It’s odd that this is my first race in NYC this year.
In the past, I’ve done Fred Lebow Half in January, Central Park Half in Feb, NYC Half in March and/or Brooklyn Half in May.
With a goal of running new races, this year, I only registered for the Mini 10k in June and Squirrely 10k in Sept.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym, did some gardening and errands and then went to a Floral Show and Tea Tasting.
at the Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany
Monday – WFH again this week so I had time to go to the gym before work.
I squeezed in a run at lunch..
spring temps and sunshine returned finally
After work, I met a running friend for a long walk on the rail trail followed by burgers & beer.
Tuesday – Since I had a hair appt after work, I got my run done before work and visited some horses..
another sunny day and perfect temps…
Wednesday – A very early morning run with a new running friend on Global Running Day…
very cool sunrise!
I asked Jenny to run with me… she is mostly a marathon runner and has complained about her lack of speed. She asked how I am so fast (and I laughed) but I replied “Walk intervals.” We did 90:45. She has never walked during a run or race. So it was hard for her to adjust but she wants to do it again. I ran faster but she walked faster. Good for both of us and better than my 2 solo miles, I did 4. (in the 9s for the run and 15s for the walk.)
After work, I met my BFF for a walk.
Thursday – I drove with 3 tennis friends to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. In addition to the gorgeous roses, this year, the Garden’s theme was Van Gogh (which happens to be one of my favorite artists.)
it was a scorcher of a day but we still had a good time
After our garden visit, I checked into a nearby hotel and stayed there overnight.
dinner in Little Italy
Friday – After I checked out of my hotel, I took the subway to my new hotel in Manhattan.
There were many activities on my to-do list including picking up my bib/shirt for the race the next day. I also had tickets for a panel discussion so I stayed for that.
got to meet Emily Sisson. and hear stories from a very diverse group of women…
I walked back to my hotel and my room still wasn’t ready. So I took the subway downtown to visit the Anne Frank exhibit.
so moving… I loved The Diary of Anne Frank as a kid…
Afterward I walked back to my hotel stopping on the way for a late lunch. I finally checked into my room and then headed uptown to the newly renovated Frick museum.
gorgeous…. wish they allowed photos…
Cari met me there and accompanied me to my next activity, a Broadway show. But first a gelato stop.
the show was great!!
I walked back to my hotel and called it a day. Don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before a race. It’s NYC!
Saturday – Mastercard NY Mini 10k.
The rain in the forecast disappeared and insane humidity replaced it.
I took the subway to the start which was on W90th St.
I got there early. So many women runners!! Some were new to the race. Others had run it many times. Some were young and some were older.
Eventually the race began and somehow my Garmin didn’t start. I noticed it about a half mile in. (It also died the last .5 mi. WTH)
It was warm and so humid. I even drank Gatorade and ate salt chews and still felt like dying.
So I ran slowly, walked up all the hills and didn’t die!!
While I waited at the finish for Cari and met two runners training for their first NYCM. We became instant friends.
❤ this race
Eventually I exited the park fearing that it would pour on me. It didn’t. I walked until 59th and took the subway the rest of the way.
After a long hot shower and some lunch I headed to the High Line. Finally the skies opened up.
Luckily I had an umbrella and tickets for the Morgan Library museum.
I stumbled upon a group tour the the Jane Austen exhibit…
I also visited more of the museum & library…
By the time I was done, the rain had stopped. And I retrieved my bag at my hotel and headed to the train station.
Another busy NYC weekend on the books.
Sunday – Gym first thing and more gardening unpacking laundry, errands…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, walk, dinner with former co-workers
Wednesday – run, wine tasting benefit
Thursday –run, trail run/walk
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Father’s Day 5k Race
Sunday – gym. boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k Race Recap
Friday – Unlucky at a Race
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Rain, heat? How’s your weather lately? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that the mug above was made for me.
I have races scheduled for:
06-06-25 – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k
06-14-25 – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k
06-21-25 – Adirondack Race to the Lakes?
07-04-25 – Firecracker 4
07-05-25 – Indian Ladder Farms Hard Cider 5k
07-12-25 – Silks & Satins 5k
07-27-25 – Keep MOO’ving 5K
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I gave up serious tennis when I started running in 2008. And I gave up tennis totally in 2017 when I started travelling for my current job. I continued to play only during my annual tennis vacation in May.
But this summer I play to play again a few times.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that Sarah from Another Mother Runner has sung praises for pickleball and it seems to be the latest craze.
I’m not sure when I would have the time to play but I signed up for lessons this summer.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I was obsessed with hiking during the Pandemic. And since then I have hiked less and less.
with my hiking buddy
I really enjoy it so I hope to get back into it.
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that boating season has started. We have given serious thought to selling our boat as we both have lost interest and our boating friends have given it up.
good ole days
However, it’s not sold yet so starting in 2025, in order to boat, you have take a boater safety class and pass a series of quizzes and test.
Don’t tell anyone but I took the class and passed it so that my hubby could drive the boat. (I mean he’s driven a boat for over 40 years.)
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that though I’m NOT running the NYC Half Marathon, I have a teensy bit of FOMO.
For the first time ever, you get to run over the Brooklyn Bridge during this race.
my favorite bridge in NYC
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I DID NOT accept my guaranteed entry for the NYC Marathon.
It was tempting since 3 or 4 close running friends are running it.
But I am confident (after my last tough half marathon) that I made the right decision.
3 NYCM and done!!
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that one of my goals is to run new races.
Another new local 5k is happening on June 21.
cider donuts? I’m there!
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m not excited about completing 13.1 again but I am looking forward to sharing the experience with some local runners. There will be 5 of us making the trek to DC.
