Obviously a slow start to my running/racing in 2024.
had to switch my running emoji to this one… (and yes I do those those exact Crocs)
At least I was working in NYC for most of the week and that helped take my mind of it.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym since I wouldn’t be able to go the rest of the week.
Then I stopped by to visit my granddaughter.
she’s getting so big!!
Lots to do to get ready for my week in NYC.
Our New Year’s Eve was low key… just a dinner out with the hubby with a stop to see my MIL (who lives nearby.)
dessert!
Monday – New Year’s Day – I was supposed to run a race. It was a free local one so no $$ loss but lots of FOMO (since I run it each year with my friends.)
2022 race – no snow this year!!
Now I didn’t have to rush to catch my train to NYC.
Instead I did a few miles on the stationary bike.
After I arrived in NYC and checked into my first hotel, I met Cari for dinner.
always a good time
Afterward, I explored some of the nearby holiday lights.
Wall St/Stock Exchange neighborhood
Tuesday – After standing all day, I wasn’t sure what to do about my ankle.
I took the long way back to my hotel (via Battery Park)
it was worth it
I decided to give it a go and walk to WTC and Brookfield Plaza…
Then I grabbed some dinner in the Oculus and walked back to my hotel. Next door to my hotel was a Rooftop restaurant/bar where I had a drink/dessert…
Wednesday – After work, I had to switch hotels. My new hotel was near Penn. Sta.
I still wanted to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and the light show at Saks so I took a subway there (to save time and my ankle).
I walked back to my hotel via 6th Ave, Bryant Park and Macy’s.
Thursday – Today I took a very early subway to Jamaica, Queens for work.
I was excited because after work, when I returned to Manhattan, I was able to meet up with college friends for dinner. I was also able to grab tickets to a show that they were going to.
Friday – Back in Queens for work and after a long day, I returned to Manhattan and took the train home.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday – or for me, bike or gym and brunch day..
I headed to the gym and then met my running friends for brunch.
In the afternoon, I had a hair appt and then had to go grocery shopping plus some other errands.
The rest of the day was spent unpacking and waiting for our snowstorm to arrive.
Sunday – No hiking so again it will be either the stationary bike or a gym visit…
and Heather’s Christening.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – Friday – same old, same old… trying to patiently heal my ankle.
Saturday – Long Run – biking, brunch with running friends
Sunday – GYM, pack to head to NYC for work the next day
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – The Best of 2023
Friday – 5 Things to Accomplish in 2024
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather where you live? Any snow yet? Please share.
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.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you I feel like I’m living “Ground Hog Day.” (the movie)
Last year, I registered for these half marathons:
Feb – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon
Mar – United NYC Half Marathon
Apr – Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon
May – RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
Then I broke my foot!!
I had to DNS the first three and only ran the 4th.
This year, I registered for these half marathons:
Feb – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon
Mar – United NYC Half Marathon
Apr – Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon
May – RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
Then I hurt my ankle!!
Obviously the first three half marathons AGAIN are in jeopardy…
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that three of my local running friends got into the NYC Half Marathon lottery.
Heidi (in the center) didn’t get in but is coming to cheer the rest of us with my running friend Barbara…
I was excited to have company training but also have companions in NYC and meet-up with bloggers, Cari, Erica and Zenaida…
Read #1…
Boo!!!
3. Over coffee…
I’d tell you for the last year and a half, I have had every other Monday off. I LOVED it! I used the day as part of vacations and mostly for hiking adventures.
Unfortunately, that is no longer. They told me I have to now work 100%.
I’m a planner and already have races and vacations booked.
The good news is that by the end of this year, I will have about 100 sick days…. and they said that I can use them for those Mondays that I need off.
3. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that there will be many trips in NYC this year.
One of our NYC teachers has left and the rest of us Upstate have to pick up the slack.
28 days in NYC (part of January, March, April, June, July)…
many meet-ups with Cari and Elizabeth?
Fingers crossed that eventually these visits will include runs in Central Park and along the Hudson and East Rivers…
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that my next half marathon was supposed to be a redemption race…
In 2021, I ran it in extreme heat/humidity.
happy to have finished upright…
In 2023, I broke my foot days before the race.
I can defer my 2024 entry until 2025.
I guess my Fort Lauderdale redemption Half Marathon will have to wait a year!
