October 30, 2016 by Darlene

Belated Runfessions – October

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

Sorry I’m a little late on this one…

I runfess…

I was in NYC for work for 5 days this past week. I didn’t bring my laptop but I did have my iPad. So I could have. But I didn’t feel like blogging. So I skipped WW, TOLT and Friday Five. Just needed a breather. Ever feel blogged out?

I runfess…

Though I was in NYC for work, my mind was fixated on “Where and when can I run today?”

It’s not easy in a strange city when you have little free time.

sometimes you just have to miss lunch

I had hoped to do the following:

run along the Hudson River
run along the East River
run to Battery Park
run in Central Park

I did accomplish the first three.

I runfess…

I ran four races this month. Remember I suffer from the FOMO disease.

even raced in these horrible conditions

I almost ran one this weekend too. But I felt guilty neglecting my mentee and her kids so I spent time with them on Saturday. I just wish my running friends would not post pix from their races on FB when I don’t run. LOL.

I runfess…

I choose my long run locations based on the post run fueling options. Don’t you?

chocolate milk and a sticky bun

I runfess…

I signed up for 6 races in November!! Yes, six! a 10k, a 15k, and 4 5ks. At least none of them is a half marathon. This just means that my long runs may be non-existent.

ttt2

the Troy turkey trot 10k is one of my favorites

I runfess…

I have a 5k in NYC this Saturday. The logistics for the weekend will be crazy – getting there, checking into my airbnb apt, meeting my friend from Russia, getting my bib, getting to the race, planning a blogger meet-up, getting my luggage, getting home, etc. There’s a 5k somewhere in the mix. I haven’t given the race a second thought. It’s just for fun. I would love to spectate the NYC marathon on Sunday but I don’t have a place to stay Saturday night. (Any offers?)

at last year’s 5k

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?

October 1, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – October Edition

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in October, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

And since it’s late evening, it would probably be more appropriate to be having a glass of wine…but maybe you’re having some decaf coffee or herbal tea:

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I have been working at my new job for over three weeks. I’ve met a nice woman ( a year older than me) who was hired a month before me. We have lunch together everyday. That’s the highlight of my day. I still feel unprepared, overwhelmed, unqualified, etc. But I will give it at least 6 months before I admit defeat.

stuck in my cubicle all day trying to make sense out of the training manual.

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I decided not to be a running buddy for the fall Girls on the Run program. I don’t have the time and I didn’t enjoy my involvement with the program the last 2 springs. I may give it one more try this spring.

my buddy didn’t even show up for her race

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I am glad that I re-joined the Turkey Trot training program. The women who participate are great and it will get me to do some (painful) drills once a week.

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I started drinking coffee again. I had given it up so that I would sleep better. And I didn’t sleep any better. I still drink tea in the morning but it’s now caffeinated tea. And at work I either make my own coffee or go to Starbucks…and it’s caffeinated. I do LOVE coffee!!

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I skipped my long run last weekend and I skipped a run this week. And I am ok with it. It’s probably the first time I’ve done that so close to a half marathon. My half is next Sunday!!

heading into my taper

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that even though I bought the new Apple Watch, I still wore my Garmin 205 to today’s race. I haven’t had the time to figure it out.

Garmin on my right wrist and Apple Watch on my left

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I love the fall colors but I miss the warm weather. I hate stressing about what to wear. I hate having to wear or bring extra clothes. And don’t get me started about the lack of daylight.

Processed with Snapseed.

the leaves are beginning to change

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that this time of year makes me crave sweets. I love apple everything and pumpkin everything. Soon there will be Halloween candy … I need an intervention.

rum cake on Thurs, cider donuts yesterday and apple cranberry pie today

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I can’t remember the last time I went to the gym to work out. Good thing I don’t pay for any gym membership. With working and going out every night for something, there’s no time. Yeah, I know I could get up early and go before work. (But if I did getup early, it would be to run.)

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that my mother-in-law just turned 91! She’s very healthy but does nothing…just sits around… I hope to be very different at her age. Maybe I will still be running!!!

Since I did Runfess several things here, I am also linking up with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess? Or tell me about something that’s going on in your life?

August 27, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions August

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 a running shoe problem. Maybe you already knew that.

My lower back started aching so I bought these (on sale.)

Nike Zoom Vomero 12s

Then I got an email with an even better sale on my first Zoom Vomero 11s. So I had to buy them too.

shoe2

bought these a year ago – now I have a new pair

The problem is that I am still attached to my older shoes that are worn out or were never comfortable. Memories! My 5k Pr…my Half Marathon PR… I am having trouble parting with them.

I runfess...

I am bailing on my 11 miler tomorrow. It’s not the weather. I’m not sick or injured. I have the time. I just don’t feel like running it alone.

