December 31, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Last Runfessions of 2021 – The Half Marathon Saga

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

And the last one for this year!!

1. Obviously the half marathon is my favorite distance. Hey, I’ve run 53. I toyed again with the goal of one half marathon each month. But it’s too difficult to find races in the summer months. I runfess… I could run virtual ones but I’m so over them!!

Nope it’s virtual…

2. I had previously mentioned that I had a choice between two NYC half marathons in January – Frozen Penguin (Jan 9) or Fred LeBow (Jan 23). Both races have the basically the same Central Park course. Although it was more expensive, the date worked better and so I chose Frozen Penguin. I runfess… I chose the wrong one!!

changed it to a 5k with no deferral or refund option

3. There was no deferral or refund for the Frozen Penguin but you were given the choice of running the 5k or another one of their half marathons – Queens Half in April or Central Park Half in February. I runfess… I half heartedly chose Central Park because I didn’t want to waste the $80 that I paid. But it’s only 2 weeks after the half marathon that I am running in Florida. Sigh!

Feb. 27, 2022

4. So with no half marathons scheduled for December and January, I’m losing my weekend long run mojo. I runfess… I even considered signing up for the Fred LeBow Half Marathon. I didn’t sign up (but I did book an hotel just in case).

Jan 23, 2022

** Update – I signed up for Fred LeBow!!!!!

5. When the NYC Half Marathon was cancelled in 2020, I had the choice of deferring or getting a refund. If you deferred, you would still have to pay to run it in 2021. I chose a refund and ran it virtually. $290 to run a half marathon!? Again it was cancelled but now the race will happen in March of 2022. It seemed that everyone chose the deferral option. I runfess… I got FOMO and did enter the lottery.

** Update – I was not selected in the 2022 Lottery!!!!

I runfess… that instead I signed up for half marathons in April (Helderberg to Hudson) and May (Steel Rail). And together ($45+$75), I spent less than for NYC ($130) with no hotel or travel expenses since both races are local.

…………………….April 16, 2022………………………..

Steel Rail Half Marathon – May 22, 2022 (in MA)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Any similar or crazy half marathon runfessions? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

December 28, 2021 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5k Race Recap

December 11, 2021 5 pm

The Albany Last Run is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 2000). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the light displays in the park and it ends with a downhill. I have run it every year since 2010 (except in 2019 when I was injured and in 2020 when it was canceled) and it is one of my favorite races.

So this was my TENTH time running this race!!

Unfortunately, this is the LAST YEAR for the Holiday Lights in the Park. That probably means it is the last year for this race. Sigh.

Here is a pic from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. This was how I finished the race in 2017.

icy and very slippery!! and yes, that’s me on the ground!

I was hoping for better weather this year. Could it be any worse??

They used to give out windbreakers for this race and I have them in many colors.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The previous weekend, I finally took a break from racing and did a 8 mile long run.

Otherwise, the two weeks before, I had run a 15k, half marathon and 10k.

I guess to complete the series, I needed to run a 5k.

I didn’t say “race” because it’s very hard to “race” this race due to the weather conditions, the crowds, the ruts in the roads, slippery cobblestone, etc. My finish times are all over the place though my course PR may have been back in 2010 (29:15) and PW 7 years later in 2017 (35:08).

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I always like to look festive. But rain was predicted…

And then the temps were supposed to go up to 60 degrees. I almost switched to a skirt.

Due to the fact that this was the last year for this race, it did sell out!

To save time, I went to the race headquarters on Wednesday night and picked up my race packet. In fact, I picked up 9 of them (for the others in my running group).

As in previous years, the shirt was uni-sex and TOO big!

and ugly gray…

Race Day:

I decided to keep my original race outfit but with a lighter shirt under my long cotton tee shirt.

Most of the group carpooled together because we were having a pot luck party after and wanted to leave our food off there before the race.

We parked in the underground parking garage. Super easy (though it did cost $5).

Immediately I ran into so many runners that I knew. Everyone comes for this race.

As usual, we wanted to take pre-race photos. And a radio station was taking them and said they were send them to a phone. We took many goofy group ones. (It too a while but eventually we did get those pics/videos.)

