September 6, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Update for September 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

Confession: I write my blog posts way ahead… sometimes that’s a good thing. Other times I should have waited.

Today I should have waited…

Read my Weekly Run Down to get the current update.

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I had planned my last half marathon as a training run…

But I was very disappointed in how untrained I felt while running. It was not the course or the weather or an injury (although my feet did hurt).

It was all me… and so I am doubting my decision to run 26.2 miles..

smiling cuz it was over that thee was free food and beer…

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I think I’ve replaced my love for ice cream with Starbucks cold brew…

I’ll admit that I don’t buy it when I work from home but some weeks it’s been 4x since I either go to the office or the training lab (pass by Starbucks).

I started with Chocolate Cream Cold Brew and then moved on to White Chocolate Macadamia and now ’tis the season for Pumpkin.

I wonder what they will offer next?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that last December I won a free race entry at the Hot Chocolate 15k in Tampa, Fl.

I am going back on a different weekend and there’s no other race nearby or on a convenient date.

“No live event near you? No problem! Get your chocolate fix from anywhere with the Hot Chocolate 5K, 10K, and 15K virtual run. Warm up your hot chocolate, pick your favorite running trail, and we’ll ship your runner’s kit including your exclusive Hot Chocolate Run swag (a JACKET, chocolate, hot chocolate mix), finisher’s medal, and virtual bib right to your door!”

So WTH, I’ll just run it virtually…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my work trip to NYC will be returning. One in Sept, two in October and one in December.

Three days have been cut out already and after January, I may no longer need to go there.

So I’m planning my running routes.

- Roosevelt Island mural display – Sept
- Hudson R. – Oct
- Central Pak – Dec.

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m still debating about short race vs long run but after last weekend’s debacle, I think I need a confidence booster.

I will probably do the races and add on more miles before, after or the next day to make it count as a long run.

Sept 28 – 10K + 6 more = 12 miler

Oct 5 – 5k + 13 more = 18 miler (this race starts at 11 am)

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.

August 23, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Bucket List Races

A Girl Can Dream, right?

Here are 5 that I’d love to run someday:

1.Beach to Beacon 10k (in ME)

TD Beach to Beacon 10k - The Maine Sports Commission

2.BolderBoulder 10k (in CO)

BOLDER Boulder 10K Race | Behind the Scenes footage

3.Detroit Free Press Half Marathon (in MI)

Fundraiser by Sam Menzin : Marathon for Matt

4. Cherry Blossom 10M (in DC)

Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run - Wikipedia

5. NYC Mini 10k (in NYC)

Mastercard New York Mini 10K® - Women's Race

Here are 5 that were on my list when I first started running?

1.Freihofer Run for Women

2. Troy Turkey Trot 10k

3. Naples Half Marathon

4.A Race in Paris

5. RnR Las Vegas Half Marathon

Happy Running! Which races are still on your bucket list? Which have you already 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 blogs!!

Join the link party:

August 9, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Training Tips for Running

Every runner is different. Every race is different. And so my version of training is probably different from yours.

And I think there are many variables to take into account when we talk about training:

1. Is this your first race at this distance?

If it is, I would recommend any of the following options:

- Follow a training plan.
- Join a running club
- Get a coach
- Read some blogs
- Join some social networking groups
- Google 🙂

For my FIRST 5k, I joined No Boundaries, a running program sponsored by a local running store.

some NoBo friends

I downloaded the training plan from the website of my FIRST half marathon and followed that.

Hey, I finished!!

And of course, for my FIRST marathon, I downloaded a plan or three, got advice from others who had run the race and joined a FB group for the race.

26.2 miles!!!

2. What is your goal for the race? Do you even have a goal?

Do you want to try for a PR, have a course PR, run negative splits or maybe win an age group award?

Or do you just want to finish?

Are you running the race just because your friends are or is it part of a vacation?

My recommendation for training with a goal in mind would be the same as if you were running that distance for the first time. Plus most likely, your plan would include a variety of drills. What kind of drills would depend on your goal and maybe even the race course and surface.

Many times, my training related to a goal is not worry about anything but enjoy the race and enjoy the runs up to the race.