Instead I am going up to spend the weekend with friends.

annual mah jongg weekend on the river

I hope to get out on the road on Monday. Alone…gulp!

Happy Running! Do you have a hard time getting rid of running shoes? Do you often skip or re-schedule your long runs?

July 30, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions July – A Day Late

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

I runfess…

Remember last month, when I was playing tennis all the time. Well, the thrill is gone.

I started playing 4 times week, then 3, then 2… last week was one. This week NOT AT ALL!!

I am NOT running more … just other things have gotten in the way.

still love the game especially MY FRIENDS!!

I runfess…

It has been HOT HOT HOT…

Most of you are getting your runs in early in the morning.

Not me. I have been running at 5 pm in 90 degree heat. I have never sweat so much.

I runfess…

My National Ice Cream Day treat has turned in everyday is ice cream day.

I could justify it as a post run treat but I eat it even if I haven’t run.

I now hide the ice cream in freezer so my hubby doesn’t find it.

my new obsession!!

I runfess…

My last double digit run was June 26 and before that May 29. Yup. Too HOT, rather be boating not running.

I have the time just not the desire.

I runfess…

Not working across the street from Starbucks has saved me money but I think I spend it on races.

You see, if I pay for a race, I will RUN.

Tomorrow is a 5k.

Then the week after, I signed up for a new race. It’s one that I’ve always wanted to run. 8.4 miles on a trail racing a train. Sounds like fun.

rtt

More miles than I am ready for, in the heat, with hills, on a trail. Probably not fun!

Then I have two races that I signed up for a while ago. I have done both of them before.

ccc

a very hilly 10K

August 20,2016 – 5k that ends with a downhill

Happy Running! Anything to runfess?

June 25, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions June – a day late

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 more time than ever but I have to force myself to blog. I am running and racing. I just don’t feel like going on my computer at home.

I used to be on the computer all day at work. Whenever I got to work early or stayed late or even during a break, I would blog. I’ve blogged almost everyday for 8 years.

I still read your blogs on my iPad so I’m not ignoring you. And maybe soon I’ll get my blogging mojo back.

I runfess…

Speaking of having more time. I always said if I didn’t work, I would have time to workout or go to the gym.

Nope, haven’t been once. Haven’t planked nor done yoga nor done push-ups.

I’m an exercise slacker.

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t been home watching TV (or cleaning my house or even cooking).

I’ve been busy all day.

Tennis at least once a day, sometimes twice. Errands, catching up with friends, running, racing, walking, hiking.

For the first time since I got my FitBit (in Sept), I had over 10,000 steps for 7 days in a row.

I runfess…

For the first time since I started running, I am playing tennis as often as I run. Yup, 4 times a week. But I am sure that I am putting more time into tennis than running. I play doubles for at least 1 1/2 hours. My week day runs are only 3-4 miles. Definitely not running for 1 1/2 hours. And last weekend, I ran two 5k races. Less than one hour total for 2 days.

Sorry running. I am cheating on you.

Why?

Because tennis is scheduled at a certain time. Unless, I run with someone else, I can procrastinate and go whenever or not go at all. Plus, running is HARDER!!!!!!!!!! Especially in the summer when it is hot and humid.

I runfess…

I used to wear suits everyday for the job I had for 8 years before my last job. Now that I hoping to be going on interviews, I thought I might wear one.

Nothing fits!!

In 10 years, my body has failed me. The pants and skirts are too tight and the jackets are too big.

Does your weight move around? Or did they always fit like that?

Maybe I should put that battery in my scale (or go to the gym)?

And no, I don’t want to buy new boring clothes. (Odd that I never complain about having to buy new running clothes…)

I runfess…

They say things happen in threes.

So I lost my job. I lost my car key.

Now the ZOOMA Cape Cod half marathon that I signed up for 7 months ago has been cancelled.

They never got a permit for the race so they decided to change it to a yoga weekend with a non-timed fun 5k or 10k group race.

For $100 race fee plus $300 for the hotel and 3 1/2 hours travel time & gas — I don’t think so. (They are giving refunds, Thank God.)

I actually wasn’t that disappointed though I’d love to run a race on Cape Cod someday.

Instead I have several possibilities where I can run 13.1 miles and sleep in my own bad.

There’s a hilly one on August 15 along Lake George, another on Sept. 18 in Saratoga and I already signed up for a new one in Adams, MA on Oct 9.

rfhm

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Ever have a big race cancelled? Ever lose your running or blogging mojo?