It was so fun (even wearing masks) to see everyone and their costumes were so creative.

Were You Seen at The 25th Annual St. Peter's Cardiac & Vascular Center Albany Last Run 5K on Dec. 11, 2021, in downtown Albany?

photo from TU

Finally we all left our warm home to go outside

yes, there was a Santa Claus (or two or three)

and he took our pic.

and watch the pre-race fireworks:

they were awesome

Almost all of my friends were planning to walk the whole race. I had run through the park a few times already and had seen seen the lights.

So I decided that I would run the race and left my friends and headed toward the start.

This is the course map:

This is the elevation according to my Garmin:

Mile 1:

I always forget that this race is not chip timed and I should start close to the front. It was very crowded and so I just pushed my way in near a few runners that I knew were at my pace.

It was dark as I crossed the start line, I am not sure that I started my Garmin right away (but whatever.)

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was crowded at first and usually the crowd thinned out but it really never did. I unsuccessfully tried to run but just was weaving in and out. And the lights around my neck broke so I had to throw them aside (and I’m sure the bulbs got crushed).

Once in the park, we were running under the festive holiday lights. Though the road was filled with ruts and cracks, it was much lighter than on the streets. We hit our second hill and I would have normally been tempted to walk up the steep hill but I didn’t need to and actually picked up the pace.

There was a clock at every mile. It seemed that my pace was not great but too bad and around 10 mm.

Mile 2:

It was still crowded and I was passing some runners but since I felt like I was running slow due to the crowds. I was able to enjoy the lights and the crazy costumes worn by the runners. I got positive remarks from spectators about my outfit, as well.

from a previous year.

During this mile, I was really having fun!! I was running up the hills (slowly) but not stressing about pace. My biggest issue was that I was roasting!!! It was like 60 degrees. I took off my gloves, rolled down my arm sleeves but I definitely should have dressed differently.

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park.

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes and NOT FALL!! So far so good. It was so nice that the roads were dry.

According to the clock, I was running about the same pace as mile 1.

Mile 3 – 3.1:

Finally around mile 3, there was enough space to actually RUN. We continued our loop out of the park (the last hill) and then out onto the dark streets and down the hill to the finish line.

Who doesn’t love a downhill finish?

However I made to sure to carefully sprint and I crossed at 31:XX (GT).

I was happy. I ran almost the whole thing!! And I did not fall!!

Post Race Activities:

I waited around at the finish line as others finished.

yes, of course Santa ran the race

Then all of a sudden, I saw two of my group – Heidi and Chris. They had decided to run the race instead of walking it with the others.

We were sweaty so we went inside to stay warm,

glad we decided to take this pic since it took several days to retrieve the others.

I grabbed some water but there were only bananas and apples and we had a pot luck dinner planned for after so I didn’t eat anything.

Soon the walkers returned and we all headed out to our cars. I was pretty sure none of us won any awards.

I finished 9th (in10 year age group) out of 85)

An after party has been an annual event with my running group. But this year, it was also a going away party for Jenn who was moving away.

It was a fun time with lots of food and a cake.

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was my slowest 5k this year but one of the most enjoyable 5ks that I ran. It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit and connect with other runners.

Positives:

well organized (including packet pick-up)
creative costumes
fireworks
scenic course (holiday lights)
live race
ample parking
warm place to hang out before and after the race
Real restrooms
lots of familiar faces
my running friends were there
NO RAIN or SNOW!

Negatives:

Gun Time not Chip time
Unisex shirts
10 year age group awards
Slippery/ruddy roads
Refreshments (just apples & bananas)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Definitely a must do if you live near Albany, NY. Even fun to walk it and enjoy the light displays.

Obviously this race will not be happening again. Maybe something similar will be planned during the holidays for next year?

Final Stats:

Splits:

no walk breaks?

Next Up:

Another local running organization has scheduled a few free races of varying distances called the Winter Series.

Dec 12 – 5.5k or 15k

Jan 1 – 3.75 m or HM
Jan 9 – 3m or 10k or 10m

Then a half marathon:

Jan 23, 2022

Happy Running? Did you run in a holiday race this year? If you did, what did you wear? Please share.

