June 14, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Favorite Running Routes in NYC (Manhattan)

I am working in NYC this week and will be back there several more times before the end of the summer.

I could go on and on about what I love about the city but the Fit Five Friday format is great for this so I will this week jump right to

MY FIVE FAVORITE RUNNING ROUTES IN NYC

THE HIGH LINE

The High Line closes at dusk and it is VERY crowded at certain times of day. Though I have never done this, I would think the best time to run on it is in the early morning hours. It is a very interesting place to run/walk.

2. ALONG THE EAST RIVER

It’s quite a hike for me to get there (2 miles through the streets of the city unless I take the Crosstown bus) but it is worth it. It is lit up and many runners and bikers use this path. There are also water fountains. The views are pretty all times of day.

: along the East River, NYC

: along the East R

: running along the East River

3. RIVERSIDE PARK

Another great place to run but not that populated in the evening. It runs parallel at points to the path along the Hudson River.

: Riverside Drive

4. ALONG THE HUDSON RIVER

Another route that is lit up at night and very popular with bikers. You can combine this run with the High Line as it is nearby.

: along the Hudson R

5. IN CENTRAL PARK

This is the BEST place to run. It is lit up and always filled with runners. You can choose many different paths so it accommodates any distance. I always take the subway to Columbus Circle and start there but there are a lot of other entrances to the park.

Happy Running! Anyone else run in NYC? If so, where do you like to 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!

June 7, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for June 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

You will forget abut your finish times or your running pace but the memories that you make while running or racing will last forever!!

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have no long races for 3 months!!

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

next one…

I even skipped at 10 mile race that I’ve enjoyed in the past. Of course, I had major FOMO reading everyone’s social media posts but I know I made the right decision.

racing 10 miles or this?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I panicked when out of the blue, I had a sharp pain in the thigh. It hurt to run and walk up/down stairs.

I imagined abductor or quad strain and even stress fracture.

Immediately I called my chiro for an appt. and walked a practice 5k.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that after a painful ART session on some trigger points around my IT band and quad, the pain disappeared.

It happened so quickly that I wondered if I really had the pain.

Would it have gone away on its own?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I almost cancelled my second chiro appointment.

My leg felt normal but I wanted to see what she said (She’s my original doctor, not the one I went to first.)

She agreed with the diagnosis and said I was good to go (IOW run the 5k the next day),

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I didn’t run that 5k.

In fact, it was the THIRD 5k that I’ve walked this year!

Yes, me!

One because of a sprained ankle,

another as a mentor to runner who preferred to walk

and lastly due to a case of food poisoning the night before the race.

It is definitely less stressful and lots of fun especially if you do it with friends.

7 of us walked the entire race (until we got near the finish line and then we ran)…

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.

May 31, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for May 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 had planned to seriously train for my recent half marathon but I skipped too many long runs and I felt guilty signing up for one the weekend before the race.

10 painful miles… at least I had company.

There was serious FOMO since there were TWO races that weekend that I wanted to run.

: Prospect Mountain Run

: Summer Smith 5k

2. I runfess…

It’s a work in progress but I’m still struggling with accepting my slow(er) pace for short races.

I thought some speed would return…

PW but still had fun… and won my age group

3. I runfess…

Back to #1, I am happy that I did run those short races instead of those long runs.

: Bacon Hill 10k

Races are much more fun than 11 & 12 mile runs (esp. if you win your age group.)

4. I runfess…

Now that I’m done with half marathons until September, I can relax…

: NYC

: Brooklyn

That is only until July 9 when marathon training officially starts.

Marathon Training Guide For Beginners | Nutrition Tips For Marathons

5. I runfess…

Yes, marathon training starts but there are so many short races that I want to run.

I already signed up for ~~three~~ four.

Help!! There are so many more…

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!!

May 24, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Tips for Running Your First Marathon

Today’s Topic is: Five Tips for Running Your First Marathon

1.Start with a Base

IOW, even if you are not racing, run at least 6 miles on the weekend before you start training for the marathon.

2. Follow a Training Plan

There are many free ones that you can download. Most are 16-18 weeks long.

I loosely followed a beginner Hal Higdon plan.

2. Be Flexible With Your Training.

Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a run.

I was traveling for work while training for my first. It was nearly impossible to do those mid-week long runs.

not 10!!

Add in a race or two to relieve the boredom of those long long runs.

3. Recruit friends to share some of your training runs.

Misery loves company?

Long runs are always easier if you are not alone.

4. Forget the Time Goal.

Finishing 26.2 miles is an achievement.

You can try to improve your finish time on a subsequent marathon.

5. Have fun!

This is the most important tip.

It’s going to be hard. You will struggle (especially the last 6 miles)

Enjoy the scenery and the fans and the challenge…

Don’t forget to celebrate after the race.

Happy Running! What would you add? 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!

May 17, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Great Things About Running Friends

Today’s Topic is: Five Great Things About Running Friends

Only FIVE? LOL

You know I love my running friends and here’s why:

1.Their company when running seems hard, weather is unfavorable, mojo is lacking…

Image result for running with friends

I don’t know how I would get some of my runs done without them.

2. Their Advice (or maybe I should call it counseling)

And it’s not only about running. We chat about everything, both good and bad.

3. Their Support

After bad runs, during races, etc.

4.Race-cations.

I’ve gone to places because of my running friends that I normally would not have visited.

Portland, ME

5.They’re fun!!

We’ve shared so many laughs!!!

Happy Running! What could you add? 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!

