September 6, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Fall Bucket List

Whoa! Where did summer go?

I LOVE summer but here are a few things that I will enjoy this Fall:

Cooler and Less Humid Weather Conditions.

As I said, I normally love the sunshine and warm temps of summer. But this summer, the humidity and oppressive heat really tried my patience.

Hopefully, this Fall, my runs will be more comfortable and hence speedier.

Fall Foliage Viewing and More Hiking Activities.

Living in upstate New York, we are usually treated to gorgeous fall colors. Hopefully the awful DRY summer weather will not impact this.

The Fall is also for the same reason, my favorite season to hike in. Boating Sundays will end soon and be replaced by Hiking Sundays.

More Racing Ops.

Many more of the Fall races are now being held in-person, I have already signed up for quite a few.

A Race-cation with Friends.

Last year, I went to NH with my running friends and we had so much fun that this year, we rented a house again and plan to spend 4 days in Maine which will include running a race and other assorted shenanigans.

Pumpkin everything and Cider Donuts!

Yes, I do love Fall food!! Especially those with added sugar LOL

Happy Running! Are you looking forward to Fall? If so, what activities are on your bucket list?

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

September 3, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.28.22-9.4.22: Race Week!

Another busy week and it ended with Half Marathon #60!!

Schenectady Half Marathon, Nark Running & Strength, Albany Running Coach, Frog Alley Brewing, Albany Running Exchange — Nark Running & Strength

Last Week:

Sunday – Boating Sunday.

Normally it’s just me and the hubby and I would be relaxing under a tree with a good book. Today we invited two friends on the boat so it was a day for swimming, chatting and cruising around the lake.

Monday – Back to #nevermissamonday and a before work run as the temps were heating up again.

a cloudy muggy morning brightened up with some flowers.

Tuesday – Another early morning run and I was fortunate to have company.

I got there early and ran 1.5 miles while watching the sun come up and then ran the 4.5 more miles with Deirdre (and again bumped into Barbara)

My hair appointment interfered with my post-work walk. It was raining hard anyway!!

Wednesday – It was not as warm as previous days so I ran during lunch….

a poor night’s sleep + tired legs =a slogfest

and then I was able to meet friends for a walk after work.

everyone needs sunflowers in their lives

And I also met my BFF for a second evening walk.

Thursday – No running!! Resting up for the weekend…

The ARE-sponsored trail runs ended so our group decided to continue them on our own. I had been on this trail several times and never been able to follow the markers correctly. I was hoping that with a group we could do the loop. It was a challenge but we made it (thanks to the AllTrails app.)

very hilly and poorly marked but lots of laughs

Friday – Another rest day!!

My running friend picked up my bib yesterday so that saved me time (and gas).

no shirt which was fine with me and I have one from last year

So all I needed to do was carb-load and pick out an outfit…

channeling my strong…

Saturday – Race Day! Run 4 the River Half Marathon.

This was my 2nd time running this half and again I was lucky to have friends running it with me…so it was a fun time! And the weather was perfect.

I won’t lie…I struggled big time the 2nd half.

Sunday – Boating Sunday.

The temps are cooling off but still looks warm enough for another lake visit…

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF – hike
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run, trails
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Race Day – Malta 5k (+ more miles)
Sunday – Boating Sunday

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Fall Bucket List
Friday – Top Blog Posts

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

September 2, 2022 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for September ’22

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

RUNS 5KS

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I had THREE running activities scheduled for next weekend, I decided on running the local 5k (instead one in RI or the Brooks event in NYC).

SEPT 10, 2022

It saves me time, money, etc. Being practical for once.

And I will also able to attend a party afterward for tennis friend (who has cancer) that day and some other local events that weekend.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that a brand NEW 5k is being offered on the rail trail that I usually run on Of course, I couldn’t resist signing up.

SEPT. 24, 2022

It’s downhill and close to home.

It’s called Barn to Bridge.

Hilton Barn

the Bridge finish

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I will be working from home until at least January 1, 2023. However, once we train people in a computer lab (rather than remotely), I will not be at home on those days.

