November 2, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – November

It’s that time of the month…

of course I got a new mug…

Time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Since it is Friday, here are five things that I’d like to share…

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m home bound on the weekends for several months!! Hooray! My last weekend away was in NYC last weekend!

: Elizabeth

Are you a homebody or do you enjoy traveling?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I finally did sign up for a half marathon in 2019. In fact, I signed up for THREE!

I am excited about both of these races although neither one is a goal race. They will both be just for FUN!!!

Feb 10, 2019 (Melbourne, FL)

March 17, 2019 (Brooklyn to Manhattan)

Maybe I’ll decide to train for this one. It’s an inaugural race so I don’t know how hilly the race course is but at least I can sleep in my own bed the night before.

Have you signed up for any big races yet in 2019? Do you prefer big races that you travel to or local ones?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to add some more races to my schedule as 2018 draws to a close. I dread the cold weather here in the NE. I will run but not many races until spring.

11-11-18 – Stockade-athon
11-17-18 – Girls on the Run 5K
11-22-18 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
11-24-18 – Pelham Half Marathon
12-08-18 – Albany Last Run 5K
12-09-18- Winter Series #1 (3m)

Are you trying to squeeze in races before the winter season?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as much as I love NYC, I’m not sure I am looking to working there 3 weeks in November and 2 weeks in December. Fingers crossed for no snow or ice and weather like this:

not this:

Anyone else in NYC on weekdays during the months of Nov. or Dec.?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am denial about the cold weather. I am trying not to wear winter running clothes because I will be wearing them until May. However, it has been COLD. One day, in particular, it was in the 40s but windy. I wore capris and a shirt – no jacket, no gloves, no tights. I had to quit after one mile I was so cold. The next day, I caved:

In the 40s again and I was determined not to bundle up. I was freezing before and after but OK during the race:

Do you hesitate to bundle up when running even though you know you should?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

October 5, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – October

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

The leaves are changing but the temps are erratic…

Since it is Friday, here are five things that I’d like to share…

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I will be away SIX weekends in a row (bet Sept 22 & Oct 28) !!! FOUR out of SIX include races.

5k & Half in Montreal,
5k in NYC,
Paris,
20K in Paris,
Bridal Shower in MA
5M in NYC (& Broadway Show)

Then I’m homebound for several months!! Hooray!

Are you a homebody or do you enjoy traveling?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I normally plan my big races way in advance but I haven’t signed up for any half marathons in 2019. I have a few on my radar…a Feb. Florida race, a March NYC race and a May local race.

Feb 10, 2019 (Melbourne, FL)

March 17, 2019 – if I get in??

Do you know which big races you are running in 2019?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am easily tempted by any race in NYC. My tennis friends & I go to a Broadway show every October. This year we are going to see Pretty Woman on Oct. 28.

Of course, I found a race in Central Park that morning and signed up to run it.

Image result for poland springs marathon kick off

Anyone running or have run this race?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that speaking of NYC races, a Hot Chocolate 15K has always been on my bucket. I like the distance and you get a sweatshirt and other cool swag.

April 27, 2019

So as soon as I heard that one was coming to Brooklyn, I immediately signed up. I am hoping that I can convince some of my local running friends to join me.

Anyone else ever run a Hot Chocolate race? Want to join me?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am leaving tomorrow for France. The beginning of my vacation will be at my friend’s friends’ house in Sanguinet (near Bordeaux). I have no idea if I will get any running in but…

I am very excited to run a race in Paris on Oct. 14. It’s a dream come true!!

running past all the monuments and famous sights of Paris with over 30,000 other runners

Ever run in Paris?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

September 1, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – September

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Yes with the summer temps, I am still having lots of ice cream!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that life has gotten in the way of my runs. I could complain about the heat but that’s not it. I have chosen tennis and social outings and just plain skipped my weekday runs.

Anyone else take a running sabbatical (when you are healthy)??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that because I did not have time to run, I missed that big heat wave. I was in NYC and the heat index was over 100 three days in a row. I didn’t worry about the temps or even consider running on a dreadful treadmill.

But just walking in NYC (and waiting for subways) had me sweating, I still managed to get in a lot of steps. 0 miles running but 17.1 miles walking in 3 days.

Do walking miles count as training?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am the worst solo runner. I do not have any motivation. I stop and walk, take photos, access FB & IG. Yup, the runs may be in the 14 min. pace range and I don’t care. (I don’t even wear a watch.)

