January 14, 2025 by Darlene

TT: Setting Realistic Fitness Goals

It’s that time of year when we are thinking about our fitness goals for the coming year.

Here’s some advice on how make sure they are achievable (or realistic).

Set Your Goals Around the Process, Not the Outcome.

It’s tempting to set your sights on the outcome that you want, like running a sub 2 hour half marathon.

It’s better to build your goals around the process, such as, running consistently by following a half marathon training plan or completing weekend long runs.

Choose a Fitness Activity You’ll Actually Want to Do.

Another temptation that people often fall to is to sign themselves up at the nearest gym and throw themselves into a routine that they think they should do, whether or not they actually enjoy it.

You’ll be much more likely to stick with fitness activities if you look forward to doing them.

Don’t be afraid to try a few different things, like pickle ball, spinning, Zumba, kickboxing, lifting weights.

It may take some trial and error but keep an open mind and you’ll find a fitness activity that you look forward to and enjoy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment or ask for help.

There are plenty of fitness apps that can provide guidance for any form of fitness activity that you’d like to explore.

Maybe even hire a coach to help you train for a race or help with your workout routines.

Match Your Goals to Your Personal Confidence Levels.

When setting your goals, think about this-on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being Not confident and 10 being Extremely confident, how confident do you feel that you can meet the goal that you’ve set?

Research indicates that if your confidence level is anything lower than 7 then it’s best to modify your goals.

IOW, how confident are you in running a sub 5 hour marathon? Perhaps start out with a goal of completing a marathon.

Start From Where You Are.

If you’re just starting to run for the first time in a long time, don’t set a highly aggressive goal that again, you don’t feel extremely confident that you can maintain.

Not only are you likely to hit a wall, but you’re opening yourself up to getting injured.

Remember that you can always build on your progress by (gradually) increasing the frequency and duration of your runs.

Think About What You’re Adding to Your Diet, Rather Than What You’re Taking Away.

Yes, you’ll have to cut back on those cookies and alcoholic beverages that you indulged in over the holidays, but don’t make what you are not eating the center of your attention.

Instead focus on the healthy things that you’re going to be eating instead, like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains and hopefully, you’ll find that the less healthy choices fall away on their own.

Happy Running! Any other tips that you use to set fitness goals that are realistic? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

January 10, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Running Goals for 2025

Here are my goals for the coming year:

1. Stay Healthy.

This is the most important one as it affects your whole life not just running.

Injuries happen but hopefully there will be none in 2025.

2. Work Out.

I hate to admit it but I did miss my gym visits. I’m not one to work out at home so I re-joined… and now I need to GO!

3.Walk more often.

I seem prioritize running and on off days, do nothing.

I need to also squeeze in some walks before work or at lunch.

4.Run New Races.

There’s a comfort level with running those races that you have done before.

And a risk to picking a bad one… but you don’t know until you try…

5. Stay Positive.

The paces are slowing down… The miles are getting harder…

If I CAN run, it’s all good.

Happy Running! Did you set some goals for 2025? 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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

July 12, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Five Fitness Goals for the Last Half of 2024

Today’s Topic is: Five Fitness Goals for the Last Half of 2024

1.Run 600 More Miles

That will give me over 100o Miles for the year.

It’s not the number that is important but it means that I’ve run consistently and haven’t been injured or sick.

It will definitely be harder this year since I started out the year with a sprained ankle.

2022 (not 2023)

2. Continue my YMCA workouts.

I started going to the gym in March of last year (for free) and then officially joined that July.

Being honest, I don’t enjoy working out but everyone seems to think it is important.

When I’m in town, I do go THREE times a week.

I plan to keep it up.

3. Vary my runs. Do some “drills.”

I’m a creature of habit or I am almost always pressed for time.

I just run. No watch. No speedwork. No hill repeats.

This could possibly give me some speed back.

Ladder Track Workout

4. Finish two more Half Marathons

My unofficial goal is 75 before 75.

I will turn 75 in 2028.

I’ve already completed 68 and have registered for TWO more this year.

Oct 13, 2024

5. Complete the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.

Third time is a charm?

No.

But 4 of my local friends are running it and

I need redemption, they say.

