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

1.  I RUNfess… 

You know how they say “Never wear anything new on race day”?

I ordered these new Topos (Specters rather than Phantoms) and they were supposed to come after my last half marathon.

So I planned to test them out on a long run and wear them for my 15K and half marathon races in November.

But the shoes arrived early…

thumbs up… no worse than the shoes I was going to wear.

2.  I RUNfess…

I hate tapering.  Before a race, I get antsy and want to run even more.

The week before my last half marathon, I ran SIX days in a row!!

But I did take two days off before the race.

3.  I RUNfess…

I organized a college reunion in NYC …

We went out to lunch and then since we were all French majors, we visited The Little Prince exhibit at the Morgan Library.

because I wanted an excuse to run there. (I hope my friends don’t read this blog…)

fait accompli

4.  I RUNfess…

I will be limited on my NYC racing because I no longer work in the city and I’ve used up all my hotel points (unless anyone has any advice on cheap places to stay.)

So my last two stays will be in Dec for this race…

another bucket list race checked off

and in March for this one:

Hopefully it will be a healthy re-do of 2019

5.  I RUNfess…

I bought each of my running friends Maine Marathon mugs as Christmas gifts to motivate them as they trained for our recent race-cation in Maine (or maybe to selfishly have training partners..)

But I forgot to give the mugs to them.

I discovered them when I was packing for the trip so I brought them to Maine.

it became a race memento instead….

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…

1.  I RUNfess… 

I planned on going to the gym this month with my free membership.

You didn’t see any gymfies because I never went.

It seemed that in order to get the FREE one month, you had to join the YMCA and pay $100.

I told them it was false advertising and I refused to pay the $100 and hence…

no gym workouts for me 😦

2.  I RUNfess…

I scheduled my flu shot and COVID booster around my running.

I waited to get the flu shot until after my September 3 half marathon.

I waited to get my 3rd booster until after my September 10 5k race.

Of course, I was worried that if I got a reaction (which really was NOT important in the long run) would interfere with  my running schedule.

Nope, no reaction and was able to run right after BOTH shots!! Woo Hoo!

3.  I RUNfess…

I was not disappointed in my last half marathon finish time. It was almost identical to the same race a year prior (just 4 seconds faster.).

But I was annoyed at how painful the second half of the race was for me. It is not fun running in pain.

However, the next day, I didn’t feel ANY after effects.

Not sure what I will change for the next one on October 2. New shoes? Intervals? Nothing?

4.  I RUNfess…

Even though I complained about my lack of endurance during the last 7 miles of my last half marathon, my training long runs for the next one included TWO 5k races.

Oops! My bad.

5.  I RUNfess…

I am very excited about my next half marathon because it will be in Maine with 9 of my running buds.

We always have fun together and the race is just an excuse to take a vacation.

stay tuned for more jumping attempts

I also will meet up with Deborah who is running this race too.

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…

1.  I RUNfess… 

Sometimes I double-book myself.  Well, the weekend of Sept 10-11, I may have triple booked myself.

I registered for a 5k on Sept. 10 that I run every year.

My good college friend invited to her house in RI because there is a race there on Sept. 11. Of course, I said “Sure, why not?”

I ran the half several years ago but I’m running a half the weekend before so I would only consider running the 5k.

2019

Finally, FOMO on this NYC event on Sept. 10.  I signed up since it is free.

2.  I RUNfess…

I skipped a 11 mile run in order to run a 5k.

After the race, I had planned to run 8 additional miles but instead:

No regrets…

And my running friend said that the “hay is in the barn.” Let’s hope so.

3.  I RUNfess…

After over 10 years of half marathon training, I’ve recently embraced the Galloway method.  Yup, run/walk intervals… and short intervals. And guess what? When I run this way, I feel like I could run forever and I’m not beat afterward.

4.  I RUNfess…

I only run intervals when I with run other runners.  Since I don’t wear a watch, I have to run whatever intervals, my running partner is running.

5.  I RUNfess…

Even though all my training long runs have been done using run/walk intervals, I don’t plan to run my half marathon that way next Saturday.

