothing. Now it’s Red Wine (I mean I’ve read many articles about its health values LOL).

I didn’t used to drink the night before a race, of course.

But that has gone by the wayside too …with no ill effects I might add.

Any wine drinkers out there? Or other food/drink addictions?

3.I runfess…

I’ve long been an anti-stretch, anti-foam roller, anti-massage, anti-chiro kind of runner. But I’ve now been making monthly chiropractor visits even though nothing hurts.

Just in case…

Still haven’t bought a foam roller or gone for a massage yet….

The chiropractor was a big step for me. My hubby even went to her and she cured his injured calf muscle and tennis elbow.

Do you see a chiropractor regularly?

4. I runfess…

I have already created my Marathon Training Plan (which starts July 1). It’s a variation on Hal Higdon’s for first-time marathoners.

those mid-week long runs will NOT happen no doubt but a girl can dream

Do you create training plans this far in advance?

5.I runfess…

Speaking of being type A, I am getting to register for a winter 2020 race. Many of the ones I’d like to run don’t fit into my schedule but I may sign up for:

January 26, 2020

Anyone else run or plan to run this half marathon?

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.

May 24, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Loving

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 time for a What Am I Loving post so that’s my topic this week:

1. Running in Skirts

Finally it is warm enough (most of the time) to run without tights and capris.

I wish the season was longer cuz I have TOO many skirts. The good thing about skirts, though, is that you can wear capris and tights under them in the other seasons whereas tights and capris cannot be worn when it is too hot.

2. New Running Friends

I love ALL my running friends but recently a local running club started a group called SOAR (Sisterhood Of Athletes and Runners). They meet at 6 pm every other Wed at a different location. The organizer always plans cute ice breaker activities. I plan to attend whenever I can.

Another runner has planned ice cream group runs – each time ending at a different ice cream establishment. I’m all over that!!!!!!!!!

3. Shorter Races

With 4 halfs and a 15k in FOUR months, I am enjoying spending less than an hour at a race on the weekends, (That will be short lived as I start Marathon training July 1).

4. More Daylight Hours

As a working runner, I can now run at different locations besides UAlbany since I don’t have to worry about lights!

5. Tennis

Due to work and finances, I did NOT play tennis all year. I thought that I didn’t miss it. But I played everyday (for 7 days) while on vacation in Florida.

Yup, I still enjoy it. I do miss it.

Running is #1.

But I hope to add in some tennis once a week this summer and maybe join the club again next fall so I can play twice a month.

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

May 17, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Running on a Non-Running Vacation

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.

I just returned from a vacation where the purpose was to play tennis and bond with my female tennis friends. Not one of them runs but I did FIVE out of 8 days!!

Here’s my topic today:

FIVE WAYS TO FIT IN RUNNING ON A NON-RUNNING VACATION:

1. Be prepared.

Pack clothes for all weather conditions. Cool, hot, rainy, etc. Pack enough clothes to run every day.

This trip was easy for me. It was sunny, warm and humid EVERY DAY. I was also able to re-wear my skirts but the tops got pretty sweaty (but I brought many and we also had a washing machine if necessary)

2. Schedule your runs.

If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.

I chose not to run the day I arrived, the day before my 5k race and the day of our road trip.

All the other days, I took out my clothes the night before, set my alarm and got my run in between 7 and 8 am before I was scheduled to play tennis.

3. Be flexible.

Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.

It was a tennis vacation first and foremost. We only had 7 who could play. That meant I had to play twice every morning.

I ran fewer miles than I may have wanted. Some days, I just went for a walk.

one day I even had to run in my tennis outfit.

4. Find a scenic route.

Pretty views make all the difference. If you plan to run often, you need to vary your route.

Sometimes I ran around our community (World Tennis Center) and other days, I ran along the road outside the community (and even in other communities.)

5. Lower your expectations.

Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.

With the heat and humidity, my runs got shorter and slower. I walked more often. But it was better than staying in bed.

**Register for a race in the area, if possible.

This is not required but a short race does not take any training or much time out of the day. It is a fun way to get in a run.

Tropicool 5k

Happy Running! Do you run when you are on vacation (not a race-cation)?

May 3, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five & Ultimate Coffee Date for May

It’s that time of the month…

my daily breakfast in Paris (thinking about Notre Dame 😦 )

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that May is about as busy as April. 2 5ks and a 3.5 miler

The same ones that I did last year and the year before:

: 2018

: 5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5K

: 5-17-18 – Workforce Challenge 3.5 m

Racing season continues in the NE.