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

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

December 26, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.19.21 – 12.26.21: Merry Christmas Y’all

If you celebrate, hope you had a nice holiday.

I did a lot of celebrating the previous week so Christmas for us was sorta lowkey. No gift exchange just time with the family.

Did you enjoy this fitness challenge? I admit I had to google most of them and then adapt them for me.

And lastly, I am blessed to have support and inspiration from my blogging friends:

Last Week:

Sunday – A early impromptu afternoon hike with a friend to work off some calories.

muddy in spots but we stayed upright – 3.5 miles in the books

because in the evening I attended my mah jongg book club followed by our re-scheduled anniversary dinner – 13 years and counting!!

ate all those calories back and then some but a fun evening nevertheless

Monday – #nevermissamonday so I had to squeeze my run in during lunch since I volunteer after work. I loved my before work run last week but it was 15 degrees!! Nope not today.

feels like 23 but at least it was sunny…lots of decorations with a menorah in the window & a Hanukkah flag?

Tuesday – I was going to squeeze in another lunch run but a friend agreed to run with me after work. Our last run through the lights in the park… so much fun!

A nice surprise came in the mail – my age group award from the Troy Turkey Trot

portable charger

Wednesday – Today was a rest day. But I did meet friends after work for a walk.

Thursday – I got up early and planned my sunrise run but feels like 10 degrees sent me back indoors for a cup of coffee.

I did get it done at lunch when it was a little warmer.

brrr!! froze my face off with that cold wind!

After work, we met to play mah jongg since Christmas Eve was on Friday night.

Friday -Iffy weekend weather prompted me to get out there for at least a short run. Not in the morning…surprise snowfall!!

Eventually it did stop snowing and I ran on the roads in town during lunch.

It was the same temps as the day before but without the wind, it almost felt balmy lol

Saturday – Christmas Day!! And a rainy one!! Long run postponed until Sunday!

My hubby and I agreed not to get each other gifts.

My hubby did not keep his end of the bargain… I have wanted one for years!!!!!

Sunday – Re-scheduled Long Run. Location TBA depending the state of the bike paths. I also begged for company. I HATE to run alone for 11 miles. And my friend Sherry accepted to share 8 of them.

slow going as first due to the icy roads but the sun came out and things improved

4 MILES to go to meet my 1000 MILE goal for the year. And so I did it!!!!!!!!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run, walk with BFF
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day
Thursday – run
Friday -rest day, New Year’s Eve out with friends (but Sebastian Maniscalco show cancelled 😦 )
Saturday – Winter Series #2 race (+more miles)
Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Albany Last Run Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

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? Any in-person races planned? How did you celebrate on Christmas Eve and Day? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? Please share.

December 24, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: Everyone Should Volunteer at Races More Often

I really appreciate volunteers. They are often responsible for the success of a race. They direct runners at all the turns, give out water and medals and do it in heat and frigid temps.

I know I should volunteer more often but I am selfish.

I want to race not watch others race.

One of my goals for 2022 is to volunteer at races more often.

Here’s why you should too:

1.To network and meet other runners.

I think my favorite place to volunteer may be at packet picket up. I did that for the Freihofer’s race and I met so many new people. Runners are the most friendly people!!

2. It’s fun and exciting.

At a local half marathon, I volunteered at the finish line. I got to watch the winners cross as well as several friends.

3. You can often get cool swag.

Maybe not the best reason to volunteer but it’s nice to get something useful for free.

a sweatshirt

4. You will feel appreciated.

I volunteered at this frigid marathon relay…. I was overwhelmed by the number of runners who passed me and thanked me.

WMarathon-023

5. Runners and race directors NEED you to have a successful race.

Volunteers are needed to as course marshals to direct runners and of course, to hand out water at water stops. They are also need volunteers for setup before the race, at packet pick-up, at the finish line. I could go on and on. There is a job for everyone and many of these jobs can be done at a time that is convenient for you.

Happy Running! How often do you volunteer at races? 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 21, 2021 by Darlene

TT: 2021 in Photos

This week’s topic is: Your Year in Photos

Definitely one of my favorites topics because I LOVE to take pictures. The challenge was limiting each month to ONE or TWO pictures.

