May 23, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Essentials to Your Fitness Routine (and 1 You Skip)

5Essentials Survey Home

This week’s topic is: What are 5 Things That Are Essential to Your Fitness Routine (and 1 you skip):

Here are my Must Haves:

1. A Goal

IOW, my “WHY.”

It could be very simple such as fresh air, clear my head, de-stress, prepare for a race, build arm strength, socialize…

2. Food

I always eat breakfast before I work out or run.

oatmeal & coffee!!

And I always reward myself after.

3. Variety

I rarely run the same route two days in a row.

I’m limited at the gym to the machines I use but I do them in a different order.

4. Enjoyment

If it’s not fun, why do it?

Realistically, some parts of my routine are not fun but I just focus on what was good about it… and enjoy that.

finishing?

5. Matching Outfit

It may sound silly but I can’t just throw on whatever and go to the gym or for a run.

I plan my outfits and they must match!

What do I skip?

Warm ups and cool downs.

Yup, I get out of my car and go. I finish and get back in my car.

Warm up & Cool down

Hydration!

I rarely drink water…. (unless it is very HOT/humid) or in a race).

Hydration Needs for Runners — Eleat Sports Nutrition

Happy Running! What are some essentials to your fitness routine and what do you skip? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

May 2, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for May 2025

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I left for my annual tennis vacation In Naples, Fla. yesterday.

You may remember that I’ve gone on this trip every May (except 2020) since 2005.

I used to play tennis a lot before I became a runner but I still love spending time with these lifelong friends.

And I do plan to pick up a racket during this trip.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it will be bittersweet since one of the group died of cancer this past fall.

She’s in yellow in the photo above…

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that of course, there will be a race involved. They had to choose a new location this year. So I guess I can call it a new race.

last year’s Tropicool 5k award

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will also, while the group is taking tennis lessons, get out early each day to run a few miles.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this year’s book discussion group is The Most. Have you read it?

The Most,' by Jessica Anthony is a dark take on middle-class malaise - The Washington Post

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

April 25, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for April 2025

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

1.I runfess…

I am pretty dedicated to my running schedule but when sickness and weather derailed my plans two Saturdays in a row, even my friend noticed and posted this in FB:

I think Darlene S. Cardillo has been hacked. Don’t think I’ve ever heard her say something like this

2. I runfess…

I hate to take running breaks because it is so hard to get back on track.

3. I runfess…

I really enjoy mentoring new runners but this also affects my own running.

I plan to try to run some miles before the group meets each Wednesday at 6 pm.

4. I runfess…

Even when I complain about my slow finish times, I still enjoy the challenge of completing a half marathon.

73 completed (including a few Pandemic virtuals).

Do I go for 100? LOL.

5. I runfess…

Speaking of slow finish times, my first tw0 half marathons this year were run with paces that were may be slower than my marathon.

For the 3rd half, I wanted to finish under 2:27 and if I didn’t, I might consider running another in May. I have run this race twice already but it is on its third different course.

now an out and back on the bike path in MA.

Phew. No pressure now!!

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

April 18, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Why I’m Not Running the NYC Marathon

Are you dreaming of running... - TCS New York City Marathon | Facebook

or 2026 NYC Marathon?

Enter the lottery. (Over 200,000 applied this year and only 2% got accepted.)
Run 9 NYRR races and volunteer at 1.
Raise money for a charity. (There about 500 official charities.)
Run an age qualifying time at a NYRR half or full marathon.
Enter the lottery for a non-NYRR age qualifying marathon.
Enter the lottery for the Virtual Marathon.
Purchase it through an official travel agency.

I’ve qualified every year since 2019 with a NYRR half marathon time.

And I’ve been lucky enough to complete the race in 2019, 2023 & 2024.

: 2019

: 2023

: 2024

I had a guaranteed entry again for this year, as well.

And since I didn’t run any NYRR half marathons this year (I didn’t accept my guaranteed entries for Brooklyn & NYC), I won’t have the opportunity to run the NYCM next year and not likely in the future.

IOW, it wasn’t an easy decision but I’m sure I made the right one.

Here are 5 Reasons why I didn’t accept my Guaranteed Entry to the NYCM:

1.I’ve done it THREE times already.

I’d like to travel more and/or run some different races.

2.The training is so time-consuming.

And I still work full-time. It’s stressful trying to fit in those weekend long long runs.

3.I want to preserve my “body” and be able to run many more years.

I mean I AM over 70. Nothing hurts and I want to keep that way.

4. It’s expensive – hotel rooms, meals, transportation, etc.

As mentioned above, with that $$, I could travel. And I don’t have those free hotel rooms anymore.

5. I’m looking forward to being a spectator (for the first time) and supporting my 3 friends who are running it.

They’ve cheered me on and now it’s my turn to return the favor. It should be fun.

That being said, I think everyone should run this race at least once. It is an amazing experience.

I hope you all get the chance.