As you know, working from home allows me to be more flexible with scheduling my runs…

before work, during lunch or after work:

: UAlbany

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the nearby YMCA has offered a FREE one month membership. So you will again see gymfies!

I’ll sign up in September. It should be cool enough by then to postpone my runs until lunch or after work so I can go to the gym before work.

Miss these???

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that four weeks ago, I gave in and got another cat (to replace my cat who died.)

Why haven’t you seen pics?

He has been hiding in our basement ever since. Our other cat Champ hid for 6 weeks so hopefully, this kitten will warm up to us soon.

picture from his cage at the shelter.

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.

August 30, 2022 by Darlene

TT: Share Four (or Five) Somethings July/August

Share Four Somethings is a monthly link-up that Heather Gerwing started back in 2018. The concept is to share the same four topics every month as a way to look back and recap your month. The link-up opens on the 4th Saturday of every month and stays open for one week.

The topics for 2022 are: Something Loved. Something Gleaned, Something Braved or Saved and Something Achieved.

Feel free to join her. I’m adapting it and changing the post date obviously.

1.Something Loved.

My Mondays off!!

I make sure to plan a fun day.

So far most have included swimming or hiking. Maybe in the future they will include travel.

2.Something Gleaned

I know I’m a little late to the party.

The Galloway Method for Long Runs.

These are from the latest Jeff Galloway training plans for the 2019 runDisney races.

suggested by Jeff Galloway for marathon training

I don’t feel tired…. I feel like I could run forever when I run with walk breaks.

I do realize that when I run with others, their pace or race goal may be different from mine. On my own, I should use longer run intervals than I have been.

3.Something Braved

My SUP. I got one for Christmas.

I learned to use it back in 2016, I think.

Still a little scary. (My balance is not the best.)

no pic of me on my SUP, yet

4. Something Achieved

Age Group Awards won in all my July and August races.

5. Something Read or Watched

Yes, most of my evening activities involve running, hiking or walking… but there was:

One Concert.

Jimmy Buffet in Bethel, NY (home of the famous “69 Woodstock concert)

One Movie.

Mack & Rita movie review & film summary (2022) | Roger Ebert

not very believable but cute

One TV Series.

pretty much a soap opera but addicting

Many Books.

Here are just a few and I enjoyed them ALL:

Happy Running! Anything to share on the topics above or one of your own?

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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 Running.

August 27, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.21.22-8.28.22: Taper Time

It was a busy week. But I am beginning to think they all are.

I fit in my runs and so training is done!

One more week until Half Marathon #60!!

Last Week:

Sunday – Boating Sunday.

It threatened rain but the rain never happened. Lake George is a perfect place to beat the humidity.

Monday – Love my Mondays off. I planned to run first thing but again the forecast was for rain (that never appeared.) My friend and I debated where to go and it seemed less likely to rain in VT so off we went. We had a lovely lunch and then hiked up to a waterfall.

1000 feet of climbing was worth it for the waterfall at the end.

5 miles for the day ended with ice cream…. No run, though.

Tuesday – I got up very early and met a friend for a run on the rail trail.

new sights on the rail trail and we got 6 miles done before the rain!! (yes, I usually only run 3 but I had to make up for yesterday’s missed run)

My post-work walk plans got rained out so I headed to the library and grocery store (trying to stay dry.)

Wednesday – Another pre-work run. Today was solo and in the hood and VERY VERY HUMID!!!!

Mums already? I dressed to match my cat LOL

No rain today so I was able to meet friends for a walk on the rail trail after work.

the artwork under the bridge is almost done

Thursday – I took today off from work for an annual breakfast and track day. My former co-worker and I have been doing this every summer since the 80’s!!!

don’t you love that sign?… it was for the Travers race on Saturday.

As usual, I didn’t win much money but had a great time.

Unfortunately I got back too late to join my running friends at the last ARE-sponsored weekly trail run.

Friday – Another rest day because I never run the day before or after long runs and races.

