November 24, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for November 2023

First Runfessions of Fall

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

top 10 running memes blog 11 (544x325)

Sorry, But I still got the NYC Marathon blues…

um… no I didn’t buy any of the 190 pix they took of me!!

I runfess…

I am struggling with many mixed emotions regarding my marathon.

Proud. Yes, I did finish 26.2 miles.

Depressed. Yes. I didn’t train so I could walk most of the 26.2 miles.

I runfess…

I am not disappointed with my finish time. Who knew I could walk that fast?

I runfess…

I have no idea what caused my calf cramps.

Dehydration? Too fast a walk pace? The screws/plate in my ankle?

I want to know since I never want to experience that pain again in a race.

years being GIF

I runfess…

I thought I was tough.

I’ve run on a broken foot and with a stress fracture.

For the first time ever, I seriously thought about quitting during a race…

glad I didn’t see this guy. LOL

I runfess…

I’ve run hundreds of races which includes 66 half marathons.

Yet, this one race really deflated me.

I may have even said “I’m never running again!”

top 10 running memes blog 2 (468x482)

I runfess…

I time qualified for the NYC Marathon again in 2024 (thanks to the rainy 2023 Brooklyn Half).

Do I do it again as redemption? So not to end marathon racing on such a bad note?

I have from February 21 until March 21, 2024 to decide…

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

October 27, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for October 2023

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

I can’t believe how fast time has gone by… It’s almost November!!!

1. I runfess…

It’s getting chilly in the mornings but I am resisting as long as possible dressing in capris, tights or long sleeves.

Once I start, I’ll be in them until May.

I’ve had to add DIY arm sleeves and compression calf sleeves to keep warm… even gloves.

2. I runfess…

Brunch locations have always taken precedence over long run locations.

a lot of important discussions occur over brunch…

But lately cookie ice sandwiches influence where we hike on Thursday evenings.

homemade and soooo goood!

Unfortunately, they close after Nov. 9.

That’s ok because by then it will be too dark to hike after work until spring.

3. I runfess…

It’s no secret that I HATE to run alone. I will run longer and more often if I have company.

I was lucky to have a friend who was willing to meet me early (even though she doesn’t have to go work).

She winters in Florida (and has already left).

I guess I’m solo until June.

4. I runfess…

I haven’t run as many races as I normally do… less than half as many.

33 last year and only 13 so far this year…

There was the broken foot and then marathon training.

There’s a 15K that I normally run (I even ran it the week after my 2019 marathon.)

in 2022

I haven’t registered for it… yet!

(Don’t worry I’ve registered for a Turkey Trot 10k and a Hot Chocolate 15k.)

5. I runfess…

I think that there were more runners that I knew running the Chicago Marathon than are running NYC (the one I am doing.)

I am hoping that I will enjoy the race experience because training was so time consuming and the 26.2 miles will be so hard!!

Maybe I should have deferred until 2024 when my friends will be running it…

Too late now. LOL.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Are you wearing tights yet? Do run or race alone? Did you run a lot of races this year? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

September 29, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for September 2023

First Runfessions of Fall

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 recently skipped another one of my favorite 5ks – Malta 5k (2022 recap). Of course, I checked the results and would have won my age group (and some great swag.)

last year’s for 3rd…

Marathon training takes priority… 15 miles, instead.

2. I runfess…

Continually with my marathon obsession, I ran a Half Marathon last weekend but took it slow so I could add 5 miles after to count as my 18 mile long run.

heading toward the finish for the half

Maybe I should have signed up for the 18 miler but I didn’t want to commit to 18 miles…

dragging to the finish after 5 more

3. I runfess…

I’ve been trying to get my mid-week long runs done but not successfully…

So if I can, I’ve split the run… some miles before work and some miles at lunch or after work (5.5 + 2.5 = 8 miles)

4. I runfess…

I do miss my racing friends and I get FOMO when I see all their FB posts so tomorrow, I signed up for a 5k.

last year…

So what’s my plan for getting my 12 mile long run done?

Simple: run 6 miles from my car to the race start, run the 5k race and then run 3 miles back to my car.

It’s a fun race with no age group awards…

5. I runfess…

Marathon training and my work schedule have taken precedence over going to the gym.

I hate to go to the gym when it is crowded so that means I only go early in the morning.

I had planned to go 3x a week (since I run 4x) but sometimes it’s only twice (Fri & Sun) or once (Sun). Or not at all (if I am away on Sunday)!!

That darn job!!

Sunday at the Y…

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

August 25, 2023 by Darlene

Runfessions for August 2023

Runfessions

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 recently skipped one of my favorite 5ks – Run for the Roses (2022 recap).

Of course, I checked the results.

I didn’t need to because my running friends, Janet and Sue (pictured above) texted me and thanked me for NOT coming.

2023

2. I runfess…

The reasons that I skipped this race were not totally related to running.

I could have run the race. My finish time is always under 30 minutes but I’m pretty sure it would be slower today but not too slow to win an age group award.