2026 TCS New York City Marathon | My Next Marathon

Happy Running! Have you already run this race? Do you want to run the NYC Marathon? Have you ever entered the lottery? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

April 11, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Five Things I Look for in My Favorite Running Shoe

TOPOS and Only Topos

My feet matter and I can’t run/race if they hurt…so

Here are 5 Things That are Important to Me in a Running Shoe:

1.Wide Toe Box.

I have bunions!!!

A shoe with a wide toe box has been a game changer.

2. Low Heel Drop.

Less pressure on my toes and more on my heels has seemed to relieve pain from my neuroma.

Image result for Neuroma

3. Pretty Color.

Ok, I do like my clothes to match my shoes!!

4. Comfortable Cushioning.

For long runs and long races, this is key for me.

new “Auras”

5. Affordability.

I have too many shoes so I can’t afford to pay $200 for a pair and so I do look for sales, buy older models and even used ones …

from Poshmark

Happy Running! What do you look for in your favorite running shoe? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

April 4, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for April 2025

It’s that time of the month…

in different places (like DC & NYC)

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that with all that’s going on in the world, DC was not my preferred place to visit (I had signed up for this race before the election.)

But it worked out well and I really enjoyed my visit in the nation’s capital.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I even had a blogger meet-up or two in DC.

I had already met Deborah in NYC & Portland, ME but I had NEVER met Coco.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that with every race I run, my finish time expectations get lower. It’s all mental. I’m a work in progress.

I don’t expect any PR (2:06) finish times but I’d love to get back to sub 2:27.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m back in NYC for work today.

For my last time?

Cari says I’m the like the girl who cried wolf.

Just in case, I spent yesterday enjoying the city.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that whether or not I get to travel for work to NYC, you will still see me here.

I have several fun/race trips planned: June 6-7, July 13-14, Sept 12-13, Nov. 2-3 to name a few.

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

March 28, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for March 2025

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

1.I runfess…

Since one of my goals this year was to run NEW races, I was looking forward to this race:

My college roommate lives nearby so I encouraged her to sign up as a volunteer.

I even got Thursday-Monday off from work.

Of course, a breast cancer charity is important for me as well.

Guess what?

I went online to sign up for the race and discovered that it’s only virtual this year. I was very disappointed.

I contacted them and now I think they may have the race. They responded that details will be posted in early summer. ???

2. I runfess…

I had so much fun running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and getting a PW.

Yup, I stayed with a friend and when I got ahead of her, I stopped and waited for her.

And I took photos. I’ve never done that during a race before.

3. I runfess…

I may opt to do all my races like this. At least ones that I travel to with a friend.

4. I runfess…

That being said, my next half marathon is local and downhill.

So I am hoping (or dreaming) to finish it with some semblance of speed.

5. I runfess…

I am already looking for a new fun half marathon for next March or early April. Anyone have a suggestion?

Asheville Marathon & Half - Asheville, North Carolina, Mar 17 2018

maybe?

or maybe?

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

March 21, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Five Post-Race Recovery Tips

Where Running Meets Humor

With a half marathon on my schedule each month, this topic is perfect for me.

Here are 5 Ways that I recommend for Recovering After a Race:

Rehydrate.

I prefer just plain water. But other drinks with electrolytes would work as well.

Refuel.

Chocolate milk is the best…then a carb like a bagel or a pastry.

Compression.

If you don’t run in compression calf sleeves, put them on after. (I almost always wear them to run.)

Ice.

I don’t do ice baths but if cold water is nearby…

aaaahhh

Stretch.

I’m not good about this…. but I like to walk around after so my legs don’t stiffen up.

When you get home, use a foam roller or massage gun or even better, get a massage.

Rest.

Don’t run for several days.

Then ease back into it slowly.

Happy Running! How do you recover after a race? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

March 14, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Five Things that Bring Me Luck on the Run

I’m not superstitious but sometimes you just need a little luck!

Here are 5 Things That Bring Me Luck:

1.An outfit that is festive or matches:

no calf pain when wearing this in 2019 so I guess it was lucky

2. Good Weather.

not cold, not warm, no wind

3. Friends.

either before, during or after… I am lucky to have supportive friends

4. Happy Feet (AKA Right Shoes).

Topos!!

5. A Scenic Course.

love a water view

Happy Running! What brings you luck on the run? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

March 7, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for March 2025

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that though I’m NOT running the NYC Half Marathon, I have a teensy bit of FOMO.

For the first time ever, you get to run over the Brooklyn Bridge during this race.

my favorite bridge in NYC

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I DID NOT accept my guaranteed entry for the NYC Marathon.

It was tempting since 3 or 4 close running friends are running it.

But I am confident (after my last tough half marathon) that I made the right decision.

3 NYCM and done!!

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that one of my goals is to run new races.

Another new local 5k is happening on June 21.

Event Preview

cider donuts? I’m there!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m not excited about completing 13.1 again but I am looking forward to sharing the experience with some local runners. There will be 5 of us making the trek to DC.

Sue (on the left) will be my roommate

Like the mug says!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I haven’t been to DC since my 6th grade field trip. I arrive early Friday, March 14, the race is Saturday, March 15 and I leave late Sunday, March 16.