And I was hosting mah jongg … gotta shop and clean…

Saturday – Long Run Saturday.

Just a taper of 10 miles.

I arrived early and ran 2 miles (in the rain) and then joined my friends for 8 more.

not the whole group.. missing 3 and the dessert plate…

To celebrate, we gathered after at the home of one of our running friends for brunch and mimosas.

yup, it was so nice that everyone could attend. What a fun bunch of “Sole Sisters.”

Sunday – Boating Sunday.

It promises to be another gorgeous summer day.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run, walk
Tuesday – run, hair appt
Wednesday – run, walk
Thursday – rest day, trail walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Rave 4 the River Half Marathon
Sunday – Boating Sunday

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Share Four Somethings July/August
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

August 26, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for August ’22

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

1. I RUNfess…

Sometimes I double-book myself. Well, the weekend of Sept 10-11, I may have triple booked myself.

I registered for a 5k on Sept. 10 that I run every year.

My good college friend invited to her house in RI because there is a race there on Sept. 11. Of course, I said “Sure, why not?”

I ran the half several years ago but I’m running a half the weekend before so I would only consider running the 5k.

2019

Finally, FOMO on this NYC event on Sept. 10. I signed up since it is free.

2. I RUNfess…

I skipped a 11 mile run in order to run a 5k.

After the race, I had planned to run 8 additional miles but instead:

No regrets…

And my running friend said that the “hay is in the barn.” Let’s hope so.

3. I RUNfess…

After over 10 years of half marathon training, I’ve recently embraced the Galloway method. Yup, run/walk intervals… and short intervals. And guess what? When I run this way, I feel like I could run forever and I’m not beat afterward.

4. I RUNfess…

I only run intervals when I with run other runners. Since I don’t wear a watch, I have to run whatever intervals, my running partner is running.

5. I RUNfess…

Even though all my training long runs have been done using run/walk intervals, I don’t plan to run my half marathon that way next Saturday.

I will run my usual positive splits, just running fast and walking when too tired to run fast.

hope to be smiling as I was after this race last year

and one more for good measure:

I RUNfess…

Though I think Age Groups awards are important since they measure your achievement against those at your same age and I find it rude when runners don’t stick around to receive their awards, I did exactly that.

I knew that I had won my age group (and by ONE second) but I was anxious to get to the lake since my hubby was there patiently waiting. (For that reason, I usually run/race on Saturdays.)

the same race last year. where I won 2nd.

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

August 23, 2022 by Darlene

What Happened from Ages 60-64?

I borrowed this idea from Judy and Donna who recently turned 60 and 50, respectively.

But I am only discussing the first 5 years and then next year when I actually reach my decade year, I’ll talk about the last 5 years.

Most of you runners are younger than I am. So I hope I can be inspiration for you as you grow older and continue to run..

Age 60 (May 2013)

This year included a broken foot which kept me out of running for awhile…

good thing I kept those critches

But it also included some fun vacations and running experiences.

In October, I ran our local half marathon (the only one at that time) with friends.

we called ourselves “Strong Running Mamas”

In January, I went to visit a running friend to had moved to Palm Springs, CA.

We ran a 10 mile race together

In March, the hubby and I travelled to Florida to visit boating friends who had moved to Flagler Beach.

I ran a 5k in St Augustine

At the end of March, I visited Philadelphia with a new group of running friends.

We ran the Love Run Half Marathon in the pouring rain

Age 61 (May 2014)

In June, I ran my first Adirondack Distance Run (10 hilly miles from Lake George Village to our marina)

the hubby and boating friends met me at the finish line

That October, I visited a college friend who now lives in New Jersey.

and then ran the Perfect Ten Miler (still my 10m. PR)

At Thanksgiving, I ran my first Troy Turkey Trot, (he most popular local Thanksgiving race.)

it still remains my 10k PR

In January, I visited friends who lived on the East coast of Florida for the first time. Of course, the vacation included a race.

