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.

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 if you’ve read my blog, you know that I ran THREE races in November and I enjoyed 2 out of 3.

The 15k and 10K were fun and the half was a miserable experience Yes, weather can impact how you feel about a race not just finish time.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m very excited about my next race because it will be in NYC and a NEW race for me!!

Dec. 3, 2023

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I do not train on hills so I am relieved that the above race does not include HARLEM HILL!

It does include two runs up CAT HILL and a few other annoying hills.

That’s what walking is for. LOL

Oh and Cari is running it, as well.

Feb ’22 – our last race together…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I love visiting NYC during the holidays… no place does it better:

I also booked a 1.5 hr walking tour of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. (Read about it here).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I already registered for SIX 2023 races:

Publix Fort Lauderdale Half (Feb), NYC Half (Mar), Helderberg to Hudson Half (Apr), Miles Along the Mohawk (May), Freihofer Run for Women (Jun) and Finger Lakes Half (Sept).

No surprise there.

I’m cheap frugal and want to get the lowest price.

I am most looking forward to the Finger Lakes Half Marathon… it’s a new race for me, a race-cation with 9 friends and the RD also gave us a group discount.

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.

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

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

RACE ADDICT

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

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that if you’ve read my blog, you know that I ran THREE races in October: two 5ks and half marathon.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am planning to run a 10k, 15k and half marathon this month (as I did last year) and then another 15k and 5k in December.

I’m most excited about the second 15k because it will be in NYC and a NEW race for me!!

Dec. 3, 2023

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I’m starting to plan the logistics of my Florida race-cation. I booked my hotel in Fort Lauderdale for the night before the race as well as my flights.

Feb. 19, 2023

I still have to rent a car and schedule (4) other night stays, activities and friend meet-ups.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we already picked our running group race for 2023.

Sept. 23, 2023

In addition to this race, I hope to visit the Watkins Glen waterfalls and several wineries.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that we also have already BOOKED an amazing house (for 10 of us) on a lake for that weekend.

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.

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

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

GOES HIKING

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

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I’m looking forward to more hiking….

Boating Sundays will change to Hiking Sundays.

Until it gets too dark, Trail Thursdays will continue.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NOT been to NYC since July so I arranged for a college reunion there.

These are the friends that I spent a year in France with.

pic from a previous NYC reunion

We’re going to see the exhibit on The Little Prince: Taking Flight and going out to a French restaurant.

The exhibit is at the Morgan Library (where I’ve been wanting to go after reading the book below to see the Belle da Costa Greene exhibit.)

I plan to stay overnight to do some running and sightseeing on Monday.

not sure if I’ll get to see a sunset or sunrise but I do love this pic… Thanks Cari.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that after a 3 month membership to Peloton, I’ve ended it again.  I only paid for one month but I used it even less than before. That $$ is best spent elsewhere.

Why?

Nothing against Peloton. It’s me!!

I haven’t been on my stationary bike nor do I work out.  I used it a few times for outdoor runs but most runs this summer have been with other runners.

3 times in 3 months!! But actually they were all in the first month. LOL

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been crossing my fingers that my (free) gym that closed during the Pandemic would re-open.

and now the equipment has been removed 😦

I guess NOT!!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s been two months since we got our new cat. His name is Macch (pronounced Mack) which is short for Macchiato. I didn’t name him after the coffee (although I do like caramel macchiato) but after the tuxedo kitten that I fell in love at the shelter.

Here’s an update:

• • He hid in the basement for the first 4 weeks.
  • Then he started coming out of hiding for food and playtime.

• • Now he lets me pet him but he still won’t come upstairs much and is afraid of my hubby and other cat.

• • But there has been a lot of progress and he is so darn cute (and purrs loudly.)

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.

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

It’s that time of the month…

LITTLE MISS

RUNS 5KS

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

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that although I had THREE running activities scheduled for next weekend, I decided on running the local 5k (instead one in RI or the Brooks event in NYC).

SEPT 10, 2022

It saves me time, money, etc.  Being practical for once.

And I will also able to attend a party afterward for tennis friend (who has cancer) that day and some other local events that weekend.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that a brand NEW 5k is being offered on the rail trail that I usually run on  Of course, I couldn’t resist signing up.

SEPT. 24, 2022

It’s downhill and close to home.

It’s called Barn to Bridge.

Hilton Barn

the Bridge finish

3.Over coffee

I’d tell you that I will be working from home until at least January 1, 2023.  However, once we train people in a computer lab (rather than remotely), I will not be at home on those days.