2022

I wanted go to the gym (as I always do on Sunday) and the weather was perfect for boating (several Sundays have been rainy and last Sun, my hubby was sick)

3. I runfess…

I’m still on the fence about future 5ks. Do I run them as I did in past years???

- 09-09-23 – Malta 5k
- 09-30-23 – Great Pumpkin Challenge OR Barn to Bridge Fall Fest 5k

I like having company on my long runs but they conflict with these races.

And this year since I am marathon training, my long runs seem much more important…

4. I runfess…

It’s been a strange running year. Last year I ran NINE half marathons.

Due to a broken foot, I’ve only run ONE!

a wet one in Brooklyn (that qualified me to run NYC Marathon in 2024)

I have two more scheduled in September but I’m only thinking of them as marathon training runs.

5. I runfess…

Instead of worrying about my races, I am stressing about that dreadful 20 mile training run. (Remember I do not like to run alone..)

- When?
- Where?
- With whom? (some of my running partners may be away…)
- As part of a half marathon (as I did in 2019) or one long run?

: 7 +13 = 20

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

July 28, 2023 by Darlene

Runfessions for July 2023

Runfessions

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 downloaded Hal Higdon’s Novice Marathon Training Plan.

As you can see below, I’ve already made so many changes to the plan.

Maybe I should just create my own. LOL

2. I runfess…

In my last Coffee Date, I was debating on whether or not to switch my long run to a half marathon.

Since then I talked some of my friends into running this race with me and so I did register:

I just can’t resist a local race with friends.

last year’s crew

3. I runfess…

I was also debating on switching my race-cation half marathon to the 18 miler because that distance would fit better into my plan

I guess that I debated too long:

4. I runfess…

I had to skip my recent 5k due to transportation issues.

I was only a little disappointed.

Of course, I did check the results to see if I would have won an age group award… LOL

My time for this race has ranged from 27:xx to 29:xx. So I may have won… BUT

New for 2023:

Let’s Go Green: Help us make our races financially AND ecologically sustainable! We have spiffy Prospect Park-shaped medals … however they are the same medal as in 2022. If you have already received a medal in the past, we invite you to soak in the cheers at the awards ceremony, but turn down a medal.

so here I am with that same medal last year (and I was wearing coincidentally the same outfit this year)

Hence no FOMO (and I did run 3.1 miles that evening.)

5. I runfess…

Last month I complained that the finish times in my recent 5k races were course PWs and that I needed to do some speed workouts if I wanted to get faster.

Of course, those speed workouts never happened but I am happy to report that although I didn’t PR at the recent Silks and Satins 5k, I did run it a little faster than in 2019.

2023

2019

So there’s still hope…

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

June 30, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for June 2023

Runfessions

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

This month I do have a few GYMfessions too…

1. I gymfess…

As I have mentioned before, one of the perks of mentoring or participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge was a 12 week FREE membership to the YMCA.

about 450 runners took part in the FTC

Yup, that was the main reason for my participation. And I did work out there faithfully most mornings before work.

2. I gymfess…

The race mentioned above took place on June 3.

selfie with some other mentors

So that meant that my gym membership ended that day.

I got up early the Monday after the race and headed to the gym to inquire about joining.

The guy at the desk was busy so I just scanned my card and IT WORKED.

And I did my usual workout.

No photo description available.

3. I gymfess…

Yes, I felt guilty. So on my way out, I informed the guy at the desk that the FTC membership was supposed to end on June 3 but my card still worked.

He checked the system and it said that it was good until JULY 1st!! Phew…

So I went back to my regularly scheduled gym workouts…

until July 1…

4. I gymfess…

Membership to the YMCA is pretty pricey but supposedly if I joined before June 18, they would at least waive the $100 sign-up fee.

Yup, I informed the guy at the desk of the deadline and he said that he would extend it for me until July 1.

Stay tuned…

Will I

5. I runfess…

because this is a RUNNIING BLOG (lol)

I had said that after I broke my foot and recovered, I would be happy just to run… my pace wouldn’t matter!

And it was and still is true for longer races.

However, I do admit that I was a little annoyed when I realized that I ran the Freihofer 5k race for a PW with around the same finish time as 10 years earlier WITH A BROKEN FOOT.

2023

2018

Well, something similar happened with a 5k race two weeks after: Valley Cats 5k.

2016: 28:47
2022: 28:43
2023: 29:11

I don’t know if I can run faster but I’m not giving up hope and may even do some speed work to prepare for the FRW and Valley Cats 5ks in 2024.

Happy Running! Anything to gym or runfess this month? Do you belong to a gym? Are you still trying to run faster? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

May 26, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for May 2023

Runfessions

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

Very happy to be running consistently again. You can’t RUNfess if you don’t run, right?

But this month, I actually started racing so these will be RACEfessions instead.

1. I racefess…

I had decided to focus on recovery and training for my May half marathon.

But it sure was hard to pass up all those shorter races that I normally run each year…

Yes, I skipped 6 races.

