November 7, 2023 by Darlene

TT: Favorite Memory(s)

Today’s Topic is: Let’s go down memory lane again and tell us about your best childhood memory.

If it’s supposed to be running or fitness-related, I fall short.

As a kid, it was before Title IX so there was just gym class and in high school field hockey.

In college, I took Israeli dance and bowling (and I wasn’t good at either).

In my 30s, I think I went to some aerobic dance classes.

I didn’t play ANY sport until I was in my 40s and that was tennis. Running didn’t start until my 50s.

So I’m changing the topic to my best running memory(s):

First 5K (4/2008)

I had joined a running class at Fleet Feet but we had only run a mile so far.

But I signed up for a local 5k and figured that I could run the first mile and walk the next 2.

I ran the whole thing!!!!

I wasn’t fast but I ran 3 miles without stopping. (Um, I can’t do that anymore but I am faster. LOL)

I didn’t take pictures back in 2008.

First Half Marathon. (1/2011)

I was only running 5ks but I had friends that just started running and they had already run a 10k, 15k, and a half.

So I decided to sign up for one, train but not tell a soul.

I doubted that I could run 13.1 miles. I even dragged my hubby to this race in Fla that took place on our anniversary.

First Post Ankle Surgery Race. (6/2012)

My surgeon said that I wouldn’t be able to run again.

I was devastated.

But since I had already registered for this big local 5k, I went and planned to just walk it. (I was barely recovered and even walking was painful).

As soon as the race started, the adrenaline got to me and I started running and I didn’t stop until I crossed the finish line.

And I made the cover of our local newspaper!!

First Marathon. (11/2019)

I am not sure I ever wanted to run a marathon. But I was an “older” runner and so my half marathon finish time qualified me to run the NYC Marathon.

At my age, I had a lot of doubt on whether or not, I could do it especially in NYC.

But I did it!!

Happy Running! What is your favorite running memory? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

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

November 5, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.29.23-11.5.23: Marathon Week!!!!!

After 18 weeks of training, race day arrived.

I’ll leave you in suspense in this post but if you follow me on FB or IG, tonight you’ll know whether or not I finished my second NYC Marathon.

Last Week –

Sunday – It was crazy how the weather changed.. It was 80 degrees on Friday and then 40s today.

I wimped out on volunteering at our local trail race. I did last year and had so much fun.

But I was trying to bubble wrap myself until after the marathon (and there was some family stuff.)

So instead, I went to the gym first thing. Since I was not rushed, I walked a zillion (felt like it) laps on the track.

an appropriate shirt, right?

And then I spent the rest of this rainy cold day running errands and getting stuff done around the house.

Monday – Day Off which means that it rains.

Yup. It was raining and so instead of a run, I planned to go to the gym.

I got dressed and it seemed to be only drizzling so I changed my clothes and drove to the rail trail to try and get my 4 mile run done.

It really wasn’t bad and I’m glad I got it out of the way… it rained the whole time but it’s only water, right?

My running friend and I were supposed to go hiking but it didn’t seem like a great idea and it started to rain even harder with no end in sight.

Instead I spent some time with my granddaughter…

she’s getting so big!

With it still raining, I walked around the mall for a few hours with a friend (you gotta get those steps in…)

Tuesday – Brrr. I don’t like this change in the weather. It was cold enough to snow. So I decided to head to the gym and postponed my run to at least when the sun came out.

I still had to drag out the capris, hat and gloves to get this 3 mile run done at lunchtime.

what’s with ALL the skeletons this year?

After work, I had to man the house and give out candy (The hubby was playing tennis).

You knew this was coming. LOL

Wednesday – Was that snow flurries I saw? Yup!!

It was a rest day anyway so I again went to the gym before work.

The parking lot at the Y is always full but everyone is either on the treadmills, in the spin or yoga class, in the pool or playing pickleball.

so just me and the machines ❤

And after work, I met my BFF for walk in the mall (getting too chilly for those outdoor walks).

Thursday – To makeup for last week, I’ve been going to the gym every morning (besides it was in the 20s this morning…)

Today, I spent some time at the office so that meant I passed by Starbucks

it’s red cup time (already!!) and free samples!!

and then the last run before the big day!!

I ran at lunch so I could join my friend virtually (she was running her virtual marathon in FL.)

it was still in the 40s but the sun (and my hat) made all the difference: NYC here I come!!

After work, I decided to catch one last glimpse of the foliage at Thacher Park before all the leaves disappeared

Even past peak and at dusk, it was breathtaking…

and on the way home, I stopped to get my weekly ice sandwich from the cookie truck (never too cold for ice cream).

next week will be the last time 😦

Friday – A quick trip to the gym before work and then packing and mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – I took an early train to NYC with some running friends. I checked into my hotel, had lunch and then headed to the expo.

