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:

Yes, the race was going to be secondary and having fun is always my primary goal.

But seriously, this SUCKS!!

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

January 5, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January

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 as you may know, I HATE running on the treadmill. I have successfully dragged myself out during the warmest part of the day (after work). The problem is that it has been so cold that I can’t stay out long. I am worried that this will be one of those winters. How will I ever do a run longer than 3 miles?? I do have to train for a half marathon in March!!!

Image result for running in the cold meme

Any advice on staying warm during the run?

I only lasted about 30 minutes.

Over coffee…

(related to above) I’d tell you that I was traveling for work and it was impossible to run anywhere. So I did run on the hotel treadmill. HATED.EVERY.SECOND.

I can’t run fast and I can’t run long and it’s so hot. I could go on and on.

How do you ladies do it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to plan my 2018 races … at least the half marathons. I ran 6 halfs in 2017. Not sure I want to run that many this coming year but we’ll see…

Singer Island Half on March 17, 2018

I registered for the one above. I booked my flights, contacted my friends so I have places to stay and booked my hotel for the night before the race.

I have my flight booked for Oct 6 to Paris but race registration for the race below doesn’t open until Feb 14.

Les 20km de Paris – October 14, 2018

Then there’s a RnR race. Registration isn’t open for that one yet but I do have a hotel booked for the night before.

September 23, 2018

I am still looking for a race in the spring and/or summer.Any inexpensive suggestions?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that related to the above, I can’t decide on my May half marathon. I am wavering between three:

Brooklyn Half Marathon – it’s on my bucket list, my friend Sue wants to do it but it’s on a Saturday (I work Friday), I have to work in NYC the Monday after, it’s my hubby’s B-day weekend & boating….

Steel Rail Half Marathon – it’s driveable and my current half PR but I ran it last year and would be running it alone

Jog for Jugs Half Marathon – it’s nearby and a new race but it’s on a course that I can run on for free (not too exciting).

So which one??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I had worked in NYC for three weeks in a row. But since I don’t go back until February, my friends and I planned a day trip there for tomorrow.

Image result for downton abbey exhibit nyc

so excited to see this

Anyone love this show? One of my favorites ever.

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I was excited about working in Liverpool where there would be lots of lights where I normally run.

Image result for lights in Onondaga lake state park

Well, the lights don’t go on until dusk and they close the park at dusk. Yup, they wouldn’t let in to run. You had to pay $10 to drive your car through.

I thought about sneaking in (and might have if I had brought my knuckle lights.)

Would you have?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did it again. Saw a race on Facebook and on a whim, just clicked “Register.”

The deciding factor was that it only cost $30 for the half marathon. I am working on talking my BRF into doing it with me. If I DNS, it’s not a lot of money wasted.

Pelham Half Marathon – November 24, 2018

Anyone else just register and then think?

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

December 2, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – December

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in December, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…
I’d tell you that after the girls weekend Wineglass Half Marathon, our group has been continuing to plan weekend runs together. Best thing ever. I hate running alone so now I don’t have to. Everyone may run at a different pace or for a different distance but we manage to pair up. Afterward we go out to breakfast together.

still missing 2 in the group but such a nice bunch of ladies

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my BRF may not be able to join me on weekday runs anymore. Her husband is ill and needs her home. I am bummed. I guess I’ll have to suck it up and run alone.

will miss you Alyssa 😦

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to plan my 2018 races … at least the half marathons.

Singer Island Half on March 17, 2018 – anyone want to join me?

So far I only registered for the one above. I booked my flights, contacted my friends so I have places to stay and booked my hotel for the night before the race.

Now all I have to do is train…through the winter months… oh boy!

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may be ODing on NYC. I was there for 3 days this past week for work. I will be there again for work next week and the week after. Then my friends want to go on one weekend to see the Downton Abbey exhibit.

Nah won’t get tired of this sight…

Over Coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of New York City, I ran along the Hudson River this past week.

And yes, this trail goes to where that terrorist mowed down innocent bikers.

Scary!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I’m a little nervous about training for my March race.

Now that I travel for work, my running routes (except NYC) do not have lights.

I am not a hotel treadmill kind of gal.

I have knuckle lights so we’ll see. (Did you enter my giveaway?)

But at least I am going to Liverpool at the end of the month …where there will be lots of lights where I normally run.

Image result for lights in Onondaga lake state park

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I AM GOING TO FRANCE!!! October 6-16, 2018. With a friend who has friends to visit there (in Sanguinet) and me…to run a race in Paris, of course. (I’m over the moon!!) We got a great price on plane tix…now I have lots of time to work out the details. Race registration doesn’t open until Feb 14.

Oct 14, 2018 – over 25k run this race…yikes!

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

November 4, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Talk – November

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in November, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Have you tried them??

Over coffee…
I’d tell you that after the girls weekend Wineglass Half Marathon, our group has been continuing plan weekend runs together. Best thing ever. I hate running alone so now I don’t have to. We even go out to breakfast after.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that because I now have running partners on the weekend, I have not felt compelled to sign up for a race every weekend. Though, I still have FOMO when I see those race pics on FB and IG.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have a half marathon in ONE week! I don’t ever have a training plan for my big races but I am pretty anal about running 10, 11, and 12 milers.

Except that I skipped my 11 and shortened my 12 to 10. Who am I?

10 (not 12) with Alyssa

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to plan my spring races … at least the half marathons.

Singer Island Half on March 17, 2018 – anyone want to join me?

There’s a new local race… Except that it’s where I run often so not too tempting but cheaper than a race-cation.

May 19, 2018

And then there’s the lottery for this BIG one:

Brooklyn Half on May 19, 2018 – Anyone else running this one?

So many races…so little time….

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for the past two years, I was in NYC running the Dash to the Finish.

Damn work!! I was away until late last night so there was no way I could swing it.

After last year’s race with my Russian friends

Over Coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of New York City, I ran along the Hudson River last week.

And yes, this trail goes to where that terrorist mowed down innocent bikers.

Scary!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I’m a little nervous about training for a March race.

Now that I travel for work, my running routes (except NYC) do not have lights.

I am not a hotel treadmill kind of gal.

No lights on the Canal trails

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

October 7, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Talk – October

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in October, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Have you tried them??

Over coffee…
I’d tell you that at first I was disappointed that I didn’t push myself to a PR last weekend. Hey I was on a PR pace until the last mile.

But now that I look back, I realize that I finished over 9 minutes faster than the half 2 weeks before!!

That is an accomplishment and there will be more opportunities. I didn’t train for a PR so I can’t expect that it will just happen.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that now that my girl’s weekend race-cation is over, I can focus on my next one.

Yes, I have another planned. Nov 10-13 in LAS VEGAS!! (even despite the scary recent events…)

It will be quite different since we are all staying in different hotels and everyone is bringing their hubby except Marcia and me.

It should still be a #holottafun.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am still struggling over running my short races and training for my next half in 5 weeks.

With 40k runners running RNR Vegas, I doubt it will be a PR. So I think I will just do what I normally do – go with the flow (I am a coach’s nightmare.)

That means, run the races on the weekend and add on the miles afterward so I get the long runs in before the race.

5k + 6.9 = 10

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am planning my spring races already… at least the half marathons. It is a challenge without the funds or the time but I will make it happen!!!

FF Miles to fly to West Palm in Florida, points to rent a car and then stay with friends …