April 28, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions for April

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

I runfess…

I don’t do speed drills and use that as an excuse not to try for a PR. I say “Finishing=Winning” and I usually mean it. But during the last mile of my recent 5 mile race (Delmar Dash), I WANTED A PR!!

And so I sped up during mile 5 and negative split it and yes, I got my PR!!

not ME! But it is a running friend and I felt exactly that way.

Do you race for enjoyment or PRs?

I runfess…

I am usually pretty disciplined about my running. If I can run, I do. I don’t let weather get me down. I have run in sub-zero conditions. But this month, I skipped some runs. Even though I had races on my schedule. Even though I was not feeling tired or sick. Not like me at all.

met friends for a late dinner (so I could run first but didn’t run)

Do you ever skips runs for no apparent reason?

I runfess…

I haven’t lost my racing mojo..

I am already scouting out my winter half marathon for 2019. I almost even clicked “Register.”

My itinerary would be the same as this past March (staying with my sister-in-law the night before and visiting my East coast friends.)

There are water views. You run over two bridges and there are a lot of bands. So maybe???

Do you plan your race-cations this far in advance?

I runfess…

I can’t wait to run in the sun and for this reason, I am looking forward to my tennis vacation in Florida. Yes tennis vacation because the friends that I am going with I met years ago by playing tennis.

That being said, I will have to debate each morning on whether or not to run or play tennis or do both.

Anyone have to competing activities and find it difficult to decide which one?

I runfess…

I signed up for a 3.5 race with my co-workers. I ran it last year and it was a great way to connect outside of the office. However, after I signed up, I realized that it is TWO DAYS before my bucket list half marathon.

Should I skip it?

I am most likely to run it but not race it because this half marathon will NOT be a PR (positive about that since I am NOT training well.)

What would you do?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

March 30, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for March

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

1.I runfess…

It’s been a hard adjustment from 80 degree Florida temps back to NE winter temps. It was so easy just to put on a skirt and tank and go for a run. Now I’m constantly packing to go away for work and I have weather amnesia. It was almost 50 degrees in Liverpool, NY and I packed for winter. Duh!

overdressed!

2.I runfess…

Someone commented on my blog that I could just NOT race when I go on vacation. Ha ha. Like that’s going to happen. My next vacation is in May and it’s to Naples, FL to play tennis and… yes, I just registered to run a race during my vacation.

3.I runfess…

I have another half marathon that I should be training for…on May 19. I complained that all my long runs were broken up while training for my most recent half. Well, things have not changed. I have a 5k tomorrow and plan to run 4 more miles afterward. So I’m starting my training plan with 7 broken up miles….again.

I’m a sucker for races.

4.I runfess…

As you may have read in my last post, I enjoyed my last half marathon because I helped someone else finish her FIRST. However, the competitive me was disappointed in my finish time. I know. I shouldn’t be. But I wonder how fast I could have finished since the weather was perfect and the course was flat… How often do we get racing conditions like this?

celebrate finish lines NOT finish times, right?

5.I runfess…

I met up with a friend at my 5 mile race last weekend. She has not been running and only signed up for the race because of me. She struggled to finish. Maybe because of Runfession #4, I did not stay with her. I ran my own race and I RACED it!! I guess I kinda wanted redemption and wanted to see if my legs still had any speed.

Unofficial ONE second PR…with gun time 17 seconds slower, though

and since it’s Friday, I’m also linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

February 24, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions – February

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

I runfess…

When I get depressed about the weather, I sign up for spring/summer races. It makes me feel like spring is almost here even though I know that it’s a long way away.

3-31-18 – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K
4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon
6-02-18 – Freihofer Run for Women 5K
6-30-18 – Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes

Runners at the start of the Cherry Blossom 5K run for ALS research. The evnt was held at Congregation Gates of Heaven, located on Ashmore Ave. on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Has anyone else already registered for spring/summer races?

I runfess…

I bought my race outfit for my March half marathon before I even signed up for the race.

Skirt Sports of course – use the code 128Card for 15% off

Am I the only one who does this?

