June 16, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down: 6.10.19-6.16.19: a New York (City) State of Mind

Last Week –

Monday – Since I had run a race the day before and had a race scheduled for the next day, after arriving in Manhattan, trekking to and from Queens, I met Cari and we just WALKED (rather than ran) along the High Line (the rain even stopped)

fun time chatting and getting in our steps

and afterward we walked to the top of the Vessel. The plan included a sunset view but we got a foggy one instead. Still worth the steps.

Tuesday – After a long work day, I rushed back to my hotel to change and then hopped the subway to run the Building Brooklyn 5K – an inaugural race in (hilly) Prospect Park. I was pooped but no matter what the outcome, I have never regretted a race. Definitely slower than the last time I ran this course but I won my age group and there was ice cream post race. So win win.

Wednesday – No time for running since I had to take the train back home after work.

view from the train ride

Thursday – I actually cancelled dinner plans with a friend after work. I had hoped to run before work (and the rain) but I had a car appt. Instead I squeezed in a run followed by shopping and unpacking.

the geese and I beat the rain – hooray

Friday – Rest day because I was hosting mah jongg at my house (and had to clean).
Saturday – It was a hard decision but I decided not to run a local 5k. Instead I met my Sole Sisters for a run. 8 miles done for Gabe. Of course it was followed by a delightful brunch.

Afterward since rain was predicted for Sunday, I drove up to the lake for a day of boating and relaxing.

Notice what I was reading…really good so far. I couldn’t put it down.

Sunday – Rainy day! Time to do some de-cluttering! And then lunch out for Father’s Day with the hubby, my stepson & his wife.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles, chiro appt.
Tuesday – rest day, re-scheduled dinner with a friend
Wednesday – rest day, monthly dinner with the tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Race to the Lakes 15K
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big or small races on the horizon? Please share.

May 27, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down – 5.20.19-5.26.19: Back to the Big Apple

Working in NYC is always a treat. Not as much running as I would have liked but some weeks are like that.

Last Week –

Monday – After I arrived in Manhattan, checked into my hotel, trekked out to Queens to set up and then trekked back, I managed to get in a run in Central Park. I took a subway all the way to the north end (110th St) and ran around the Conservancy Garden and beyond. So beautiful!!

so beautiful that I may have walked more than ran…and met a guy in the NYRR info booth who has run NYCM 20 times.

Then I walked back to my hotel on 35th St. A nice but warm night for a LONG walk.

the statue was in Rockefeller Center

10.2 miles on the feet the day after a half. Yikes. Surprisingly the legs felt no pain.

Tuesday – After a long work day, I hopped the subway (subway, LIRR, subway) to see the Warhol Women exhibit. Got off at 72nd W not 72nd E. UGH!! Thus a long walk through Central Park. It was a beautiful day and the exhibit was worth it.

Then I walked back to my hotel (on 35th) so I could change out of my work clothes. I planned to run along the Hudson River. But it was so windy. So I ended up at Hudson Yard with a climb up to the top of The Vessel. It was cool to see the city from above at sunset.

No run today. 6 miles on the legs for the day would have to do.

Wednesday – A rest day because I had to take the train home after work.
Thursday – Another rest day because our monthly tennis girls night out was on the schedule. Tonight we went on a garden tour followed by a lovely dinner (and we didn’t even get rained on).

a little FOMO because I had wanted to go to a club-sponsored trail run)

Friday – And yet another rest day before mah jongg night.
Saturday – A 15k race at noon or FTC training run with friends…Decisions. Decisions. I chose FTC because it was the last one and a chance to see my Sole Sister running friends. I ran with the “advanced” group and we ran 6 miles, easy enough to chat the whole time. I was glad that I went. Then I went out to brunch, stopped on the way home to do some errands, then there was cleaning, laundry and weeding.

Well, it was National Wine Day. You know what that means…

Sunday – Our first outing of the season on our boat. And the weather was PERFECT. A relaxing day with water views and catching up with our marina friends.

This Coming Week –

Monday – HOLIDAY – DAY OFF! – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, belated B-day dinner out with BFF
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, FRW expo, mah jongg
Saturday – Freihofer Run for Women 5k + 4 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big or small races on the horizon? Please share.

March 22, 2019 by Darlene

Friday Five – What Happened at the NYC Half Marathon

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Two weeks ago, I posted about how all FIVE things that I hoped for at the Publix Florida Half Marathon DID NOT happen.

Last Friday, I wrote about Five Things that I hoped would happen during the NYC Half Marathon.