In March, I returned to Palm Springs (but missed the race due to a cancelled flight). Instead Mary and I just ran together in the desert on the beautiful trails…

In April, I was one of a small group of bloggers named as a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. So from this moment on, you’d only see me wearing Skirt Sports skirts (and all year round.) Yes, they’re comfortable but more importantly, I met some awesome runners because of my connection with this product.

Elizabeth in NYC (2/18)

Also in April, I again visited my college friend in NJ.

before the Asbury Park Half Marathon

Age 62 (May 2015)

I finally ran a race on my actual birthday.

At the end of the month, I shared a marathon with a blogger friend from VT.

I ran the first half

In June of that year, I ran the first annual Walkway Half Marathon (over the longest pedestrian bridge).

In October, I ran my first Rock N Roll race.

The day before the NYC Marathon, I ran a 5k.

In December, I continued my winter East coast trips to Florida.

ran a half and got champagne at the end 🙂

Then in February, I visited friends on the West coat of Florida and ran a half marathon in Sarasota.

yes, it was cold!!

Age 63 – May 2016

In May, I ran the first 5k dedicated to a runner who died from a drug overdose (who ran with STEM, a group of domestic violence survivors).

first annual Summer Smith Memorial 5k

At the end of the month, I ran the 2nd half of the Vermont City Marathon (that got cancelled while I was running it due to heat.)

again with Andrea

In June, I took a Running Tour in NYC with Judy.

In August, I raced a train (and didn’t beat it. LOL)

In November, I ran the Dash to the Finish 5k in NYC for the 2nd time but this time, with my Russian friend Anna (and her 2 friends.)

In December, I ran a half marathon with fellow bloggers.

in Panama City Beach, FL

In April, I ran my first half marathon in Central Park, NYC.

In May during my annual tennis vacation, I ran a 5k there for the first time..

in Naples, FL

Age 64 – May 2017

In May, I ran the Steel Rail Half Marathon in MA for first time and it still remains my half marathon PR.

In July, I ran my first of many evening 5ks in Brooklyn, NY.

In October, I participated in the first race-cation for a newly formed running group (now called “Sole Sisters”)

Most of us have continued our race-cations annually

In November, I travelled to Vegas for another blogger meet-up.

Age 65 – May 2018

Sorry, but you’ll have to wait to hear about the next 5 years.

*****************

As you may have noticed, since this is labelled as a “running” blog, I chose not to include the other stuff in my life. Yes, there was family drama, deaths of family and friends, loss of pets, loss of a job. etc. My life is far from sunshine and roses.

Fortunately I discovered running (and racing) and it has brought a lot of joy to my life (as mentioned above).

Happy Running! Do you have a milestone birthday coming up? If so, what has been the “running” highlight of the last decade? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

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 Running.

August 20, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.14.22-8.21.22: Well, that went by fast..

It seemed like half marathon training just started and now, it’s only TWO weeks until my first fall half marathon on Labor weekend.

How did that happen? Where did the summer go??

Am I ready?

Let's Run Girls - Groups | Facebook

Yes, that pretty much sums it up. Maybe we will train seriously for the next one in Maine on October 2!

Last Week:

Sunday – Race Day and Boating Sunday.

I started the day with a 5k and the weather was perfect (I was not perfect but still won 1st in my age group.)

met up with friends that I don’t see often so I’ll call it a win

The rest of the day was again spent on the lake… relaxing.

in my orange chair with a book, a drink and a water view…

Monday – I had skipped my 11 Long mile run in favor of a 5k race with old friends. So before meeting running friends (on a day off) for a hike, I got there early and ran 8 miles.

I normally don’t enjoy running alone but it was nice to run in a different place – one where I used to run but hadn’t in awhile.

Our first 3 mile walk was at Peebles Island State Park.

lots of interesting sights (and conversation)

Then we had a lovely lunch followed by a 4 mile trail walk.

along the old Champlain canal

It turned out to be a very warm day so we had to end it with ice cream.

Tuesday – Rest Day! But I did meet friend after work for a walk on the rail trail.

And then my BFF for walk #2 around an outdoor mall.