Unfortunately, I did not run with those women and this was the slowest 12 miler ever

I think that’s why I used to just run races all the time. When I am in a race, I get that adrenaline.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that that I was really looking forward to racing in Paris because I would be running the race with @fit_in_france

Oct 14, 2018

But unfortunately, she has to DNS because she needs to go to the US to visit family. We are in the process of planning a run together for after I arrive in Paris and before I leave for Bordeaux. Fingers crossed!

Anyone else ever run a race in Paris? Any advice?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I complained that I may have lost my racing mojo. I had skipped many weekend races in favor of just running with friends.

My solution has been to run a race during the week. So I ran the Hump Day 5k on a Wednesday and I may run the Sefcu 5k on Monday.

Ever run weekday races?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

August 4, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee date – August

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was wavering on running a summer half marathon. I usually run the 10k each year and many of my friends will be there. But as my running buddy said, for the half you only run the hills once rather than the same ones twice. (Just more different hills!!)

Image result for camp chingachgook half

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day. She is coming to the US and I will be going to NYC to see her that weekend.

Anyone running a half marathon in the heat of summer??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that you wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you? Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine.

August 11, 2018 – 9 AM

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

Anyone running this race or have run it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that my favorite “healthy” Starbucks drink has been discontinued…chocolate banana smoothie. They told me that they don’t have protein powder or bananas anymore. Very bummed.

Ever have your favorite drink or food discontinued from a restaurant?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decided NOT to run this half marathon even though I will have major FOMO. Just too expensive. Maybe another year.

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

Ever not choose a race because of the cost (hotel/transportation)?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I recently realized that I could get a guaranteed entry into the 2019 NYC Marathon.

My 2018 Brooklyn Half Marathon finish time is: 2:11:23

The big problem is that I have never run a marathon, never wanted to run a marathon, never want to train for a marathon, etc. You get the picture.

Nov 3, 2019

If you were me, would you do it? (Don’t say “Yes” unless you plan to run it with me…)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I recently got my age group award in the mail for a race I ran in June.

pretty cool, I think. May be my favorite. (it’s a glass paper weight)

What is your favorite age group award?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decided not to renew my tennis club membership and not to play in a regular tennis contract.

This was a very tough decision. I have played tennis regularly for the past 20 years or so (although less frequently since I started running).

will be missing my Tuesday tennis pals

It’s expensive and right now, it’s too hard to fit into my work schedule. Hopefully, it will only be a year off.

I still plan to take my annual tennis vacation in May and may even be able to sub for some of my tennis friends throughout the year.

Ever had to cut out an activity that you really love?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

July 6, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – July and Friday Five

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am always training for some long race. This summer is no different. But I am thinking that I am a much better short distance runner.

I am more successful and there’s less stress in running 3 miles vs 13.

But then there’s the medal and the pride. Not sure I can give that up…

: 2:11:23

Ever think of sticking to the shorter races?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that all of a sudden it is summer. I’ve been waiting so long for these temps. They are great for boating

but for running…not so much.

And I refuse to run on the treadmill!!

planned on 4 and this was all I could muster…

Do you struggle to run when the temps are over 80? Do you ever give in and run on the mill?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell that I complained about never being home but I kinda miss my NYC traveling. Mainly because of the places to run there. There’s nothing like NYC for running.

: NYC – Central Park

: NYC – Hudson River Park

: in NYC – Eat River

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’d love to run on Governor’s Island, Roosevelt Island, over all the bridges, etc.

Ever run in NYC and understand what I mean?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I still haven’t made my decision for a winter Florida race.

I thought I would go to Florida, as usual, to visit my friends and family and of course, run a half marathon. Maybe this one???

Image result for melbourne half marathon 2019

But some local runner friends are tempting me with this race. It’s been on my bucket list and it would be more fun to run it with people that I know…

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

unfortunately I think the expense (flights/hotel) is leading me to save this one for another year

Ever have a hard time choosing a race or is it just me?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I enjoyed my summer mid-week races a lot. It allowed me to not have to choose between long runs/boating and racing on the weekend.

They sponsor 7 races (5k) on Weds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Ice Cream Social 5k on Jun 12.

If only locally, we had some mid-week races.

I did find one and of course, I signed up!!