I hung out in the city, met up with some other friends and eventually carb loaded for dinner before nervously getting ready for my bus from NYPL to Staten Island the next morning.

plus lots of throwaways to stay warm for 5 hours waiting at the start

Sunday – Race Day!!

You’ll have to wait for more details in my recap.

Here’s the plan for the day:

4:30 am wake up. 6:15 am bus. 10:55 am race start, 26.2 miles, xx:xx pm race finish. LONG walk out of the park and back to hotel. Hot Shower. 7:30 pm celebratory dinner, watch the last runners on TV at the hotel bar.

Wish me luck!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – recover in NYC, meet up Cari, train home
Tuesday – GYM, rest day
Wednesday -run
Thursday – run, hike
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (or walk)
Sunday – GYM, hike (or Stockeade-a-thon 15k)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Walk DownMemory Lane
Friday – Running Safety Tips

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this fall? How’s the weather where you live? Did you give out a lot of candy on Halloween? Did you dress up for your run? Anyone running or spectating the NYC marathon? 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.

November 3, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for November 2023

It’s that time of the month…

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

This weekend I will run my second marathon. So I’m got a “New York state of mind.”

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, I am still a little stressed about the logistics.

First of all, they changed the transportation to the start choices based on your finish time.

I had to choose the 6:15 am Mid-town bus!! And I will not start until after 10:55 am.

In 2019, I started at 10:30 am and choose the 7:00 am bus (and still had a long wait in the cold.)

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my Orange Wave starts at the top of the bridge.

Pink has the least climb and it has four 90 degree turns.

Blue has about 30 feet / 9 meters more climb than Pink. It has two 90 degree turns.

Orange has about 50 feet / 15 meters more climb than Pink. It has four 90 degree turns.

Blue, Orange, Pink start

In 2019, I started in the Green wave (which is now Pink) so I was on the bottom.

Truthfully, I don’t remember much after the big cannon went off and the playing “New York, New York” with Frank Sinatra… I was so excited, I just ran over that big bridge…

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in 2019 I was also in a similar wave. Meaning that all the runners around me were much faster.

My projected finish time is 4:30 but I will most likely finish between 5:30 ad 6:00.

Am I’m totally fine with that!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I followed the same plan (Hal Higdon Novice) as in 2019 but due to WFH and less travel, I was able to follow it more closely.

I tried to do the long midweek runs (although many I split into two runs)

and completed all the long runs.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I couldn’t have trained for this race without the support of my running friends.

That includes my “virtual” friends too.

Feel free to track me. My Bib # = 48527 (but remember I don’t start until 10:55ish)

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

October 31, 2023 by Darlene

TT: Goals for My Second Marathon

Today’s Topic is free so with my big race on Sunday, this topic came to mind.

GOALS?

CROSS THE FINISH LINE.

I completed (loosely) the Hal Higdon Novice 18 week plan.

All the long runs (13+miles) were hard.

So I don’t take this distance for granted.

NOT CRASH AND BURN THE 2ND HALF.

I pretty do that on all my races.

I did that in 2019.

It’s not easy when you are in a corral with faster runners.

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.

Soak up the amazing crowds, scenery, music.

APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF MY FRIENDS.

In 2019, my tennis friends drove down to cheer me on at mile 18.

This year, some of my running friends will be there to support me.

I was their cheerleader at the NYC Half.

FEEL GREAT AFTER.

26.2 miles on these old legs…

I hope to feel good enough to run another day…. Thanksgiving 10K, 15k in early December.

in 2019, a week after the marathon, a 15K!

TIME GOAL?

A: under 5:29 (PR)
B: under 5:55 (Chicago QT)
C: just finish the damn thing

Happy Running! Do your goals change for each race? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

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

October 28, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.22.23-10.29.23: The Countdown is on…

“The hay is in the barn,” as they say..

Good thing because this was a very busy work week. Two days of live teaching (that means standing ALL DAY!)

ONE WEEK TO GO!!! Time to start weather stalking?

so far so good…

Last Week –

Sunday – My 12 mile long run was postponed one day due to rain. Luckily my friends were still available to accompany me on the run and after at brunch.

pretty colors on the path for this cool breezy run

Monday – Running long the day before messes up my schedule for the week (that and work).

So I skipped the morning run and went to the gym instead.

