September 29, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for Sept.. ’22

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 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

August 26, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for August ’22

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

July 28, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for July ’22

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.

Gary Heard Obituary - Brooklyn, NY

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.

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

June 24, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for June ’22

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

May 27, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for May ’22

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:

ID: Jeffery, a white man

ID: Cathy, a white woman

ID: Chris, a white man

ID: Darlene, an older white woman

ID: Adhirath, an Indian man

ID: Erin, a white woman

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:

“I will edit the social media posts. …I’m so sorry, I didn’t even realize I did that.”

Hmmmm.

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

April 29, 2022 by Darlene

Runfessions for April ’22

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

March 25, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for March ’22

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

I do wish there was some green where I live..

Hopefully by my next Runfessions…

Anyway…

1. I runfess…

Last month I admitted that I was INTENTIONALLY (my word for 2022) signing up for a lot of races. But that I was skipping a half marathon in March (because I did not get into the NYC Half Marathon that I entered through the lottery.)

Instead I signed up for two five local five mile races: Electric City (March 12) and Shamrock Shuffle (March 27):

and a shorter (5.8M) race in Central Park (on April 10.)

this may have to be a DNS due to work 😦

2. I runfess…

I was offered a charity bib for the NYC Half Marathon (on March 20). I would not have had to raise money but I would still have had to pay the entrance fee ($130) and for my travel and accommodations.

a healthy repeat of this race experience?

I had four friends running this race and I came very close to accepting her offer.

I even considered skipping the Shape race and using my hotel & travel fees for this one instead.

In the end, I did not. I had already run THREE half marathons and been in NYC twice… yada yada.

4. I runfess…

As a mentioned in a previous post, I ran all my three half marathons under the time I would need to run a NYC big race (NYC HM, Brooklyn HM or NYC Marathon) in 2023,

However, I’m not sure that they are still offering guaranteed qualifying times for the NYC HM and it’s in March. I will not be 70 until May 9.

Hence, the lottery again for 2023 or….

Thanks to Deborah, I realized that I could run the NYC HM virtually this year and automatically gain entry into 2023 ($85 instead of $130 and no travel or hotel needed).

And you get a medal!

It’s virtual so I could do my normal 10 mile long run (in preparation for my April 16 half marathon) and if needed, walk the extra miles.

5. I runfess….

What was I thinking? Running 13.1 miles for fun!!!! In March!!!

I had planned to run a local 4 mile race on March 19 and signed up to volunteer at an expo (to promote the Freihofer 5k) on March 20…

Luckily, I never signed up for that local race and I was able to convince a running friend to run most of those 13.1 miles with me!

painful but completed…

But Never again!

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Have you done any virtual races lately? Have you ever run a virtual Half Marathon? Run any St Patrick’s Day themed 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 blog

February 25, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for Feb. ’22

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).

Governors Island Winter Ice Sculpture Show: Proposal Deadline - Go Green Brooklyn

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.

May be an image of text that says 'SHAPE +Health Womenshalf 13.1M 5.8M NYTRR NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS'

Maybe even the cherry blossoms will bloom early this year…

Cherry Blossom Trees in Central Park

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

January 28, 2022 by Darlene

FFF: First Runfessions of 2022

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.

December 31, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Last Runfessions of 2021 – The Half Marathon Saga

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.