I’m already looking into a Florida 5k instead during that weekend.
5. Volunteer (at several races).I volunteered at three races.
6. Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up. I was lucky to meet up with Erica and Cari. Almost Deborah and Zenaida at the NYC Half and Debbie (when she passed through my area). I was supposed to run a half in Florida with Jenny.
7. Try something new. Does going to the gym count? What about racing on a trail? (non-technical but it was dirt and leaves.)
LOL. I’ve never had a sprained ankle.
8. Listen to more podcasts. I did when I rode my stationary bike and I do during my solo runs (Two of my favorites are below. I’ve also listened to Des & Kara’s among others.)
9. Update my music playlist.Not really. I added few tunes but mostly I run with friends or listen to a podcast.
10. No Injuries. A big NO – Broken left foot on Feb. 14.
Sprained right ankle on Dec. 19.
11. No PWs. Um… NYC Marathon. In all fairness, it was only my second attempt at this distance.
12. No DNS or DNF races. Unfortunately, too much $$ lost.
Ft. Lauderdale Half Marathon – DNS
Electric City 10K – DNS
NYC Half Marathon – DNS
Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon – DNS
Tropicool 5k – DNS
Al Goldstein Speed Series 5k – DNS (transportation issues)
13. Blog 3x each week. Hooray, this still happened. Thanks for reading and commenting!!
Too bad one of my goals was not to run a marathon because I did that!!
Here’s a numerical account of my 2023 running year:
Miles: 955
Races: 16
Marathons – 1
Half Marathons: 3
10 Milers: 1
15Ks: 1
10Ks: 1
5Ks: 4
Other Distances: 5
Out of Town Races: 4
New Races: 3
Age Group Awards: 9
Volunteering: 3
Bloggers Met: 2
DNS: 6
DNF: 0
PRs: 0
PWs: 1
Shoes: 3Topos, 1 AltrasFWD
Apparel: Skirts from Skirt Sports, a few tops from Brooks
Blog Posts: 154
Happy Running! How did your running go in 2023? Did you meet your goals? Do you have new goals for 2024? Please share.
It wasn’t the best year ever but I am grateful for many things: my health, my family & friends, running/racing, a new granddaughter…
Hopefully 2024 will have as many things to celebrate!
My biggest goal is to HEAL my latest injury and NOT FALL in 2024 (or ever again…)
Since these posts are called Weekly “RUN” Down(s), should I continue to post if I am not running?? (just kidding).
I have to say that when it rains most of the week, I am not as grumpy about not being able to run outside.
Last Week –
Sunday – My ankle seemed to hurt more so I iced it and then decided to drive to the gym and just use the upper body, ab, and hip machines.
I limped up to the room with the machines and the fire alarm went off!!
A sign? (Should I just forget it and go home?)
So l limped back to car, went to the library, got my nails done and returned to the gym. (Phew. It hadn’t burned down.)
And after that, I rested my ankle for the rest of the day (I may have also included some cooking, cleaning, etc.)
Monday – It was nice to sleep in and have a relaxing cup of coffee
I have share my latest granddaughter picture:
she spent Xmas with her other grandparents
I also took my first post-injury ride on my stationary bike.
Thanks to Netflix… it was a slow 10 miles.. right ankle feels ok but now my left shin is sore. LOL
What does a Jew do for Christmas Day dinner?
Yup, we went out for Chinese food. My hubby is not fully recovered but was feeling much better.
my meal!! and we shared dessert…
Tuesday – A rough night pain-wise but glad to be working from home all day so I could rest the ankle.
It felt better by the end of the day so I went to the gym to use the machines.
Wednesday – Compression sock and brace made for a better night.
Still working from home so I was able to try my luck again on my stationary bike at lunch time (on this rainy day.)
6 slow miles with a podcast to keep me company
After work, I went out to a belated birthday dinner for my BFF.
sorry… last year’s pic…her b-day dessert this year was a cannoli
Thursday – Off to the gym before work (on another rainy day) and then working from home the rest of the day.
I was able to jump on the stationary bike for a few miles at lunch
tried one of the free Peloton classes… too much talk 😦
After work, my college friends organized a ZOOM call.
so fun staying in touch (after 50 years)
I had rush off after that ZOOM to meet a running friend for dinner/drinks. (Glad to stay connected with my friends even when I can’t run.)
