Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for July

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 signed up for a Virtual Race which I normally don’t do.  Yes, I love to give to charity but there are so many race local races where I can do that.

Why did I sign up?  The swag.

awesome medal

cool women’s tech shirt

Do you run virtual races? Anyone else love Central Park as much as I do?

2. I runfess…

As a Rock N Blogger, I definitely feel FOMO every time a Rock n Roll race happens (especially this month when all my favorite bloggers were running in Chicago.) I loved Vegas and ran Brooklyn and my plan was to run several Rock N Roll races.  But they cancelled Brooklyn and the only east coast race is Montreal.  But not until Sept 23….

Image result for rnr montreal

Any other Rock N Bloggers out there not able to run all the races they’d like? Anyone else running RnR Montreal??? Hopefully “yes.”

3. I runfess…

I used to race every weekend especially in the summer. But believe it or not, I only raced ONCE in July. Having friends to run with on the weekend has changed my running…

Do you ever lose the “racing fever”?

4. I runfess…

I used to reward myself with ice cream after long runs. But now I reward myself with ice cream after short runs and even after NO runs.

Ever give yourself an undeserved post run reward?

5. I runfess…

I bought a new skirt from Skirt Sports (that I don’t need) because I thought that the new pattern matched my new running shoes.

Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes - Color: Racer Blue/Blue Tint/Royal Pulse (Regular Width) - Size: 6.5

my shoes

except that it doesn’t match – still love the skirt.

Ever buy new running apparel just because of the color?


It’s 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.

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Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for June

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 got my running shoes soaked during a 5k race so I took out the insoles to let them dry.

I took the same running shoes to NYC (for a week of working there) and put 11 miles on them in one day (only 3 was running) before I realized that I never put the insoles back into my shoes.

Yes, the shoes felt weird. I attributed it to different socks.

Since I had a 5k scheduled for that week, I had to go buy insoles for the shoes.

Good news – I like these insoles better than the ones that came with the shoes.

racing with my new insoles

Do you buy special insoles for your running shoes?

2. I runfess…

I ran a Brooklyn 5k where I definitely felt like a less than “serious” runner.

There were about 100 runners who finished with a pace under 7 min,

I ran well yet I finished near the BOTP. 438 out 657?

I guess I got spoiled with races where anyone regardless of pace signs up to run a 5k.

Do you ever run well and finish near the BOTP?

3. I runfess…

I might have been injured but I didn’t talk much about it in hopes that it would disappear.

After my Florida trip where I played tennis everyday, the arch of my right foot was very sore. It hurt after I ran. It hurt during the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

I googled it to death and iced after I ran.  No, I didn’t stop running. I thought it could be PF but to get rid of that injury, it seemed that I would have to rest my foot.

I had a 5k scheduled in Brooklyn and I hesitated to run it.  I thought about the fact that I could make it worse and be out of running for even longer.

But running is my therapy.  With my family, friend and job stresses, I needed to run or I’d go insane.

So I decided it was worth the risk of aggravating a maybe injury.

I ran the race. My foot was no worse and I’ve continued running and it feels less painful after each run.

not a great race but fast enough to win my age group

I guess I made the right decision. Phew!!

Do you ever ignore an injury and it went away?

4. I runfess…

I paid $39 to run a 5k just because there was ice cream afterward.

The ice cream was small and definitely not worth it. I could have run in the park for free and bought a huge ice cream sundae.

Ever sign up for a race because of the food post race?

5. I runfess…

I’ve been looking for a new pair of running shoes but didn’t want to pay full price – $149 (because truthfully I probably don’t really need them).

I found a pair for like $100.  They might have been cheaper because of the color??

Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes - Color: Racer Blue/Blue Tint/Royal Pulse (Regular Width) - Size: 6.5

I was excited. They match many of my race shirts and skirts.

It’s the little things that makes a runner happy…

Ever buy or not buy running shoes just because of the color?


It’s 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Image result for run fast eat slow

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

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

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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.

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…

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…

Related image

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…

Image result for rnr montreal half marathon

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.

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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.

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?

Toasty Tights

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.

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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

  1. 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.

Image result for even hotel nyc

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.

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?

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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

  1. 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?

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