Hopefully I can end my marathon racing on a good note.

YES, THIS IS MY LAST NYC MARATHON!!

Happy Running! What are your fitness goals for the rest of the year?

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 The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

January 3, 2023 by Darlene

2022 Recap and Look Ahead to 2023

As you may remember, I had 22 goals for 2022!!

You can read about them HERE.

I did meet most (14) of them and the remaining goals just didn’t seem applicable any longer (so I let them go). You can read my update HERE.

Here’s a summary of my 2022 running year:

Miles: 1028
Races: 34
Half Marathons: 9 (one was virtual)
10 Milers: 1
15Ks: 3
10Ks: 1
5 Milers: 3
5Ks: 10
Other Distances: 6
Out of Town Races: 5
New Races: 7
Age Group Awards: 17
Volunteering: 3
Bloggers Met: 4
DNS: 1
DNF: 0
PRs: 0
PWs: 0
Shoes: Topos (only)
Apparel: Skirts (only) from Skirt Sports
Blog Posts: 154

No, there will NOT be 23 goals for 2023… LOL.

Here are the ones I have so far:

Run at least 1000 miles
Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)
Run with others (as often as possible)
Run at least 25 races
Volunteer (at several races)
Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up
Try something new
Listen to more podcasts
Update my music playlist
No Injuries
No PWs
No DNS or DNF races
Blog 3x each week

As you can see, there is no big hairy goal for 2023 (at least not yet.)

I almost added Run the NYC Marathon but I haven’t committed to it yet. I may even add run a trail race or join a gym….

Time will tell….

Happy Running! How did your running go in 2022? Did you meet your goals? Do you have new goals for 2023? Please share.

runner-sig

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

January 18, 2022 by Darlene

TT: ’21 Goals Update and 22 Goals for ’22

At the end of 2020, I set 15 goals for 2021.

Let’s see how I did:

1.Run at least 3 miles twice during the week.

Yes. And for the most part, THREE times a week ALL year. And always outside.

2. Go for a walk or hike on non-running days.

Yes. This is how I spend almost all of my rest days.

: Plotter Kill

3. Run long on the weekend (10 miles if able).

Yes. Pretty much every weekend, I ran 8-12 miles with my friends.

4. Continue to connect safely with friends on runs, walks and hikes.

Yes. As often as possible, my runs, walks and hikes were done with my friends (as soon as everyone was vaccinated.)

5. Go to my gym (when it opens) once a week.

No. It never opened.

6. Sign up for in-person races (once they are scheduled).

Yes. I ran 21 22 in-person races. Many were even new ones.

: Mar. 13 – Electric City 5m

7. Do some speed work (on a track) to prepare for shorter races (once I sign up for some.)

No. I did run on the track a few times early in the year, I think, did some speed drills as part of the Freihofer Challenge but this definitely needs improvement.

8. Add some strength training somewhere somehow (LOL)

No. Again there was some biking here and there especially early in the year and 1 minute planks in November but not enough to give it a YES.

: I did ONE MINUTE each day!!! for 30 days

9. Go on a race-cation in February (if race is still scheduled).

Yes. I went to Florida, visited with friends and ran a half marathon.

: Feb 14 – Ft. Lauderdale HM

10. Plan a race-cation for the Fall.

Yes. We rented a house in NH and ran a race together (among other things).

: Oct 3 – Smuttynose HM

11. Once I start traveling again for work, run in NYC (for the sunsets and friend connections).

No. I never started traveling for work.

12. Continue to blog at least once or twice a week.

Yes. I blogged each week on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. I even now host a link-up (FIT FIVE FRIDAY) on Fridays with 4 other bloggers.

13. Run 1000 miles for the year.

Yes.

finished on 12/26/21. ended the year with 1,018 miles

14. Complete more challenging hikes.

No. Most of my hikes are solo and my hiking friends go during the work week so there hasn’t been that much opportunity. As a result, I did not do as many harder hikes as I had hoped.

15. Stay healthy!!!!!

Yes. No flu. No colds. No fevers. No COVID. No sick days!!!

No injuries!! Never had to skip a run!!! HOORAY!!

So what about 2022?