I will run my usual positive splits, just running fast and walking when too tired to run fast.

hope to be smiling as I was after this race last year

and one more for good measure:

I RUNfess…

Though I think Age Groups awards are important since they measure your achievement against those at your same age and I find it rude when runners don’t stick around to receive their awards, I did exactly that.

I knew that I had won my age group (and by ONE second) but I was anxious to get to the lake since my hubby was there patiently waiting. (For that reason, I usually run/race on Saturdays.)

the same race last year. where I won 2nd.

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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

Didn’t I just runfess?  This summer is flying by…

Here we go again:

1.  I runfess… 

I ran two races in 3 days and it was 90 degrees for the evening 5k that I ran with no water stops. No worries, right?

Thumbs up BEFORE the race

Then during the race, the runner in the photo below died. He was a running coach, had already run 19 marathons (including Boston many times) and won his age group at his previous 5k.

And he was only 4 years older than me.  I have no idea if he had heart problems. But this does make you think.

very happy in retrospect that I took it slow during the race and walked often. You can be BOTP and still win your AG if you are the only one.

2.  I runfess…

Even though I had run a 5k in Brooklyn the night before, I knew I could not be in NYC without running in Central Park.

luckily Cari had company which enabled me to walk as needed and yes, she is a rockstar and can run with a backpack on.

3.  I runfess…

Almost all my walks, runs and hikes end with ice cream.  That’s a lot of ice cream each week. LOL

post run ice cream = mojo

4.  I Runfess…

Although I’ve been trying to add more walking and hiking to my running routine, there still has been ZERO working out and ZERO bike rides.

5 mile hikes every other Monday 

and 3.5 mile trail walks on Thursdays

4.  I Runfess…

I’ve been struggling with deciding between racing and running with friends.  Unfortunately they both could happen on Saturdays.  Both are fun!

What do I do?? FOMO either way.

or

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…

1.  I runfess… 

I skipped two weekends of racing. And yes, it felt weird.  I had major FOMO when friends posted their pics on IG and FB. And I missed those AG award possibilities.

friends at the OK 5k

2.  I runfess…

One of the main reasons I skipped a race was to run with my friends.  I know many runners do run alone but it’s so easy to let those friend connections slip away when we get busy.

9 of us gathered for brunch… so fun!

3.  I runfess…

I do miss the routine of getting up early and heading to the gym. Not enough to join and pay $$.  Instead, I planned (at least in the summer) to get up and go for a run or walk.  I’ve been semi successful.

4.  I Runfess…

I’m only a fan of Peloton for running outdoors with music. So when they offered 3 months for the price of one, I did sign up.  I ignore the drills and references to the Thread and just listen to the music while I run.

4.  I Runfess…

I’ve been getting pressured by friends to go biking…

My bike is old and needs a tune-up (or maybe I need a new bike). My bike rack is a pain to put on my car and my neighborhood is boring.

Yada Yada.. so many excuses.

my lonely “Big Red”

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…

1.  I runfess… 

I admit that I may be a little (or a lot) vain…

As you may recall, I was named an Ambassador for the Maine Marathon.

They posted pics on FB and IG with text IDs for the 6 new Ambassadors:

I sent them an edited version of this pic

My friends, of course, noticed their description of me and asked me if it bothered me… (If you didn’t notice, mine is the only description with an age reference).

It did…

2.    And so (encouraged by my friends), I emailed them.

The response:

3.  When I first signed up for my May half marathon, I thought that it would be a goal race.  The Steel Rail Half Marathon had a flat course and it was my current PR.

I runfess…

After I did better than expected in my April Half Marathon,

I relaxed my training and just ran the Steel Rail Half Marathon for fun.

4.  I Runfess…

I struggled recently with DNSing a race. I tried to think of all the reasons why I shouldn’t run it. And I came up with so many:

• • exhaustion
  • headache
  • rain, humidity
  • evening start
  • crowded
  • don’t know teammates
  • hilly
  • ran a 5k several days ago
  • tapering for a half in 3 days

Yet I ran it anyway.

No regrets.

4.  I Runfess…

I played tennis everyday while on vacation.

I may have enjoyed it more than running (although I did run everyday too.)

Since my gym membership ends on June 4, I may try to play tennis on my Mondays off.

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, 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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

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.

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923