In case you are in suspense…

My topic for today is: What happened at the NYC Half Marathon

March 17, 2019

If you follow my blog, you know that after many lottery attempts, I got an guaranteed entry to the NYC Half Marathon. The Brooklyn Half in May 2018 was a miserable experience – weather-wise but my finish time (2:11:23) was good enough.

I did not set goals for the race but as I did with my previous half marathon, I wrote about hopes and “hoped” that I would be more successful for this race.

1. I hope that it doesn’t rain.

CHECK.

It was cold (colder than predicted) and windy but it did not rain (and the sun came out by the end.)

2. I hope to meet up with running friends and/or make new friends.

Check.

I rode down on the bus to NYC and sat next to someone I had never met and she was running the race. Lots of great conversation.

I spent time with Cari at the expo and after the race. We had fun, as usual.

I knew 3 local runners doing it and waved to one of them during the race.

3. I hope to run relatively pain-free.

Check.

Zero pain from the calf. YAY!!

Of course, my legs were toast by mile 10 (and the last 2 miles in the park were torture) because I was very undertrained.

4. I hope to beat my last half marathon time (of 2:20:29).

Check.

It was a very tough course and I was recovering from an injury so I was very happy!! (The course was long, as well).

5. I hope to enjoy the race and the day.

Check.

I ran around Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, over the Manhattan Bridge, through Manhattan (and Tines Square) and ending in Central Park. – lots of sights to view – the atmosphere was electric and the crowd support amazing. It was even better than I could have imagined. NYC rocks.

Thanks Cari for the pic. I had tears in my eyes running here.

Happy Running!

July 6, 2018 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – July and Friday Five

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

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

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am always training for some long race. This summer is no different. But I am thinking that I am a much better short distance runner.

I am more successful and there’s less stress in running 3 miles vs 13.

: Ice Cream Social 5k

But then there’s the medal and the pride. Not sure I can give that up…

: 2:11:23

Ever think of sticking to the shorter races?

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that all of a sudden it is summer. I’ve been waiting so long for these temps. They are great for boating

but for running…not so much.

And I refuse to run on the treadmill!!

planned on 4 and this was all I could muster…

Do you struggle to run when the temps are over 80? Do you ever give in and run on the mill?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell that I complained about never being home but I kinda miss my NYC traveling. Mainly because of the places to run there. There’s nothing like NYC for running.

: NYC – Central Park

: NYC – Hudson River Park

: in NYC – Eat River

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’d love to run on Governor’s Island, Roosevelt Island, over all the bridges, etc.

Ever run in NYC and understand what I mean?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I still haven’t made my decision for a winter Florida race.

I thought I would go to Florida, as usual, to visit my friends and family and of course, run a half marathon. Maybe this one???

Image result for melbourne half marathon 2019

But some local runner friends are tempting me with this race. It’s been on my bucket list and it would be more fun to run it with people that I know…

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

unfortunately I think the expense (flights/hotel) is leading me to save this one for another year

Ever have a hard time choosing a race or is it just me?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I enjoyed my summer mid-week races a lot. It allowed me to not have to choose between long runs/boating and racing on the weekend.

They sponsor 7 races (5k) on Weds in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Ice Cream Social 5k on Jun 12.

If only locally, we had some mid-week races.

I did find one and of course, I signed up!!

Would you like to run evening races in the summer during the week or would you prefer races on the weekend?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

April 8, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.2.18-4.8.18: A New York State of Mind

Yes, Work took me back to NYC (Tues-Fri and then Sun)… so it’s pretty much routine these days – Trains, Work, Run, Sleep (with coffee, food and wine mixed in LOL)

Last week –

Monday – I was actually working in my office today and was able to attend my FIRST Freihofer Training Challenge run. It was so much fun to see my old friends. The run was tough but needed. (Thanks Patrick for making me run fast…at least for a minute.)

Tuesday – Off to NYC again by train. I was tired from the previous day’s hard workout but with the upcoming forecast, I wanted to get out there and run. It was raining when I arrived but there promised to be a break in the rain so I headed to the High Line since it was the closest of my running routes to my hotel. Well, the run was miserable. I was cold and wet. But nothing that a nice dinner and a glass of wine couldn’t fix.

Wednesday – Another rainy day but the sun did come out after work so I hopped the subway to Central Park. It was super windy and my legs very tired but the park never disappoints.

Thursday – Finally a day without rain but it was time for rest (and besides it was windy and freezing). Instead I met fellow Skirt Sports ambassador for a dinner.

Elizabeth is injured but we chatted about races and planned to run together the next time I am in town.

