Back in January, I was confident that this was going to be a great running year. At least SIX half marathons were planned and maybe a full in addition to countless other shorter races.

Here were the 13 goals I set: (Did I jinx things by picking 13?)

1. Run at least 1000 miles
2. Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)
3. Run with others (as often as possible)
4. Run at least 25 races
5. Volunteer (at several races)
6. Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up
7. Try something new
8. Listen to more podcasts
9. Update my music playlist
10. No Injuries
11. No PWs
12. No DNS or DNF races
13. Blog 3x each week

They all seemed so achievable and realistic.

Well, there’s still 8 months left in the year but Goal#10 certainly has changed everything!!

1.   Run at least 1000 miles

Need a big adjustment.  Now barring any more time off from running, I’d like to run at least 800 miles.

2. Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)

Before Feb 14 and after March 20, this was and it will be again possible.

3. Run with others (as often as possible)

Same as #2.

4. Run at least 25 races

As with #1, this needs to be reduced. Maybe 12 races?

5. Volunteer (at several races)

Yes. One good thing about being injured and not racing is that you have time to volunteer.

6. Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up

Yes but the 2nd one did not go as planned.

7. Try something new

Still working on this one.

Does going to the gym count?

8. Listen to more podcasts

Yes. Also the result of not running and using the stationary bike.

9. Update my music playlist

Not yet.

10. No Injuries

A big NO – Broken foot on Feb. 14.

11. No PWs

TBD… once I start racing all the distances, they may happen. (but I no longer care…)

12. No DNS or DNF races

Another fail due to #10.

Ft. Lauderdale Half Marathon – DNS
Electric City 10K – DNS
NYC Half Marathon – DNS
Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon – DNS

13.  Blog 3x each week

Yes. Hooray, this still happened.

Thanks for reading and commenting!!

New 2023 goal (Thanks, Maria):

Happy Running! How is 2023 going for you?  Did you set any goals? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

One down and FIVE to go…

But this has never been a goal of mine.

If, however, I had a free entry to any of the World Major Marathons, which one would I pick?

Hmmm.

While I’d love to visit Tokyo, it’s such a LONG flight.

And I’d also love to travel to Europe so maybe Berlin or London?

I’ve heard that Chicago is a great race (and it’s a short flight away).

The above marathons are lotteries so there would be a possibility of getting in.

So I would to choose Boston.

There is no lottery. You have to run a marathon qualifying time or BQ.

I would never to be fast enough nor do I plan to run many marathons.

It’s also drivable.

Happy Running! If you had a free entry to any of the World Major Marathons, which one would you pick? Have you run any yet? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

The good news is that Vitamin C is important for runners.

• It is a potent antioxidant that plays a crucial role in decreasing the inflammatory response associated with exercise.
• It is needed for the absorption of iron, which helps boost energy.
• It also helps form collagen, the abundant protein that builds your skin, tendons and muscles. This supports your body’s muscle growth and tissue repair.

How can you get your Vitamin C?

• A supplement.

• All things citrus.  My favorite are mandarins.

• Strawberries.

• Bell peppers

• Tomatoes

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower)

• White potatoes

Happy Running! So how do you get your vitamin C? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

---

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

I got a guaranteed entry by running the 2022 Virtual NYC Half Marathon last March.

Then two of my local friends Sherry and Stan got in through the lottery, as well, as several running bloggers (Cari, Erica, Zenaida, Deborah)..

I had been hoping to run the race back when the course was only through Manhattan. (Now it starts in Brooklyn.) And I had entered the lottery several times but never got in.

Then in 2019 I got a guaranteed entry (from my 2018 Brooklyn Half Marathon finish time).  However, I was recovering from a strained calf muscle that year and couldn’t enjoy the race fully.

So I signed up for the NYC Half Marathon as my 6463rd Half Marathon (5756th if not counting the virtual ones) for several reasons:

• I had a guaranteed entry.
• I love NYC.
• I had friends running it.
• There would be a blogger meet-up.
• I wanted a healthy re-do of the course.
• It’s such a prestigious race. How could you not?

Half Marathon Training:

I had trained for my Feb 19 Half Marathon in Fort Lauderdale, FL with several long runs of 10, 11, 12, and 10 miles

Then on Feb. 14, I fell and broke my foot.  Obviously I didn’t run that race.

And, of course, training for this race was out as well.

To put it mildly, I was devastated about the whole thing.

