Friday Five

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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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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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!!

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You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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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.

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…

Mastercard New York Mini 10K Women's Race

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Runfessions for November 2024

First Runfessions of Fall

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 need new running shoes and besides even if they are worn out, I have a hard time parting with them.

When I ran the half in Cape Cod, a piece of the heel wore off and was flapping as I ran.

So I contacted Topos.

They offered me a new pair or 50% off on 3 pairs.

Say “hello” to my new Cyclones, Atmos and Specters.

My running shoes for 2025 are all set!

2. I runfess…

I hate temptation emails…

Thanks to my Brooklyn Half finishing time, I will also get one of these emails for the 2025 Brooklyn half and the NYC full marathons.

But the answer is NO!!

3. I runfess…

In 2019, I had some fun times before and after the NYC marathon with Lacey and Cari.

I ran and trained for the NYC Marathon in 2023 solo.

When three of my local running friends got in for 2024, I was very excited.

For me, running is more social than physical.

But then ALL three of them had to defer and so it was just me again. 😦

4. I runfess…

I am looking forward to the next NYC marathon… TO SPECTATE.

I’ve only run the race… never watched it and cheered other runners.

me with my cheer squad

5. I runfess…

I was worried that the agony I experienced during the 26.2 miles would linger…

Nope, two days later, I felt like I had never run the race…

walked up to the top of The Vessel

Could I have pushed myself harder?? Doesn’t matter…

proud that I finished no matter what my finish time was!!!

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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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FFF: Five Reasons to be Thankful for Running

It’s almost Thanksgiving so the Topic for today is: 5+ Reasons to be Thankful for Running!

Sorry if you read Tuesday’s post. This is a repeat (with different pix)!!

1.Health and Fitness.

I always credit running as the reason that I don’t gain (much) weight and I rarely get sick. But this year (with COVID-19 cases back on the rise), it became even more important.

Running got me outdoors several times each week.

Training for 5 half marathons and one full marathon has also forced me outdoors for several hours each Saturday.

2.Friendships.

In addition to running each weekend, we brunch together after each run and we scheduled weekly evening hikes in the summer.

By seeing each other frequently, we are definitely more bonded and I feel that I know each runner better.

3.Race-cations.

I do run a lot of races but my favorite one each year is the one during our race-cation.

We pick a race, then rent a house (for 8-10 of us) for 4 days and plan fun activities.

like jumping on the beach…

4.Age Group Awards.

As you age, you do get slower. (At least I do). The great thing about running is that your success is not compared to others who are younger and faster.

As a result, sometimes, you just have to show up.

5.Coping with Tough Times.

Unfortunately I have two close friends currently experiencing serious health issues and a former co-worker who just died suddenly.

And my job has been very stressful on occasion.

Running has been there when I needed it.

+. My Virtual Friends

All of you who read my blog even if I have never gotten to meet you, I am thankful for your support.

Hopefully, our paths will cross in the future.

Happy Running! How are you  thankful for running? 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.


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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FFF: Five Thanksgiving Menu Favorites

So when you are finishing running that Turkey Trot, what do you love to eat?

Todays Topic is: Five Thanksgiving Menu Favorites

1.Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

2. Stuffing

Easy Stuffing Recipe

3. Homemade Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce 

Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce

4. Warm Homemade Apple Pie (with vanilla ice cream)

Amazing Apple Pie - Picnic Life Foodie

5.  Holiday-themed drink

Best 46 Thanksgiving Cocktails - Thanksgiving Drink Ideas

Of course, there will be turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. LOL

Happy Running! What are your Thanksgiving meal favorites? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

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.


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Ultimate Coffee Date for November 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

This weekend I will run my third NYC marathon.  So I’m got a “New York state of mind.”

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019 AND 2023, I am still a little stressed about the logistics.

In 2019, I started at 10:30 am and chose the 7:00 am bus (and still had a long wait in the cold.)

Last year I had to choose the 6:15 am mid-town bus and I did not start until after 10:55 am. Luckily it wasn’t as cold.

This year, I decided to stay in the Financial District so I could walk to the Staten Island Ferry.  I chose the 8:00 am ferry. Then you have to take a bus to the start village.  My start this year is still 10:55 am.

We’ll see if this was a smarter choice.

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that last year I was in the Orange Wave which started at the top of the bridge.

  • Pink has the least climb and it has four 90 degree turns.
  • Blue has about 30 feet / 9 meters more climb than Pink. It has two 90 degree turns.
  • Orange has about 50 feet / 15 meters more climb than Pink. It has four 90 degree turns.

Blue, Orange, Pink start

In 2019, I started in the Green wave (which is now Pink) so I was on the bottom.

Truthfully, I don’t remember much after the big cannon went off and the playing “New York, New York” with Frank Sinatra… I was so excited, I just ran over that big bridge…

So now, I’ve started both ways and I’ll tell you that I don’t remember a difference between starting at the top or the bottom of the bridge. It’s exciting either way.

So this year it’s pink. Bottom. A full circle.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in 2019, I was in a similar wave as last year and this year (due to a fast NYRR 10k time). IOW all the runners around me were much faster.

My projected finish time was 4:30 and I finished in 5:29. I was totally happy with that!

I had a similar projected finish time last year and I finished in 6:00 (while walking with a calf cramp for 16 miles). I was thrilled with that time. I thought it would be much slower.

This year? I couldn’t care less about my finish time.  I have no clue how it will go.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that last year I followed Hal Higdon Novice plan very closely. And much more closely than 2019 (when I had to travel more for work).

It didn’t seem to matter… I trained better and it went a lot worse.

So this year, I didn’t stress about my training. I minimally ran during the week and completed as many long runs as I could…

I just want to finish and hopefully I will…

and without pain would be ideal.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I couldn’t have trained for this race without the support of my running friends.

That includes my “virtual” friends too.

2023 TCS New York City Marathon App

Feel free to track me. My Bib # = 53817 (but remember I don’t start until 10:55ish)

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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Runfessions for October 2024

First Runfessions of Fall

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

1.I runfess…

This year has to be a record of the number of races, I’ve signed up for and have not raced. I either walked or ran/walked slowly…

Better than a DNS, right?

I may have lost my competitive edge.

2. I runfess…

I can’t wait for marathon training to be over so I can actually focus on racing and on shorter distances.

I hated skipping races because I had a long run on my schedule.

Next year – Run for the Roses 5k, Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k, Stockade-athon 15k

3. I runfess…

My 18 miler wasn’t as bad as I thought because I stopped several times during the “run.”

  • After mile 1.5 to meet friends
  • After mile 9.5
  • After mile 11 waiting for the 5k to start
  • After mile 14 hanging after the race.

How did my 20 miler go?  It was much harder but again, it helped to have along for some of the miles.

4. I runfess…

I’ve never just run.  I’ve always started out fast, add walks when I feel like it and walk more frequently as I go… I don’t wear my Garmin.

When I run with friends, I allow them to set intervals on their Garmin.

I finally realized that intervals do work and I’ve used the Runkeeper app on my iPhone and set intervals (90:45)

5. I runfess…

I’m still searching for the perfect shoe…

Yes, I still wear Topos but then newer models of Specters and Phantoms don’t feel as comfortable as the older ones (and I’ve gotten blisters.)

Altra Fwd Via in purple

They are pretty… but NOT COMFORTABLE!!!

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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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