Wednesday – Back out there for a pre-work run in the neighborhood.

I woke up to rain and so I went back to bed. Then I woke up and it was NOT raining. I quickly got dressed and headed out the door.

the temps were nice but not the humidity! If you look closely you’d see that my shirt was on backwards. lol

I made the right decision since it was pouring by the time I finished work.

My plans to re-visit the sunflower fields got postponed. The colored ones were supposed have bloomed too.

hope to get there this weekend.

Thursday – Another early morning run… in my foggy neighborhood.

a pink kind of morning and another humid one

After work, we met for an ARE-sponsored trail run at Thacher Park.

we got a little lost (which is par for us) but had fun. The views were great!!

Friday – Another Rest Day. Busy work day but mah jongg in the evening to unwind.

Saturday – Long Run Saturday. 12 miles!! And I did it thanks for the help of my awesome friends!

I also took a long ride back to the sunflower field.

in love with these colored sunflowers!!

And then I went out to dinner with friends of a friend. The guy is from France (the brother of the lady I stayed with in Sanguinet) and used to also be a marathon runner.

Sunday – Boating Sunday.

Another warm sunny day for relaxing and floating and reading…

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – DAY OFF – hike
Tuesday – run, walk after work
Wednesday – run, walk after work
Thursday – OFF – rest day, day at the race track
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run Saturday (Taper Time), running friends mimosa brunch
Sunday – Boating Sunday

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – What Happened from Ages 60-64?
Friday – Runfessions

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

August 18, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Quotes by Joe Henderson

Just one of his books.

I was looking for motivational quotes and I stumbled upon Joe Henderson’s.

The quotes below are both intriguing and motivational:

3. The hours, minutes and seconds stand as visible reminders that your effort put them all there. Preserve until your next run, when the watch lets you see how Impermanent your efforts are.

4. A course never quite looks the same way twice. The combinations of weather, season, light, feelings and thoughts that you find there are ever-changing.

5. Where did you run today? Now there’s a question you don’t often hear.

And one more for good measure:

The challenge in running is not to aim at doing things no one has done but to keep doing things everyone could do – but most never will.

Happy Running? Ever hear of Joe Henderson? What is your favorite running quote? 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.

August 14, 2022 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.7.22-8.14.22: A Brief Cool Down…

Yes. Heat, humidity to start the week but then we got a break…

Running continued but with an added 5k thrown into the mix.

Last Week:

Sunday – Boating Sunday.

An oppressively hot day. Luckily I had lake breezes and shade (and no rain.)

Monday – It was #nevermissamonday but I stayed in bed instead of running. No regrets.

I had the day off (as I do every other Monday) and a running friend suggested a day at Emerald Lake in VT. So I grabbed my SUP and we had a wonderful time. A long drive but so worth it. (And again missed the rain.)

Tuesday – Back to work and I did drag myself out of bed early to get my run done. But Holy Humidity!!!

It warmed up but I think the humidity decreased. Anyway, it felt that way during my post-work walk with a friend.

Wednesday – Day 2 of the early morning runs. Whoa! About 10 degrees cooler than the previous morning! I’ll take it.

always taking different neighborhood routes and always looking for flowers…

I met my friend again for a post-work walk (but we went in the opposite direction.)

Thursday – Rest day because I had a trail run scheduled for the evening. As usual, I met my running friends and we walked, chatted and had a blast.

love those cloud formations

Friday – Normally Friday is my rest day but since I had a race on Sunday, I would be taking Saturday off (which is ordinarily my long run day.)

I had more time so I drove for my early morning run.

why yes, I do match everything

Saturday – Long Run Saturday for everyone else but for me, it was just a walk and brunch.

long runs, short runs, walkers and bikers – all on the rail trail supporting each other… so fortunate to be part of this group. No one ever has to be alone!!

Sunday – Race Day! I ran the Run for the Roses 5k for the 2nd time. I met up with old friends and somewhat conquered the hills in Grafton Lake State Park.. (Recap on Tuesday…)