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

This month, it’s a mishmash…

1.  I gymfess… 

When I say I will do something, I follow through.

That means three mornings a week before work, I go to the gym … no matter what!

At first, I thought:  “I can’t wait until my free trial at the YMCA is over on June 4!! Hanging out with sweaty old men at 6:30 am is not my thing…”

But now, I am used to the routine. And I like routines.

So I think I’m going to miss my gym time.

I did send an email about my FREE local gym.  Here is their response:

Fitness Connect locations are currently closed to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19. It is unknown when these locations will reopen. We do understand gyms in New York are able to start reopening on 8/24/2020. But because the Fitness Connect locations rely on the public to self-serve and maintain the sanitation of the equipment, there is no guarantee that the proper sanitation protocols and safety measures will be used. We appreciate your understanding that we are looking out for the health and safety of our community…

Sigh. 😦

2. I runfess… 

Until recently, I was running three times a week by myself.  I could run anywhere and at any time.

Now I run with a group on Mondays (FTC) and Wednesdays (STEM).  Soon there will also be trail runs on Thursdays…

Yes, it’s inconvenient often to run at 6 or 6:30 pm. I’m tired and hungry!!

But it’s so much more enjoyable to run with others and I run much better!

4. I racefess…

I may have overclicked the Register button:

• 04-10-22 – Shape 5.8 Miler* (NYC)
• 04-16-22 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
• 04-24-22 – Delmar Dash (5m)
• 05-01-22 – Sasha’s Super Hero 5k*
• 05-07-22 – Prospect Mountain Road Race
• 05-15-22 – Tropicool 5k
• 05-19-22 – Workforce Challenge (3.5m)
• 05-22-22 – Steel Rail Half Marathon
• 05-29-22 – Miles Along the Mohawk 10 miler
• 06-04-22 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
• 06-05-22 – Capital Region Heart Walk/5k* (with STEM)
• 06-11-22 – Kinderhook Bank OK 5k
• 06-25-22 – Race to the Lakes 15k
• 06-26-22 – Dodge the Deer 5k*
• 07-04-22 – Firecracker 4

(* indicates a NEW race)

No goal races… just lots of fun with friends and supporting some important charities.

5.  I workfess….

I love the freedom of working from home but I am looking forward (a little bit) to getting out of the house, dressing up and seeing real people.  I will be teaching live starting May 25.  Two-four days a week, every other week, I think. (No NYC travel yet, though.)

The remote trainings will continue from home… For how long? Who knows?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?  Do you like to run with a group? Have you been registering for a  lot of races in 2022? Do you still work from home? Yay or Nay on the gym? 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 blog

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

It’s no surprise that my runfessions should be called RACEfessions.

1.  I runfess… 

It’s only February but I think I am already ignoring my word for the year.

Remember how I choose the word INTENTIONAL?

I have about 30 races on my Races list…and I am been impulsively signing up…

I guess I can say that I am INTENTIONALLY signing up for a lot of races lol

2. I runfess… 

As I have mentioned in a previous post, once my NYC half marathon (Frozen Penguin) got cancelled, I was forced to sign up for another this coming weekend (or lose $80).

So I am racing another hilly two loops around Central Park but my only goal is to enjoy my time in NYC.  Cari is also running the same race.

Hopefully I’ll be adding some fun shenanigans such as a visit to Governor’s Island (to see some ice sculptures).

3. I runfess…

There are so many cities and so many races, but NYC keeps pulling me in.

Shape Half ’17

You know where this is going.  I signed up for another Central Park race in April.

NOT a 2 loop hilly half marathon!! Just one hilly loop – a new 5.8 mile race.

Maybe even the cherry blossoms will bloom early this year…

5.  I runfess…

Every May even though I no longer play tennis, I go to Naples, FL to play tennis for 8 days.

I have in the past run a 5k but in recent years I have not been able (due to scheduling or COVID).