Pre-Race Activities:

My first inclination was to cancel everything: The race, the train ticket and my hotel reservations.

But I had planned this 3 day weekend with two friends as well as meeting up with several bloggers who were in town to run this race.

My local friends convinced to come for two days and spectate the race and cheer them on.

I agreed but hesitantly.

So Stan, Sherry and I took the train to NYC together early Saturday morning. When our rooms weren’t ready, we decided to get a bite to eat.

Afterward, we headed to the expo where they picked up their bibs/shirts.

But actually I hadn’t cancelled my race registration YET so I was able to get my ($300) shirt.

And then immediately, with tears in my eyes I logged into NYRR:

In addition to supporting my local friends at the race, another highlight of the weekend would be meeting up with some fellow bloggers, two of whom I’d never met IRL.

It was a beautiful day with signs of spring everywhere.  Too bad the temps would drop and winds pick up the next day.

So we all walked to Bryant Park and I met up with Erica & Cari for coffee (Unfortunately Zenaida was at a Broadway show and Deborah on a Brooklyn pizza tour)

We chatted for a while (abut racing of course) and then I walked back to my hotel to meet up with Sherry and Stan

For dinner we took the subway to Brooklyn to carb load with Stan’s son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

When we got back to our hotel, Sherry excited prepared her “flatme” and we tried to go to bed early.

Race Day:

Sherry’s alarm went off bright and early (5:30am?) as she and Stan had to UBER to the shuttle bus.

The race and logistics were similar to 2019 (you can read my recap here.)

Starting in Prospect Park and ending in Manhattan’s Central Park.

I wanted to cheer on my friends as well as see the elites…

Before the race, I added all my friends to the half marathon app so I could track them:

I tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t so I put on my running shoes and headed out to Times Square in hopes of catching the elites go by.

I started off at 42nd (on the south side of the street):

Yes, I had to RUN there and barely saw Des and Molly but did get a pic of some others.

I was ok running but not standing still.  It was COLD (20s) and WINDY!!  So I ran back to the hotel to put on some warmer clothes.

(I have to admit that watching the happy runners go by in a race I so wanted to run finally made those tears flow…I called my hubby and then I felt better the rest of the day.. I guess I needed a good cry. LOL)

I had another cup of coffee and breakfast but it was still early and Sherry, Stan and Cari were not starting until wave 5. So I decided to take the subway to Central Park (congratulated lots of early finishers on the train) to check out the cherry blossoms…

To kill some more time, I walked around the Onassis Reservoir.

Don’t let those pictures fool you… it was FREEZING and much windier on the race course.

Now it was time to head back to my spot on Times Square to spectate and cheer.

I took the subway back to 42nd.  I had texted my friends where I’d be but they never saw the text.

It seemed like forever (when it’s that cold and windy) but finally I saw them go by.

And Cari was shortly behind them.

I definitely failed as a cheerleader/photographer but it was the thought that counts.

For some reason, I thought I wouldn’t have enough time to get to the finish so I headed to 8th and RAN to Columbus Circle.

I was way early and waited and waited (and shivered) until they were done.

Post Race Activities:

We were ALL so cold that we decided rather than walking back to the hotel, we’d take the subway (with thousands of other runners).

After some long HOT showers, we took off by foot to an Italian restaurant for an early dinner.

We needed to re-fuel. I mean running spectating is hard work.

Afterward, we walked back to the hotel so I could get my luggage and take the train home.

Before I broke my foot, I had planned to stay an extra day and enjoy some fun activities.

But in hindsight, it was probably best to get home since I had to return on Tuesday for work.

Additional Race Reflections:

Since I cancelled my entry, I am guaranteed for 2024.

Until then, there’s a bigger challenge – NYC MARATHON – Nov.5!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Good:

• Supporting my friends.
• Meeting up with Cari and Erica
• Ate some very delicious NYC food
• Got a pretty purple shirt
• Burned some calories walking.
• Even did some sporadic running (and my foot didn’t hurt)
• Feel better prepared with the logistics of the race for 2024

The Bad:

• Cold
• Wind
• $$$ spent
• NOT RUNNING THE RACE!!

The Ugly:

• My Injury!!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Do it if you can.  You won’t regret it.

No, it’s not an easy course. At least 25,000 runners are there so it is crowded. But running from Brooklyn to Manhattan is such a memorable experience (maybe I’m biased?)

