February 7, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for February 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 it’s that time of the year and I am so ready. Those ocean sunrises are calling my name.

Delray Beach, FL

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will be running half marathon#71 and my first of 2025.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m excited that both Jenny and I are healthy enough to do it this year.

last Feb’s meet-up on the trails

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did run it in 2021 and it was a PW (due to the heat and humidity).

I looked happy here but I was NOT..

Four years later, my attitude (and speed) have changed. I may run it slower but I will be happy just to finish!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that NYRR Races sell out in a millisecond. Of course, the registration for the Mini 10k opened at noon on Jan 30 and I was teaching live…

But about 2 hours later (while I gave the class a practice)…

Well, that was stressful…

For $120, you could have purchased Member Plus and register for races 2 days before they open… Crazy!!!!! As a result, many sold out before they even went on sale.

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.

January 31, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for January 2025

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

The first one of 2025…

1.I runfess…

I hate this cold weather. Not sure why it bothers me more this year or maybe it has just been cold AF.

2. I runfess…

Another NYRR race entry has been ignored.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon deadline has passed and I didn’t accept my entry.

As I mentioned previously, I want to run new races. Plus the big NYC races are sooo expensive.

3 and done!

3. I runfess…

Speaking of NYC, my work time there is done for awhile. Only March 20-1 is on my schedule with no other scheduled dates. (Update: April 3-4 just got added.)

Yes, it was hard to train for races with so much time away from home, but I love running in NYC,

Broadway shows and meet-ups with Cari.

4. I runfess…

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

A new style has arrived… do I try them???

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.

5. I runfess…

The training runs are getting harder and my pace is getting slower but I don’t plan to quit running those half marathons…

Thanks to Jenny, I registered for the Fort Lauderdale one on Feb. 16.

our first run together in 2022

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!!

January 24, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Favorite Running-Related Books

Set your summer reading goals : Life Kit : NPR

I do love to read. I admit that I do not often read running-related books.

But sometimes I do and here are FIVE of my all time favorites:

If you need help in choosing a running-related book, check out these Runner’s World recommendations:

So many books, so little time…

Happy Running! Have you read of any of the above? What is your favorite running-related book? 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.

January 17, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: New Races for 2025

One of my goals for 2025 is to run new races!!

So here are a few that I hope to race:

1.Electric City 10k.

Electric City 10K

Several years ago I ran it when it was only a 5 miler (in a blizzard.)

2. Rock Roll DC Half Marathon.

I’m rooming with my friend Sue but there are 3 other local runners doing it. I also hope to meetup with a local friend who moved to DC and with those DC bloggers!!.

3.Mastercard NY Mini 10k. (if I get in)

This is the last of the NYC races on my bucket list. 10k women runners from all over the world…

4.Ellen’s Run.

I stumbled upon this 5k race when I was visiting my college roommate on LI last August. It raises money for breast cancer.

5. Squirrel Stampede 10k.

Another NYCRUNS race on Governor’s Island but it should be cooler than my last attempt, the Ice Cream Social 10k.

6. Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon.

Every October, my local running friends and I pick a race and rent a house in the area for 4 days. This is is our race pick for 2025.

7. Say No to Drugs 10k (if it is scheduled next December in FL.)

A chance to run along the water in Clearwater…

Happy Running! Running any NEW races in 2025? 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.

January 10, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Running Goals for 2025

Here are my goals for the coming year:

1. Stay Healthy.

This is the most important one as it affects your whole life not just running.

Injuries happen but hopefully there will be none in 2025.

2. Work Out.

I hate to admit it but I did miss my gym visits. I’m not one to work out at home so I re-joined… and now I need to GO!

3.Walk more often.

I seem prioritize running and on off days, do nothing.

I need to also squeeze in some walks before work or at lunch.

4.Run New Races.

There’s a comfort level with running those races that you have done before.

And a risk to picking a bad one… but you don’t know until you try…

5. Stay Positive.

The paces are slowing down… The miles are getting harder…

If I CAN run, it’s all good.

Happy Running! Did you set some goals for 2025? 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.

December 27, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for December 2024

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

The last one of 2024…

1.I runfess…

My last vacation for the first time was not a race-cation.

It was supposed to be as we signed up for a 10k

But the they changed the date.