I runfess…

I was kinda glad that I got snowed Friday night when I was working in Buffalo. It meant that I could get up later the next morning and run at my leisure instead of driving 5 hours home (in a snowstorm).

So it was supposed to be a long run of 9 miles but…. 5 slow ones was better than nothing.

Anyone else had it with this winter?

I runfess…

I signed up for the Superman, Squats, Russian Twist challenge to motivate myself to do some strength training. And it worked for a while. But I suck at challenges. The rarely did the Supermans because they are too hard for me and then I lost interest when you had to do more than 50. I break them up and I always ran out of time or forgot. And yes, I did some, some of the time which was better than none, never.

Do I look happy?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

January 27, 2018 by Darlene

Runfessions January

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

I runfess…

I made a non-running goal to not just schedule running but to schedule relationships. Well, I may have gone overboard with the friend-date thing. I scheduled so many that I barely have to run. 4 mile runs kept turning into 2 mile runs.

Anyone else have their social or family life get in the way of their running schedule?

I runfess…

I applied for ambassadorships for products that I have never used before. I am not ashamed because they are ALL products that I want to try and now I plan to use.

Am I the only one who does this?

I runfess…

I gave into this polar vortex. I ran indoors. This is the first winter that I have let the cold temps get to me. It was temporary, I hope. I plan to return to outdoor runs especially since I CANNOT do my long runs inside.

Anyone else chicken out this winter and run indoors?

I runfess…

I have been decluttering like mad. Bags and bags of clothing have been given to charity. But yet I ordered a new pair of running shoes for my half marathon in March.

and they match several of my Skirt Sports skirts

Is there anyone else who cannot resist a new pair of shoes (esp. when they are on sale)?

I runfess…

I love running with groups. I couldn’t participate in the Troy Turkey Trot running group in the fall due to work/tennis (they changed the day from Mondays to Tuesdays). Yet again this year, I registered for the Freihofer Training Group which starts at the end of March because it will be on Mondays. Well, now it looks like I am now out town for at least 6 out of the 10 Monday sessions. UGH!!

The positive is that work pays the bills and gives me $$ for races.

I runfess…

The cookbook below was on sale for $2.99 (Kindle version) so I bought it. I don’t know why. Not only have I NOT made any of the recipes, I have not even looked at it.

So tell me how great these recipes are so maybe I will take a look!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

December 29, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions – December

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

1.I runfess…

I travelled every week for work this month. I refuse to let it get in the way of my running but winter running clothes take up so much room in a suitcase.

What to do?

Just wear the same clothes on every run…at least it’s too cold to sweat.

: NYC

: Liverpool

Anyone else re-wear their winter running clothes?

2. I runfess…

The holiday eating has gotten out of hand… party after party after party. I probably should increase the number of miles I am running during the week but I have no time…

: tennis holiday party

: BFF’s b-day

Anyone else out eat more carbs that they are running off?

3. I runfess…

I booked my non-refundable flight to Paris for Oct 2018 BEFORE I asked for the time off from work. Fingers crossed that I get those days approved…

I plan to spend a week in Sanguinet with a friend’s friends before racing in Paris

4. I runfess…

I caved. There was a big sale and I bought the photo…

5. I runfess…

I forgot that I had applied to be a Rock n Blogger…

Imagine my surprise when I got the acceptance!!!

I never would have planned that France trip. Because now I have to find a Rock n Roll race or two to run…. With no vacation time left, it has to be driveable. They cancelled RnR Brooklyn. So guess who will be running…

Anyone else want to join me???

It’s also Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

November 25, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – November ’17

It’s that time again (or at least yesterday was). Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

I runfess…

Still no before work runs. One morning I did see a women running by my house around 6 am. That’s as close as I have gotten.

So I guess I will have to continue to run after work … in the dark.

Any advice on cold morning running? Or do you run at night?

I runfess…

I have been traveling a lot for work and because I’m trying not to pack so much, I have been only bringing ONE race outfit.

And sometimes I have worn it THREE days in a row.

: NYC

: NYC

: NYC

Anyone else re-wear their running clothes (without washing them)?