I said “rest day” but I actually put almost 8 miles on my feet walking.

Friday – Another rest day since I had to get the train to head home and there was no time to run.
Saturday –No race planned for day so I participated in the FTC group run followed by extra miles and brunch with three of the Wine Glass ladies.

I ran 5 miles with the BOTPers of the Advanced group and then 3 miles solo. Yes, it had snowed and was cold and windy. But I was very glad to have the company for part of my long run.

Sunday – Believe it or not, I had to take the train back to NYC for work. And the temps keep getting colder. When is spring coming??? I hoped to run once I arrived. I hadn’t been to the East River is awhile because it takes a long time to run there so I hopped the bus this time to get there and back. The sun was nice but running into the wind was brutal. Still loved the views and it was worth freezing my ears off.

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day in NYC, train home
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, 3 miles?
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – DAY OFF, 4 miles?, hair appt
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race) + 4 more miles

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

April 3, 2018 by Darlene

March Report Card

Image result for welcome april goodbye march

Spring did not arrive in March. There was a lot of snow but I was lucky to escape for a few days to sunny Florida.

Anyhow, here’s how March worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I HATE the tradmill. As I mentioned March was a snowy month. Four nor’easters in 3 weeks!!!!

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights but the good news is that it is staying light longer since we moved the clocks ahead one hour. I did run while working in NYC and in Liverpool. The best thing about my job is running in different places. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

: UAlbany

: NYC

: Liverpool

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. But since I ran a half marathon in the middle, I did get a few in before I left. Then I took a break but continued with some extra miles after a race at the end of the month.

: 3.5 + 9

: 8

: 3.1 + 3.9 = 7 (with NO snow)

Total Mileage:

I ran 92 miles this month. An increase in miles basically because March is a long month and I ran a half marathon this month. The important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon during my vacation in Florida. When I returned, I ran two local races, Shamrock Shuffle, a 5 miler and the Ice Break Challenge, a 5k. Both were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also had course PRs and won my age group in both races. A nice perk!

: March 2018

Cross Training:

I only played tennis once indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing. I wish I could play more but …WORK WORK WORK!!!

I did NOT work out at the gym at all.

I did not attend a yoga class. The month just got away from me and I was hardly home during the week. Then on the weekend, I was playing catch up.

I did not walk at lunch. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps. I did go for an after dinner walk in Liverpool.

Other News:

The highlight of my month was my trip to Florida. I especially enjoyed the warm temps and sunshine. I was able to visit with five different friends and as well as my sister-in-law.

: March 2018

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend time and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant. I ended the month with a Passover Seder with my Mah jongg friends.

The Freihofer Training Challenge began. I have yet to be able to go since I’ve been working out of town on Mondays and racing on Saturdays. I guess I shouldn’t have signed up this year. (Miss my coach and my running buds.)

FTC – March 2016

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #31 in May.

It’s a big one and it’s been on my bucket list for years.

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

May 19, 2018

I have some shorter races planned as well. My racing schedule picks up in the spring.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k
4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-06-18 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-17-18- Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her March Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an A-

Despite the work travel, vacation and crazy winter weather, I did my best to get in my runs. Strength training just never happens so I’ve decided not to beat myself up about it. I ran 2 shorter races and without any speed drills, I had course PRs and won my age group in both. 🙂

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner.

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

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April?

What grade would you give your running month?

April 2, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.26.18-4.1.18 – My Home is on the Road

I survived an extremely busy week- travel upstate for work, travel to NYC for work, Passover, Easter. And a race squeezed in there too. OY!!

Last week –

Monday – Today I drove to Liverpool for work. The weather was almost perfect for running (just a little windy) so I headed to my favorite running route.

After dinner, I returned for a sunset walk.

Tuesday – I might have run before my long drive home but it was raining and I was anxious to get home.
Wednesday – Back on the train to NYC. With rain predicted for the next two days, I knew I needed to run and I did. I took the subway to Riverside Park and ran along the Hudson River and then finished my run in Central Park.

Thursday – It was supposed to rain so I didn’t plan to run but then it didn’t so I decided to head to the High Line after work. It is crowded and hard to run on but always great views so worth it.

Friday – Another work day (and a rainy one) with no time to run since I had to catch a train home.
Saturday – Race Day. Ice Breaker Challenge, a local 5k. Several of my Wineglass friends had FOMO and signed up too. It was fun and afterward I ran some more miles with Barbara (and Alyssa for a bit). We also met some of the others at our favorite spot for brunch.