2022 New Year Goals Checklist. Future Goal And Plans. 3435777 Vector Art at Vecteezy

I do not think I would change a thing!!!!

I’d be very happy if I was just as successful. And even happier if some of the NOs changed to YES.

But don’t forget that I did add one BIG goal…

16. Run a Sub 2:27 Half Marathon.

qualifying times for 2023 NYC full and half marathons

Why not add some more? 22 for 2022? Cool. right?

17. Volunteer at two or more races.

Races will not happen without volunteers yet most of us do not volunteer often. Then we may complain that there were long lines at packet pick-up, not enough water stops and confusing turns on a course. I volunteered twice last year and it was very rewarding.

at Mohawk Hudson HM

18. Return to mentoring in the STEM program.

I did mentor runners for a few years but life got in the way the last few years and I stopped. I did attend one of their races (check out the news coverage here). I hope to fit it in this spring.

21. Buy less and Donate more.

I have enough running clothes. In fact, I have too many skirts and tops to wear. That doesn’t mean I will not buy anything new. But I need to donate those I do not wear/need anymore.

20. Run a NEW race.

I have my local favorites. I know what to expect regarding logistics and courses. But it’s always fun to try a new one. Sometimes a new race becomes a favorite.

21. Run a Trail Race.

I love trails. I walk them. You know how scared I am that I will fall if I run a trail race. Let’s see if I can take the plunge in 2022?

June 26, 2022 – it’s flat but you have to start somewhere

22. Run at least 22 races in 2022.

I accidentally ran more than 21 races in 2021 so I guess it is fitting to try to run even more in 2022.

addicted4

Happy Running! Did you set and/or achieve any goals for 2021? What goals do you have for 2022? Do you have any of the above as your goal(s)? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

December 17, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Big Hairy Goal for 2022

So many of you have asked me what my big Hairy goal will be..

Well, the suspense is over…

To recap:

In 2019, my big hairy goal was to run my FIRST MARATHON. And I ran the NYC Marathon! In 2020, before the pandemic, I planned to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH. I ran 3 live races but had to run 6 half marathons virtually due to all races being cancelled. In 2021, unfortunately the Pandemic continued. Even though racing opportunities started opening up, I never felt that I would be able to achieve a BIG goal.

For 2022, this is what I said it would NOT be:

run streak
triathlon
ultra
BQ
Ragnar race
obstacle race
50 state challenge
online certification courses

In that same post, I wrote about why it’s important to have a BIG goal.

So my 2022 goal is:

Run a SUB 2:27 half marathon!!

qualifying times for the NYC Marathon and Half Marathon

Why sub-2:27?

So I can qualify to run the NYC Marathon and NYC Half Marathon..

To give you some background, I ran SUB 2:12 for half marathons in 2018 (Brooklyn HM) and in 2019 (H2H HM). So I did qualify for the NYC Marathon and NYC Half Marathon in 2019 (which I ran) and in 2020 (when the races didn’t happen).

Since then my half marathon times have slowed down considerably.

Here are my 2021 half marathon times:

- 2:35:58
- 2:22:51
- 2:20:57
- 2:16:05
- 2:19:21

But the good news is that I will be 70 in 2023.

That means that in 2022, I need to run one certified half marathon SUB 2:27!!

With running, I take nothing for granted. I am not confident that it will happen. My legs are not getting any younger. My feet still have issues. But at least I will give it a shot.

So why this goal:

1.It will help me stay consistent with my running and even make improvements.

Even if I don’t meet that goal, I will be a better runner.

almost 19 minutes faster in Oct. 2021 than Feb. 2021.

And even if I do, there’s no guarantee that I will get in anyway.

But as they say, the journey is what is important.

Bring on those LONG runs…

2. There is no other marathon that I want to run.

I know that because I’ve already run it. It was amazing in every way.

And it’s nearby and hopefully friends will come to cheer me on again.

I’d also like to run the half marathon again. When I ran it in 2019, I was recovering from a calf injury. And I never have been selected through the lottery.

I enjoyed it but I was a little nervous that I would re-injure my calf.

3. The old adage: “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”

And you never know unless you try. This gives me a number to shoot for.

And that’s something that I rarely do. My race goals are usually “Just Finish!”