Friday – Another dreary rainy day!! But today I went into the office. On the way, I took advantage and got myself a treat.
In the evening, I went to my weekly mah jongg game. As I mentioned last week, it’s more relaxed when I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to get my long run done the next day.
Saturday – LONG RUN Saturday. It seems that my ankle pain rears its ugly head at night… so happy to sleep in on this rainy morning.
While my friends ran, I went to the gym and then met them for brunch.
Sunday – I plan to spend some time on my stationary bike and start packing for my week in NYC (for work).
Most likely I will stop and visit with my granddaughter since I won’t see her next week.
No exciting plans for New Year’s Eve… just dinner out with the hubby.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – Friday – My first DNS of 2024 – on New Year’s Day (HMRRC Winter Series #2), then working in Manhattan on Tuesday & Wednesday and in Queens on Thursday & Friday. I will not be able to run but hopefully I can walk enough to see some of the holiday decorations.
I plan to meet Cari for dinner on Monday and college friends on Thursday for dinner/Broadway show.
(But you know I’d rather be running….)
Saturday – Long Run – gym, brunch with running friends
Sunday – biking, Granddaughter’s Christening
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – 2023 Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! How is your year of running end? Training for any big or small races in 2024? How’s the weather where you live? Any big NYE plans? Please share.
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.
It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. After our girls weekend in the Finger Lakes last September, we were anxious to plan another.
My running friend, Deirdre (who winters in Florida) suggested this race since we ran it in 2019 and had so much fun.
This racing series is popular around the country but it is no longer was offered near us.
So I signed up for the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15k because:
Duh…Chocolate!!
Florida in December!
A weekend away with my running friends.
A running friend winters about an hour away and she offered us a free place to stay.
It would be close after my previous 10k 2 weeks prior so I would be sorta already trained for it.
Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I did run a 10K on Thanksgiving Day and then 8 and 7 mile runs on the weekends before this race.
But, again my goal for this race was just finishing especially since I would NOT be acclimated to the temps and/or humidity.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Because I wasn’t sure if we would be driving to Tampa for the expo, I paid the extra $20 bucks and had my bib and swag mailed to me.
We arrived late Thursday evening and first thing Friday morning, we went out for a run at a local preserve to try to get used to the heat/humidity
and then out to lunch
We spent most of the afternoon at the pool/hot tub.
In the evening, we had dinner with some new friends (who were also running the race).
banana trifle for dessert
On Saturday, we went for a walk in the neighborhood
loving this gorgeous weather…
and then again spent most of the day enjoying the sunshine at the pool/hot tub
ahhh
I’m usually pretty good about watching what I eat the night before a race… but this time I was very relaxed about the whole thing.
So yes, I had a huge ice cream cone in the afternoon (and more of that trifle for dessert that night.)
In the evening, we carb loaded on homemade pizza.
I set out my race outfit and went to bed early (not that I slept well but the intent was there.)
due to the temps, I decided against wearing those calf sleeves
Forecast:
quite a difference from the weather I trained in…
Race Day:
As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal. Up at 5:15 am and ready to leave for Tampa at 6:15 am.
My stomach reminded me why I shouldn’t have had ice cream the day before…
holy humidity
Heidi was running the 10k and me the 15k.
Deirdre unfortunately sprained her ankle in a trail race the weekend before and couldn’t run but she and Kevin came to cheer us on.
Deirdre’s friends were also running the 15k and met us there.
Neil and RuthAnn
Both races started at 7:55 am. We found parking in a nearby parking garage and got there plenty early… No port a potties. Instead real bathrooms in the Convention Center (yay!)
We watched the 5k runners start
Soon we all headed toward our start.
Neil and I were in the same corral (J) but Heidi and RuthAnn were further back.
Description:
You’ll start and end at the Tampa Convention Center, where the post-race party in the Front Drive and Sail Plaza will be waiting for you! And if that isn’t indulgent enough, checkout these additional highlights! The course will take you by awesome views of Columbus Statue Park, the City of Tampa’s Pirate Ship, the Bayshore Fitness Trail, and the Historic Hyde Park North neighborhood. PLUS, you’ll run along the water the entire route.
start changed to 7:55am this year.
FLAT!
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
Miles 1-5:
After the national anthem, the corrals started. I think mine (J) was in the third group start.