I runfess…

I am usually pretty motivated to run when I travel since it’s interesting to run in a different place. Unfortunately last week when in Buffalo, I accepted a dinner invitation instead of going for a planned run.

Skipping one run is no big deal except that that gave me FOUR rest days in a row.

Does food trump running for you ever? How many rest days in a row do you usually take (when you are healthy)?

I runfess…

On Thanksgiving, for my Turkey Trot races, I wore the race shirt. I know it’s bad luck and I never have before…but it matched my skirt and was convenient.

Have you ever worn the race shirt to run the race?

I runfess…

After my races, I look at the winners of the age group awards in the next age group. Just curious since I am entering the next age group in May.

On Thanksgiving, I came in 7th in my age group in both races but would have won an award in the next age group…

Anyone else do this?

I runfess…

I am losing my blogging mojo. It takes up so much time and I don’t have the time. The only time I have to blog is on the weekends when I could be watching TV, talking to the hubby, cleaning, etc.

Any advice? Should I take a blogging break?

I runfess…

I am not a fan of the cold weather. I’m ok once I get out there but getting out there is tough. It took me 30 minutes to leave work the other day.

So I ordered heavier tights. New clothes is always an inspiration, right?

of course, I’ll wear a skirt over them

Does new clothes help you get out the door?

I runfess…

I don’t usually order race photos because they are too expensive but I am tempted here. Not because I had a great race but because it was Vegas and I don’t plan to go back.

Anyone else order race photos?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

October 27, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions October

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
and it’s also Friday so, I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic for today is: Five October Runfessions

I runfess…

I skipped my long run last weekend in favor of a girls weekend away.

hiking in Central NYS – lots of steps and lots of laughs!!

I am thinking of skipping one tomorrow because I’m too damned tired.

It wouldn’t matter if I weren’t training for a half in TWO WEEKS.

Obviously it’s not a goal race.

Anyone else skip 11 and 12 mile runs?

2. I Runfess..

I recently stayed in a hotel in NYC where there was exercise equipment in my room. And when you turned on the TV, there was exercises videos.

EVEN Hotel

So I never turned on the TV again and spent minimal time in the room.

That how I avoided feeling guilty about not exercising.

What would you have done?

3. I runfess…

I recently asked a speedy running friend on how to get faster. He replied that the only way is to lift weights.

Ugh! I thought about it. For a second.

What do you think?

4. I runfess…

The best and maybe the only good about spending five days working in Queens, NY is the running routes available in Manhattan.

I was worried that it would be dark when I got out of work.

: along the Hudson R

: in Central Park

: along the East R

But it didn’t matter. There are lights and loads of runners.

I hit the trifecta. I ran 3 times. Along the East River, along the Hudson River and in Central Park.

Anyone else run in NYC at night?

5. I runfess…

I love reading blogs but I don’t have time to comment or read new blogs. Mea culpa.

I don’t bring a computer when I travel and don’t time when I don’t.

I hope this doesn’t affect those who read this blog.

Please forgive me and continue to comment here.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

September 29, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions September

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

and it’s also Friday so, I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic for today is: Five September Runfessions

I runfess…

I ran a half marathon this month…two weeks before the half that I was training for. I planned to run it as a training run…but guess what? I raced it! It was hot and humid and it was painful. When will I learn???

faking smiling…

2. I runfess…

No surprise but I pick my running routes by the food options nearby…especially ice cream. Even when I work out of town, I do my research before I set out for a run. Any one else have this priority?

Abbotts is near the Bushnell’s Basin entry to the Erie Canal trail. Whereas Schoen Place has a great gelato spot.

3. I runfess…

I do not set goals. My running partner asked me what my goal was for the Wineglass Half Marathon this weekend. I replied that I had no idea!!

Should it be a PR? Or should it be faster than my last one? How about just finish and have a fun girls weekend?

Do you always have a goal for your big races?

difficult race but fun weekend in NYC

4. I runfess…

Again this month, I did not go to the GYM…not even once. I felt guilty last month but I didn’t give it a second thought this month. Anyone else slack off on going to the gym?