Next Up:

 

 

 

 

 

My list is not about things that can be bought.

In fact it’s pretty personal but I’m sure that many runners can identify with some of my wishes:

• • Quick healing from injuries (especially broken bones.)

• • Dry roads and sidewalks in the Winter to walk/run on.

• • Races that offer a refund or free deferral. Those NYRR races are very expensive!!

• • Endurance that lasts even when you don’t race. IOW, my last run was 10 miles… can I pick up from there rather than starting over? LOL
  • Better sleep when you’re not running. (Hello Insomnia.)

• • No weight gain when you are not running (and eating ice cream. Just kidding)

• • I know people mean well, but please stop saying:  “At least it’s winter” or “You now have more time for other things.” (Running is my preferred activity and I love running/hiking/walking outdoors in all seasons.) Winter hiking is so beautiful.

Happy Running! So what’s on your list? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

In celebrating tomorrow’s International Women’s Day, our topic today is to discuss those women athletes whom we admire.

I decided, although I admire many female athletes, to focus on “older” women runners:

So my first pick would be Joan Benoit Samuelson. First women’s Olympic Games marathon champion.

If you have never watched this video, you must (with tissues nearby): Joan Benoit 1984

Joan qualified for the race 2 weeks after having knee surgery!!!

I actually met her a few years ago at the Freihofer Run for Women Expo. (I even got her autograph.)

I was also lucky enough to run with her when she came to Albany, NY back in 2012 to premiere her movie.

My second pick may not be someone everyone knows. She is not a former Olympian but she has also become one of my idol – Jeannie Rice.

This lady is 75 years old has been running for 40 years without a single injury. She holds the world and/or national record at every distance. (She just finished the Tokyo Marathon in 3:30!!)

She has run over 150 marathons and still runs at least 11-12 miles each day (6-8 marathons a year.)

If you have time, listen to her interview on this podcast and read her advice here.

I’d love to meet her sometime when I’m in Naples, FL.

Both of these older runners have not let age hold them back.  Obviously they have native ability but we know that just gets you so far.  I’d love to run with either one and hopefully their zest for life and running would rub off on me.

My third pick is Harriet Thompson. She was a cancer survivor who started to run marathons when she was 76 and ran the fastest time in a marathon for a woman over 90.

Unfortunately, she died at age 94 from a fall down a flight of steps while she was delivering birthday gifts at her retirement community.

Number 4: Julia Hawkins. Imagine starting to run at age 100!!  That’s exactly what Julia did and she has set many world records in her age group.

She is currently 106 and continues to run.

Of course I must add as number 5, my new hero, Betty Lindberg:

You can listen to her story on Ali’s podcast here.

Last but not least is Kathrine Switzer.  She is most well known for her famous run in the Boston Marathon in 1967. At the time, women were barred from competing in the race, so Switzer signed up under the name K.V. Switzer and she managed to complete the entire distance, even though the race director tried to pull her off the course.

And now, at 76 years old, she is still running and inspiring women (including me) everywhere.

Happy Running! So which women athletes (or runners) do you admire? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

---

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Still looking back on last year.

Today’s Topic is to list SIX favorites of 2022…

Here you go:

1.Thursday Night Trail (Walks)

These are free and organized by one of our local running organizations. Many folks run these trails but my friends and I last year walked them.  It was so fun to visit different locations each week, chat and often go out for dinner or ice cream afterward.

2. Monday Hikes

Starting in June, I changed my work schedule and so I was able to go hiking every other Monday.  I was lucky to have a friend to join me and we explored different scenic trails, mostly in MA.

3. October Race-Cation

This has become a tradition. Each fall, a group of my running friends and I rent a house for 4 days and run a race together.  In 2022, we traveled to Maine.

4. Local Races.

You all know how I love to race.  But my favorites are the ones nearby where I can share the experience with friends. 2022 was a great year for that… 34 races and over 20 were local.

5. Florida Getaways

I travel to Florida twice a year – in February to visit friends on the east coast and in May to play tennis on the west coast.

I get to see ocean sunrises on one trip and ocean sunsets on the other.

6. Boating and Reading

In the summer months, my hubby and I try to spend every Sunday on our boat on Lake George and my favorite activity is not swimming but to spend the day reading (in my orange chair)!!

Happy Running! So what are some of your favorites of 2022? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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I

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

---

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.