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!

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

1. I runfess…

Unless I have company, I’ve gotten pretty lazy about walking.

In the beginning of the pandemic, I walked 2-3 times a day.  Always alone.

hit the neighborhood or waterline everyday

Now I rarely never walk before work or during lunch.

Luckily I have friends to walk with at least twice a week after work.

former co-workers and now walking buds

Do you need friends to get you moving or do you get your steps in alone?

2. I runfess…

Due to my work schedule, I wind up running at the hottest time of the day – noon during my lunch break. As a result, my runs are short and sloooow.

lunch sweat fest

Does weather or schedule influence when and how long you run?

3.I runfess…

I am worried about how going back to office will affect my running (3 days a week starting July 6 and 5 days starting Sept 7).

I know, for years I worked and traveled and got in all my runs.

running while working in Buffalo

How did I do it? (I guess I got spoiled working from home and being flexible with running, dressing, eating, etc.)

Any tips for adjusting to going back to the office?

4. I runfess…

I have started participating on weekly group trail runs.

I love the trails but not for running.

I am clumsy and uncoordinated and I just don’t want to fall.

So why attend trails runs?

For purely social reasons. lol

Should I run at another time or do these trail run/walks count as runs?

5.I runfess…

I enjoyed my recent races more than I thought I would. I have not been training. I have not done any speed work. But I run better in a race. I guess you can say, my races are my speed work.

So I guess that I need to find some more races to sign up for before fall….

smiling even running in the pouring rain.

Are you racing? Have you found not racing has slowed down your pace?

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 bloggers.

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 usually enjoy not wearing my Garmin during a race because I feel no pressure.  So for the Prospect Mountain Road Race, I left it home and used my Apple Watch instead.  But I didn’t start the Strava app.  Obviously I don’t use the Apple app often.  It showed the time and splits for the run.  However, I was disappointed that it didn’t show an elevation map.

you would never know that there was over 1600 ft of elevation gain

I guess I need to wear my Garmin again for races (at least hilly ones.)

Do you like to see the elevation for your runs and/or races?

2. I runfess…

I used to love 5k races. I ran them a lot!  I enjoyed them. I used to win my age group. Yadda Yadda.

Smiling – June 2019

Whether it’s due to age or the Pandemic, but any speed that I once had has disappeared.

They are now HARD!  It’s such a struggle.

there was a frown under that mask lol – Dec 2020

I think I may want to only run longer races…..

Do you enjoy short races?  Does your finish time matter?

3.I runfess…

I was complaining during the Pandemic that all events were cancelled so I had hike or run alone every evening.

Now things have opened up. Activities have been scheduled.

First on Thursday evenings, I started walking with two former co-workers. And I still do every week.

Soon, Thursday Trail group runs will be starting up again (after a year off).

Also the Freihofer Training Challenge is scheduled (after a year off).  Instead of big groups, this year, there will be many small groups. So far, the Advanced group was been scheduled… You guess it. On Thursday!

Choices. Choices.

Anyone else now have scheduling conflicts?

4. I runfess…

My feet still hurt.  They have not stopped me from running (just slowed me down,)

I thought zero drop shoes were the answer.

TOPOS Magnifly

No miracle cure.

So I decided to go back and try a higher drop shoe.

BROOKS Ghost

Now I am really confused, my feet felt the same.  Still not a fair assessment since it wasn’t a half marathon.

Does anyone wear BOTH high drop and low drop running shoes?

5.I runfess…

As you know I love to race. So I’ve already signed up for fall races.

Malta 5k in-person this year – 9/11/2021

and for a fall race-cation:

Oct 3, 2021 – in-person half marathon!!

Have you signed up for any fall races or race-cations?

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 bloggers.

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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…

Last month I did a big de-clutter of my Skirt Sports skirts.  (I got the idea from Deborah.) I sold 12 skirts on FB in 5 minutes!!  They were all old ones that did not fit right. (And I priced them cheaply.)   But still I had a hard time letting go….

I love the older patterns and I remember races that I ran in them

Do you get rid of running clothes frequently?  Do you donate them or sell them?

2. I runfess…

So of course, I was now tempted to take advantage of other runners’ Skirt Sports sales.  However, I quit looking after buying two items.

Nope, I bought two more…

Do you buy used running clothes online or do you always buy new?

3.I runfess…

Since I cancelled my Peleton membership, I’ve lost my indoor cycling mojo. Maybe there’s no connection. It could be just that the weather is improving or my bike is no longer a novelty.

lonely George

Anyone ride their stationary bike consistently?

4. I runfess…

Speaking of biking, I did take my bike out of the basement. It is now in my garage.  I have ridden it once. I find it boring and it’s a pain to put the bike rack on and off my car to I can ride on the bike paths.  Maybe I need to name my bike so I do not neglect it.

last year’s pic…I now even own a helmet

How often do you bike?

5.I runfess…

I am currently in Naples, Florida. I forgot how hot and humid it is even early in the morning. Usually I have a race on Sunday which motivates me to get out and run. Not this year and it is very tempting to sleep in and then just play tennis (that’s X-training, right?)

wearing my running shoes!?

Do you run everyday while on vacation?

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 bloggers.

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 am still a Skirt Sports ambassador but I have NOT bought a thing this year. In fact, I am not even tempted.  It’s not that I dislike their clothes, it’s that I don’t NEED anything!

I own so many tanks and skirts already….

If you are an ambassador for a product, do buy their items?

2. I runfess…

That being said, I am still on the hunt for the shoe that will make my foot pain disappear. I bought a new brand, KURU, that I had never heard of because it boasted being for those with all my foot problems (bunion, hammertoe, neuroma).

They are comfortable but I doubt they will work for running – too stiff, too heavy, etc.

But I do a lot of walking and I will use them for that (and not wear out my running shoes.)

Do you wear different shoes for walking than running?  Have you ever heard of this brand??

3.I runfess…

I already signed up for a half marathon for next year.  Yes, that far in advance.  I had deferred this race this year so I wanted to make sure I didn’t lose my money.  You could register for free if you deferred.

Feb. 12, 2022 in Melbourne, FL.

Anyone else register for a 2022 race?

4. I runfess…

Although I registered that race, they said that I could defer again to 2023.  My sister-in-law sold her house there.  That was one of the reasons I chose that race.  I may instead re-do the one I ran this year if it is back on the original course.

Fort Lauderdale again in 2022?

Do you run repeat races or do you prefer to run new ones?

5.I runfess…

I was thrilled with my PW at my last race.  I’m a pretty competitive person and before the pandemic, I would have been disappointed that my finish time was over 2 minutes slower than normal. But nope. I didn’t care one bit.  Once normal racing opens back up, I hope I can hold onto this attitude. Easy short weekday runs, long slow weekend runs and lots of time on the trails instead of drills and training plans!!!

and I AM smiling under my gaiter.

Do you enjoy running races for fun or do you train so you can have a good finish time?

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 bloggers.