So I may crack under the pressure. Or my feet may give out.

4. Carpe Diem.

You never know what the future will bring. I have friends who have died before they hit 70.

I have no idea how long I will be able to run and how much longer I will be able to run 13.1 miles let alone 26.2.

5. Can you think of a better way to celebrate reaching age 70?

70 and awesome – 70 year old - 70 Year Old - Magnet | TeePublic

Happy Running! What do you think of my BIG goal? Do you have one for 2022? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

October 15, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Big Hairy Goal (part 2)

Last week, I posted about Why you should set a Big Hairy Goal.

Today I am going to offer some tips to help achieve that goal:

1. Create a Schedule

Don’t leave running to chance, Post your schedule where it is easily accessible (paper calendar, online calendar, etc.) And stick to it.

2. Eliminate Barriers

Lay your clothes out the night before you’re due for a morning run. Bring your clothes to the office if you are running after work.

3. Enlist an Accountability Partner

Find a running partner or a coach or someone to check in with regarding your runs and progress toward your goal.

4. Eliminate Distractions

If checking social media before a run decreases the likelihood that you go on said run, save that for a post-run. Same with walking a dog. Do it at another time or have someone else in your household do it so you can run.

5. Plan a Reward

What ever it takes to give you that added motivation. Food, New clothes, a Trip, etc.

Happy Running! Are you a “BIG” goal setter? Any other tips to add? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

October 8, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Big Hairy Goal (part 1)

This post was inspired by Shalane Flanagan.

Shalane Flanagan Retires from Professional Running - Runner's World

she retired after the NYCM in 2017

She now plans to run all six majors this fall—in person in Berlin, London, Chicago, Boston, and New York, plus a virtual race in place of the postponed Tokyo Marathon AND finish each under 3 hours!!

WOW!! That is a big hairy goal!!!

In 2019, my big hairy goal was to run my FIRST MARATHON.

check!

In 2020, before the pandemic, I planned to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH. I ran 3 live races (but had to run 6 half marathons virtually.) So I did not run 12 halfs but was proud of my 9 half achievement.

In 2021 – Unfortunately the Pandemic continued. Even though racing opportunities started opening up, I never felt that I would be able to achieve a BIG goal.

For 2022 – I doubt things will be normal (if ever) but it may be time to come up with another BIG goal….

Not sure what that will be yet. Any ideas for me?

But I know what it will NOT be:

run streak
triathlon
ultra
BQ
Ragnar race
obstacle race
50 state challenge
online certification courses

Anyway, here are some reasons to set a Big Hairy Goal:

1. Big goals stretch what we believe is possible.

I have heard many runners say “I can’t….” (Guilty as charged lol)

When we say that, it becomes true.

Of course, we CAN run a marathon!!

Believing is the first step to accomplishing something big.

2. They cause us to make improvements.

It’s easy to get into a rut. For example, we race the same distance or type of race, we may get comfortable and be successful with little effort.

In order to achieve a big goal, you will most likely need to make adjustments – train harder, train differently …

3. If We Allow Ourselves To Dream, We Get Really Excited.

When we stop and think about what it would feel like if we actually achieved that big goal, we get excited. We may buy that 26.2 magnet for our car or a shirt that says “I am a Marathoner.”

The excitement of the possibility pushes us to train and to push forward toward that goal.

4. We will see how far we have come

While the destination is important, it’s the journey that matters most. Without goals, it’s hard to see how far we have come.

I ran 5ks for years. I got faster and was content.

It wasn’t until I ran my first half marathon did I realize how much my running had improved. And an unexpected result of running longer races was that I felt stronger at the shorter ones.

5. It’s OK to swing and miss.

I’ve heard it said that If there’s not a decent chance we’ll fall short, we’re not setting high enough goals.

What if we train for an Ironman and we don’t meet the cutoff after one the legs. We would, of course, be disappointed.

What an accomplishment to have made it to the start line! What did we learn along the way? Was there anything we could have done better? Should we try again?

Happy Running! Are you a “BIG” goal setter? Any other tips to add? Please share.

