It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was hedging on signing up for a 5k at the end of this month…

Sept 30, 2023 – 10AM

I did sign up!

It was such a fun time in 2022

Now I need to figure out how to get my 18 miler done too…

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I may just add 5 more miles to my Half Marathon the weekend before.

Sept. 23, 2023 – 8AM

Two of my running friends will be running the 18 miler and so I plan to join them after I’m done (if my legs let me.)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have been going to the gym 3 times a week (on non-running days.)

I use the same machines and I’m getting quite bored.

But besides Sundays, I’m in a rush to get home in time to go to work.

I’m looking for ideas to spice things up… maybe wear my headphones and listen to podcasts, walk on the track…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did buy a new car (well, a 2021 which is newer than my 2010. LOL).

In my last Coffee Date, I mentioned my car requirements:

• • All wheel drive – need in the NE to get to my running routes, hikes and races in all wintry conditions.
  • Heated seats and steering wheel – to immediately warm up after the freezing temp runs, hikes and races.
  • Big enough trunk for all my running/hiking gear but an SUV is not necessary since my hubby drives a pick up truck.

My new car met all my running needs and more…

I did keep some important things from last car

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m excited about a visit to NYC this month. Not work or race-related.  Just a day trip to hang out with a college friend.

us in France in the 70’s. LOL

Of course, I’m trying to figure out the logistics of squeezing in a run and connecting with Cari…

5 years ago! Cari meet-up, running, Central Park, ice cream = ❤

Happy Running! What’s new with you? 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 of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I love routines which means that I run 4 times a week and work out at the gym 3 times. 

Obviously running is a priority because the past 2 weeks I did get my runs in but my gym visits slacked off. In fact, I never got to the gym at all when I was not working from home…

Yup, only on Sundays!

Sundays are for leisurely gym mornings

Hopefully, I will continue to work remotely most of the time so that I don’t have to cancel my gym membership.

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that speaking of running and not working from home, that also meant that my runs would have to be after work (I’m not a 5 am runner).

Not a problem, right?

after one of those painful runs…

Yes. problem this summer when it is HOT and insanely humid… sucky runs!!

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my car may be on its last legs…

I do love my car but it is over 13 years old (168K miles) and lately the repairs have been killing my budget.

hate this nasty light

So what does this have to do with running?

Well, I find myself requiring certain things in a new car…

• • All wheel drive – need in the NE to get to my running routes, hikes and races in all wintry conditions.
  • Heated seats and steering wheel – to immediately warm up after the freezing temp runs, hikes and races.
  • Big enough trunk for all my running/hiking gear but an SUV is not necessary since my hubby drives a pick up truck.

Stay tuned for an update…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been on a knitting frenzy since my granddaughter will be born in a month.

I finished the blanket and now want to make a hat and booties.

Working, running, hiking, working out… when do I knit?

Long car rides to and from the lake and also train and subway rides (when I worked in NYC).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that sometimes I’d love to disable those memories on Facebook.  

Many in July were at races

2013 – Andrea and Crista (both bloggers) at Biggest Loser 5k in VT

 Silks and Satins 5k where we first met

Both of these women have since died from cancer…

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Can you identify with any of my updates? 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 of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that 4 of my running friends had been worrying about registering for the Virtual NYC Marathon so that they could get a guaranteed entry into the 2024 NYC Marathon.

Last year, the link to the Virtual was posted on June 8 and it sold out immediately.

We waited and waited and finally they opened the link on June 21 at noon.

Well, I may ALSO be running the 2024 NYC Marathon because Sherry and Deirdre got in. Stan is running it for Team for Kids …

my 2024 training buddies…

and Kevin will hopefully time qualify.

He BQed here and then also qualified for Chicago

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that Marathon Training has begun…

however, my rest day will be Tuesday not Monday

Fortunately, in June, I had been running 6-7 miles on most weekends.

7 miles with the help of friends

And so it doesn’t get scary until September.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m on the fence about two things in September.