It is still training in my book because I do complete my runs. I just may not wear a watch or keep track of my pace.

just a weekday fun training run

And then there may be a race where I do want to do my best and try for a course PR. In these cases, I have joined a training group.

my Freihofer Run for Women training group

3. Is it a long race or a shorter distance?

Of course distance is relative. For someone who runs ultras, 13.1 may seem short.

For me, I consider long, any race that is a 15k or longer.

Personally, I do not train for races that are shorter than a half marathon. In fact, many of my shorter distance races have been part of my weekend long run.

: post 5k

For longer races, my philosophy is to make sure you do your LONG runs. How I do that is work backwards from the race date.

Half Marathon – 8/10 miles, 12 miles, 11 miles, 10 miles, etc.

Of course, where you start your long runs varies. That will dictate how many weeks you need to train for the race.

I personally do not pay attention to my weekday runs. I do them and they are squeezed in (3-4 miles) depending on my work schedule.

I was able to complete the NYC Marathon doing it this way. But then again, my goal was only TO FINISH.

I did it!!

4. Are you injury-prone (or recovering from an injury)?

No one wants to be injured. Sometimes they are unavoidable (like a fall) but either way, they impact your training for a race.

My tip for training when injured or recovering from an injury (unfortunately I have experience in this area) is to cut back in your training.

See a doctor. Do the PT exercises and what else is necessary so you can do your race.

Don’t worry about your training. Let go of any race goals.

You can skip runs and long runs in this situation. You will not heal if you keep to your plan (as if you were healthy).

got to run the NYC half even though minimally running for 5 weeks before due to calf injury

As I have said above, there is no ONE way to train.

I bet that your training has changed as you have run different terrains, different distances and as one ages and becomes a more experienced runner.

I know mine has.

Happy Running! Do you have any other training tips? 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!!

Join the link party:

August 2, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for August 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

Ice cream seems to be my theme this summer…

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m lucky that my friends share my love of ice cream.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we have even skipped a hike in favor of a road trip for ice cream.

at High Lawn Farm

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I signed up for a race just because it offered ice cream.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m on my way to NYC for the weekend… for a race.

Yes, you guessed it… ice cream!

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m heading to the Hamptons after the race… I have to catch a train from Penn. Station.

It’s possible that I may have to leave right after the 10k and MISS THE ICE CREAM!!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Do you love ice cream? 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.

July 26, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for July 2024

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 usually so consistent with my running… esp, if I am training for a big race.

On my recent work trip to the “baked” apple (aka NYC), I ran 0 miles!!

Too hot. No mojo to run alone. Too tired to get up early.

Instead, I found non-running activities to keep busy in the evenings.

2. I runfess…

I am a big fan of racing when I’m in NYC for work…

I must have had ESP because I never signed up in advance for a 5k that I usually run.

and I was relieved!!!!!

3. I runfess…

Speaking of races… (always)

I registered for a December 10K.

It was to be a race-cation in Florida with some friends. Airline tickets were bought. Days off from work approved.

No luck finding another race this weekend… and I cannot switch my time off.

Very Disappointed!!!!!!

4. I runfess…

I was looking through my blog and I discovered that in 2023, I bought 4 pairs of running shoes and only 2 this year.

I guess I needed to buy more (especially since my bib from the Firecracker 4 race gave me 15% off at Fleet Feet.)

5. I runfess…

I signed up for a 10k in NYC (Governor’s Island)…

In case it is cancelled (as in 2018), I decided to extend my time off and visit my roommate in the Hamptons.

back in 2021

This way, it won’t be a waste of a NYC trip…

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!!

July 19, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Best Race Photos

Not as easy topic. I usually hate my race photos and often my best photos do not often happen in a good race.

eBib 9507 | The moment you see the race photographer!

Here are 5 where I was smiling…

We can also call them My Thumbs Up photos:

Smuttynose HM – Oct. 2021

Bermuda HM – Feb. 2020

20km de Paris – Oct. 2018

Treasure Coast HM– March 2017

VCM Relay – May 2015

Happy Running! Do you usually take good race photos? 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!!

Join the link party!