May 28, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions May – the Vacation Edition

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

My Naples, Fl. vacation was wonderful but

I runfess…

I am usually good about resting and taking care of my body but I RAN 7 DAYS IN A ROW during my vacation. I couldn’t help it. The freedom of not having to rush off to work…. Everyday I ran (though slow and with walk breaks) at least 3 miles in a different Naples neighborhood. I got up earlier than I do when I go to work (and of course, went to bed late every night so I am currently suffering from a vacation hangover!!!)

I runfess…

I recently suffered from tennis elbow. The pain has left since I put new strings on my racquet but I was planning on being cautious. Still I played tennis (doubles) for at least one hour 7 DAYS IN A ROW and also took a tennis lesson 4 of those days after playing doubles. It was great. It made me remember why I love the game.

snapseed

I runfess…

All my healthy eating habits (did I have any??) went out the window. Breakfast was oatmeal & tea and lunch was yogurt and fruit but we went out to dinner every night. I had dessert…always. It was worth every calorie.

shrimp & crab roll

shrimp & grits!

best key lime pie ever!

chocolate martini – yum!

I runfess…

I love the SUN!!! I know it’s bad for your skin and ages you but I feel and look better with a tan. (And yes, I do use sunscreen but only 15 SPF.) At least I was blessed that I don’t burn easily. We went to the beach 6 times and the pool twice. So happy was I!!!!!!!

the water was 85 degrees – heavenly

I runfess…

I have a half marathon tomorrow. I did not do ANY long runs to train. 5 weeks ago I ran a half marathon and 3 weeks ago, I ran a 15k but that was it. And while on vacation, I didn’t care. I could have run. I had the time. It was hot & humid and I wanted to play tennis with my friends. I will probably regret my lack of training. Oh well. Sometimes other things trump running.

late night at the Monkees concert

img_9715-1

another late night – dinner at a comedy club

img_9732-1

dinner & drinks at the Ritz to watch the sun set – the best time!!

boat ride to see the dolphins and we saw so many!!!!

even though the movie starred Ryan Gosling, it was awful

Naples Botanical gardens – so beautiful!!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess? Do all your healthy routines vanish during vacations?

April 30, 2016 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…

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.

When I am busy after work and I need to run, I have to run at lunch. It’s ok now because it is still cool out. That will change when it gets warm and I will be too sweaty to go back to work.

How do you early morning runners do it?

I runfess…

Last month, I couldn’t go to yoga or the gym because I had tennis elbow. Good excuse, right?

Now, my elbow feel fine…but I still haven’t gone… no time, no ambition, too lazy.

I need an intervention!!

I runfess…

I din’t taper for my last half marathon.

I usually run 8 miles the weekend before but I ran 11 miles on Sunday.

11 miles

11 miles

Then I ran 4 miles on Monday, 5 miles on Wednesday, 2 miles on Thursday….

OOPS!

I ran my second fastest half so I guess it was okay and if it weren’t so f##in hilly, I might have PRed.

I runfess…

I also did not recover after my last half marathon.

half recover

My bad!

I ran 3 miles the next day and also on Wed & Thurs. Plus I have 10k on Saturday and a 5k on Sunday.

my legs were TIRED!!

I runfess…

I still have my Starbucks addiction. I stop on the way to the park. And I walk to the park everyday at lunch. (Darn, I wish they would close that store!!!)

I even walked there in the rain

However, I have discovered their Chocolate Banana Smoothie. Tell me it’s healthier than a frappuccino!

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

mc16

May 8 – HILLY!!!!!

May 29 – Hilly

ccc16

I haven’t signed up yet but I probably will…

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

March 26, 2016 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…

I runfess…

I 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.

I did once this month and found it a great way to start the day but only ONCE it was…

I runfess…

Speaking of doing things only once. I went to the gym ONCE. And it wasn’t bad. It barely took any time out of my busy schedule. But I haven’t repeated the gym experience.

I runfess…I am injured. Not a running injury.It’s tennis elbow. But I treated it the same as a running injury.

I got my racket restrung. I knew from the first swing that something was wrong. I ignored it. It was sore and I ignored it and I continued playing each week. Eventually, it was more than sore, it hurt. So I wore an arm band and played. Now it really hurts so I am taking some time off and having my racket strung correctly.

Tennis is costly and I hate taking time off. Yes, I know that if I took care of it right away, it would be better by now. I am stubborn that way. (At least it doesn’t hurt when I run 🙂 )

on the sidelines now…hoping to be cured by my May tennis vacation

I runfess…I started caring more about my lack of sleep than my steps.

The first thing I do in the morning is check my FitBit to see how bad my night’s sleep was.

I usually get 5 hours…sometimes 6. Never enough!!!

I runfess…

So I’ve decided that I need to do 10,000 steps a day again. This is easy when I run but on the days that I don’t run, I am lazy. So I turned to walking around the mall.

This is great for my legs but not my pocketbook.