This is was in 2019.  Rebecca died unexpectedly last year (so I will thinking of her whenever I run this race 😦 )

You’ll be happy to know, that I will be running a 5k race while I’m there this year.

May 15, 2022

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?  Do you try to find races when you go on vacation?  Have you been signing up for races in 2022?  Do you like running in NYC? 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 blog

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

And the first one for this year!!

1.  I runfess… 

Even when the temps dipped below zero, I never regretted not having a treadmill. For some reason, being outdoors just made me feel healthier (with improved immunity). Mind over matter? (Luckily I was always able to find a dry/safe route to run.)

2. I runfess… 

After all these years of winter running, I may have figured how to stay warm yet be comfortable.  I used to wear a jacket (and I have several). But now I just don two shirts and a vest.  If it is really cold (under 20), I’ll add my DIY arm sleeves and a buff (in addition to tights, beanie and gloves/mittens).

easier to move your arms without a jacket… who knew?

3. I runfess…

I need to match my running outfit items even when it is cold.  So I graciously accepted a free beanie because it was pink.

Thanks Deborah!

4.  I runfess…

I am a loyal Skirt Sports ambassador but I bought my first Athleta item – tights. (Don’t report me!)

so comfy that yup, I bought another pair (both on sale!)

5.  I runfess…

During my race weekend in NYC, I spent more time worrying about/planning COVID-safe activities than the race itself.

outdoor eating when the temps are in the 20s…. at least there was a heater

I can’t wait to get back to normal relaxing NYC activities.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? 

Have you been braving the cold and running outdoors?  Do you tend to over or underdess? What is your favorite brand of tights?  Any race-cations planned? 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.

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

And the last one for this year!!

1. Obviously the half marathon is my favorite distance.  Hey, I’ve run 53. I toyed again with the goal of one half marathon each month.  But it’s too difficult to find races in the summer months.  I runfess… I could run virtual ones but I’m so over them!!

Nope it’s virtual…

2. I had previously mentioned that I had a choice between two NYC half marathons in January –  Frozen Penguin (Jan 9) or Fred LeBow (Jan 23).  Both races have the basically the same Central Park course.  Although it was more expensive, the date worked better and so I chose Frozen Penguin. I runfess… I chose the wrong one!!

changed it to a 5k with no deferral or refund option

3. There was no deferral or refund for the Frozen Penguin but you were given the choice of running the 5k or another one of their half marathons – Queens Half in April or Central Park Half in February. I runfess… I half heartedly chose Central Park because I didn’t want to waste the $80 that I paid. But it’s only 2 weeks after the half marathon that I am running in Florida.  Sigh!

Feb. 27, 2022

4. So with no half marathons scheduled for December and January, I’m losing my weekend long run mojo. I runfess… I even considered signing up for the Fred LeBow Half Marathon.  I didn’t sign up (but I did book an hotel just in case).

Jan 23, 2022

** Update – I signed up for Fred LeBow!!!!!

5. When the NYC Half Marathon was cancelled in 2020, I had the choice of deferring or getting a refund.  If you deferred, you would still have to pay to run it in 2021. I chose a refund and ran it virtually. $290 to run a half marathon!? Again it was cancelled but now the race will happen in March of 2022.  It seemed that everyone chose the deferral option.  I runfess… I got FOMO and did enter the lottery.

** Update – I was not selected in the 2022 Lottery!!!!

I runfess… that instead I signed up for half marathons in April (Helderberg to Hudson) and May (Steel Rail). And together ($45+$75), I spent less than for NYC ($130) with no hotel or travel expenses since both races are local.

…………………….April 16, 2022………………………..

Steel Rail Half Marathon – May 22, 2022 (in MA)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?  Any similar or crazy half marathon runfessions? 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!!

