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.

How to See the DC Cherry Blossoms Like a Local

maybe they will bloom early?

Besides a blogger meet-up or two, what should I see?

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.

February 28, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for February 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…

Guaranteed entries for the NYC Marathon opened on Feb. 5.

Since I ignored my guaranteed entries to the NYC Half and Brooklyn Half and all the other NYRR halfs sell out before they open, this would be my last shot at this race.

Should I feel guilty that I DID NOT want to run it?

2. I runfess…

I booked a free hotel room in NYC to watch those crazy runners who will be running the race on Nov. 2.

Is that you? Let me know so I can cheer for you.

3. I runfess…

Of course after I slogged through the Fort Lauderdale half marathon, I checked the results to see if I won an age group award (you never know, right?)

I wasn’t disappointed that I didn’t win. I was disappointed that 3rd was slower than I usually finish.

4. I runfess…

I do love my Topos and I have 3 new pairs…

As I mentioned in last month’s Runfessions, new style has arrived…

Meet the stability shoe you’ve been waiting for. Aura effortlessly combines our signature fit with pronation support and max-cushioning, so you get the best of it all.

They were purple so I HAD to buy them!

5. I runfess…

I signed up for two more half marathons (March 16 and April 12) before I ran the last one..

I’m glad because Fort Lauderdale was harder than I expected. Maybe it was the weather but I really think it was me!

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!!

February 21, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Five Reasons to Cross Train

What is cross-training?

Cross-training is defined as an exercise protocol that utilizes several modes of training that are outside the athlete’s main sport to develop a specific component of fitness.

Her are 5 Reasons that Runners should Cross Train:

Boosts cardiovascular endurance. IOW you can run longer.
Trains muscle groups not used in running. Not just your legs.
Allows recovery from running. Perfect for rest days.
Keeps you mentally engaged. Exercise the mind?
Reduces risk of injury. This is an important one.

What are the best cross-training exercises for runners?

Cycling or spinning: a low impact option that closely mimics the cardio requirements of running.
Rowing: a low impact option that works muscles of the upper body not typically used during running.
Swimming: provides a low impact alternative that allows recovery from running while helping increase aerobic capacity.
Weight training: strengthens the muscles of the body to complement endurance training and improve performance.
Yoga: excellent for recovery, as various yoga poses increase flexibility and may help prevent injury.
Pilates: an effective way to both strengthen and lengthen tight muscles while increasing core strength.
Skiing (downhill or cross-country): cross-country skiing best mimics the cardio requirements of running; downhill skiing can also be a fitting for runners.