December 24, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Everyone Should Volunteer at Races More Often

I really appreciate volunteers. They are often responsible for the success of a race. They direct runners at all the turns, give out water and medals and do it in heat and frigid temps.

I know I should volunteer more often but I am selfish.

I want to race not watch others race.

One of my goals for 2022 is to volunteer at races more often.

Here’s why you should too:

1.To network and meet other runners.

I think my favorite place to volunteer may be at packet picket up. I did that for the Freihofer’s race and I met so many new people. Runners are the most friendly people!!

2. It’s fun and exciting.

At a local half marathon, I volunteered at the finish line. I got to watch the winners cross as well as several friends.

3. You can often get cool swag.

Maybe not the best reason to volunteer but it’s nice to get something useful for free.

a sweatshirt

4. You will feel appreciated.

I volunteered at this frigid marathon relay…. I was overwhelmed by the number of runners who passed me and thanked me.

WMarathon-023

5. Runners and race directors NEED you to have a successful race.

Volunteers are needed to as course marshals to direct runners and of course, to hand out water at water stops. They are also need volunteers for setup before the race, at packet pick-up, at the finish line. I could go on and on. There is a job for everyone and many of these jobs can be done at a time that is convenient for you.

Happy Running! How often do you volunteer at races? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 21, 2021 by Darlene

TT: 2021 in Photos

This week’s topic is: Your Year in Photos

Definitely one of my favorites topics because I LOVE to take pictures. The challenge was limiting each month to ONE or TWO pictures.

Here you go:

January

As the pandemic continued, there was lots of winter hiking

February

A vacation in Florida with several friend meet-ups and a live half marathon were the highlights of this month

March

Live races started to happen (with restrictions). This one was a new 5 miler along the Mohawk River.

April

Of course, the best thing about any month for me is a live race…this half marathon had its location changed (due to COVID.)

May

This is my favorite month so it gets more than one photo: my annual tennis trip to Florida resumed, I ran for the first time to the top of Prospect Mountain, it was my birthday and in spite of COVID, tulips still bloomed in Washington Park.

Another new race. This was a 10 miler but unfortunately it poured the whole race.

June

Thursday night trail runs began. And due to not traveling for work, I had prefect attendance for the series.

July

Very excited to run a July 4th race for the first time.

I again was selected as an ambassador for the Freihofer 5k race which changed its date from June to September. I supported the race by participating in the Challenge group runs.

August

Very lucky to run a 5k race and meet up with running friends.

and another 5k as a reunion with runners whom I raced with in Philly back in 2014.

The month ended with an exciting college reunion in NYC, a weekend in the Hamptons with my roomie and then a runner meet-up back in the Big Apple.

September

another live first annual half marathon and so fun to share the experience with friends

The most popular local all women’s race was held this month (after a year off and a later date.)

October

a fun trip to NH with running buddies which included lots of laughs and a race.

November

A busy month with three live races: 15k, half marathon and a 10k

December

The year ended with a fun 5k running though the Holiday Lights in the Park and pot luck dinner after. My running friends are the best!

Happy Running! What was your favorite photo or event from 2021? Please share.

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

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

December 19, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.12.21-12.19.21: Let the Holiday Eating Begin..

As the title indicates, there was a whole lotta eating going on this week.

Dinner out to celebrate my BFF’s birthday, dinner out to celebrate with my walking buddies, my annual holiday tennis party, dinner out with my stepson & his wife (since since they will away for Christmas) and then the re-scheduled anniversary dinner with my mah jongg friends (to celebrate 13 years together.) ALL IN THE SAME WEEK!!

I’m pretty sure I did not run enough miles to offset those calories. Hey…tis the season, right?

The good news is that this started. I hope you joined us (and if you haven’t, it is not too late):

Last Week:

Sunday – I had run a 5k race the night before but I had registered for a local 3.5 mile race today. The race was free so I almost skipped it in favor a long run. But glad that I did not because I got to chat with many of the runners that I didn’t connect with the night before (in a much bigger race).

After some refreshments, I went out to run some more miles so I could call it a “long” run.

Monday – Due to the weekend mileage #nevermissamonday run almost did not happen. But looking at my busy schedule, I was not sure if I would have any time to run during the rest of the week.

I had to go into the office for a while so I packed some running clothes and stopped on my way home (at Six Mile Waterworks) to squeeze in a lunch run.

balmy 50 degrees (over dressed!!)

December 17, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Big Hairy Goal for 2022

So many of you have asked me what my big Hairy goal will be..