Does your racing pick up this time of year?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have my 4th half marathon of the year scheduled for this month.

With a 8 day Florida vacation in the middle and the short races above, it will be another…just get me through the finish line kind of race.

It’s an inaugural race…so no reviews but I think it will be HILLY!!

And the cut-off is 500 racers.

Do you train seriously for your big races? Do you like to run inaugural races? How have they been? Hilly, flat or downhill? What is your preference? Small or big races?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we our new kitten, Chap (short for Champion) has made himself at home in our house. He is very active and has even caught his first mouse (in our basement eek). Unfortunately, our older cat is not a fan.

Do your pets get along? Any advice to make my older cat hate the kitten less?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I always say that I am ONE and done when I run a half marathon. But I enjoyed my recent local half marathon so much, I think I will run it again in 2020. And even train for it LOL.

Do you repeat big races?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as we speak, I am in Naples, Florida on my annual tennis vacation – (with 9 other women that I used to play tennis with). We have gone here this week every year since 2005.

Yes, a tennis vacation and I no longer really play.

These women are my closest friends and we will do a lot more things than play tennis.

Do you like to go on girls vacations? Do they always involve running?

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!

April 26, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Girls Weekends

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.

If you follow me, you probably know at least once a year, I go away to run a race with the “girls.”

It just wouldn’t be as much fun with the hubby. I am sure you know what I mean.

Well, I am so excited because my next one is THIS WEEKEND!

April 27, 2019

My topic for today is: The Benefits of a Girls Weekend for Racing

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 with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

in Montreal

In Panama City, Holly had graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person.

Panama City Beach

3. Visiting New Places

I love to travel and explore new cities. I had never been to Philly or Panama City Beach or Corning, NY or Montreal (without my French students). I had stayed in Las Vegas before (but not in many years and not to run a race.)

Cooperstown, NY

4. Sharing Your Race Experience

I have raced most of my half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the ones in Philly, Panama City, Corning, Las Vegas or Montreal. We went to the expo together, carb loaded the night before, lined up at the start and met after the race to debrief.

Philly

I am sure the same will be true this weekend and I expect it to be totally awesome!!

5. Forging New Friendships

The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.

Andrea from Philly race

I only knew my housemates in Panama City Beach virtually but after that weekend, we definitely became friends. Many of us even repeated that experience in Vegas.

My current group of local running friends (Sole Sisters) will be embarking on our third girls weekend. First there was Corning, NY, then Montreal and now Brooklyn…

we do local races together as well

I can’t wait to share everything that happens next weekend in NYC!!!

(Maybe not everything – What happens in NYC stays in NYC, right?)

Happy Running! Do you go on Girls Weekends? Do you race during them?

April 19, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Why Not to Race Frequently

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.

If you follow me, you probably know that I love to race and am a big proponent of signing up for lots of races. I posted about this last Friday.

My FTC coach tells me all the time that I race too much. “Just pick a goal race and train for it,” he says.

My topic for today is: The Downside of Frequent Racing

1. Money

It costs a lot money to race all the time. Money that may be better spent on other things (like a race-cation, pair of shoes, etc. even non-running related items)

Related image

2. Scheduling

You can run any time and anywhere. But when you sign up for a race, you are locked into the day and time of that race. You may have to forget that you have family and friends.

Image result for running race memes

3. Weather Conditions

Yes, you wind up running in the rain or snow or sub-zero conditions.

Image result for meme race fees

If it weren’t for the race, you may run indoors, later in the day or on different day.

a wet 5 mile race

4. Injuries

Of course, if you are injured or feel that you may be injured, you might rest for a few days or run easy. Not if you have registered for a race. You go out there and run. And if you competitive like me, you race it.

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The consequences could be making your injury worse and being forced to DNS an important race.

I was very lucky that a 5 week calf injury did not get worse by running this half marathon

5. Training for Long Races

If you run long races, your training plan usually includes a long run each week. These runs should be at an easy pace. Running shorter races on the weekend does not allow this to happen. Yes, you can race (as I do) and add on miles before or after the race.

5k race + 7 = 10

But it probably doesn’t prepare for race day as well as if you do those LSD runs.

Happy Running! Do you race frequently? Why or why not?

April 12, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Frequent Racing

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.