Here you go:

January

As the pandemic continued, there was lots of winter hiking

February

A vacation in Florida with several friend meet-ups and a live half marathon were the highlights of this month

March

Live races started to happen (with restrictions). This one was a new 5 miler along the Mohawk River.

April

Of course, the best thing about any month for me is a live race…this half marathon had its location changed (due to COVID.)

May

This is my favorite month so it gets more than one photo: my annual tennis trip to Florida resumed, I ran for the first time to the top of Prospect Mountain, it was my birthday and in spite of COVID, tulips still bloomed in Washington Park.

Another new race. This was a 10 miler but unfortunately it poured the whole race.

June

Thursday night trail runs began. And due to not traveling for work, I had prefect attendance for the series.

July

Very excited to run a July 4th race for the first time.

I again was selected as an ambassador for the Freihofer 5k race which changed its date from June to September. I supported the race by participating in the Challenge group runs.

August

Very lucky to run a 5k race and meet up with running friends.

and another 5k as a reunion with runners whom I raced with in Philly back in 2014.

The month ended with an exciting college reunion in NYC, a weekend in the Hamptons with my roomie and then a runner meet-up back in the Big Apple.

September

another live first annual half marathon and so fun to share the experience with friends

The most popular local all women’s race was held this month (after a year off and a later date.)

October

a fun trip to NH with running buddies which included lots of laughs and a race.

November

A busy month with three live races: 15k, half marathon and a 10k

December

The year ended with a fun 5k running though the Holiday Lights in the Park and pot luck dinner after. My running friends are the best!

Happy Running! What was your favorite photo or event from 2021? Please share.

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

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

December 19, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.12.21-12.19.21: Let the Holiday Eating Begin..

As the title indicates, there was a whole lotta eating going on this week.

Dinner out to celebrate my BFF’s birthday, dinner out to celebrate with my walking buddies, my annual holiday tennis party, dinner out with my stepson & his wife (since since they will away for Christmas) and then the re-scheduled anniversary dinner with my mah jongg friends (to celebrate 13 years together.) ALL IN THE SAME WEEK!!

I’m pretty sure I did not run enough miles to offset those calories. Hey…tis the season, right?

The good news is that this started. I hope you joined us (and if you haven’t, it is not too late):

Last Week:

Sunday – I had run a 5k race the night before but I had registered for a local 3.5 mile race today. The race was free so I almost skipped it in favor a long run. But glad that I did not because I got to chat with many of the runners that I didn’t connect with the night before (in a much bigger race).

After some refreshments, I went out to run some more miles so I could call it a “long” run.

Monday – Due to the weekend mileage #nevermissamonday run almost did not happen. But looking at my busy schedule, I was not sure if I would have any time to run during the rest of the week.

I had to go into the office for a while so I packed some running clothes and stopped on my way home (at Six Mile Waterworks) to squeeze in a lunch run.

balmy 50 degrees (over dressed!!)

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:

December 14, 2021 by Darlene

TT: 2021 in Bling

This week’s topic is: Show us your year in bling!

Believe it or not, I did run 21 22 in-person races this year.

Not as many as pre-pandemic years so my bling stash is lower but still, I am very proud of each medal that I received/earned.

Half Marathons:

Publix Half Marathon in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
Run 4 the River Half Marathon
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon in NH
Upstate Classic Half Marathon

Other distances: (5.7m, 10m, 5k, 10k)

Prospect Mountain Road Race
Miles Along the Mohawk
Freihofer Run for Women
Troy Turkey Trot

Virtual Races/Challenges:

Hot Chocolate 15K
Feel the Bern 5k
NYCRuns Challenge
Numerous free Strava and NYRR Virtual races

: 1000 miles was my goal for the year

Age Group Awards:

Bacon Hill Bonanza – 1st
Rabbit Ramble – 1st
Run for the Roses – 2nd
Whipple City – 1st
Malta 5k – 3rd
Summer Smith Memorial – 1st
Upstate Classic – 2nd
Troy Turkey Trot – 3rd

Happy Running! What is your favorite bling from 2021? Please share.