Well, the suspense is over…

To recap:

In 2019, my big hairy goal was to run my FIRST MARATHON. And I ran the NYC Marathon! In 2020, before the pandemic, I planned to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH. I ran 3 live races but had to run 6 half marathons virtually due to all races being cancelled. In 2021, unfortunately the Pandemic continued. Even though racing opportunities started opening up, I never felt that I would be able to achieve a BIG goal.

For 2022, this is what I said it would NOT be:

run streak
triathlon
ultra
BQ
Ragnar race
obstacle race
50 state challenge
online certification courses

In that same post, I wrote about why it’s important to have a BIG goal.

So my 2022 goal is:

Run a SUB 2:27 half marathon!!

qualifying times for the NYC Marathon and Half Marathon

Why sub-2:27?

So I can qualify to run the NYC Marathon and NYC Half Marathon..

To give you some background, I ran SUB 2:12 for half marathons in 2018 (Brooklyn HM) and in 2019 (H2H HM). So I did qualify for the NYC Marathon and NYC Half Marathon in 2019 (which I ran) and in 2020 (when the races didn’t happen).

Since then my half marathon times have slowed down considerably.

Here are my 2021 half marathon times:

- 2:35:58
- 2:22:51
- 2:20:57
- 2:16:05
- 2:19:21

But the good news is that I will be 70 in 2023.

That means that in 2022, I need to run one certified half marathon SUB 2:27!!

With running, I take nothing for granted. I am not confident that it will happen. My legs are not getting any younger. My feet still have issues. But at least I will give it a shot.

So why this goal:

1.It will help me stay consistent with my running and even make improvements.

Even if I don’t meet that goal, I will be a better runner.

almost 19 minutes faster in Oct. 2021 than Feb. 2021.

And even if I do, there’s no guarantee that I will get in anyway.

But as they say, the journey is what is important.

Bring on those LONG runs…

2. There is no other marathon that I want to run.

I know that because I’ve already run it. It was amazing in every way.

And it’s nearby and hopefully friends will come to cheer me on again.

I’d also like to run the half marathon again. When I ran it in 2019, I was recovering from a calf injury. And I never have been selected through the lottery.

I enjoyed it but I was a little nervous that I would re-injure my calf.

3. The old adage: “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”

And you never know unless you try. This gives me a number to shoot for.

And that’s something that I rarely do. My race goals are usually “Just Finish!”

So I may crack under the pressure. Or my feet may give out.

4. Carpe Diem.

You never know what the future will bring. I have friends who have died before they hit 70.

I have no idea how long I will be able to run and how much longer I will be able to run 13.1 miles let alone 26.2.

5. Can you think of a better way to celebrate reaching age 70?

70 and awesome – 70 year old - 70 Year Old - Magnet | TeePublic

Happy Running! What do you think of my BIG goal? Do you have one for 2022? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 14, 2021 by Darlene

TT: 2021 in Bling

This week’s topic is: Show us your year in bling!

Believe it or not, I did run 21 22 in-person races this year.

Not as many as pre-pandemic years so my bling stash is lower but still, I am very proud of each medal that I received/earned.

Half Marathons:

Publix Half Marathon in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
Run 4 the River Half Marathon
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon in NH
Upstate Classic Half Marathon

Other distances: (5.7m, 10m, 5k, 10k)

Prospect Mountain Road Race
Miles Along the Mohawk
Freihofer Run for Women
Troy Turkey Trot

Virtual Races/Challenges:

Hot Chocolate 15K
Feel the Bern 5k
NYCRuns Challenge
Numerous free Strava and NYRR Virtual races

: 1000 miles was my goal for the year

Age Group Awards:

Bacon Hill Bonanza – 1st
Rabbit Ramble – 1st
Run for the Roses – 2nd
Whipple City – 1st
Malta 5k – 3rd
Summer Smith Memorial – 1st
Upstate Classic – 2nd
Troy Turkey Trot – 3rd

Happy Running! What is your favorite bling from 2021? Please share.

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

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

December 12, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.5.21-12.12.21: The Last Last Run

One of my favorite races has always been the Albany Last Run where we run 3.1 miles through the holiday lights in Washington Park. This race happened for the last time on Saturday night.

There will no longer be lights during the holidays in this park. (Complaints about traffic…) I am assuming that this 5k race will no longer be held as a result.

Last Week:

Sunday – A beautiful fall day. Perfect for a hike at Thunder Mountain in Greenwich, NY.

Monday – A rainy morning and afternoon. Luckily it was not raining during lunchtime so I could get in my run. It wasn’t cold but the wind sure made it feel that way.

the wind even blew off the skeleton’s hat (bottom left)

Tuesday – Another run through the lights in the park. This week, I had company and it was so much more fun than doing it alone.