If you follow me, you probably know that I love to race and am a big proponent of signing up for lots of races.

haha My Favorite Run

My topic for today is: The Benefits of Frequent Racing

1. Cool Swag.

Sometimes, it’s just a shirt but lots of times, it is a bag, water bottle, fuel samples, and other running-related goodies. If you are fortunate, it could be a hat or a jacket.

half zip, bottle of champagne and a wine glass

nice sweatshirt

2. Meet New and Old Friends

Many of my running friends, I have met at a race. It is so fun to see a familiar face at a race and chat…about running, of course. – Laurie, Melissa & Jenny, Holly & Jackie.

If you do not have anyone to run with, sign up for races. I bet you will meet someone who would be perfect to accompany you on a few of your runs.

3. Free Food

I love to eat especially to replenish the calories burned during running.

Of course, not all races have a large selection of food but if you are lucky, there may be pizza and my favorite, ice cream.

4. Replaces Speed Workouts

I am the first to admit it. I know that I should, but I don’t do speed drills, tempos, intervals, hill repeats, strides, etc. So for me, I guess my speed workout happens during a race. I’ll do those hills, run sprints because I have no choice. And I’ll try to do them well because I am a competitive person.

5. Gets You Out There During the Week

When it is cold, windy and just plain nasty and I don’t feel like running, if I have a race scheduled for the weekend, I will make myself get out there and run. I know if I don’t run during the week, then my finish time will suffer, I may get injured and/or the race will be unpleasant. It takes a long time to get in shape and such a short time to feel out of shape.

Happy Running! Do you race frequently? Why or why not?

April 5, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five & Ultimate Coffee Date – April

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 April is becoming a busy running month. A half marathon, a 5 mile race and a 15k.

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

April 13

Yikes.

I guess it’s racing season in the NE.

Does your racing pick up this time of year?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that six of us Sole Sisters (originally there were 7 but one got hurt 😦 ) are planning a girls weekend in NYC.

We already have tix to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Prospect Park, Avenue Q on Broadway and several restaurant reservations.

Oh yeah, there’s also a race in there somewhere.

April 27

Do you like to go on girls weekends away? Do they always involve running?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we have a new kitten (We got him March 2). It’s not-running related but whatever. He hid for the first two weeks we had him and then he only came out at night. Still skittish but getting better.

He came with the name Meow Meow but we changed it to Champ (because he came in a Champion shoe box). See it is running-related LOL

We had 2 cats die this year. When your pets die, do you immediately replace them?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I always say that I am ONE and done when I run a half marathon. But I enjoyed the NYC Half so much, I secretly wished that I had “raced” it and got a fast enough time for 2020.

Hopefully, I can run it again when I’m 70 (the qualifying time is much slower).

Do you repeat big races?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that at that Tennis National Qualifier that my hubby went to the same weekend I ran a half marathon in Florida, his team WON!

Normally, I would be excited because now the team gets to go to Nationals in Palm Springs, CA. I would have loved to go too (and I have a good friend who lives there.)

What weekend is the tennis tournament scheduled for?

Nov 2-4, 2019!!!!

Nov. 3, 2019

Should I insist that my hubby come to NYC instead of playing tennis?

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

March 29, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – Runfessions for March

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

Well, it’s finally spring although it often still feels like winter.

1. I runfess…

I so wanted it to be spring for the United NYC Half that I dressed like it…and I froze. 30s with wind and I wore a skirt, baseball cap and short sleeves. Everyone else was wearing tights, beanie and jacket. Obviously they are smarter than I am.

Thank goodness for heat shields.

Would you rather be cold or warm when you run?

2. I runfess…

After my previous half, I walked around a garden for several hours and then on the beach. I wound up with a strained calf muscle.

So you would think that I’d learn my lesson.

Do you relax after you run a half marathon?

3. I runfess…

Once again I signed up for the Freihofer Training Challenge group. It meets on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Not sure why… FOMO??

I often to my long runs on the weekend (in preparation for my big races) so neither of these days are convenient.

I’ll do my best to attend some of them…but seriously what was I thinking?

first Monday night

Do you belong to a running group?

4. I runfess…

I’ve always been a naysayer about massages, foam rollers and chiropractors.

That was before my recent injury.

Those ART sessions may or may not have made it possible for me to run the NYC Half pain-free.

maybe I’ll even buy tape…

I told my chiro that I may continue to come see her as maintenance before each of my big races. Hey, the visits are covered by insurance..

I even made a foam roller out of 2 tennis balls.

I used a sock instead.

Do you regularly visit a chiropractor or get sports massages?

5. I runfess…

I was worrying about all my upcoming races that I had (impulsively) signed up for when I was injured. I even skipped one of the my favorite races.

Now I’m back in racing mode.

And I signed up for this one on Sunday.

Do you get FOMO and sign up for a lot of races?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 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.