It was very crowded and hard to run fast (which was good).
I started with Neil but quickly realized that he was going to be faster so let him go ahead.
The only hill in the race was in the first mile… running over the Platt Street bridge.
It was warm and humid!! It didn’t help that I felt kinda nauseous.
So I was determined to run slow and enjoy the scenery! As you can see from the course map, we ran along the water (Bayshore Blvd) the whole race.
Obviously I got thirsty fast and luckily there was a water stop every 1.5 miles. I stopped at EVERY one!
My one complaint was how tiny the cups were. I drank at least 2 at each stop. I also used the water stops for my walk breaks (until the end when I walked more often).
And so I stopped for water at mile 1.5 3 and 4.5.
Neil was ahead of me so he passed and yelled “You got this!” at least twice.
I wasn’t hungry but forced myself to eat a Gu (at least for the electrolytes.)
It was a beautiful day to spend at the beach… sunny and not a cloud in the sky (perfect running weather? Not so much).
Miles 5-9.3
A little past mile 5, we turned around and headed back…
False alarm! At the 4.5/6 mile water stop, we headed back out again and then turned back to head toward the finish.
Two more water stops around mile 6.5 and 8. I ate one more GU at the last one.
My pace kept slowing down and I started to walk between water stops…
I was dying at this point… hot… blisters but I saw my friends on the sidelines cheering so I started to get a second wind.
photo by Kevin
Finally I crossed the finish line happy as the announcer yelled: “Here comes Darlene Cardillo and she’s 70 years young!!”
did he have to mention my age?
Post Race Activities:
Heidi had already finished and gotten her refreshments… I was too tired to walk to get mine so she graciously shared (I ate the banana dipped in chocolate fondue).
I removed my running shoes and put on my Oofos. Ahhhh!
And we waited to cheer on RuthAnn
and then RuthAnn and I retrieved our refreshments on the way back to our cars. I did drink the HOT chocolate (and it was hot!!) and took the dippables home.
I checked results to see if I won my age group (70+).
Hooray for being “old”
According to the website: 1st Place in each Age Group receives 100% off next year’s registration and $40 merch coupon emailed 1-2 weeks after the race.
As we walked back to car, we looked for a place to eat lunch but instead decided to return home and eat near there.
Of course, a soak (and drink) in the hot tub was a prerequisite before our celebratory dinner.
Happy to report that I felt fine the next day (as a cold front blew in and offered perfect running temps.)
Additional Race Reflections:
The race was fun. It was even better running it with friends and with good weather. This race company has organized races all over the country and it was very well organized.
I know I could have pushed myself and gotten a faster time. But I didn’t feel great and with the humidity and warm temps, I preferred to play it safe.
It was almost a PW… 10 minutes slower than my last Hot Chocolate 15k on a hilly course. My 15K PR was even on a hilly course.
As you know, my pace is not what it used to be… and I’m not sure I care.
Age Graded times rock!!
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up. (They even gave out chocolate samples.)
Pre-race emails with instructions and maps.
Bib and jacket mailed (with extra $)
Real bathrooms at the start/finish area.
Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end.
Water and chocolate stops along the course.
Well marked course.
Water views almost the whole race.
Pacers for all paces up to 15 m/m.
Very cool medal.
Gender specific hoodies.
No lines for post race refreshments.
Free photos.
Awards announced for top 3 but age group awards mailed.
Useful awards (not another medal!)
5k and 10k options in addition to the 15k.
Important Charity – St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Great weather (sunny and not too hot).
Beautiful views of Tampa Bay.
Flat course.
Legs and body felt great after the race.
The Bad:
Out and back course was a little boring.
Water cups were too small.
Humidity (but hey, it’s Florida).
No shade!
Upset stomsch (my fault!)
The Ugly:
The blisters on my feet
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. For all the reasons above.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
if my ankle heals soon enough so I can train
OR
Happy Running! Ever run a Hot Chocolate race? If so, did you enjoy it?
Sunday – I started the day at the gym and spent some extra time there walking around the track.
We were supposed celebrate the holidays with my stepson & DIL but my hubby was real sick so we postponed it until the new year.
I got a trail walk done before the rain set in and then spent the rest of the day doing errand/shopping.