2 miles solo and 3 with Alyssa

Wednesday – A rest day and an ugly weather day. Even snow was predicted.

I woke up to snow on the ground but luckily the sun came out mid-day and it all melted.

Anyway it was a busy work day.

After work, I went to pick up my race packet for Saturday’s race. I also picked up packets for my friends (like 9).

Then I went for a walk nearby with friends and it started to snow again.

It was also the NYC Half Marathon Lottery day. They had recently announced that if you were not double vaccinated, you could not run the race. I was hoping selfishly that it made my chances better (judging from the angry FB posts.)

boo! maybe next year…

Thursday – Again I woke up to snow but this time several inches. Fingers crossed that I would be able to run later.

I had a dentist appointment today and when I was done, I had enough time to get my run done on the rail rail before darkness. Always a treat not to have a mid-week run done at Ualbany (or in my boring neighborhood.)

mostly clear but slippery in parts – combined this route with some new neighborhoods

Friday – Another rest day (due the next day’s race). The evening was spent with the mah jongg ladies.

Hmmm…60 degrees and rain predicted…do I change to a skirt?

Saturday – A rainy day!! And Race Night. Albany Last Run. This is always a good time (not referring to finish time lol) because all my friends run it. And it never rained until later that night!!!

Afterward, we all gathered for a pot luck dinner and a farewell to one of our friends who is moving away.

Sunday – The first local (free) Winter Series Race was held today. Always a hard decision. Do I run it? Or do I do my 8 mile long run? Or skip both options and just go for a hike.

Well, the sun was shining and I looked at the list of those signed up and they had all run the night before too…so why not?

I did not run the 15k which was another option in this race but I did come in 3rd in the 10 year AG (though they only gave out prizes for 1 & 2)

It was so much fun since it was smaller (150 vs 1500) and I was able to chat with so many runners.

After some soup, cookies and hot chocolate, I set out to compete more miles so I could count it as a long run.

my legs were more tired than I thought and the wind picked up so I called it at 7 for the day.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run at lunch, volunteering
Tuesday – run at lunch, after work BBF birthday dinner
Wednesday – rest day, after work dinner out with walking friends
Thursday – run before work, tennis holiday party
Friday -rest day, mah jongg or full moon hike
Saturday – Long Run, Holiday dinner with family
Sunday – rest day, hiking, anniversary mah jongg sinner

and a few of us bloggers are offering a fitness challenge starting next week. Please join us!

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2021 in Bling
Friday – Big Hairy Goal for 2022

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 planned? Did you run a Turkey Trot? Please share.

December 10, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: What I Cannot Race Without

Everyone has their quirks.

What can’t you race without? (Not counting the obvious – running shoes & socks)

Here are my must haves:

1.Baseball Cap

It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)

Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).

2.Sunglasses

I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes. I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match my outfit.

3. Skirt

In the spring and summer, it’s just a skirt but in the fall and winter, I have ones that have capris and tights attached.

I love the pockets that it hides (and my thighs, of course).

4. Race Belt

I don’t like to put pins in my clothes. I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer. I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.

5. Garmin

Yes, I have raced without it and I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at the stats after.

** Compression Calf Sleeves

Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket. Once I race without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time. I wear the calf sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.

Happy Running! What are your race necessities? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 7, 2021 by Darlene

TT: Holiday Gift Guide for Runners

The Topic this week is: Holiday Gifts

When your spouse, family members or friends ask what you want for the holidays, here are a few things that you could tell them:

A Gift card for Running Shoes

Even if you are not racing a lot, it doesn’t mean that new shoes won’t spice up your runs.

Sunglasses

If you’re like me, you always either lose them or break them.

Love Goodr glasses

Socks

Yes, I often lose one and only my good ones.

Image result for balega socks

Entry fee to a big race

Now that live races ae happening again, any runner would be excited to get a free entry to a big race of their choice.

A Massage Gun

You don’t need a name brand (like Theragun). There are many out there that are inexpensive. I have a cheap one and it works great!

addsfit MAX massage gun

A new GPS Watch

I still prefer my Garmin 205 LOL but I caved a few years ago and got the 230.

Introducing the Garmin Forerunner 645 and 645 Music. (Photo: Business Wire)

A Cute Shirt

Who doesn’t love a running shirt with a crazy saying?

