January 21, 2025 by Darlene

TT: Mental Benefits to Running (in January)

Running in Cold Weather Tips: How to Run Outside in the Winter | SELF

Do you hesitate to go for a run outdoors when it is freezing?

Here’s why you should bite the bullet and ditch the treadmill, if possible:

Running releases feel-good chemicals:

Running releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which can improve your mood.

This is important in all seasons but often more needed in the cold weather months.

Running reduces symptoms of depression:

Regular exercise such as running can help reduce symptoms of depression.

Ever get that post-holiday blues?

Running improves sleep:

Running in the morning can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

And since it gets darks so early now, morning is the best time to run.

Running increases confidence:

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Setting and achieving running goals can help you feel more confident and accomplished.

Now is the time to start on those goals.

Running improves focus:

Nature can provide a break from daily stimuli, which can help improve focus.

Do you stare at the computer most of the day?

Try to take a break and go for a run…

Running increases energy:

Exercising outdoors (by going for a run) can increase your energy levels.

No matter how tired you feel, if you go outside for a run, you will feel more energized when you return indoors.

While Running you absorb vitamin D:

The sun provides vitamin D, which can improve your mood and energy levels.

Obviously it’s best to go for a run on a sunny day but there is still more vitamin D outdoors on a cloudy day than inside.

Happy Running! Do you run outdoors in January? Why or why not? 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 18, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.12.25-1.19.25: New York, New York (again)

Yes, 5 days in NYC…

I tried to make the most of my time there since I’m not sure when or if I’ll be back there…

Last Week –

Sunday – I had originally planned to start the day with a free informal race.

But I decided the day before that it would be too rushed to run/walk the race and probably not smart to do it as a race the day after a 9 mile long run (in the snow).

Instead I went to the gym and I even walked a mile on the track afterward (that’s 15 loops).

Wouldn’t you know it, it was a beautiful day, blue skies, no wind… big FOMO when I viewed the race pics and comments.

After I checked into my NYC hotel, I walked along the High Line..

always new things to see on the High Line (FB has more pics.)

in order to end up in the Meatpacking District since holiday lights were still there. Then I walked back, grabbed dinner and finally ended up back at my hotel for the night.

believe it or not, I had dinner and a drink at Starbucks

Monday – Today my training was in the Financial District.

If time, I try to arrive early and stroll around the area.

After returning uptown to my hotel, I changed into running clothes and headed off to Central Park. And I caught the full moon as I was leaving to walk back to my hotel with a stop for dinner.

Tuesday – Again my training was in the Financial District.

After work, I wanted to get in a short run so I ran to the Hudson River and back (so cold and windy)

and then changed my clothes and headed to Broadway to see a show.

very cute and thought-provoking

Wednesday – After work in Jamaica, Queens, I had dinner plans with a college friend but I also had to switch hotels.

I decided against another cold and windy run and hopped the subway to her apt.

we ordered in, had drinks and chatted the evening away

Thursday – Working in Jamaica again and after had to take the train back home …
Friday – Recovering, unpacking and WFH with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 10 miles.

First double digit run since Nov. 3 (Marathon Day.)

With ice and snow on all the paths, it was a challenge to find a place to run. But we parked at The Crossings and ran around the neighborhoods. I was grateful to have Barbara’s company for 6 of my miles… and then we joined the others at brunch.

temps were warmer than they have been and than they are going to be this week, but the wind was torture...

Sunday – Most likely hit the gym in the morning and meet a friend to see the Cathedral in Bloom followed by lunch

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – run
Tuesday – gym, walk w/my BFF
Wednesday – run
Thursday – gym, run
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 11 miles, volunteer at NY Fitness Expo
Sunday – gym, HMRRC Winter Series #4?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Mental Benefits for Running (in January)
Friday – 5 Favorite Running-Related Books

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Are you able to get it done outdoors? Please share.

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.

January 17, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: New Races for 2025

One of my goals for 2025 is to run new races!!

So here are a few that I hope to race:

1.Electric City 10k.

Electric City 10K

Several years ago I ran it when it was only a 5 miler (in a blizzard.)

2. Rock Roll DC Half Marathon.

I’m rooming with my friend Sue but there are 3 other local runners doing it. I also hope to meetup with a local friend who moved to DC and with those DC bloggers!!.

3.Mastercard NY Mini 10k. (if I get in)

This is the last of the NYC races on my bucket list. 10k women runners from all over the world…

4.Ellen’s Run.

I stumbled upon this 5k race when I was visiting my college roommate on LI last August. It raises money for breast cancer.

5. Squirrel Stampede 10k.

Another NYCRUNS race on Governor’s Island but it should be cooler than my last attempt, the Ice Cream Social 10k.

6. Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon.

Every October, my local running friends and I pick a race and rent a house in the area for 4 days. This is is our race pick for 2025.