Monday – Since it was not likely that I would get to the gym until the weekend (due to work), I decided to go again in the morning.
It rained most of the day so I was not able to get my run done at lunch.
chilly and damp but it got done
Luckily I could to squeeze in a run after the rain stopped and before I went out to dinner to celebrate a friend’s B-day.
Tuesday – It was supposed to be a rest day but because the rest of the week was so busy with work and it was sunny, I decided get in one more run for the week.
I drove to the rail trail and I was in a rush, lots on my mind, listening to a podcast and then suddenly somehow, I was down on the ground…
Twisted my right ankle (the good one).
I limped back to my car.
Swollen, bruised and very painful… (RICE and tears)
Wednesday – Unfortunately, I had to stand all day (ouch) for my job.
Ankle is still swollen, bruised and painful. (More RICE and tears).
No run with Heidi.
Thursday – Unfortunately, I had to stand all day AGAIN for my job.
Ankle is still swollen, bruised and painful. (More RICE and tears).
No run with Heidi.
Friday – Unfortunately, I had to stand all day AGAIN for my job.
Ankle is less swollen, less painful but more bruised.
Friday is Mah Jongg night and thankfully, you sit when you play. (One of my friends there has metastasized breast cancer that has spread to her bones and now her lungs – puts it all in perspective so no more whining about my ankle).
Saturday – LONG RUN DAY- half marathon in 7 weeks!! And another in 11 weeks!!
NO RUN – Just brunch with my friends after THEY finished running.
just because…
Sunday – Plan to hit the gym and use the arm machines…
So they say bad things come in threes:
My cat disappears
My hubby gets very sick
I fall and sprain my ankle
Then I’m done!!
This Coming Week on the Run –
NO RUNNING
Some upper body work at the gym
Some stationary biking at home
Xmas dinner out (or with in-laws?)
ZOOM with my college friends
B-day dinner with my BFF
WFH all week so rest the ankle
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Tampa Hot Chocolate 15k Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! How is your year of running ending? Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather where you live? Ever sprain your ankle? Please share.
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.
Back from my brief race-cation in Florida to holiday party mode.
I hope I can run enough to burn off those calories.
(Kitty update: he’s still AWOL 😦 )
Last Week –
Sunday – Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K – no need for hot chocolate after this warm, humid race. Even though it was very close to a PW, I won my age group and had lots of fun.
I’m pretty sure after a delicious brunch, we headed to the hot tub.
Rain canceled our outdoor plans so we spent the evening watching Hallmark movies.
Monday – Last day in sunny Florida so I went for a walk/run in the neighborhood
a cold front had come through so it was a little chilly but so much warmer than home..
After packing, we went out to our last lunch and then on the way to the airport, we spent time in Dunedin.
I got to see my friend’s work at DFAC and yes, there was ice cream…
Tuesday – A late arrival home the night before so I was pooped but I dragged myself to the gym before work and ran at lunch.
cold and windy… please take me back to Fla!!
Wednesday – I had planned to stop at the gym before work and run at lunch again… but a co-worker called in sick so I had to rush to the Training Center.
An unplanned rest day before
Holiday Party #1 – with my tennis friends.. it’s an annual thing with lots of food, Chinese grab bag, laughs and music/singing.
Thursday – Back to the Training Center for work with a stop on the way:
it was yummy! (iced creme brulee latte)
and a run after at UAlbany.
Friday – Holiday Party #2- at the office and then I had to rush back to the Training Center.
Mah jongg in the evening…
Saturday – Started off the day with a long run and the weather was perfect. Most of my friends were getting ready for the party so I ran 8 miles only with Deb. We were treated with new artwork on the rail trail.
these pieces replaced the ones from the Pandemic and most had accompanying poetry so beautiful..
Holiday Party #3 – with my running friends… it’s also an annual thing with lots of food, drink and running talk.
Sunday – Plan to start the day at the gym and end with dinner at my stepson & DIL’s (holiday party #4) since the hubby is sick, just a visit with my granddaughter.
she loved Santa!
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run, b-day dinner for a friend
Tuesday – GYM, rest day
Wednesday – run
Thursday –run, walk with BFF
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday – GYM, hike
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Hot Chocolate 15k Race Recap
Friday – Goals for 2024
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather where you live? Do you have a lot of holiday parties? Please share.
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.
My First 5K and More... 