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 love to hike as you know. I also love artsy things.  So I decided to visit another Sculpture Park.  But it was closed when I got there.  I went around the gate and walked around…. Took pictures.  Glad I did not get arrested. lol.

re-opens May 2022 according to the sign

2. I runfess…

In Last month’s runfession, I talked about 2022 races.  My running friends and I plan a race-cation every fall. This year there are TEN of us!!

So I booked a house (8 bedrooms) on the ocean. The race is not even open for registration yet (and we can only get 50% back if we cancel.)

just have to look out the window for the ocean sunrise – 7 of the bedrooms have an ocean view

3.I runfess…

About the race mention above  – I did contact the RD and he stated that it was confirmed for Oct. 2. And my friends said that they didn’t care if we run an in-person race or just run on our own. But I do want to run a real half marathon.  Fingers crossed.

4. I runfess…

For the first time in years, yesterday I did not run both the Troy Turkey Trot 10K AND 5K.  I only ran the 10K. I did have a little FOMO but since I had just run a half marathon, it was probably the smarter decision.

2019

5.I runfess…

I said many times that I was ONE and DONE when I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019. But with the perfect weather conditions, I had serious FOMO this year. And I had tears in my yes watching the winners and even more so when I watched those who struggled but finished in the late hours.

struggled with RA but finished in almost 11 hours (last 10 miles with a walker)

Even Chelsea Clinton ran it…

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?  Have you signed up for any 2022 races yet? Have you ever gone around a barricade and entered a place that was closed.  Did you have FOMO when you watched or read about the NYCM? Any race-cations planned for 2022? 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 blog

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 10 week Troy Turkey Trot Challenge because I wanted to train for the 10K and to run with my  usual Challenge friends.

Well, for the ‘advanced” group, there really isn’t a coach. Different and few runners show up each week. My friends did not sign up. The course is often on the track or a dark neighborhood or campus route. It was only 8 weeks not Ten.

I’m not a quitter. But I may skip the rest of the runs and I definitely will not sign up next year.

2. I runfess…

I won my age group at a recent 5k (Malta 5k).  They didn’t have an award ceremony.  You had to pick up the award at the local Fleet Feet store (which is not local for me.)

So I ignored it. I figured it was another medal that I didn’t need.

While I was in NH for my half, I got a call from someone at the store reminding me to pickup my award. Coincidentally, he would be in NH running the same race.  Anyway, I asked him what the award was and he replied: Gift card to Fleet Feet.  My response: I’ll pick it next Sat.

Long story short, I drove there the next Saturday  but the RD has picked up the awards. (They may track it down and mail it to me.. but I doubt it.)

I didn’t want to waste the long drive:

new Topos for my November half marathon

3.I runfess…

After reading all those posts about saving money, I went to the Poshmark site…

Yup, I HAD to buy them.

Of course I would have saved more money if I didn’t buy them at all.

4. I runfess…

Now that I have signed up for ALL my 2021 races (I will have run 21 by the end of the year), I am figuring out my 2022 schedule.

I think I have my February Florida half marathon picked (a deferral from 2020)

Feb. 13, 2022 in Melbourne

but I am debating on my January race…

I definitely am having NYC FOMO:

Jan. 23, 2022 in Central Park, NYC – I want the HAT!! – cheaper

OR

Jan 9, 2022 – also in CP – a better date

5.I runfess…

My April half marathon choice is even more difficult..

Apr. 16, 2022 – local and downhill (if they go back to the original pre-Pandemic course)

OR

Apr. 24, 2022 – in Brooklyn

It’s nice to finally say that there are actually choices.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Do you replace your shoes often? Have you signed up for any 2022 races yet? 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 blog

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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 participated in the 10 week Freihofer Train Challenge… As an ambassador, I felt I should support the runners. My runfession is that I did not follow their training plan.  But I did enjoy meeting up and running with new and old running friends.

2. I runfess…

For the same reason as above (except that I had pay $$), I signed up for the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge.

pic from 2 years ago

3.I runfess…

I almost didn’t sign up because the runs are on Tuesdays. Tuesdays are my rest day.