Would you like to run evening races in the summer during the week or would you prefer races on the weekend?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

June 2, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – June

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I feel jinxed. I’ve had to run THREE races in the rain in the past month.

Anyone else had to race in the rain lately?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s not all doom and gloom. The sun does shine during the week. So if you run weekday races, you do run in sunshine and heat.

: 2018

Do you ever race during the week?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that it’s been stressful since I returned form my Florida tennis vacation. My arch started to ache and hurt after running. All that Googling pointed to PF but I refused to give into it. So I ran a 5k anyway. And now, it no longer hurts. (And no, this kind of behavior is not recommended.)

I celebrated with a milkshake

Ever race despite pain and maybe being injured?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the only good to come out of my bucket list Brooklyn monsoon half is that I may have qualified for a race. My first.

NYC Half Marathon qualifying times… March 2019

Age 65 and 2:11.23 finish time

Have you ever run a qualifying time for a race?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that FOMO is setting in for 2019.

I thought I would go to Florida in March,as usual, visit my friends and of course, run a half marathon.

Now some local runner friends are tempting me with this:

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

Will I be able to resist??

Do you ever register for a race because your friends are twisting your arm?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m not a slow runner but I’m not a fast runner either. Pace is relative, right?

On Memorial Day, I got asked to run with some runners that I didn’t know. They said that it would be an easy pace to view the war monuments.

I definitely found out what it feels like to be BOTPer. And I was huffing and puffing. They were nice and stopped to walk several times so I could catch up for a few moments.

Do you ever run with runners who are faster than you and struggle to keep up?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that today I am running a race for 11th time. The Freihofer Run for Women is the only race that I run EVERY year. I’m excited to see all the new runners complete their first 5k, elites such as Joan Samuelson and so many local runners that I know from running groups and races.

No goals for this one… just fun fun (like last year) and no rain, please.

: FRW – 2017

Do you have a favorite race that you run every year?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

May 4, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – May

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I told you last month that I was so sick of this cold weather that to cheer myself up, I bought a new skirt. It’s short. Shorter than I am comfortable with so I ran on the hotel treadmill (where I knew no one) just so I could wear it.

Anyone run on the treadmill just so they could wear summer running clothes again?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I registered for TWO races last weekend – a 10K on Sat and a 5k on Sunday. Family stuff keeps getting the way but I picked up the race packet for both races even though I only ran one of the races. I paid, right?

: awesome pasta dinner that included salad, wine and dessert – wish I could run this race

Anyone get the race shirt for a race that they signed up for but did not race?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that lately I am liking the shorter races.

5k happiness!!

But I signed up for FOUR more half marathons in 2018. I’d better get my long run mojo back.

And soon! My next half is May 19!!!

Anyone else regret signing up for a long race because you have to train for it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I went to my second Freihofer Training Challenge run. I signed up because I thought the drills would help me get faster. But I Pr’d in my recent 5 mile race and 5k race. That was without doing any speed drills.

Why am I getting faster without doing anything right?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that right now I am in sunny Naples, Florida with my friends. If there are any blog posts, it’s because I wrote them (as I did this one) before I left!

This what I plan to do everyday instead of blogging:

With some running, tennis, sightseeing, shopping, eating & drinking in the mix.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

April 7, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

It’s that time of the month…

Crystal Ball Frappuccino was disappointing. Did you try one?

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am so sick of this cold weather that to cheer myself up, I bought a new skirt and tank top (like a really need new running clothes…) When will I be able to wear them??? It doesn’t look like anytime in the near future. I may have to resort to the treadmill just to wear my new clothes!!!

my new tank

Have you bought any new spring/summer running clothes?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I always buy the SAME Skirt Sports running skirt – Gym Girl Ultra. It’s not too long and not too short. I hate to have too much of my thighs showing.

But I took a big risk, I bought my first shorter skirt – the Lioness. You may never see me wear it in public…

Image result for lioness skirt sports

Is it too short for someone almost 65 yrs old?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I schedule my rest days according to my work schedule. That means if I can run, I do and if I don’t have time, I don’t. Unfortunately sometimes I run 3 days in a row and sometimes I rest 3 days in a row…

great scenery but not a great run since my legs were too tired to move

How do you schedule your runs and rest days?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I paid $$ to join the Freihofer Training Challenge even though of the TEN Mondays runs, due to work, I can only attend THREE!!! One each month…. UGH!!!! So disappointed because I think the drills would help me get faster.

