January 11, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.5.25-1.12.25: Home Sweet Home

I’m home all week!!

Well, until today.

Last Week –

Sunday – I re-joined the gym!!

I got a lot of errands done and then met a friend for lunch…

no snow where I live and obviously some just north…

Monday – DAY OFF!!

Another day to get stuff accomplished including de-holidaying the house..

It was freezing and I waited until it warmed up to go for a run…

brr.. I never warmed up on this one…

I also fit in a visit with my granddaughter… (sorry no pics.)

Tuesday – I started my day at the gym…

WFH but I went into the office in the afternoon and after work, I met a former co-worker for many laps (walking) around the track at the gym and then I met my BFF for a walk (around the mall).

No running miles today but many walking miles (indoors)!

Wednesday – WFH again and it was freezing and windy.. so windy that the temps were in negative single digits with the wind chill.

I waited until after work and headed to the rail trail to gut it out…

good news- it was still light out!! bad news – my face almost froze off…

Thursday – I went back to the gym first thing and then crossed my fingers that it would be less windy than the day before.

Nope. Worse!

I waited until after work and again went to the rail but to a different section of it,

soooooo cold!!!!!!!!! I hate winter!!

Friday – Again I started the day at the gym and then stayed indoors working all day.

Since it was a rest day, of course, it was warmer (in the 20s) and the wind had calmed down…

But I was hosting mah jongg tonight so that meant cleaning and preparing…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 9 miles on the plan… It had to be better than my frigid weekday runs although snow had been predicted…

Yup, it snowed and no one wanted to venture outside. But I convinced Deb to join me for 5 miles. And it turned out to be the best running weather of the week.

no wind and the snow was light and fluffy and easy to run on…

Sunday – I had planned to run/walk the HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 3.5m

and then take the train to NYC. Since I’d be there until Thursday night, there would be no reason to rush and take an early train.

But in hindsight with slippery conditions, not a lot of time to spare (plus I had run 9 miles the day before), I decided that instead of the race I will go to the gym before I head to the train station…

After I check into my hotel, I hope to take a long walk and in the evening check out the light displays in the Meatpacking District.

Snowpeople & Holliday Lights Make a Festive Return to The Meatpacking District - GothamToGo

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run? dinner with friends?
Tuesday – run? Broadway show
Wednesday – run? dinner with college friend
Thursday – train home (our 26th anniversary)
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 10 miles!
Sunday – gym

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Setting Realistic Fitness Goals
Friday – New Races in 2025

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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.

January 7, 2025 by Darlene

The Best of 2024

I do this post every year and I almost forgot this year.

Best Picture from a Race: HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HM

Best Weather during a Race: TCS NYC MARATHON

Best Race Swag: HOT CHOCOLATE 15K (VIRTUAL)

love this jacket

Best Age Group Award: CAPE COD HM

Best Race Refreshments: RUN 4 THE RIVER HM (beer, pizza, mac n cheese) and BARN 2 BRIDGE FALL FEST 5K (ice cream, chocolate milk, cheeseburger & fries)

Best Scenic Race Course: BRIDGE THE GAP 5K and CAPE COD HM (I’m a sucker for water views)

Best Race Finish: FREIHOFER RUN FOR WOMEN

who doesn’t love a downhill finish (even if you are walking)

Best Race Finish Time: SILKS & SATINS 5K

not even close to a PR but under 10 min pace

Best Organized Race: HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HM (and ALL A.R.E.-sponsored races)

Best Volunteer Stint: RUN FOR WOMEN 5K

Best Race Medal: BRIDGE THE GAP 5K (prettiest) and TCS NYC MARATHON (well earned)

Best New (to me) Race: KEEP MOO’VING 5K

ice cream!!

Best Race Outfit: FIRECRACKER 4

Best Race Location: CAPE COD and NYC

I enjoyed all of my 20 races in 2024. Each one was special in a different way.

Happy Running! What are some of your race highlights of 2024? Please share.

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

and on Wednesday:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

January 4, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.29.24-1.5.25: A New Year and Getting Back on Track

Time to stop slacking off and get back out there and RUN!

