Friday Five

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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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

2022 — Mayflower Wind Cape Cod Marathon — Race Roster — Registration, Marketing, Fundraising

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? 

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

July 2023

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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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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

You probably know that following a plan is not my strong suit.

So this time, I have TWO 8 week plans:

Hal Higdon Novice

Hal Higdon for Older Runners

5. I runfess…

This hot weather has cut back on my sleep!!

I had to become a morning runner!!!

haven’t done this YET…

But I work all day and then do all sorts of things in the evening.

You get my drift.

it helps if you can recruit a friend or there’s time for brunch after…

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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FFF: Five Favorite Running Songs

I runfess, it’s been awhile since I’ve run with music.  I often listen to podcasts when I run alone and usually I do my long runs with friends.

But I do have my “old” favorites still on my phone:

1.Fight Song – Rachel Platten

2.One Step at a Time – Jordan Sparks

3.Stronger – Brittney Spears

4.Don’t Stop Believin‘  – Journey

5.Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

Yes, there’s a theme here…

Happy Running?  Do you run or work out to music?  If so, what are your favorite songs? 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 (Zenaida)!

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 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

  1. 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.

  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.

 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.

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.

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 blogs!!

Join the link party!

 

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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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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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.

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.

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…

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!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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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.

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 blogs!!

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef