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…

February 25, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – February

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

For a short month, I have quite a few runfessions:

I runfess…

I keep looking at a photo from my last race wondering how I ran that fast. In my training runs, I struggle to run a 12 mm.

mile 4 was under 9 mm? Who is that runner?

I just can’t motivate myself to run fast when it doesn’t count. Good thing I don’t have a coach? Or is it?

I runfess…

When I was sick, I walked more than ran during my runs. But I still counted them as running miles. Does anyone else count their walks?

walking is better than nothing.

I don’t pause my watch (when I wear one) when I stop and walk over ice either.

It’s movement, right?

And the race clock doesn’t stop when you walk during a race. It’s still 13.1 miles.

I runfess…

I’m not as bummed out as I thought I would be about my flu interrupted half marathon training.

I will finish the race even if I walk half of it. I’ve walked half a half marathon before and still finished in 2:45.

It is what it is.

At least I will be in Florida, visiting friends and I have tickets for a Mets spring training game (right after my half marathon). Woo Hoo!

Image result for 2017 mets spring training

Mets vs Cardinals in Jupiter, Fl – March 5

I runfess…

That being said about not seriously running the race, I have still started weather stalking.

It’s too early, right?

It can still change to 60 degrees, dry and no wind.

I runfess…

I am so sick of wearing my winter running clothes that I’ve already worn my new spring Skirt Sports skirt.

Yes there is still snow on the ground

I mean it was 55 degrees.

Then the next day, I wore capris and I admit, my legs were a little cold.

40 degrees out but windy

I runfess…

I don’t like to wear headphones. So I just play music or podcasts off the speakers on my iphone or ipod.

just running sans headphones…my iphone is in my pocket under my skirt

Is that rude?

No runners have ever said anything when they run by me. But then again, they all seem to be wearing headphones so I am probably not bothering them.

I runfess…

Ok, when it’s free don’t you want to eat more and forget the calories?

When I work at the Bar Exam, they pay for breakfast and lunch. Normally I would eat yogurt & granola for lunch and a banana for a snack.

Since I wasn’t paying, I had a chocolate croissant from Starbucks with a venti Butterscotch latte and lasagna for lunch on Tuesday.

It wouldn’t have been so bad but I sat for 10 hours and didn’t even run after.

I worked there again on Thursday and Friday. And I didn’t eat any healthier. 😦

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess? Spill…

January 28, 2017 by Darlene

Runfessions – January

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

I runfess…

My running routes are influenced by my post race food options Aren’t yours?

I ran here:

I am very sad that I won’t be able to run here until spring

because of this:

Leah’s Cakery

I ran here:

because of this:

Cider Belly Donuts

I need all the motivation I can get. But do I really burn off all those calories?

I runfess…

I participated in a march last Saturday. It was for what I believe in. But why did it happen on such as perfect running weather day?

50 degrees and blue skies (the weather was awful the next day (when I did run)

As I walked, I kept thinking that it was a similar route (reverse direction) as for the Freihofer’s Run.

I runfess…

I really wanted to participate in Kim’s plank challenge. But I only did it once and for 1 minute.

Sorry. I am such a slacker when it comes to working out.

I runfess…

I schedule my blog posts. That means that sometimes they are not accurate or current. Like “loving that we’ve had good weather for running.” By the time I posted that, we had two days of ice and snow. Blogger fail.

This may be why many bloggers take a respite from blogging. It takes up so much time!!

I’m not even talking about inspiring, creative posts. Just posting running updates and race reviews…

Maybe I need to join the blogging vacationers and just post on Instagram?? But who can get out more than a hashtag using your phone keyboard??

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

December 24, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions – December

It’s that time again (or maybe I’m a little early.) Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

Last Runfession of 2016!!

I runfess…

Holiday celebrations have seem to have taken over my life. Last week, it was EVERY single night!! And it is still continuing for many more nights to come….

I could decline some of those invitations but ’tis the season…, right?

It wouldn’t be so bad if I were training and not slacking off on my runs!!!!!!!!!

I runfess…

I have forgotten how to dress for winter. I hate to be warm so I cannot overdress. There’s that balance between sweating and freezing. I haven’t found it yet.

: yes I still wear capris even though it is in the 20s

I runfess…

2016 isn’t over and I trying to figure out half marathons for 2017. I may have even already picked one for the fall already.

Anyone running these? Any invitations??

Treasure Coast – March 5, 2017 – Stuart, FL
Shape Women’s – April 30, 2017 – NYC
Steel Rail – May 21, 2017 – Adams, MA
Wineglass – October 1, 2017 – Corning, NY
I need a Nov/Dec one in someplace warm!!!

I runfess…

I am reliving through texts and my wine glass our #HoLottaFun weekend. I am hoping that we can all meet up again in 2017 to run another race.

I runfess…

I may have bought more gifts for myself than others when holiday shopping this year.

new running shoes & crocs in Florida (both on sale)
2 tanks on sale at Old Navy
capris/skirt from Skirt Sports (see below:)

I have also participated in several gift exchanges. At one party, I won $33 in scratch off tickets (woo hoo!)and at another a pair of homemade mittens. Still anxiously awaiting my Skirt Sports Secret Santa gift…