At least it was a free membership.

5. I runfess…

or should I say tennisfess.

the competitive me in 2010

Tennis used to be such a big part of my life. I used to play everyday and it decreased once I started running. Then it used to be a few times a week and finally reduced to just once a week – Tuesdays.

I paid for a membership to a tennis facility because you can’t play unless you do and I signed up for my usual Tuesday contract. Even though I limited it to 2x a month, still my out-of-town work schedule has forced me to get subs and I am hardly available to play at all.

This may be my last year playing tennis. I’m not sure if I miss the sport or I miss my friends and our dinners out after tennis.

I refuse, however, to skip my Naples tennis vacation (even if I don’t play tennis anymore.)

Naples vacation with my tennis ladies

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

August 25, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions August

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

My topic for today is: Five August Runfessions

I runfess…

I was really excited when I got a 6 month free membership to a gym back in March. I vowed to go use the machines twice a week.

Then once a week. (Even the nearby Starbucks stopped motivating me.)

Well, the thrill is gone. I have not gone once this month!!!!!!!

2. I runfess…

I took the day off from work (and did not travel to Liverpool) because I wanted to go to a friend’s funeral. And I did go but I ran before and played tennis after. I can’t let my free time be free.

on the Delmar rail Trail

3. I runfess…

I am been purging big time from my closet. I have too many things that I no longer wear. I definitely don’t need any more running clothes. I mean I only run 4x a week at most.

So why did I buy another running skirt or two?

Gym Girl Ultra (my fav) – FWC20 for 20% off at skirtsports.com

4. I runfess…

Speaking about temptation, I cannot stop eating ice cream. Every day!!! It’s my reward after a run. It’s my reward after a bad day. It’s my reward…just because.

just being patriotic

I need an intervention.

5. I runfess…

I’m already picking out my races for 2018.

But I’ve decided (for now) on quality rather than quantity. In the past I’ve run as many as 7 half marathons in a year. This year, I had planned to run 6 – 3 in the spring and 3 in the fall but (may only run 5).

I think for next year, it’ll be 4 – 2 in the spring and 2 in the fall.

Here’s the plan so far:

March:

Image result for singer island half marathon

FLA – bridges, ocean views, friend meet-ups and baseball (Mar 18)

May:

largest half in US, NYC weekend, fun fun (May 20)

Sept:

hilly but with beaches, staying at my college roommate’s new house in RI (Sept 9)

Oct:

Paris what else can I say? This will probably not happen but a girl can dream… (Oct 6)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Do you slack off on your gym membership? What food do you have a weakness for? Do you buy too many running clothes? Any big races planned for 2018?

July 28, 2017 by Darlene

Five Five 2.0: July Runfessions

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

My topic for today is: Five July Runfessions

1.I runfess…

I usually run races EVER weekend in the summer time but this month, I only ran two. I skipped THREE weekend races!!

I know. Can you believe it?

I think it’s cuz my job is so tiring. I just want to sleep in on Saturday or drive up to the lake and just sit!!

Does anyone else get lazier in the summer?

2. I runfess…

I did run a 5k this past weekend. I didn’t go for a PR but I did want to beat my friend Holly (who beat me the last two races) and win an Age Group award. I know running is supposed to be fun but it is more fun when you win. Am I the only one who is so competitive?

Holly is a good sport when I beat her!

3. I runfess…

I am been purging big time from my closet. I have too many things that I no longer wear.

So why am I tempted to buy more running skirts?

4. I runfess…

Speaking about temptation, I am still tempted to sign up for the SurfTown Half Marathon on Sept. 10.

hilly bit pretty scenery

I am waiting to see if my friend’s house will definitely be re-built and ready to live in by then.

5. I runfess…

I complain that with work, I don’t have enough time to run. (It will get worse because my co-worker just left so that means more traveling in the fall….)

But I took two days off from work last week. One day to hike with a friend and another to go the NY Botanical Gardens. I have another day off planned for August. And it’s to go to the Race Track.