Sue (on the left) will be my roommate
Like the mug says!!
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I haven’t been to DC since my 6th grade field trip. I arrive early Friday, March 14, the race is Saturday, March 15 and I leave late Sunday, March 16.
maybe they will bloom early?
Besides a blogger meet-up or two, what should I see?
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that it’s that time of the year and I am so ready. Those ocean sunrises are calling my name.
Delray Beach, FL
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I will be running half marathon#71 and my first of 2025.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m excited that both Jenny and I are healthy enough to do it this year.
last Feb’s meet-up on the trails
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I did run it in 2021 and it was a PW (due to the heat and humidity).
I looked happy here but I was NOT..
Four years later, my attitude (and speed) have changed. I may run it slower but I will be happy just to finish!!
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that NYRR Races sell out in a millisecond. Of course, the registration for the Mini 10k opened at noon on Jan 30 and I was teaching live…
But about 2 hours later (while I gave the class a practice)…
Well, that was stressful…
For $120, you could have purchased Member Plus and register for races 2 days before they open… Crazy!!!!! As a result, many sold out before they even went on sale.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that my main running goal for 2025 is to stay healthy and have NO injuries or illnesses!!
I haven’t experienced a lot of injuries considering that I started running in 2008… and I was alm0st 55 at the time. (I also think all my injuries were not even related to running. LOL)
Knock on wood. and I never get sick…
Hopefully this will be the year for consistent running and racing!!!
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that the STEM mentoring program went so well that we may offer it in the spring to train a few to run a half marathon…
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that many of my running friends have turned to walking or using run/walk intervals.
I find myself running alone on the weekends more than I’d like…
So I’ve been signing up for races to keep up my mojo and my pace…
March 8, 2025
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I did register for a race in a bucket list location…
half marathon in DC on March 15, 2025
I’ll be spending the weekend in DC with 4 other runners…
Not my local running friends but 3 other women (Gail, Val & Ginny) whom I know casually and one (Sue) whom I’ve travelled to NYC with several times to race.
Shape Half 2017
Paris 8K 2017
Brooklyn Half 2018
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I did click that register button for the race in Florida that I have DNSed two years in a row.
Jenny says that she and her hubby will do it too!!
Since I deferred last year, it cost me $0 this year and even if I don’t run it, I lose nothing!!
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m in Florida right now. My running friend Heidi and I are visiting our friends Kevin & Deirdre who winter in Florida (as we did last December.)
The temps have plummeted in the NE so I’m looking forward to some warmth and sunshine.
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that our Lake George boating friends used to be obsessed with pirates and so I followed suit.
and a “Pirate Girl” flag for our boat
Good-bye “Pirates”
Here we are – Aaaargh!
our “pirate” friends
I’ve even dressed up as a Pirate for Halloween. (sorry no pics).
not me but similar to what I wore
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I may run the Pirate 5k or 10k… it’s still tentative It’s a very small race. (It will depend if the others want to..)
If not, I’m looking to just running in warmer temps.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that, as I mentioned in my last Runfessions, I’m DONE with those BIG expensive NYC long races.
Instead, I’d like to run some different half marathons and some shorter NYC races…
if I can miraculously get in
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of NYC half marathons, I bumped in a runner at a restaurant and she mentioned that if she didn’t into into the NYC Half this year, she was planning to run this race (as it’s the same weekend.)
March 15, 2025
She didn’t get in and guess who’s also running this race?? More details to come.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
This weekend I will run my third NYC marathon. So I’m got a “New York state of mind.”
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that although I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019 AND 2023, I am still a little stressed about the logistics.
In 2019, I started at 10:30 am and chose the 7:00 am bus (and still had a long wait in the cold.)
Last year I had to choose the 6:15 am mid-town bus and I did not start until after 10:55 am. Luckily it wasn’t as cold.
This year, I decided to stay in the Financial District so I could walk to the Staten Island Ferry. I chose the 8:00 am ferry. Then you have to take a bus to the start village. My start this year is still 10:55 am.
We’ll see if this was a smarter choice.
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that last year I was in the Orange Wave which started at the top of the bridge.
Pink has the least climb and it has four 90 degree turns.
Blue has about 30 feet / 9 meters more climb than Pink. It has two 90 degree turns.
Orange has about 50 feet / 15 meters more climb than Pink. It has four 90 degree turns.
In 2019, I started in the Green wave (which is now Pink) so I was on the bottom.
Truthfully, I don’t remember much after the big cannon went off and the playing “New York, New York” with Frank Sinatra… I was so excited, I just ran over that big bridge…
So now, I’ve started both ways and I’ll tell you that I don’t remember a difference between starting at the top or the bottom of the bridge. It’s exciting either way.
So this year it’s pink. Bottom. A full circle.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that in 2019, I was in a similar wave as last year and this year (due to a fast NYRR 10k time). IOW all the runners around me were much faster.
My projected finish time was 4:30 and I finished in 5:29. I was totally happy with that!
I had a similar projected finish time last year and I finished in 6:00 (while walking with a calf cramp for 16 miles). I was thrilled with that time. I thought it would be much slower.
This year? I couldn’t care less about my finish time. I have no clue how it will go.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that last year I followed Hal Higdon Novice plan very closely. And much more closely than 2019 (when I had to travel more for work).
It didn’t seem to matter… I trained better and it went a lot worse.
So this year, I didn’t stress about my training. I minimally ran during the week and completed as many long runs as I could…
I just want to finish and hopefully I will…
and without pain would be ideal.
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I couldn’t have trained for this race without the support of my running friends.
That includes my “virtual” friends too.
Feel free to track me. My Bib # = 53817 (but remember I don’t start until 10:55ish)
My First 5K and More... 