Next race is in 6 weeks!!

Last Week –

Sunday – I had skipped my long run the day before due to ICE.

Today I woke up to fog followed by rain… but warmer temps.

I waited and waited but finally got out there…

foggy and drizzly but warmer than it has been in awhile…

and followed it with a early dinner out with my hubby, stepson, DIL and granddaughter.

Monday – WFH day and another dinner out planned.

Yup, I wanted to squeeze in a run… (with all the food and drink I’ve been consuming.)

I woke up to 55 degrees but then it started to rain… The temps dropped but eventually the rain ended.

thumbs up to no gloves, jacket or beanie… but it was breezy

Tuesday – It was another WFH day and a rest day.

To celebrate NYE, the hubby and I went out to dinner with my SIL.

So 2024 is over and well, I tried:

Dec 15-31, 2024

Wednesday – DAY OFF! – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I started off the year with a race: HMRRC Winter Series #2 Race.

This is always a fun one…It’s free, starts at noon and there are two distances to choose from (3.5 and 13.1).

I chose the shorter distance… and prayed that it wouldn’t rain as predicted…

And it didn’t and it was in the 40’s. So much fun (even though I took a wrong turn and ran 4.1 miles instead of 3.5. LOL)

so many familiar faces… love these races!!

Thursday – Back to NYC for work.

I took an early train, checked into my hotel and took the subway uptown to 5th Avenue to catch some holiday decorations that I missed on my last visit and headed to Central Park to get in some miles.

I walked back to my hotel, changed and then took the subway to hang at Pier 17…

Moon Garden and a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge

Friday – Work was in Jamaica Queens and it was only for the day so after work, I had to rush back to Manhattan to get my train home.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 8 miles was my plan.

It snowed overnight but luckily just a dusting and the rail trail was not slippery.

I ran/walked with Deb for 4 miles and then headed in the opposite direction for 4 more miles (where I bumped into Sherry for a few along the way).

Afterward, we joined the others for brunch.

Sunday – GYM (I think I will rejoin!!)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – run
Tuesday – walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday- mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 9 miles
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #3 Race, train to NYC (for work)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Best of 2024
Friday – 5 Goals for 2025

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How did you celebrate NYE? Did you stay up until midnight? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 3, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for January 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 my main running goal for 2025 is to stay healthy and have NO injuries or illnesses!!

I haven’t experienced a lot of injuries considering that I started running in 2008… and I was alm0st 55 at the time. (I also think all my injuries were not even related to running. LOL)

Knock on wood. and I never get sick…

Hopefully this will be the year for consistent running and racing!!!

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the STEM mentoring program went so well that we may offer it in the spring to train a few to run a half marathon…

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that many of my running friends have turned to walking or using run/walk intervals.

I find myself running alone on the weekends more than I’d like…

So I’ve been signing up for races to keep up my mojo and my pace…

March 8, 2025

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did register for a race in a bucket list location…

half marathon in DC on March 15, 2025

I’ll be spending the weekend in DC with 4 other runners…

Not my local running friends but 3 other women (Gail, Val & Ginny) whom I know casually and one (Sue) whom I’ve travelled to NYC with several times to race.

Shape Half 2017

Paris 8K 2017

Brooklyn Half 2018

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did click that register button for the race in Florida that I have DNSed two years in a row.

Jenny says that she and her hubby will do it too!!

Since I deferred last year, it cost me $0 this year and even if I don’t run it, I lose nothing!!

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.

December 31, 2024 by Darlene

TT: 2024 -Year End Review

Microsoft Dynamics GP Year-End Update

MY TOPIC TODAY is 2024 Year End Review.

Things did not go perfectly and so there’s definitely room for improvement in 2025.

Of course, many good things happened… and some not so good things.

Running-Related:

861 Miles (lowest total since 2013)

My annual goal is always 1000…

I started the year with a sprained ankle but even if I had stayed healthy and trained hard for that full marathon, I highly doubt that I would have reached my goal.

Then on Labor Day, I got injured on our boat. As a result, I could not run for a while.

It’s all ok. I ran as many miles as I was able.