May 10, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Ways to Celebrate the Mother Runner

Today’s Topic is: Five Ways to Celebrate the “Mother” Runner

I’m a stepmom to 2 grown sons and now a grandma. So here are my ideas:

1.Gift Card for Running Shoes

2. Sunglasses

If you’re like me, I always either lose them or break them.

3. Socks

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

Image result for balega socks

4. Entry fee to a big race

Yes, these are expensive.

Image result for race entry fee

5. A new GPS Watch

I use a Garmin 230 but there are many others with more features.

Introducing the Garmin Forerunner 645 and 645 Music. (Photo: Business Wire)

***Gift certificate for a pedicure

A necessity in the summertime when we wear sandals all the time

What Is A Pedicure And What Does A Pedicure Feel Like

Happy Running! Any other ideas? 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!

May 3, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for May 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

This is in honor of Jenny (who used this in a March post).

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that May is my favorite month:

- My annual tennis vacation to Naples, Fl.
- My birthday (Jenn is my b-day twin).

May is my birthday month, so I'll be happily accepting gifts, food, drinks and money all month long.

- Tulips in bloom.
- Boating on Lake George begins.
- Lots of races (5k, 10 mi and half marathon).

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m currently in Florida, We arrived yesterday. In addition to playing tennis (for the first time since last May), I plan to run everyday.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I skipped this race last year, I did sign up again. Anyone surprised?

Tropicool 5k – 5/5/24 in Naples, FL

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that a local 5k race that was cancelled last year and re-located in previous years, has returned to its original date and location. I am tempted to sign up…

it’s dedicated to Summer (a STEM participant) who died of a drug overdose

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m really looking forward to sunshine for my Brooklyn Half Marathon that ends in Coney Island. It has poured the other two times I’ve run it. It’s my last shot. Hotels are too expensive so I don’t plan to register again for this race!!

Does that look fun?

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 26, 2024 by Darlene

Runfessions for April 2024

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

I cannot believe it’s almost May (and I’m still wearing a beanie and gloves!!)

1.I runfess…

I walked a 5k race.

Yes. Me. Not injured but I didn’t feel like exerting myself.

I had mentored a group of beginning runners.

One was recovering from COVID and wanted to walk the race. So I jumped at this opportunity.

2. I runfess…

After my last two half marathons, I’m looking forward to to shorter runs for awhile.

That is until July 1 when I start training for the NYC Marathon.

3. I runfess…

In order to enjoy my training runs for my next half marathon more, I signed up for shorter races instead of doing those long runs.

Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k, Tropicool 5k, Prospect Mountain 5.67m or Summer Smith 5k

4. I runfess…

I had thought that the Brooklyn Half Marathon would be my goal race this year…

But nope. See runfession #3.

Brooklyn Half sells out within hours...again - Canadian Running Magazine

I plan to just finish and enjoy a hot dog and a beer at Coney Island.

5. I runfess…

I bought new running shoes. That’s no surprise. Topos. Also no surprise.

Atmos – Boston -inspired… just because

They also made a Specter Chicago for Men.

What about New York City??

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 19, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Favorite Races of All Time

Today’s Topic is: Five Favorite Races of All Time

This was quite a challenge. Races that I’ve run well? Or races with friends? Or races with scenic courses? How do you choose?

Since I’ve done so many races, I’m going to divide my list into 5ks and Halfs.

Five Favorite 5Ks of All Time

1.Freihofer Run for Women (June)

It’s local, for women of all ages and abilities. This year will my 17th time running it.

2. Bacon Hill Bonanza (April)

It’s rural and small but you get farm fresh chocolate milk at the end and you can win a homemade pie.

3. Bridge the Gap (February)

My most recent 5k. A spur of the moment Florida race on Singer Island…. a beautiful course with free breakfast/mimosas afterward.

4. Run for the Roses (August)

Another small rural race (with hills) … it raises money for the local library and you get a book and a rose.

5. Barn to Bridge (September)

It’s very local and downhill… and part of a fall festival so there’s great post race refreshments and many familiar faces.

Five Favorite Half Marathons of All Time

1.ZOOMA Bermuda

It was very hilly and my foot hurt, otherwise the course was beautiful (Feb. 2020 – need I say more?)

2. Naples News

My first!! And a scenic course in SW Florida plus my hubby came. (Jan. 2011)

3. West Palm Beach and EAU Palm Beach

A winter getaway to the Florida east coast… lovely views of the ocean and great weather. (Jan 2015 & Dec. 2015)

4. Steel Rail

Still my PR and a flat course in western MA… along a bike path with lakes on either side. (May 2018 & 2022)

5. Finger Lakes

A girls race-cation … run on a flat dirt trail near a famous waterfall in Western NYS. (Sept. 2023)

Happy Running! Which races are your favorites? 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!

April 12, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Things in My Race Kit

Today’s Topic is: Five Things in Your Race Kit

What wouldn’t I race without?

In addition to a skirt, top, socks and shoes:

1.Garmin watch

I run without it. I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at its stats after.

2.SpiBelt

I don’t like to put pins in my clothes. I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer. So I attach my bib to it. I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.

SPIbelt Genuine Performance Belt Water Resistant with Purple Zip Pocket, Black, S – XL : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

3.Goodr Sunglasses

I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes.

Goodr Sunglasses - The OGs - Find Your Feet Australia

I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match any outfit. And they are so light and comfy.

4. Baseball Cap

It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)

Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).

5.iPhone

To take photos before and after and also to keep in touch with others.

Can you spot the phone in my hand?

***Compression Calf Sleeves

Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket. Once I raced without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time. I wear the sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.

Zensah are my faves but I also have a few pairs of Legendware.