Welcome to Fit Friday Five! Please join the hosts Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida

and add your link below:

December 18, 2018 by Darlene

TOTR: 2018 Goals

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life

So as we approach the end of the year, today’s topic is: Evaluate Your 2018 goals

I did not set any goals for the year. But instead, last January, I made some predictions.

Let’s see if any of them came true.

I will run more miles on the treadmill this year than any other year.

Um. I don’t think so. I think I ran twice on a hotel treadmill and not more than 3 miles each time.

I will run at least 25 races and one will be another Rock n Roll race.

YES! I think I ran about 30 races and I ran the RnR 5k and Half Marathon in Montreal.

: RnR Montreal Half

I will not get my hubby to run a race with me.

This is true. He did not run with me but I did get him to do ONE hike.

I will speak French at one of my races.

Oui. Oui. I ran the 20Km de Paris (and RNR Montreal).

I will win at least five age group awards.

I think so. LOL. At my age, it happens. I think I won over 20 AG awards.

I even won an AG award at 3 of my half marathons which is always a surprise.

Here are just a few:

: 2018

I will have run 1000 miles by the end of the year (unless I get injured.)

Nope! I was not injured. I just had too much fun, I guess. I shortened my weekend long runs and skipped some weekday runs. I ran over 900 so I’m still content.

I will not PR at any distance this year.

Wrong! 5k, 5 Mile and 15K PRs at age 65!!

: Bacon Hill – 5k PR

: Delmar Dash – 5 Mile PR

: Stockade-athon – 15K PR

So I accurately predicted 3 out of 6. 50-50. Not too bad.

Happy Running! How did you do on your 2018 Goals?

January 10, 2018 by Darlene

Running Goals That Don’t Involve Running

What if I have no goals?

I don’t set any running goals!

Every other runner seems to. Why don’t I?

Recently I decided to figure why…

Here’s what I came up with. (It’s purely personal. It’s not meant to be critical of those runners who need to have goals!!!)

DESIRE

I run because I want to. I don’t need a goal to get me out the door.

SOCIAL ASPECT

I enjoy being around people. Through running I have made some great friends and I run to be around them (even if it’s only afterwards or before.) I don’t need a goal for that.

COMPETITIVENESS

I am naturally a competitive person. I like to win at board games, tennis matches,etc. So I want to run well and I want to run fast. I don’t need to set a goal. Every run and race will have different challenges. Sometimes I will do well and sometimes I will not. But I will always try to do my best. I don’t need a goal to PR. I want to PR.

FEELING GOOD

Probably the most important reason I run is that I feel better when I am done. Even after the worst runs or races. That feeling gets me out in cold or warm temps. I don’t need a goal to run X times each week. I run because I want to feel good as often as possible.

HEALTH

Don’t we all want to be healthy? Who wants to be injured? Who wants to feel aches and pains? Since I started running, I have more energy and am rarely sick or feel rundown. Nothing hurts so I don’t stretch or foam roll. When I was injured, I did the necessary exercises to heal. I don’t need goal to tell me to listen to my body.

tennis as X training?

TRAVEL OPS

I’ve always loved to see new places. Going to conferences all over the country was the highlight of my previous jobs. Unfortunately, I didn’t run then. So now, when I travel, it always involves a race. I don’t need a goal to run in every state. I choose the places that I want to visit and then I find a race.

Sarasota, FL

As you can read from the title of this post, I do have some goals but they do not involve running. Image result for my goals

Find good in everything and everyone.

This may be obvious. But I and many of us focus on what’s not working and what and whom we don’t like. It’s natural. It’s also a downer. Watching the news and reading FB posts will make this one a challenge, for sure.

Don’t just schedule my running but schedule relationships.

Yes, I always make sure that I get my 3-4 runs in each week. That makes it seem like running is a priority in my life. I see my hubby because we live together but I have friends that I rarely see because it doesn’t get scheduled. I work and then I run and then go home. So I plan to schedule time at least once a week with a friend or former co-worker.

We worked together for 20 years and rarely see each other but went to NYC last Sunday!!

Volunteer.

I have mentored an unwed mother for almost 10 years and she may be moving away. I feel strongly about giving back. Even with my busy schedule, I feel that it is important so I will try to volunteer somewhere. There are so many opportunities out there.