#nevermissamonday #wednesdaygrouprun #thursdaytrails #longrunsaturday

Yes I’m anal about my schedule.

4. I runfess…

Now that I’m working from home again, I could run before work. But it’s dark out and daylight is decreasing each day.

Yup. Another excuse to enjoy that leisurely morning cup of coffee.

5.I runfess…

My bikes are lonely.  Both Big Red and George have gotten zero attention!!  I just can’t get motivated this summer to ride either one….

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 blog

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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 ran short races on the weekend when I should have been doing my LSD for my upcoming half marathon.

Yes, I do use a rough training plan but I’m not good with following it.

• • 07-04– Firecracker 4 – should have been 5 miles
  • 07-25- FASNY 5k – should have been 8 miles
  • 08-07– Run for the Roses 5k – should have been 10 miles
  • 08-14 – Whipple City 10k – should have been 11 miles

2. I runfess…

I don’t learn from my mistakes, I signed up for two 5ks before my October 3 half marathon.

• • 09-11 – Malta 5k – should be 11 miles
  • 09-25 – Freihofer Run for Women  – should be 8-10 miles

3.I runfess…

I love our trail runs but because it’s often technical, hilly or muddy, I walk much of the run.

But my runfession is that I count them as running miles (not walking miles). Sue me.

4. I runfess…

I was very excited about signing up for three months of Peleton. I had good intentions of using it for walks, strength training maybe even yoga.

Nope, not happening yet. I think I used it for once.  My excuse is that I have not been running solo. I have no good excuse (besides, work, life, etc) for not using it for those other areas.

5.I runfess…

Without any walking challenges, I am walking much less when working from home.  I know why. I use my free time to do household things like cleaning, laundry. etc.

I go back to the office in a week and the good news is that I WILL walk during my lunch hours (not much else to do.)

I need to limit my daily intake of Starbucks too

Unfortunately, running will be a rush to get it done before darkness and mostly alone. More importantly not forgetting to bring everything I need for all weather conditions.

back to after work runs at UAlbany

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 blog

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

This month’s should actually be called Shoefessions.

1. I runfess…

I went to our local running store to buy more Gu.  The cashier asked me if I needed any running shoes.  It was hard to refuse but I said “No, because you don’t carry Topos.”

And he replied, “We just started to but they are not displayed yet.”

Well, you know the rest of the story…

Do you have a hard time resisting buying new running shoes in a store?

2. I runfess…

I have several types of Topos – actually 3 (FlyLyte, Ultrafly and Magnifly).  They are all wearing out at the same time because I alternate them.

I was tempted to buy another pair but I also wanted to try the two types that I don’t own – Phantom and Cyclone.

Do you buy the same shoe or do you like to try different ones?

3.I runfess…

So the salesperson brought me the Phantoms in grey and the Cyclones in sky blue.

I didn’t like either of the colors. In fact, the color choice for Topos are really lacking.

In the end, I asked them to order both in white (ok, at least it’s neutral and I do not have any white shoes.)

Does color matter to you when choosing a running shoe?

4. I runfess…

I usually only buy shoes online if I have run in them before.  I like to try them on in the store to see if they are comfortable and run in them.

However when I went to the shoe to pick up my shoes, I was pressed for time. So I just grabbed them and left.

Do you buy you shoes online or do you try them on in the store?

5.I runfess…

My plan was to run in both pairs and then decide which pair I liked, if any and return one or both.

Well, I liked both. The Phantoms are heavier and have more support so good for longer time on my feet. The Cyclones are light and airy so better for short runs and short races. So I kept them both.

My justification: Saved $$ on gas not going back to the store, had $25 & $5 coupons for the store and at work, if we participate in Virgin Pulse and get $100 each quarter (Mar, June, Sept, Dec).  IOW, that second pair was free!!

Do ever buy TWO pairs of running shoes at the same time?

Happy Running! Anything to runfess or shoefess 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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!