A Buff/Gaiter/Head Band

To be used for the cold weather and/or COVID protection (if needed)

Camouflage Skiing Headwear Mask Cycling Neck Buffs Tubular Cycling Bandana Outdoor Sports Turban Magic Scarves Multifunctional Scarf Hooded Scarf Scarves For Men From Allen520hannah, $89.45| DHgate.Com

A Cool Coffee Mug

Shop Our Coffee Mugs for Runners

A Running Book

There are so many running-related books to choose from…. It’s impossible to have read them all.

Your Pace or Mine?: What Running Taught Me About Life, Laughter and Coming Last by [Lisa Jackson]

or what about a cookbook?

Bluetooth Headphones

for listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts on the run. I love my AfterShoks but there are many other brands as well.

Solar Red

Items for Night or Early Morning Running

I’m sure you do one of the two and you need to be seen and safe

NOXGEAR Tracer 360 Running Vest Lighted - M/L

Noxgear Tracer is the most popular

keeps you warm in the winter too

these really light your way

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.

Happy Running! Are any of these on your list? What else would you like? Please share.

December 5, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 11.28.21-12.5.21: The countdown is on…

Countdown to 2022.

Countdown to meeting my 1000 mile goal for the year.

Countdown to the holidays and those holiday parties.

Last Week:

Sunday – Still unseasonably cold but not as windy as the previous day. Glad to have been able to get a Sunday hike done.

I got a late start as it was snowing and I was tracking my friend who was running her first marathon (in Florida.)

I had been here before but not in a while… a little muddy and the leaves were slippery but still happy to be out in nature.

Monday – #nevermissamonday Squeezed in a lunchtime run on the rail trail.

channeling my inner NYC…still not acclimated to this cold weather… cold hands, cold feet, cold face. but found a cute rock

Then I volunteered after work followed by a walk with my BFF.

Tuesday – After work, I went for a run through the holiday lights in the park (a prelude to our upcoming 5k).

was supposed to do this with a friend but she had to work so I ran first before the lights went on and then did a second picture loop

Wednesday – I had a hair appt after work so used today as a rest day. (I wished that I had checked the weather for Thursday because today was a nice day to run.)

Thursday – I had planned to run during the lunch. But just about the time I was to leave the house, it started to rain. Many of you would have just run in the rain. Not this fair weather runner. That meant I had to hope there’d be a break in the rain after 4 pm.

And the rain did stop for awhile. Rather than running at UAlbany, I decided to run in town (on streets that were lit.)

Believe it not, we had a thunderstorm that evening. Crazy weather!

Friday -Rest Day. Not much activity. However, this week instead of playing mah jongg, I went out to dinner out with a old friend.

Saturday – Long Run Saturday. This was re-scheduled from last weekend. Some met to run on the Nisky bike path (others walked) and then we all went to a new place for brunch.

not a bad day for a run – no wind, no ice and brunch was great!!

Time to start decorating for the holidays. (Yes I celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas!!) Twice as much ~~work~~ fun.

my little “real” tree

Sunday – Sunday continues to be a hiking day, I went for a longish drive to a new place. Unfortunately I left late and was not able to do both trails. That just means a return trip.

Thunder Mountain

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run at lunch, volunteering after work
Tuesday – run after work with a friend
Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
Thursday – run at lunch, walk after work with friends
Friday -rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Albany Last Run 5k and pot luck dinner dinner
Sunday – rest day, hiking or Winter Series #1 (3 miler)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
Friday – What I cannot race without

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Have you decorated for the holidays yet? Any goals to meet by the end of the year? Please share.

December 3, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for Dec. ’21

It’s that time of the month…

Amazon.com: Ceramic Running Christmas Coffee Mug | Running's My Favorite : Home & Kitchen

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that 2021 seems to have sped by. But I think I’m on track (barring injury) to reach my 1000 mile running goal.

as of today, I’m up to 935!!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m not into challenges and definitely not one related to ST but in November I actually completed one:

One 60 Second Plank each day for 30 days (through ZOOMA run club)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that what I like about this Plank challenge was that it only took ONE minute a day… and it got easier rather than harder. Since I was working from home, I could do it any time of the day and even in my PJs or running clothes.

May be a closeup of text

Most plank challenges have you add time each day… so that you get stronger..

Hey, a one minute plank was a big enough deal for me. LOL

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that no, I was not tempted to continue my planks after November 30.

But due to the time change, I’ve had to do more of my 3 mile weekday runs at lunch time (or lighted UAlbany) and do my walks at the mall (both outdoor and indoor).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I only have one more race for 2021. That makes 21 for the year. (That number was just an accident.)

I’m pretty excited about this fun one because it was canceled last year and I was injured in 2019. And you get to dress up. But more importantly is that this is the last year for the Holiday Lights in the Park so it will most likely be the last year for this race. Sigh.