Then I decided to do a few miles at lunch.

chilly with the wind but then warm when the wind stopped… I will never be dressed right… and that cat (not mine) just laid down at my feet and demanded to be pet.

Knowing that the week would get busy, I opted to go out again after work to get my long mid-week run done. (6 miles for the win in my Marathon shoes!)

the other end of the rail trail.. the creek was really flowing

Tuesday – A little tired so I waited until after work to do my run. But I did go to the gym on this chilly (30s) morning.

beautiful sky.. the picture doesn’t do it justice.

After work, I headed for 3 miles to the opposite end of the rail trail from yesterday. Gotta mix things up (esp. when you are solo.)

can you spot the deer?

Wednesday – After 3 days in a row of running, I needed a rest day.

I made a quick pre-work visit to the gym (since I wouldn’t getting there until next week.)

Since the temps have been warming up, I did get out for a post-work walk.

Pumpkin Frosty -thumbs up. Thanks Lisa @techchickadventures for the tip.

Thursday – A tiring work day but I did drag myself out for my last run of the week.

felt like summer but still looked like fall along the Hudson R.

Friday – Another tiring work day but at least it was a rest day.

cat life…

So only mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Long Run Saturday. 8 miles! No sweat!

A few of my friends were running their virtual NYC marathon (so they could run the real thing next November).

I met them for first part of their 26.2.

a little warm… very strange weather for this time of year.

Then we met some others for brunch.

I went home and showered and headed back out to greet them at the end of their marathon.

Sunday – Gym and then planning on a hike if it doesn’t rain.

This Coming Week on the Run (1 Week until NYCM)–

Monday – AM run, DAY OFF, hike
Tuesday – GYM, run (PM) – HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Wednesday –GYM, rest day
Thursday – PM run, hike
Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, train to NYC, expo, carb load
Sunday – MARATHON DAY!!!!

the upper level of the bridge (where I’ll be starting)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Goals for Marathon #2
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this fall? How’s the weather where you live? Any marathon nerves out there? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 27, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for October 2023

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

I can’t believe how fast time has gone by… It’s almost November!!!

1. I runfess…

It’s getting chilly in the mornings but I am resisting as long as possible dressing in capris, tights or long sleeves.

Once I start, I’ll be in them until May.

I’ve had to add DIY arm sleeves and compression calf sleeves to keep warm… even gloves.

2. I runfess…

Brunch locations have always taken precedence over long run locations.

a lot of important discussions occur over brunch…

But lately cookie ice sandwiches influence where we hike on Thursday evenings.

homemade and soooo goood!

Unfortunately, they close after Nov. 9.

That’s ok because by then it will be too dark to hike after work until spring.

3. I runfess…

It’s no secret that I HATE to run alone. I will run longer and more often if I have company.

I was lucky to have a friend who was willing to meet me early (even though she doesn’t have to go work).

She winters in Florida (and has already left).

I guess I’m solo until June.

4. I runfess…

I haven’t run as many races as I normally do… less than half as many.

33 last year and only 13 so far this year…

There was the broken foot and then marathon training.

There’s a 15K that I normally run (I even ran it the week after my 2019 marathon.)

in 2022

I haven’t registered for it… yet!

(Don’t worry I’ve registered for a Turkey Trot 10k and a Hot Chocolate 15k.)

5. I runfess…

I think that there were more runners that I knew running the Chicago Marathon than are running NYC (the one I am doing.)

I am hoping that I will enjoy the race experience because training was so time consuming and the 26.2 miles will be so hard!!

Maybe I should have deferred until 2024 when my friends will be running it…

Too late now. LOL.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Are you wearing tights yet? Do run or race alone? Did you run a lot of races this year? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

October 24, 2023 by Darlene

TT: National Food Day

Today’s Topic is: What are is your favorite food?

Ice cream!

preferably coffee, rum raisin…

Pizza

preferably marguerita

French Toast

Bagels (with lox)

Apple Pie

preferably homemade and warm w/vanilla ice cream

Happy Running! What is your favorite food? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

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

October 22, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.15.23-10.22.23: Time to Start the Taper

20 miler done… so I guess it’s taper time…

Two weeks until the big day!!

I hate to whine and complain but this fall has been MISERABLE!!

I’m not talking about the colors but if you only have weekends for leaf peeping, hiking and running, you’re screwed.

And it’s supposed to rain next weekend too!

Last Week –

Sunday – I was surprised how good I felt after that 20 miler the day before…

I started the day at the gym..

new me = haircut, new capris & tank (on sale)

Then I did some errands, laundry and weeding (yes, the dandelions are still growing).

The weather was so nice that I decided to spend more time outside and went for a hike.