July 12, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Fitness Goals for the Last Half of 2024

Today’s Topic is: Five Fitness Goals for the Last Half of 2024

1.Run 600 More Miles

That will give me over 100o Miles for the year.

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

It will definitely be harder this year since I started out the year with a sprained ankle.

2022 (not 2023)

2. Continue my YMCA workouts.

I started going to the gym in March of last year (for free) and then officially joined that July.

Being honest, I don’t enjoy working out but everyone seems to think it is important.

When I’m in town, I do go THREE times a week.

I plan to keep it up.

3. Vary my runs. Do some “drills.”

I’m a creature of habit or I am almost always pressed for time.

I just run. No watch. No speedwork. No hill repeats.

This could possibly give me some speed back.

Ladder Track Workout

4. Finish two more Half Marathons

My unofficial goal is 75 before 75.

I will turn 75 in 2028.

I’ve already completed 68 and have registered for TWO more this year.

Oct 13, 2024

5. Complete the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.

Third time is a charm?

No.

But 4 of my local friends are running it and

I need redemption, they say.

Hopefully I can end my marathon racing on a good note.

YES, THIS IS MY LAST NYC MARATHON!!

Happy Running! What are your fitness goals for the rest of the year?

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!!

Join the link party!

July 5, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for July 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

This mug is in honor of my 9 local “running” friends (We call ourselves “Sole Sisters.)

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have a tennis friend that talked a brunch of us into going to a Salt Den. I had an open mind esp. when they said that it benefits:

- RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS-
  Asthma
  Allergies
  Bronchitis
  Cystic Fibrosis
  COPD
  Long Covid
  Sinus Infections
  Snoring
  Ear Infections
- SKIN DISORDERS-
  Acne
  Eczema
  Psoriasis
- MENTAL / MINDFULNESS–
  Anxiety
  Stress Relief
  PTSD
  Jet Lag

As you can see from the photo above, we sat in lounge chairs in a dimly lit cold room surrounded by Himalayan salt crystals. No water or cell phones (obviously I had mine) are permitted. They provide blankets. You relax there (without shoes) for about an hour.

Honestly, I felt nothing during and after but I’m glad I tried it. One and done.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when my cat died in March, my hubby tried to convince me that my kitten Diamond was lonely. I finally gave in and got another cat.

I really don’t think she was lonely and in the beginning, she really hated this new cat and made his life miserable.

I think she’s coming around but he prefers to avoid her (which makes her content.)

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that due to my work schedule, hiking has taken a back seat.

I plan to take a few Mondays off this summer and fall to get back out there and explore some trails with friends.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I question my sanity for training for another marathon.

FFF: NYC Marathon 2024: Yes or No? | My First 5K and More...

I do enjoy just running 6 miles on the weekend and running short races.

5k 🙂

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I also can’t decide if I want to claim my deferral for the February half marathon.

I hate to waste $$. The race cost a lot and the deferral cost $40.

A 5k seems so much more enjoyable.

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.

June 28, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for June 2024

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 complain about my lack of speed… A LOT!

I used to think that a finish time for a 5k was good for me if it were 27:xx.

When that stopped happening, I resigned myself to at least a sub 30 min. finish.

Guess what? That may never happen again.

And I realized that it doesn’t bother me (much) anymore.

Racing is just fun!!

And so I plan to continuer even if I have to walk a race.

2. I runfess…

I decided to skip a race that I have enjoyed in the past due to working on Sunday and having to change our boating day to Saturday (race day).

Of course, then there was a post on FB:

I also wanted to give a shout-out to those who have run all 4 editions of the race…Among the women are Meghan Bethel, Darlene Cardillo, Laura Clark, Jane Labombard, Jamie Lemiszki, and Jill Pederson.

Definitely FOMO on my part especially since due the weather forecast, WE DIDN’T GO UP TO THE LAKE!!

3. I runfess…

Speaking of races… (always)

I already registered for a December 10K.

Is that risky after running a full marathon and so far in advance?

It will be a race-cation in Tampa, Florida. No matter what it will be fun!!

4. I runfess…

I’m enjoying my relaxed long run schedule.

But soon it will be ending!!

Marathon Training Guide For Beginners | Nutrition Tips For Marathons