First instead of a 13 mile training run, signing up for the Run 4 the River Half Marathon (IOW switch 13 and 10 miles).

ran it last year

Second, change my Finger Lakes Half Marathon to the 18 miler option?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my gym membership really did end on July 1.

Drum roll….

Yes, I joined!!! (My health insurance does reimburse me for up to $400/yr)

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was at the supermarket buying some alcoholic canned beverages (to bring on our boat) and the cashier remarked:  “Those are my grandma’s favorites too!”

Ok, should I be insulted that she meant that I look old?  Am I being too sensitive?

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Would it bother you to be called “grandma”? 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 of the month…

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

While you are reading this post, I’m enjoying my coffee in Naples, Florida.

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that except for 2020, I have gone on this vacation with 9 tennis friends every year since 2005.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that originally, my goal for the trip was to play tennis everyday and take lessons. That is is still the goal for the others.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I have NOT played tennis at all since last May, I plan to play every morning (after my run.) I hope my friends are patient. However, I will no longer take lessons.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once I became a runner, I also looked for a race to run during this May vacation. Fortunately there is usually a 5k scheduled.

 Of course, I did sign up.  It’s a great charity and I may or may not run (depending on weather and transportation.)

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it will be HOT but I plan to run each morning (if possible) but I will not be able to fit in a long run.

I got my 12 miler done last weekend so as they say “the hay is in the barn.”

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Have you ever been to Naples, FL? Do you always run when you are on vacation? 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 of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I starting knitting socks when I broke my ankle in 2012.

the first of MANY pairs

Then I started again during the pandemic

ugliest (year) socks ever (ran out of wool)

And then 3 years later, I broke my LEFT foot. LOL

I started knitting socks again but this time I bought extra yarn!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when I got my first x-ray on my foot, I asked to see the x-ray.  The doctor asked why?  I said to post on my blog.  He replied I’ll show it to you next time.

So here it is:

The most interesting thing about this x-ray was the screws from my previous ankle surgery.  I knew there were 4 screws on one side but not going in different directions?!

3. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that normally I trained for a half marathon with a 12 week plan.

Of course, when I ran a half marathon every month (as planned), I just recovered between races.

After NO running for 5 weeks, I only had 9 weeks before the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

As a result, I had to come with my own training plan (by modifying a 6 week plan):

Plans are meant to be ignored: week 1- 2, 2, 2, 4; week 2 – 4, 3, 2, 6; week 3 – 2, 4, 3, 8

But I think it’ll enable me to finish the race.

The question remains… do I want to just finish or cancel and run it next year instead??

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as you know it’s been killing me not to race and I have had to miss quite a few that I’ve paid for…

I probably shouldn’t race at all before Brooklyn…

Check out these races on my spring schedule:

• • 04-15-23 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
  • 04-16-23 – Delmar Dash (5m)
  • 04-22-23 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k or 10K
  • 04-30-23 – Sasha’s Super Hero 5k
  • 05-07-23 – Tropicool 5k
  • 05-13-23 – Prospect Mountain Run
  • 05-18-23 – CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge (3.5m)

A recovering runner dilemma…

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this coming month I’ll be working in NYC for the last time this year.

(Yes, I work all day but evenings are for running, sightseeing, friend meet-ups and Broadway shows..)

The worker who has been out sick has returned.  I should now only to going to NYC for fun/races.

+Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once my foot healed, I decided to again participate in the Freihofer Training Challenge. This year for the first time, not a a runner, but as a mentor.

It’s a great way to meet new people, give back to the sport, get back in shape (and receive a 12 week free gym membership).

this year’s group

I plan to mentor with the beginner group on Mondays, maybe some Wednesdays too.

Monday location…on Wednesdays, it’s near where I live

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Any signs of spring where you live?  Any races coming up? 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.

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

It’s that time of the month…

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

That mug is the theme of this post…

It was the best of times:

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed having a vacation AWAY from WORK.

I’m already looking forward to my next week off in May.

No computer for a week!!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that while on vacation, I was able to check off almost everything on my bucket list.

• • Watch sunrise over the ocean.
  • Sunbathe on the beach.
  • Visit nature preserves.
  • Attend a professional tennis match.
  • Run.
  • Enjoy good food and drink.
  • See many cool wildlife (esp. alligators and birds).
  • Enjoy sunshine every day.

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I was able to connect with 5 out of 6 friends who live in Florida whom I would never see otherwise if I didn’t visit.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my friends were wonderful and accommodating making sure I was comfortable and having fun.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I returned to the best news ever.  You may remember that my daughter-in-law in Dec 2020 lost a baby boy at 4 months. 

God willing, I will have a GRANDDAUGHTER on Sept. 3, 2023!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NYC – Nov. 5, 2023!

It is the worst of times:

As I deal with my life right now: without running, I realize:

I know that it’s not permanent (and could have been a lot worse).

But it’s still hard!!!

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Will you get a chance if you live up North to escape the cold temps?  Has 2023 started off well for you? Anyone dealing with an injury? 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 of the month…

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

As I am writing this post, I have sunshine on my mind for obvious reasons.

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that these cloudy skies are really getting me down. I don’t mind the cold temps and the snow as long as the roads are clear.

if you always have sunglasses, will the sun come out??

But I need SUN!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that luckily I have SIX friends who winter in Florida (on the east coast) and they ask me to come down and stay with them.

I’ll be there visiting them (and looking for sunshine) Feb. 14 12-19!!!

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I love our free winter local races and so I signed up for all FIVE!  

But because a friend’s husband recently died of Parkinson’s, I decided to move up my vacation in Florida and add a stay with her for two days.

So I am going to miss the 5th race on Feb. 12…

But I think I made the right decision!!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am excited to connect with fellow blogger Jenny again.  Not sure if we will meet up in Boca where she lives (and I’m staying) or just at the Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon we are both racing.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I can’t wait to see the ocean and run at sunrise!!!

Fingers crossed to clear skies….

** One more for good measure – Over coffee…

I’d tell you that even with the snowy gloomy January weather, I did have a strong start to 2023.

In order to reach my annual 1000 mile goal, I need to run around 84 miles each month.

In January, I ran:

MILES!!

This gives me a cushion for June & July when the weather heats up and I have no half marathons to train for.

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Will you get a chance if you live up North to escape the cold temps? Does the lack of sunshine bother you? Have you started off 2023 strong? 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 of the month…

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

New year and as always, there are things to update you on:

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I added another Half Marathon to my 2023 schedule (#5).

It was NOT planned.

But I got an email that said I had a guaranteed entry to

May 20, 2023

According to the standards, I DID NOT qualify because my qualifying race was when I was 69 not 70 (so my time was not fast enough) …. but hey CARPE DIEM!

I’m in!

my rainy Brooklyn Half of 2018

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I almost registered for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in DC.

Cuz?

FOMO!! (Damn you bloggers!)

I did not…. (but I know they always have many bibs available since they allow deferrals if I change my mind and someone needs a roommate)

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that when I registered for the above race, I forgot that I had added on a 10 miler to my April Half for the following weekend.

May 28, 2023

It was cheaper to register for both races and you get a third medal if you race the challenge…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I met my annual mileage challenge for the third year in a row! (It wasn’t my best year. That was 2016 with 1046 miles.)

Jan – 102 miles
Feb – 80 miles
Mar – 89 miles
Apr – 89 miles
May – 80 miles
Jun – 73 miles
Jul – 80 miles
Aug – 90 miles
Sept – 90 miles
Oct –  94 miles
Nov – 81 miles
Dec – 80 miles

It’s about 84 miles a month so only 20 miles or so week…

If I do not get sick or injured, it perfectly doable.

It has kept me racing yet injury-free.  So I see no need for change. My 2023 goal is again 1000 miles!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that there were NO PRs in 2022 nor were there any PR goals. There may have been a few PWs but since I don’t remember, obviously I don’t care.

My main goal for 2023 is to race as often as possible and to meet up with as many friends as able (through running, racing, blogging, etc.)

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  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.