7. Say No to Drugs 10k (if it is scheduled next December in FL.)

A chance to run along the water in Clearwater…

Happy Running! Running any NEW races in 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.

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 11, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.5.25-1.12.25: Home Sweet Home

I’m home all week!!

Well, until today.

Last Week –

Sunday – I re-joined the gym!!

I got a lot of errands done and then met a friend for lunch…

no snow where I live and obviously some just north…

Monday – DAY OFF!!

Another day to get stuff accomplished including de-holidaying the house..

It was freezing and I waited until it warmed up to go for a run…

brr.. I never warmed up on this one…

I also fit in a visit with my granddaughter… (sorry no pics.)

Tuesday – I started my day at the gym…

WFH but I went into the office in the afternoon and after work, I met a former co-worker for many laps (walking) around the track at the gym and then I met my BFF for a walk (around the mall).

No running miles today but many walking miles (indoors)!

Wednesday – WFH again and it was freezing and windy.. so windy that the temps were in negative single digits with the wind chill.

I waited until after work and headed to the rail trail to gut it out…

good news- it was still light out!! bad news – my face almost froze off…

Thursday – I went back to the gym first thing and then crossed my fingers that it would be less windy than the day before.

Nope. Worse!

I waited until after work and again went to the rail but to a different section of it,

soooooo cold!!!!!!!!! I hate winter!!

Friday – Again I started the day at the gym and then stayed indoors working all day.

Since it was a rest day, of course, it was warmer (in the 20s) and the wind had calmed down…

But I was hosting mah jongg tonight so that meant cleaning and preparing…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 9 miles on the plan… It had to be better than my frigid weekday runs although snow had been predicted…

Yup, it snowed and no one wanted to venture outside. But I convinced Deb to join me for 5 miles. And it turned out to be the best running weather of the week.

no wind and the snow was light and fluffy and easy to run on…

Sunday – I had planned to run/walk the HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 3.5m

and then take the train to NYC. Since I’d be there until Thursday night, there would be no reason to rush and take an early train.

But in hindsight with slippery conditions, not a lot of time to spare (plus I had run 9 miles the day before), I decided that instead of the race I will go to the gym before I head to the train station…

After I check into my hotel, I hope to take a long walk and in the evening check out the light displays in the Meatpacking District.

Snowpeople & Holliday Lights Make a Festive Return to The Meatpacking District - GothamToGo

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run? dinner with friends?
Tuesday – run? Broadway show
Wednesday – run? dinner with college friend
Thursday – train home (our 26th anniversary)
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 10 miles!
Sunday – gym

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Setting Realistic Fitness Goals
Friday – New Races in 2025

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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.

January 7, 2025 by Darlene

The Best of 2024

I do this post every year and I almost forgot this year.

Best Picture from a Race: HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HM

Best Weather during a Race: TCS NYC MARATHON

Best Race Swag: HOT CHOCOLATE 15K (VIRTUAL)

love this jacket

Best Age Group Award: CAPE COD HM

Best Race Refreshments: RUN 4 THE RIVER HM (beer, pizza, mac n cheese) and BARN 2 BRIDGE FALL FEST 5K (ice cream, chocolate milk, cheeseburger & fries)

Best Scenic Race Course: BRIDGE THE GAP 5K and CAPE COD HM (I’m a sucker for water views)

Best Race Finish: FREIHOFER RUN FOR WOMEN

who doesn’t love a downhill finish (even if you are walking)

Best Race Finish Time: SILKS & SATINS 5K

not even close to a PR but under 10 min pace

Best Organized Race: HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HM (and ALL A.R.E.-sponsored races)

Best Volunteer Stint: RUN FOR WOMEN 5K

Best Race Medal: BRIDGE THE GAP 5K (prettiest) and TCS NYC MARATHON (well earned)

Best New (to me) Race: KEEP MOO’VING 5K

ice cream!!

Best Race Outfit: FIRECRACKER 4

Best Race Location: CAPE COD and NYC

I enjoyed all of my 20 races in 2024. Each one was special in a different way.

Happy Running! What are some of your race highlights of 2024? Please share.

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

and on Wednesday:

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

January 4, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.29.24-1.5.25: A New Year and Getting Back on Track

Time to stop slacking off and get back out there and RUN!

Next race is in 6 weeks!!

Last Week –

Sunday – I had skipped my long run the day before due to ICE.

Today I woke up to fog followed by rain… but warmer temps.

I waited and waited but finally got out there…

foggy and drizzly but warmer than it has been in awhile…

and followed it with a early dinner out with my hubby, stepson, DIL and granddaughter.

Monday – WFH day and another dinner out planned.

Yup, I wanted to squeeze in a run… (with all the food and drink I’ve been consuming.)

I woke up to 55 degrees but then it started to rain… The temps dropped but eventually the rain ended.

thumbs up to no gloves, jacket or beanie… but it was breezy

Tuesday – It was another WFH day and a rest day.