As always, my favorite miles were those with friends…

20 Races (1 Marathon, 5 Half Marathons, 2 -10ks, 1 -4m, 1 -3.3m, 7 -5ks)

Again, lower number than normal… Quality not quantity, right?

I’m pretty sure they were all PWs or COURSE PWs… (but I’m trying to be positive here…)

One of my favorites was when I skipped a half marathon and I ran a new 5k in Florida instead (and met Jeannie Rice).

Of course, I could not leave out the fact that I completed the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time!!

8 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

Bridge the Gap 5k
Hero 5k for Autism
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k
Cape Cod Half Marathon
Upstate Classic 5k
HMRRC Anniversary Run (3.3 m)

High Lawn Farm Keep MOO’ving 5K

10 Age Group Awards

None were speedy but it depends on who shows up…

Bridge the Gap 5k – 1st
Helderberg to Hudson H alf Marathon – 3rd
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k – 1st
Tropicool 5k – 1st
Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k – 2nd
Silks & Satins 5k – 2nd
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k – 1st
Cape Cod Half Marathon – 1st and $75
Run 4 the River Half Marathon – 2nd
Upstate Classic 5K – 2nd

Tropicool 5k

Walked 4 Races

However, one was a free local race, one was free since I was a mentor, one was the day after a 9 mile training run and so I only walked ONE serious race.

Run for Women 5k (7 of us walked)

only for ice cream

DNSed 7 Races

Four were free local races. The 10k in Florida changed its date after I registered. Only two big DNS.

due to injury (for the 2nd year in a row)

weather-related..

Mentored 3 Running Groups

STEM (victims of Domestic Violence) in the spring

and the Fall

Race for Women Training Challenge group in the spring

It’s always rewarding to help other runners reach their goals.

Fitness-Related:

0 Bike Rides

Correction, maybe a few on the stationary bike early in the year when I couldn’t run.

68 Gym Visits

When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 3 times each week…

until I decided to take break in November .

Hiking Mondays

Working full-time so no longer always an option to have the day off. But it’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places.

7 Trail Thursdays

The ARE Summer trail series is over…

Again when I was in town, I walked them with friends

Many Walking Tuesdays

Whenever I’m in town and have friends available, there were walks on the local rail trail…

Non-Running Related:

Many visits to NYC

Mostly due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.

Three Florida Vacations

In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach)

And in May, I traveled with tennis friends to the West coast (Naples)

In December, I visited a running friend who winters in Florida.

Summer Sundays on Lake George

The weather cooperated for the most part… Sad that it’s over!!

Two New Kitties

Diamond and Domino

Many Starbuck visits

as a reward when I can’t WFH and so I drive past a Starbuck…

I discovered Cold Brew!! But I think my top food is the chocolate croissant or snowman cookie.

My Granddaughter got older and cuter!

And yes, for the most part, I think that I was successful in finding JOY in 2024.

My word for 2021 - Joy — Katie the Creative Lady | Create, Capture, Celebrate

my word for 2024

Happy Running! How was your 2024? 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 28, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down: 12.22.24-12.29:24: Holiday Celebrations

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Chanukah or both (like I do).. this was the big week.

Last Week –

Sunday – I hadn’t run in a week!!

So what would you do? -10!!!!!

I waited until 10:00 am and prayed that I wouldn’t freeze to death.

Deb & I ventured out in the cold and wind at UAlbany… and survived (barely).

I called it quits after one 3 mile loop…

After I thawed out, I went to see the Wicked movie with my BFF to celebrate her birthday. Afterward we had a nice dinner out.

We enjoyed the movie… looking forward to part 2…

Monday – DAY OFF. Again a single digit day. So I waited until afternoon for it to warm up…and went for a run.

still freezing out 😦

Tuesday – WFH but had to go into the office to get a few things done. It had snowed so I called it a rest day and did errands rather than headed out for a run.

Yes, I still mail holiday cards… Below is my 2024 card:

Wednesday – DAY OFF! I started the day off with a Christmas run

warmer than my previous runs but the lack of sun made it feel chilly…

and then in the afternoon we went to my MIL’s for a family dinner.