I wind up adding bills to my credit card in addition to steps on my FitBit.

But I only buy items ON SALE and/or with COUPONS.

gap

I got it at the Gap in grey striped for $3.50

macys

I got it at Macy’s for like $9.

And there was more but I’ll spare you.I runfess…

I used to do all my long runs alone.

But I got spoiled. Most of them lately have been run with Judy or Barbara. I have enjoyed the company and it made the miles much less painful.

However, today both of them were busy…

I was going to have to run alone. So I asked on FB and found someone that I have never met to run with me. I have no idea if we run at the same pace. So we’ll see how it goes. I’m pretty adaptable unless she runs at an 8 minute pace or a 14 minute pace.

I runfess…

I don’t like hills. I walk rather than run up them. And I don’t train on hills.

So why do I sign up for hilly races?

Decal-13.1-Celebrate-Life-e1446773610315

Mar 13- the hillest EVER

April 9 – a quite hilly 10K

April 24 – rolling hills for all 13.1 miles

ccc16

rolling hills – but I still have time to back out of this one…

So I should do some hill repeats or stop whining about the hills!!!Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

February 27, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions February (a day late)

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

I runfess…

I gave up coffee a few years ago. I was hoping that as a result, I would sleep better. (and that’s debatable.)

I still drink herbal tea every morning but mid morning, I started cheating. Now I can’t stop!!

I work across the street from Starbucks and from my app, I can order a coffee and it is ready before I get there. I don’t have to wait on that long line. Less than 5 minutes away from my desk.

#StarbucksAnonymous. I need you.

I runfess…

I bought a FitBit because I was sitting too much at work. I thought it would motivate me to get up and move around, And it did at the beginning.

Now I only check to see how much (or how little) I’ve slept.

The light blue is when I am awake at night. Yes, I am obviously very restless..

Does anyone really get 8 hours of sleep?

I runfess…

My drawers/closets are full. I need no more running clothes!!!

So why did I just buy another SkirtSports skirt?

It was a new print. I couldn’t help myself!

psyched for the psyched print!

The good news that I was tempted to order other things and I did not….

I runfess…

I signed up for a half marathon on March 13 and another on May 29.

Why am I thinking about another one in between?

April 24 – a different company runs this one than when I ran it in the freezing rain in 2011

ich

May 15 – this one is new (but it maybe a double loop course which turns me off)

Someone just posted about this one:

12744456_909567269157654_1413706914027812621_n

May 14 – another new one and great cause

My Facebook friends are such enablers!!

Happy Running! What do you have to runfess?

January 29, 2016 by Darlene

Runfessions January & Friday 5 (or 6)

It’s that time again. The last Friday of the month. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

You how they say don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. Well, don’t go to Target after a long run when you are half frozen.

target

puffer jacket with hood

Well, at least it was on clearance and I had a cartwheel coupon.

2. I runfess…

Remember how I said I loved my FitBit because it made me walk more. I used to try to get to 10,000 steps everyday.

steps

last week

Well, the newness has worn off and now I pretty much only get 10,000 steps when I do a long run (like on Sat.). I even forgot to put it on on Sunday but I didn’t move much anyway.

3. I runfess…

After all those holiday parties and Christmas cookies, I vowed to cut back and eat healthier (and save $) in January. Besides when I go to Florida in a week, there will be a lot of eating and drinking going on with friends (and I will be going all out.)

monthly tennis ladies night out

I went out to dinner this past week three nights in a row. My bad.

4. I runfess…

I work several Saturdays during the year proctoring law school entrance exams. Though I hate to work 6 days a week, I justify it by using this extra money for race entry fees.

Dates for 2015-16:

December 5, 2015 – EAU Palm Beach Half weekend
February 6, 2016 – Sarasota Music Half weekend
June 6, 2016.
September 24, 2016.
December 3, 2016

I just signed up for a fall half marathon.

Guess when? Yup. September 24, 2016. At least, I had a 10% coupon code.

5. I runfess…

I have gotten spoiled by either running a race or having a running partner for part of all my long runs. Thanks Judy!

This part Saturday was no exception. I ran 6 miles by myself then Judy came to run the final 6 with me. I usually run slower the second half of my runs so it works out fine. However, it was so cold and windy and we were running uphill that I couldn’t hold the slower pace. I wound up running the last 3 miles by myself. Sorry Judy!

I looked back at one point and couldn’t see Judy.

And for extra measure…

6. I runfess…
I can’t wait to leave the frigid Northeast and run in Florida. I am excited for my half marathon…

new Nike shoes & skirt & top from SkirtSports

or maybe it’s because I want to wear my latest running purchases? (Yes, Sunshine State, please warm up!)

Since it is also Friday, I am linking up with the three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC for their Friday Five linkup.

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?