My first one. Next one will be week 6 and then week 10.

I probably wasted money, right?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

March 3, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – March

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

cherry mocha frap = yummy

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I bought myself a Valentine’s Day gift. I mean I was alone working in NYC. I deserve it right?

What was it you ask?

Ever buy your own Valentine’s gift?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I planned to meet up and run with a Skirt Sports ambassador while NYC. But we couldn’t coordinate the run so we just met to chat. About running, of course. After an hour or so, we felt like we’d known each other for years. Runners are great. Or maybe it was the two glasses of wine. I promised her next time that we would run before the wine.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that yes, I did register for the inaugural Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon in Vero Beach, Fla. You knew I would. I’m not super excited about it. So the good news is that I won’t be disappointed if it sucks.

instead of running along the ocean, I will be running in a mall parking lot and airport parking lot.

Anyone else running this race?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am spending all of March away from home. NYC, then Florida, NYC, Liverpool, NY and back to NYC.

Yeah, my bags are always packed (with running clothes.)

next week or the end of the month, in NYC, I hope to run in Riverside Park

Over coffee…

I’d tell that it’s not even spring and I’m trying to plan my fall races. As a Rock N Blogger, I need to run a Rock n Roll race. Montreal is the only one that I can get to. But my running buddy who was supposed to go with me cannot go. So I am trying to recruit a companion or five so I don’t have to go alone. I think I have convinced most of the Wineglass ladies to come with me…

Hoping we can make our fall Girls Weekend an annual thing.

all but Judy and Jan plan to come and Heidi (not pictured) is coming too

Over coffee…

I’d tell that speaking of fall races and running buddies, I am so excited to be running the Paris race with Karen (IG – @fit_in_france). We’ve met twice in NYC but have never done a race together.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am really liking my Red Wine lately. And I am having a glass almost nightly.

Sometimes, it’s because I am bored when I travel but I don’t feel guilty because I just read an article about the benefits of drinking red wine:

Its antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
You are less likely to suffer from depression.
It increases the amount of good bacteria levels in your digestive tract.
Piceatannol (found in red wine) blocks fat cells from forming.
It can improve your memory and may also decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Are you a red wine drinker?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I stopped by FleetFeet to get more GU and this happened:

I had to buy them. I had a $25 discount that was expiring. These are the new version of my favorite running shoes (NIKE ZOOM Vomero 13s). And they’re green so I can wear them for the Shamrock Shuffle race that I just registered for.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

February 3, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am bummed. One of my favorite local races has been discontinued. The one that you run 10 miles along Lake George and end up next to the marina where we keep our boat.

my first Adirondack Distance Run (that’s my hubby who is always at the finish line of this race)

My last Adirondack Distance Run

Ever have a race that you love cancelled?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that they replaced the above race with a 15K that begins at a college, goes on the bike path instead of along the lake and ends up at the Battle Field.

My friend Sue is one of the race directors so yes, I signed up (reluctantly).

I hope I don’t regret my decision.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was very hesitant about signing up to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon for many reasons (date, location, work schedule, hubby’s b-day, boating, etc.)

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

I was tempted to just run a new local race (Jog for Jugs Half Marathon).

But Carpe Diem hit me and at noon on January 31st, I clicked “Register” (secretly hoping that I wouldn’t get in.)

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

Of course I GOT IN!!! And so did my friend Sue who will be sharing a hotel room with me.

together again!

Anyone else running this race? I’d love to meet up.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for my fourth year in a row, I was selected as a Skirt Sport Ambassador Captain. I love this company, its ambassador network as well as its products. So I am very proud to represent and promote them.

Anyone else love Skirt Sports like me? Are you an ambassador too?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I have so many of their skirts that I really need no more. So I will refrain from buying ALL the new prints. Help me out and you buy some them!! LOL.

Use the code 128Card for 15% off at http://www.skirtsports.com

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first half marathon of 2018 that is in 6 weeks has been CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Image result for singer island half marathon 2018

March 17, 2018

I was supposed to run across this beautiful bridge 4 times (miles 1,2,11,12).

Related image

So I am going to reluctantly continue my training…

Ever have a race as part of a race-cation cancelled?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this race was supposed to be my 30th half marathon and that was pretty exciting. I am escaping the polar vortex and visiting some good friends who live in Florida as well as some who are visiting at the same time.

I hope to have similar adventures to last year: