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 it’s a good thing that I have a large skirt collection.  As you may know Skirt Sports is no more.

I am grateful for my years as an Ambassador (since 2015) because it brought some wonderful people into my life.

with my NYC buddy, Elizabeth

Will I stop wearing skirts?

Never!

I’m not the only one in my area who wears them either.

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I was a loyal Topos shoe wearer.  It seemed to cure my neuroma pain.

But now Altra makes a shoe with a 4mm heel drop and a wide toe box.

I may be a convert.

AltraFWD Experience

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once I decided that I liked the Altras, Topos came out with a new shoe…

Hmmm?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that nothing cures racing depression than running another race.

So glad that I had signed up for one of our local turkey trots.

racing is about challenging yourself and running with others…

5.Over coffee…

Speaking of races, I’d tell you that next week, I’m off on my last race-cation of 2023.  This one destination is new to me – Tampa, Florida.  I’ve never been.

The mug at the top is a clue to what race I’ll be running.

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.

This weekend I will run my second 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, I am still a little stressed about the logistics.

First of all, they changed the transportation to the start choices based on your finish time.

I had to choose the 6:15 am Mid-town bus!! And I will not start until after 10:55 am.

In 2019, I started at 10:30 am and choose the 7:00 am bus (and still had a long wait in the cold.)

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that my Orange Wave starts 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…

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in 2019 I was also in a similar wave.  Meaning that all the runners around me were much faster.

My projected finish time is 4:30 but I will most likely finish between 5:30 ad 6:00.

Am I’m totally fine with that!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I followed the same plan (Hal Higdon Novice) as in 2019 but due to WFH and less travel, I was able to follow it more closely.

I tried to do the long midweek runs (although many I split into two runs)

and completed all the long runs.

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 # = 48527 (but remember I don’t start until 10:55ish)

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.

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 unfortunately there was a record number of Boston Marathon qualifiers for 2024 and my friend did not get in. 😦

BQed by 3.5 minutes!!

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that on a related note, they’ve changed the qualifying standards for the NYC Marathon.  It used to be that you could qualify for with a non-nyrr half marathon finish time. 

Important Note: 2024 will be the last year NYRR will accept both half marathon and full marathon Non-NYRR qualifying times…  Starting in 2025, the TCS New York City Marathon will only accept qualifying full marathon times.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that training for a full marathon is so time consuming… I was debating whether or not to run NYC again in 2024 (with my friends) or just go spectate.

However, if I survive the 2023 marathon, I may have to run it in 2024 since I may not be qualifying again.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m all about Pumpkin Spice.

very yummy

So I tried the new GU flavor.

It tastes really good but during my half marathon, it gave me a stomach ache.

I tried it again during a 9 mile run  and no issues. Maybe I just need to get used to it.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that as soon as we finished our girls’ race-cation, we started planning the next one.

In fact, we already picked our 2024 race and I confirmed the dates with the RD.  Now I’m finalizing our rental (for 10).

Half Marathon and 5k – 10/6/24

Happy Running! What’s new with you? What do you think about qualifying for these two marathons? Anyone try pumpkin spice Gu?  Ever run the Cape Cod Half Marathon? 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 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.

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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.