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

: May 30 – Miles on the Mohawk 10m

: Sept 4 – Race 4 the River HM

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.

I will miss them!!

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Do you set running goals? Do you have any goals that do not involve running?

February 4, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in February, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am excited for my third year as Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. In addition to loving their products, I have never met such an enthusiastic and supportive bunch of women. If you’re not an ambassador yet, you should apply next year!!

ambsearch-image

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that at the moment I am running a hilly 4 mile race about an hour from my home. I probably should have skipped it and done my long run with Judy instead tomorrow.

fb09c6aa-77b9-4de8-a250-633196d0de29

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that to take my mind off the cold, I am planning my outfit for my March 5 half marathon in Florida. Cold or not, I am wearing a new skirt and new hat!!

: from Skirt Sports, of course

: Brooks

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to motivate myself to work out. So far, it is not working. So I am putting it on my calendar for one of my rest days. There are three each week. I am going to the gym TOMORROW!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I will be sad when our FREE races are over. Now I need to look for long run partners, places to run and food to eat post-race.

only ONE more left

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that it is Declare It Day and I declared…

2-4-17

For more info on this, go to: http://fellowflowers.com/declareitday/how-to-declare/

I have registered for FOUR half marathons already. Still need one more in the late fall. Hoping for a #holottafun girls weekend again.

love Sarasota so this one looks tempting.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 7, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in January, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m over my Starbucks addiction. Well, not quite but it’s cold and I haven’t been walking much at lunch. Instead, I just use the Keurig at work to get my fix. No stars, though 😦

my shelf at work

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying not stressing out about long runs. With my half marathon being March 5, I don’t have to run double digits until February. Yay!

6 is the max that I run on these cold weekends

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel lucky that we do have local races and that they are free. You know how I much I love to race. There’s a 10k next weekend.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the ice and snow limits my places to run. I am getting bored. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone shoveled all the bike paths so I don’t have to run in circles around UAlbany.

this loop is getting old

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I already registered for 3 destination Half Marathons for 2017 – Florida, NYC & Corning. The last two will be with other runners. I ran 7 halfs in 2016. So I am still looking for at least 2 more. Any suggestions?

wine + 13.1 = fun girls weekend

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel a little guilty that I’ve haven’t set any goals or resolutions for 2017. It’s not that it is depressing when I don’t meet or keep them. It’s just that I never look at them until the end of the year. So why bother?

But if I had to, it would be to:

lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water, work out, do planks, go to a yoga class, stretch after running, clean out my closets, read more books, spend less time on phone/computer.

There you go. Those are things that I will probably ignore until the end of the year. LOL

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 1, 2017 by Darlene

Looking Ahead to 2017

In 2016, I did not have any GOALS. No yearly goals. No monthly or weekly goals. Not even any race goals.

But I still had hopes and dreams and those morphed into thinking about speed. I often whined about my finish times and lamented that I could have done better in many of the races where I didn’t PR.

But in truth, I am not one of those runners who thinks that “they have a faster race in them.” I really have NO IDEA. I may. I may not. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try. And I will give each race my best efforts.

It means that I don’t want to obsess about it. I don’t want to be disappointed with my speed. It is what it is. I am neither fast nor slow. I am a MIDDLE OF THE PACKER (MOTP).

In 2017, I want to enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one. I mean running is a gift, right?

We take it for granted until we can’t.

I want to run as long as possible and even when I am a “back of the packer.”

just switch the gender… and this would be me and my hbby

So again I am going to pick ONE word.

The My One Word approach is popular every year. If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.

2014 was the first time that I tried it. My word was:

In 2015, the word that I chose was:

Las year, I picked:

This year, I am choosing the word:

I wanted to choose stress-free but it is actually TWO words.

Why did I choose “Relax?

2016 was a stressful year. I was unemployed for 12 weeks and wondered during that time how we would be able to pay our bills.

Then I did get a job, but it is the most stressful job I’ve ever had. Lots to learn and eventually, a lot of travel. Not what I enjoy but it is a job. Could be worse (I think).

truth??

Running can and should be relaxing.

But not when you put pressure on yourself to be fast.

As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.

Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on RELAXING and enjoy our runs.

How will I focus on my word?

Be more positive.
Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
Run & race happy.
Run more with others (and not only chat about our finish times & PRs!!)
Leave that watch home!

I should add that this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get faster. I do. I will try to. I hope I will. Who knows I may even do some drills… Go to the gym? Get a coach????

But what I am saying is that if I don’t finish a race with the time that I’d like, I won’t get down on myself. If I have a bad race, I will just sign up for another.

Image result for OM and relax

I am also I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Do you have any goals for 2017? Do you put pressure on yourself to get faster?