To celebrate NYE, the hubby and I went out to dinner with my SIL.

So 2024 is over and well, I tried:

Dec 15-31, 2024

Wednesday – DAY OFF! – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I started off the year with a race: HMRRC Winter Series #2 Race.

This is always a fun one…It’s free, starts at noon and there are two distances to choose from (3.5 and 13.1).

I chose the shorter distance… and prayed that it wouldn’t rain as predicted…

And it didn’t and it was in the 40’s. So much fun (even though I took a wrong turn and ran 4.1 miles instead of 3.5. LOL)

so many familiar faces… love these races!!

Thursday – Back to NYC for work.

I took an early train, checked into my hotel and took the subway uptown to 5th Avenue to catch some holiday decorations that I missed on my last visit and headed to Central Park to get in some miles.

I walked back to my hotel, changed and then took the subway to hang at Pier 17…

Moon Garden and a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge

Friday – Work was in Jamaica Queens and it was only for the day so after work, I had to rush back to Manhattan to get my train home.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 8 miles was my plan.

It snowed overnight but luckily just a dusting and the rail trail was not slippery.

I ran/walked with Deb for 4 miles and then headed in the opposite direction for 4 more miles (where I bumped into Sherry for a few along the way).

Afterward, we joined the others for brunch.

Sunday – GYM (I think I will rejoin!!)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – run
Tuesday – walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday- mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 9 miles
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #3 Race, train to NYC (for work)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Best of 2024
Friday – 5 Goals for 2025

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How did you celebrate NYE? Did you stay up until midnight? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 3, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for January 2025

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 my main running goal for 2025 is to stay healthy and have NO injuries or illnesses!!

I haven’t experienced a lot of injuries considering that I started running in 2008… and I was alm0st 55 at the time. (I also think all my injuries were not even related to running. LOL)

Knock on wood. and I never get sick…

Hopefully this will be the year for consistent running and racing!!!

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the STEM mentoring program went so well that we may offer it in the spring to train a few to run a half marathon…

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that many of my running friends have turned to walking or using run/walk intervals.

I find myself running alone on the weekends more than I’d like…

So I’ve been signing up for races to keep up my mojo and my pace…

March 8, 2025

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did register for a race in a bucket list location…

half marathon in DC on March 15, 2025

I’ll be spending the weekend in DC with 4 other runners…

Not my local running friends but 3 other women (Gail, Val & Ginny) whom I know casually and one (Sue) whom I’ve travelled to NYC with several times to race.

Shape Half 2017

Paris 8K 2017

Brooklyn Half 2018

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did click that register button for the race in Florida that I have DNSed two years in a row.

Jenny says that she and her hubby will do it too!!

Since I deferred last year, it cost me $0 this year and even if I don’t run it, I lose nothing!!

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 the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

December 31, 2024 by Darlene

TT: 2024 -Year End Review

Microsoft Dynamics GP Year-End Update

MY TOPIC TODAY is 2024 Year End Review.

Things did not go perfectly and so there’s definitely room for improvement in 2025.

Of course, many good things happened… and some not so good things.

Running-Related:

861 Miles (lowest total since 2013)

My annual goal is always 1000…

I started the year with a sprained ankle but even if I had stayed healthy and trained hard for that full marathon, I highly doubt that I would have reached my goal.

Then on Labor Day, I got injured on our boat. As a result, I could not run for a while.

It’s all ok. I ran as many miles as I was able.

As always, my favorite miles were those with friends…

20 Races (1 Marathon, 5 Half Marathons, 2 -10ks, 1 -4m, 1 -3.3m, 7 -5ks)

Again, lower number than normal… Quality not quantity, right?

I’m pretty sure they were all PWs or COURSE PWs… (but I’m trying to be positive here…)

One of my favorites was when I skipped a half marathon and I ran a new 5k in Florida instead (and met Jeannie Rice).

Of course, I could not leave out the fact that I completed the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time!!

8 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

Bridge the Gap 5k
Hero 5k for Autism
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k
Cape Cod Half Marathon
Upstate Classic 5k
HMRRC Anniversary Run (3.3 m)

High Lawn Farm Keep MOO’ving 5K

10 Age Group Awards

None were speedy but it depends on who shows up…

Bridge the Gap 5k – 1st
Helderberg to Hudson H alf Marathon – 3rd
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k – 1st
Tropicool 5k – 1st
Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k – 2nd
Silks & Satins 5k – 2nd
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k – 1st
Cape Cod Half Marathon – 1st and $75
Run 4 the River Half Marathon – 2nd
Upstate Classic 5K – 2nd

Tropicool 5k

Walked 4 Races

However, one was a free local race, one was free since I was a mentor, one was the day after a 9 mile training run and so I only walked ONE serious race.