Monday – My DAY OFF!

I went for a 5 mile run but not as early or as rushed.

it started out chilly but was really a perfect morning for a run

Afterward my running friend and I went on a hike. We chose a new one in Williamstown, MA but when we got there. it started to rain. So we went out to lunch and then returned.

It was still raining so we decided to grin and bear it… Glad we did because the trail was beautiful.

After over 4.5 miles, we returned to that same restaurant for dessert and to warm up and dry off.

Tuesday – Still in training mode so I have long runs to do mid-week.

I squeezed in a few miles before work

sporting my fall colors…

and a few more at lunch

such creativity in my ‘hood

and finally finished them up after work (8 miles total)

interesting to watch crew teams on the river… otherwise I was dragging by this point.

After dinner, I met my BFF for a long chat/walk at an outside mall..

some pumpkin sculptures there (leftover from the weekend fall festival)

Wednesday – Rest Day.

I had to teach live and then after work I met a few of my tennis friends out for dinner. (I was supposed to go to the Monet exhibit with them but couldn’t get out of work in time.)

Sorry no pic… too busy chatting and eating (wine, shrimp n grits, dessert).

Thursday – Only 4 miles to complete today. But it was Thursday and the cookie truck was in town that evening.

Because it gets dark so early, I ran on the rail trail, then met my friend for a walk (so we could justify the ice cookie sandwich.)

yes, it was as good as it looks

Friday – Another Rest Day. And a rainy one.

No time for much since I was hosting mah jongg that evening and worked all day.

Since I hadn’t been at the gym all week, I did go there very early.

Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Only 12 miles!

Lots more running friends healthy and in town so that was great!

Not great was the RAIN!!!

I went to the gym instead.

We may have gotten the run done between the rain but it was too iffy.

I did errands… my granddaughter came to visit.

Eventually it did stop running and I got in a walk.

Sunday – Re-scheduled 12 mile run with my running pals (followed by brunch). I do hate to do a long run on Sunday since it messes up my whole week’s running schedule.

it only drizzled a little (and I’m wearing new shoes – the same ones Jenny bought)

This Coming Week on the Run (2 Weeks until NYCM)–

Monday – gym, run (PM)
Tuesday – GYM, rest day
Wednesday -run (PM)
Thursday – run (PM)
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (8 miles)
Sunday – Volunteer at a Trail Race, hike

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – National Food Day
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this fall? How’s the weather where you live? What day do you do your long runs on? Saturday or Sunday? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 20, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Five Challenges to Fitness

Today’s Topic is: Five Challenges to Fitness

1.Time

This is the big one for me… I work 8am-4pm and sometimes I even travel for work.

Then there’s all the commitments and responsibilities that go along with family, pets, friends and home ownership.

dinners with my tennis friends

snuggle time with Heather too…

2.Money

Gyms cost money as do online fitness memberships.

Races aren’t cheap.

And what about running shoes!?

not mine but you get the picture

3.Weather

This goes along with time. I can’t just run anytime of day. Short runs and races are ok in the rain but not long runs.

And what about ice and snow?

4.Daylight

Soon it will be dark after I get out of work and that limits the places I can run that are lit and safe.

UAlbany

Now it also too dark to get in anything but a short run before work.

5.Mojo

If I have signed up for a race, my mojo is pretty good and especially if I have company. But my morning running companion has left for for Florida…

After my Nov. 5 Marathon, my next long race is not until Feb 18, 2024….

Happy Running! What are your fitness challenges now? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

October 17, 2023 by Darlene

TT: Halloween: Yay or Nay?

Today’s Topic is: Do you like or dislike Halloween? Tell us why or what not.

Yes. Of course! What’s not to like?

Decorations

I enjoy decorating the house for different seasons.

Pumpkins, black cats, witches…

the little glass pumpkin was bought during my visit to the Finger Lakes

Leftover Candy

I NEVER have candy in the house.

So for Halloween, I buy what I like in case there is candy left.

Kit Kat Snack Size Candy Bars: 40-Piece Bag - Candy Warehouse

On a related note:

But despite the headlines Linden made during her 26th marathon (and first as a master), it’s what she did before the race that has earned an equally impassioned response. At a press conference prior to the marathon, Runner’s World caught Linden enjoying some pre-race fuel—a mint and dark chocolate KitKat bar—in an unconventional way.

In this Runner’s World video, Linden demonstrated what she considers to be the proper method of eating a KitKat: biting into the whole bar while keeping your fingers on the wrapper, without ever breaking the bar into individual pieces and making contact with the chocolate.

I may need to change my pre-race fuel!!