As you know, working from home allows me to be more flexible with scheduling my runs…

before work, during lunch or after work:

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the nearby YMCA has offered a FREE one month membership.  So you will again see gymfies!

I’ll sign up in September. It should be cool enough by then to postpone my runs until lunch or after work so I can go to the gym before work.

Miss these???

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that four weeks ago, I gave in and got another cat (to replace my cat who died.) 

Why haven’t you seen pics?

He has been hiding in our basement ever since.  Our other cat Champ hid for 6 weeks so hopefully, this kitten will warm up to us soon.

picture from his cage at the shelter.

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.

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.

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that it has even been too hot this summer for me to join my running groups and run after work.

Yup, I became a sunrise runner.

What about you?  Did the summer temps force you to see the sun rise?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did join the group trail runs each Thursday evening.  But I’m too nervous to run on them.  I (and my running friends) always brought up the rear and walked each one.

Do you run on trails often?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that so far I have been able to do more hiking since I have every other Monday off.

Have you been doing much hiking lately?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NOT run a half marathon since May.  Remember I ran 6 half marathons the first 5 months of the year.

Don’t worry. I signed up for THREE this fall!!

1. 1. Race 4 the River – Sept 3
   2. Maine – Oct 2
   3. Upstate Classic – Nov. 20

Have you been taking a break from training this summer?  Have you signed up for any big races this fall?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that if you are interested in the big NYC races, here are some important dates:

• • NYC Half Marathon – March 19, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: Mid-October 2022
  • Brooklyn Half Marathon  – May 20, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: Mid-December 2022
  • NYC Marathon – November 5, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: February 2023

So far, I am only definitely running the NYC Half.

Anyone planning to apply to run any of these NYC races?

*** Last but not least, thanks for all your kind words on FB and IG regarding the death of my cat, Honey.  Even losing an older cat is not easy. She was deaf and thin but still active with a hearty appetite. In fact, this week she ate a rabbit and the morning she died, a mouse. (I do think my younger 3 year old cat catches them.) My hubby thinks she died of old age but I kinda think she was poisoned.  Anyway, at least he found her dead on our deck, not I!!

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 I’ve run 18 in-person races so far this year (I think I need to buy the mug above)… and I enjoyed each one!!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the most that I ever raced in one year was in 2016 and that was 41 races.

And NO, I don’t plan to beat that this year.

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I registered for TWO races in the same weekend.

First I signed up for a (fun) Trail 5k.  Then a 15k got scheduled the day before (Saturday).

hot and hilly!!!

My Hubby and I try to reserve Sunday in the summer for boating. Otherwise, it would not have been an issue to run both races. (I have in the past run two races in the same weekend.)

needed relaxation and reading time (in the shade)

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s a dilemma when only one brand of shoes that doesn’t hurt your feet doesn’t come in pretty colors (FOMO on those Brooks shoes.)

I wear Topo Phantoms for half marathons and Topo Cyclones for 5ks.  I also wear the Magnifly or Ultrafly for training/easy runs.

White for both the Phantoms and the Cyclones!!!

Say “hello” to my new Cyclones and Phantoms!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I didn’t realize how much I missed NYC until my recent work trip.  Central Park was amazing to run in (as you already know from Cari‘s FB/IG pics)…

I’m looking forward to next Wednesday and Thursday when I’ll get to do more exploring/running there. (Since I am no longer a regular trainer in NYC, this may be my last work visit. Sigh).

I’ve considered some options besides Central Park for Wednesday:

• • Roosevelt Island
  • Governor’s Island
  • Randall Island

But there’s a 5k in Brooklyn (which I’ve run 4x before)

Of course, there could be no trip to NYC without a meet-up with Cari (and hopefully Elizabeth.)

We could even run rather than eat together??

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 I’m excited that weekly group trail runs have started.

It’s not that I RUN them but it’s fun to get to see different places each week and socialize and eat ice cream!

Last night:

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have the next THREE Mondays off.

There will be adventures.  Most likely the day off will include running and either boating or hiking. Maybe even some biking or tennis.

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that gardening is hurting my body. I love my flowers. But…

After hours of weeding, my knee felt so wonky the next day that I called my chiro.

Of course, the pain went away and didn’t affect my running.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m also heading this month to my favorite city for work.

First time (for work) since January 2020.

it was for work, I swear…

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the only race that I have run EVERY YEAR (no mater what) is tomorrow. It will be my 15th time (14th in-person).

2021

 2008

2022:

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Do you enjoy gardening? Looking forward to any favorite races? Do you enjoy trail running?  If you have a day off from work, what would you do? 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.