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

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

December 12, 2021 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.5.21-12.12.21: The Last Last Run

One of my favorite races has always been the Albany Last Run where we run 3.1 miles through the holiday lights in Washington Park. This race happened for the last time on Saturday night.

There will no longer be lights during the holidays in this park. (Complaints about traffic…) I am assuming that this 5k race will no longer be held as a result.

Last Week:

Sunday – A beautiful fall day. Perfect for a hike at Thunder Mountain in Greenwich, NY.

Monday – A rainy morning and afternoon. Luckily it was not raining during lunchtime so I could get in my run. It wasn’t cold but the wind sure made it feel that way.

the wind even blew off the skeleton’s hat (bottom left)

Tuesday – Another run through the lights in the park. This week, I had company and it was so much more fun than doing it alone.

2 miles solo and 3 with Alyssa

Wednesday – A rest day and an ugly weather day. Even snow was predicted.

I woke up to snow on the ground but luckily the sun came out mid-day and it all melted.

Anyway it was a busy work day.

After work, I went to pick up my race packet for Saturday’s race. I also picked up packets for my friends (like 9).

Then I went for a walk nearby with friends and it started to snow again.

It was also the NYC Half Marathon Lottery day. They had recently announced that if you were not double vaccinated, you could not run the race. I was hoping selfishly that it made my chances better (judging from the angry FB posts.)

boo! maybe next year…

Thursday – Again I woke up to snow but this time several inches. Fingers crossed that I would be able to run later.

I had a dentist appointment today and when I was done, I had enough time to get my run done on the rail rail before darkness. Always a treat not to have a mid-week run done at Ualbany (or in my boring neighborhood.)

mostly clear but slippery in parts – combined this route with some new neighborhoods

Friday – Another rest day (due the next day’s race). The evening was spent with the mah jongg ladies.

Hmmm…60 degrees and rain predicted…do I change to a skirt?

Saturday – A rainy day!! And Race Night. Albany Last Run. This is always a good time (not referring to finish time lol) because all my friends run it. And it never rained until later that night!!!

Afterward, we all gathered for a pot luck dinner and a farewell to one of our friends who is moving away.

Sunday – The first local (free) Winter Series Race was held today. Always a hard decision. Do I run it? Or do I do my 8 mile long run? Or skip both options and just go for a hike.

Well, the sun was shining and I looked at the list of those signed up and they had all run the night before too…so why not?

I did not run the 15k which was another option in this race but I did come in 3rd in the 10 year AG (though they only gave out prizes for 1 & 2)

It was so much fun since it was smaller (150 vs 1500) and I was able to chat with so many runners.

After some soup, cookies and hot chocolate, I set out to compete more miles so I could count it as a long run.

my legs were more tired than I thought and the wind picked up so I called it at 7 for the day.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – run at lunch, volunteering
Tuesday – run at lunch, after work BBF birthday dinner
Wednesday – rest day, after work dinner out with walking friends
Thursday – run before work, tennis holiday party
Friday -rest day, mah jongg or full moon hike
Saturday – Long Run, Holiday dinner with family
Sunday – rest day, hiking, anniversary mah jongg sinner

and a few of us bloggers are offering a fitness challenge starting next week. Please join us!

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2021 in Bling
Friday – Big Hairy Goal for 2022

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Did you run a Turkey Trot? Please share.

December 10, 2021 by Darlene

FFF: What I Cannot Race Without

Everyone has their quirks.

What can’t you race without? (Not counting the obvious – running shoes & socks)

Here are my must haves:

1.Baseball Cap

It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)

Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).

2.Sunglasses

I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes. I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match my outfit.

3. Skirt

In the spring and summer, it’s just a skirt but in the fall and winter, I have ones that have capris and tights attached.

I love the pockets that it hides (and my thighs, of course).

4. Race Belt

I don’t like to put pins in my clothes. I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer. I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.

5. Garmin

Yes, I have raced without it and I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at the stats after.

** Compression Calf Sleeves

Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket. Once I race without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time. I wear the calf sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.