2. I racefess…

I planned on running the Tropicool 5k when I was in Florida. I even paid for it.

It involved having a friend get up early to drive me to the start (after a late night out) and another to pick me up.

I just had zero mojo to do it this year.

So my $$ went to their charity and I ran in the ‘hood instead.

3. I racefess…

Each year, I’ve done this race, I’ve placed in the Grand Master Category.

My previous finish times have been: 29:07, 28:14, 27:28, 27:31.

No surprise that I checked the results for this year:

I guess everyone has gotten slower, including ME!!

4. I racefess…

I will have to force myself to the start line because I am so over DNSing races that I’ve paid for.

06-03-23 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
06-17-23 – Valley Cats 5k
06-24-23 – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lakes
07-04-23 – Firecracker 4
07-15-23 – Silks n Satins 5k
08-13-23 – Run for the Roses 5k

I’m in a new age group so my finish time should be slower, right? I need to toss my ego out the door.

5. I racefess…

I said, of course, that I just wanted my foot to heal and be able to run again. And that my snail’s pace did not bother me.

That being said, I was elated to finish the Brooklyn Half Marathon fast enough to qualify for the 2024 NYC Marathon.

I finished Brooklyn HM in 2:21:41

My running friends didn’t get in the 2023 lottery but they plan to run the NYC Marathon in 2024. Now I’ll have the option to join them.

Happy Running! Anything to run or racefess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

April 28, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for April 2023

Runfessions

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

1. I runfess…

Though I created a 9 week training plan for the Brooklyn Half Marathon…

I didn’t exactly follow it.

My long runs were: 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 miles for the first 5 weeks (instead of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8).

Sorry. Not sorry.

2. I runfess…

One of the reasons that I didn’t follow the plan was that I actually started running BEFORE March 20 (the day I got the x-ray that my foot had healed.)

Not a lot of miles but running here and there and the foot felt fine.

3. I runfess…

Another reason is that I will be in Florida for week 7’s long run. It will be 90 degrees and humid. There’s no way I will be running 12 miles in that weather.

there will be more tennis than running this week.

4. I runfess…

Of course I couldn’t resist signing up for my annual 5k race while I’m there.

Tropicool 5k in Naples, FL

I can guarantee that there will be NO podium finish this year…

But I’m just happy to be able to run….

5. I runfess…

I’ve been part of the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC) for years as a runner then as a Race Ambassador. But through changes in leadership, it had become less useful to me.

This year, I thought that it would be a good idea to be a mentor and to support others who are running this race.

I may be one and done with this.

First they changed the location (farther away, boring path, NO restrooms) and then the Couch25k app that the Beginner group is supposed to use is no longer FREE.

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

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

February 24, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for Feb. 2023

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

1. I runfess…

This may sound depressing but when I heard that my best friend from Junior High died (went to bed with a headache and never woke up), I decided CARPE DIEM and to sign up for that marathon while I am able.

and so I clicked:

2. I runfess…

Last month, my hubby caught COVID (Sorry I didn’t post about it).

He had a mild case and it didn’t interfere with my running/social schedule. 😉 and I never caught it!!!

3. I runfess…

Some runners enjoy running alone. I don’t mind for short runs.

But more than 4 miles… I NEED company.

I am hoping I don’t regret having to run those 16, 18, 20 milers next Fall!!!

my companions for that dreaded 12 miler!!

So fingers crossed that a few of my local running friends get into the NYC marathon lottery.

4. I runfess…

I LOVE to race (as you probably know) and sign up for as many races as I can (in advance). This was my plan for the next few months. Those in BOLD are paid for but those in ITALICS are non-refundable, non-transferrable, only available through time qualifying or a lottery and expensive. The others are ones that I planned to run:

- 02-19-23 – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon
- 03-11-23 – Electric City 10k
- 03-19-23 – United NYC Half Marathon
- 03-26-23 – Shamrock Shuffle
- 04-15-23 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
- 04-30-23 – Sasha’s Super Hero 5k
- 05-07-23 – Tropicool 5k
- 05-13-23 – Prospect Mountain Run
- 05-18-23 – CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge (3.5m)
- 05-20-22 – Brooklyn Half Marathon
- 05-28-23 – Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler
- 06-03-23 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
- 06-18-23 – Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k
- 06-25-23 – Race to the Lakes 15k
- 06-25-23 – Dodge the Deer 5k
- 07-04-23 – Firecracker 4
- 08-13-23 – Run for the Roses 5k

As in the last 10 years, my body has cooperated.

June 1, 2013 – my last serious injury!!

5. I runfess…

In addition to not liking to run alone, I don’t like to race alone. I am a well-known race enabler. Just ask my friends. And it is unfortunate when I talk them into signing up and sharing hotel rooms and I cannot run. (Details on this will be coming in the WRD on Sunday.)

Sherry & Stan (pictured right) signed up for those March, April and May half marathons due to my urging.)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Anyone else enter the lottery for the NYCM 2023? Do you plan your racing schedule way in advance? Have injuries ever forced you to DNS a big race? Please share.