And I lit the first candle to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

Thursday – Another WFH day so I was able to get out for a Chanukah run…

another dreary COLD day…

and some errands after work.

Friday – A WFH morning and I was able to get out for a walk before I headed to the office in the afternoon.

I had a hair appt after work and then it was mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Training began for the February HM. 7 miles!

I had decided on the neighborhoods of The Crossings as an alternative to the paths of UAlbany.

Nope!!! Freezing rain during the night…Too icy!!!

Instead I convinced Deb to go with me for an icy walk in town (with a stop for coffee.) We stayed upright and met a NYC runner in the coffee shop. (sorry no pic.)

And in the afternoon, I continued my holiday celebration out with a friend at a farm…

Sunday – Hopefully a re-scheduled 7 mile long run… (though rain is predicted 😦 )

and then an early dinner out with my stepson, DIL and GD (since they were away for Christmas.)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, dinner out
Tuesday – walk. NYE dinner out
Wednesday – DAY OFF – HMRRC Winter Series #2 race
Thursday – train to NYC (for work), run
Friday- train home
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 8 miles
Sunday – ??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2024 in Review
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Attending any holiday parties? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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 21, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.15.24-12.22.24: NYC and No Time to Run…

Back to NYC for work and the beginning of a Holiday Challenge.

We’ll see how this goes. I’m not good with streaks or challenges.

I’m not injured… I’m feeling just fine but can’t seem fit running into my life…

Last Week –

Sunday – I took an early morning train to NYC since I had to work there for the next two days. (Unfortunately I had to DNS a race this morning but at least it was a free one).

Hopefully, I run the next 3…

After I checked into my hotel, I headed out for a long run (I actually wore my running clothes on the train).

I ran around Hudson Yards then along the Hudson River, took a break at Pier 57 and then ran back to the hotel…

Then I changed my clothes and took the subway to Brooklyn. I had signed up for a walking tour of Dyker Heights.

over 100 houses decorated and the photos don’t do them justice…

It was just as amazing as when I viewed these decorated houses 2 years ago.

On my way back, I stopped for pizza then finally took the subway back to my hotel.

Monday – Today I worked in the Financial District and it rained all day!!

After work, I took the subway back to my hotel, I had hoped to get in a run… Nope… RAIN…

Instead, I just changed my clothes and hopped back on the subway to meet two friends for dinner.

Recognize Cari who had just arrived back from DC? The bracelet was a gift from Elizabeth

Tuesday – Back to the Financial District for work…

some sights from the area in the AM and finally some blue sky at 4 pm.

and then back on the train home. Again no time for running 😦

Wednesday – WFH day but had to go to the office, shop and prepare something for the party the next day…

For the 4th day in a row, I couldn’t fit in a run.

Thursday – Today I had to teach live and then rush off after work to my annual tennis friends holiday party…

great food, music, gifts and so much laughter ❤ my tennis friends

Friday – WFH again… Normally this is my rest day however since I had already skipped 4 days, I planned to squeeze in a run… NOPE. Snow was my excuse this time… We even had to cancel mah jongg.

At least I was able to ZOOM with my college friends…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

A busy time for most of my friends. And there was the snow… Deb, Karen and I had decided to take on the path at UAlbany and then meet the others for brunch…

NOPE!! Too snowy and slippery to even drive!!!

I guess we’ll have a white Christmas…

Mid-morning, I did drag myself out of the house to get some fresh air…

Holiday celebrations continued. Today we opened gifts with my granddaughter and then went out to dinner.

Sunday – This afternoon I plan to go to the movies with my BFF and then afterward go to a restaurant to celebrate her b-day.

I loved the Broadway show so I am very excited to see the movie!!

What about that long run??

Hopefully, I can get it done at UAlbany (as long as the path has been cleared.) Maybe I’ll have company.

But brrrrr….

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF, walk at the Pinebush, run, ZOOM w/a friend
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – DAY OFF – Christmas, run, dinner with the family
Thursday – run
Friday- hair appt, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
Sunday – walk/hike, run out with family

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2024 Goals
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Attending any holiday parties? Have you see the Wicked movie? What about the weather? Does it get in the way of your running? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for