Tentatively we thought that we would run this race but it was not worth the money on such a small race

Instead I ran a 10k with a new friend.

2. I runfess…

I turned down the opportunity to run the NYC Half Marathon in 2025.

Then my local running friends signed up for the lottery.

I had FOMO for a millisecond but instead signed up for a DC race the same weekend:

3. I runfess…

I got overwhelmed with work and parties this year.

I skipped several weekday runs which is totally unlike me.

I hope to get back on track next year.

4. I runfess…

My annual miles is the lowest ever…(even with marathon training?)

I’m healthy so that’s all that matters.

5. I runfess…

Having been burned two years in a row with injuries, I’m waiting until the last minute to sign up for the Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon in February.

different course back in 2021 (and it was HOT!!)

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!!

December 24, 2024 by Darlene

TT: 2024 Goals

In 2023, I had 13 goals…

I got smarter and only focused on 5 things in 2024.

So here’s how things played out:

Run 1000 Miles for the Year.

Nope.

It’s not the number that is important but it means that I’ve run consistently and haven’t been injured or sick.

2022

I got off to a slow start and had a hiccup in September but I really didn’t have the mojo for running ALL.THE.MILES.

I guesstimate that it will be around 860 this year.

And I’m very happy with my total (even though it was my lowest total since 2010).

Continue gym workouts (or find another outlet).

Yes! (for 10 months of this year…)

For the most part, I went to the gym before work on days when I was WFH and not running until November when I paused my Y membership…

Vary my runs. Do some “drills.”

Not really.

A few fartleks mixed into my runs but basically just slow running/walking.

Complete the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.

Yes!

It was touch and go after my boating accident and I seriously considered skipping it.

I did it!!

Continue on toward my half marathon goal (75 before 75).

Yes!

I added 5 more and I’m only going to be 72 in May 2025.

66. United NYC Half Marathon
67. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
68. RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
69. Run 4 the River Half Marathon
70. Cape Cod Half Marathon

No elaborate goals such as 100…

I hope to eventually slow down and only run one in the spring and one in the fall so I’ll have more time (and energy) to run shorter races.

3 out of 5 ain’t bad, right?

Happy Running! Did you have goals for 2024? If so, how did you do? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

December 20, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Fitness-Related Items I’d Like for Christmas/Hanukkah

My Christmas Wish List: Fun Christmas notebook for kids, teens, and parents. Thanksgiving gift idea. Children can write what they would like for to ...

The Topic this week is: 5 Fitness-Related Items I’d Like for Christmas/Hanukkah

1.A Gift card for a Running Store

So many things I could buy there…

2.Sunglasses

I always either lose them or break them.

Goodr Sunglasses - The OGs - Find Your Feet Australia

Goodrs are my favorites

3.Socks

Yes, I often lose one and only my good ones.

Image result for balega socks

4.Weights

Since I paused my gym memberships, these could come in handy.

Fitness Gear Coated Dumbbell - Single product

5.Entry Fee for Race

Happy Running! Are any of these on your list? What else would you like? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

December 6, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for Dec. 2024

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’m in Florida right now. My running friend Heidi and I are visiting our friends Kevin & Deirdre who winter in Florida (as we did last December.)

The temps have plummeted in the NE so I’m looking forward to some warmth and sunshine.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that our Lake George boating friends used to be obsessed with pirates and so I followed suit.

: and a “Pirate Girl” flag for our boat

: Good-bye “Pirates”

: Here we are – Aaaargh!

: our “pirate” friends

I’ve even dressed up as a Pirate for Halloween. (sorry no pics).

not me but similar to what I wore

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may run the Pirate 5k or 10k… it’s still tentative It’s a very small race. (It will depend if the others want to..)

If not, I’m looking to just running in warmer temps.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that, as I mentioned in my last Runfessions, I’m DONE with those BIG expensive NYC long races.

Instead, I’d like to run some different half marathons and some shorter NYC races…

if I can miraculously get in

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that speaking of NYC half marathons, I bumped in a runner at a restaurant and she mentioned that if she didn’t into into the NYC Half this year, she was planning to run this race (as it’s the same weekend.)

March 15, 2025

She didn’t get in and guess who’s also running this race?? More details to come.

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.r