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.

we do it every year – for over 30 years!!

So no sympathy for me about my weekday runs or lack of!

But “a girl’s just gotta have fun…”

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

June 30, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – June

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

I runfess…

I have plenty to runfess but no time to do write a post about them.

During the day, work is too busy to go on the computer to blog. I am often traveling so not available after work hours either. When I am free after work, I am either playing tennis, running or socializing.

Don’t give up on my blog, just follow me on Instagram – dsc59

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

May 27, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – May

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. Maybe when it gets warm and my FRW Challenge and STEM runs are over. Or maybe not.

I runfess…

I did not do a single uninterrupted long run for this weekend’s half marathon and I still got a PR. Now how will I motivate myself to train for future halfs??

didn’t even break a sweat

I runfess…

I have been going to the gym at least once a week but I just rush in, do all the machines and rush out. This week, I specifically went there to get my FREE birthday smoothie.

I runfess…

Now that I’m on a training break (ha ha, as if I ever trained?), I am thinking about maybe trying for a 5k PR. Especially since without realizing it, my last 5k (at 27:26) was only 16 seconds short. Of course, I want it to come accidentally and without speed workouts. It probably won’t. Sigh.

maybe it was the rain that got me to the finish line faster

I runfess…

My non-racing tennis vacation in Florida did include a race. I played tennis almost every morning but I managed to find a 5k in town on the weekend. I admit it was nice not planning a vacation around a race, though.

I even bumped into an old tennis teammate

I runfess…

Now that the Half Marathon PR pressure is off, I may sign up for some challenging races.

Make-A-Wish Vermont Maple Leaf Half Marathon

a very hilly one in Sept. Tempting but I haven’t signed up … yet.

I runfess…

I have lost track of how many times, I have celebrated my birthday. It only comes once a year, right?

this one was in Florida on my actual birthday

I runfess…

I have given into the Keurig hype. I bought a cheaper brand (Bella) and I can use regular Starbucks ground coffee (so the environment is safe with me.)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

April 28, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – 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 STILL can’t seem to motivate myself to run in the morning before work. It’s not that I sleep in but I am lazy. I sit around watching the Today show, eating breakfast and reading email/blogs. Then all of a sudden, it’s time to go to work.

This would have been definitely more pleasant at 6 am than 5 pm.

How do you early morning runners do it?

I runfess…

I did not do a single uninterrupted long run for this weekend’s half marathon. I think my longest run was 6 miles. I know that I should but racing is more fun.

5k + 6 mi = 9 mi

Anyone have success doing it my way? Am I crazy? (Don’t answer that. it was rhetorical.)

I runfess…

I have been going to the gym at least once a week but I just rush in, do all the machines and rush out. I could also use the treadmill or the bike.

at least the gym is near Starbucks

I should also take a class (spinning, boot camp, Zumba) before my free membership elapses, right?

I runfess…

I am actually enjoying my shorter races. I used to feel pressured when I ran them. I felt like I should try to PR. But now I am not even trying to run fast. I’m still having decent finish times and even winning some age group awards. In my most recent race, my slowest pace was the end of the race.

Once my May 21 half is over and I have a break in my training, I should consider trying for a 5K PR.

I runfess…

I am looking forward to 8 day vacation in Naples, FL with my tennis friends. It’s always a fun time to unwind, go to the beach and have some quality girl-time.

We are going 2 weeks early because one of the ladies is expecting a grandchild. This, however, means missing some of my favorite races. Serious FOMO will be happening.

I runfess…

My half marathon on May 21 is on a flat course and it is the same course where I did PR back in October. So I should train better than I have for this weekend’s fun one. Will I?

Well, there’s my Florida trip and then there’s a 5k on May 13 and another possible one on May 14.

Summer Smith Memorial 5k

As Brittany says; Oops, I’ve done it again.

I runfess…

I used almost always run by myself. I actually enjoyed the solitude and being alone with my thoughts. I even stopped listening to music.

Well lately, I’ve gotten spoiled. I have my training group peeps on Monday, STEM volunteers on Wed, Alyssa on Thurs and there are my races on the weekend.

It’s so much more fun running with someone else.

Now it feels weird when I am alone. I’ve started listening to podcasts. It’s my virtual running partner talking to me (and I don’t have to talk back…but I can..).

Anyone else prefer to run with a friend than solo?

I runfess…

I am planning to wear a top to this weekend’s half marathon that I have not worn before. Judy says it is comfortable so I will believe her. (But I do plan to wear a sports bra underneath!!)

Anyone wear new unworn items to a big race??

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

March 31, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – March

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

And it’s Friday so here’s FIVE runfessions:

1. I runfess…

I impulsively applied for several ambassadorships.

I didn’t get accepted to this one 😦

But I did get selected for this one:

The problem is that I’m not sure if I can run any of their races!!

June 3 – ZOOMA Annapolis – nope – but can do the virtual 10K
October 6 – ZOOMA Cape Cod – a week after Wineglass but maybe since I can drive there and if I get a roommate.
October 22 – ZOOMA Amelia Island – nope – too expensive for flight & hotel
March 10 – ZOOMA Austin – doubtful, too far, too hilly, too expensive

I do intend to promote these races. Here is my discount code:

It’s DARLENE2017 to get 10% any race registration.

2. I runfess…

Speaking of impulsiveness… remember how I wanted one more late fall half marathon and another reunion with the #holottafun ladies?

Well, I registered for a big race!

Nov 11-12, 2017

This is my first BIG half marathon and I am pretty excited.

LV-16-Remix-Medal-layers_v2

I also registered for the 5k the day before. (I do not plan to race it – just finish and claim my bling.)

I already have a roommate, hotel and flight. This is real!!

So stay tuned…we’re reuniting and even adding more cool bloggers.

3. I runfess…

I planned to take a Hot Yoga class last Saturday. I registered and paid. Plus it was a fundraiser for STEM. I went to the gym and then my friend asked me to help her with her computer. It took longer than expected. She offered me a Peruvian lunch…. Well, I didn’t make it to yoga (at least they got my money.) and then I went to the movies and had popcorn (which I never do!!) After the movie, we went out for pizza. Another fundraiser. I had to do it. So much for my healthy Saturday.

4. I runfess…

Speaking of unhealthy eating… I fell off the wagon at work. Well, maybe I was never on it. But work has been such a bore so this happened:

And yes, they were good!!! Ever try any of the new flavors?

5. I runfess…
That being said … I’ve also been so sick of this cold weather that I have tried to pretend that despite the cold, wind and snow, it is SPRING:

post run treat on a cold day (we still have snow!)

or maybe it’s that a lot of blogger friends have been on vacation and enjoying warm weather. Serious FOMO.

Since it’s also Friday, 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? Spill…