December 28, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.21.25-12.28.25: Happy Holidays!

I do love it when Hanukkah and Christmas are around the same time. Since I celebrate both.

Of course, Christmas is much more festive.

Gotta love ChatGPT!

In case you missed it on FB and IG, here is this year’s card:

Last Week –

Sunday – Since my granddaughter would be visiting her other grandparents on Christmas Day, we had breakfast with her this morning and gave her our gifts.

After that HUGE breakfast, I was thrilled that my friend Jenny asked me to go for a walk with her.

It was so cold and windy… frozen but we managed to get in 6 miles…

And I worked off enough calories (maybe) to be able to go to my SIL’s for dinner.

lots of food and this was dessert…

Monday – WFH this week. Hooray.

~~I started off the day at the gym and then~~ After work, I got in a short run before another predicted snowfall…

same route as last week but this time, Jenny accompanied me…

Tuesday – I kept waiting for the snow… It never arrived… just some drizzling so I able to go out to dinner to belatedly celebrate my BFF’s birthday.

Wednesday – WFH (and I slept in instead of going to the gym although my cat woke me up at 4 am so I didn’t really sleep…)

Today Jenny and I were able to squeeze in a short WINDY run during lunch.

dry roads…

How did I celebrate Christmas Eve?

Eating leftovers and binge watching the rest of the Emily in Paris episodes.

Emily In Paris Season 5 Release Date, Cast, Plot - All You Need To Know About The Netflix Show | Outlook India

yes, I know it’s very silly and unrealistic but I love the fashion, food and sights…

Thursday – DAY OFF – Christmas Day!

more help from AI..

Looking ahead to the weekend weather, I decided to get in my long run since my family dinner was not until 3 pm. Jenny who was training for Tokyo joined me for some of her miles. She ran 12 miles and I did 8 (with some big hills!!) Thanks again to AI for making it look like Christmas. LOL

Friday- WFH again… finally dragged myself to the gym.

feels like 1 degree but a beautiful sunrise.

I had planned on skipping mah jongg in favor of a Boxing Day party with the hubby.

But it got cancelled due the impending snowstorm.

Saturday – LONG RUN and Brunch. Luckily, I had already done my long run on Thursday.

And yes, we did get that snowstorm…

I waited until my hubby cleared our driveway, bundled up (as it was FREEZING) and headed to UAlbany where I hoped there would be a clear path or road to run on.

mostly clear … glad that I remembered hand warmers!!!

Sunday – Run w/friends, nail appt, ???

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym, running group holiday party
Tuesday – run, walk
Wednesday – run, NYE dinner out
Thursday – DAY OFF – WS #2 Race (3.5 m)
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, hair appt.
Sunday – gym,??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 4th Quarter Update
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any vacations planned? How did you celebrate the holidays? Have you joined the AI bandwagon? Anyone watch Emily in Paris? 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.

December 26, 2025 by Darlene

Runfessions for December 2025

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

The last one of 2025…

1.I runfess…

I was planning to run the Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon again when I am in Florida in February.

But with TWO half marathons scheduled for March, I decided NOT to sign up (Are you disappointed, Jenny?)

2. I runfess…

That being said, you know that I rarely travel anywhere without a race scheduled…

When I was recovering from a sprained ankle, instead of the half marathon, I ran a local 5k in Florida.

I loved that race (and met Jeannie Rice) but they changed the date this year until later in the month.

No worries. I found a new 5k.

Darlene Cardillo's Avatar

8th Anniversary
Sat. February 14, 2026
Bradley Park • Palm Beach, FL
Race Starts: 8:00 AM
100% of All Proceeds Go Directly To Depression Research

3. I runfess…

But yes, I do plan to run BOTH half marathons in March. I’ve never run TWO half marathons 6 days apart!!

Wish me luck!!

March 15, 2026

March 21, 2026

4. I runfess…

My annual miles is the lowest ever…(even with no injuries).

I’m healthy so that’s all that matters.

5. I runfess…

I’ve mentioned that I didn’t want to run a trail race but I got outvoted.

It wasn’t so bad…

I didn’t fall. LOL

And who knew it would be so much fun… a different animal from road racing.

But I have no future plans on racing trails (No offense Jenny.)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? 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 blogs!!

December 23, 2025 by Darlene

2025 RunFluent Christmas Race

actually, a 7k (4.4 mi) and started at 8:00 AM

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever.

After our girls’ weekend in the Finger Lakes in September 2023, we were anxious to plan another race-cation.

My running friend, Deirdre (who winters in Florida) suggested the Hot Chocolate 15k in Tampa. Heidi & I raced (Deirdre was injured) and we had so much fun than we repeated our visit last December.

We had signed up for a 10k but after we registered, they changed the race date to January.

We still made the trip but no race.

just a fun trail run

Unfortunately, they kept the January race date so we had to choose a different race.

35th Annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Kids Race

This was NOT a race that I would choose as it is on trails (I do NOT race on trails!) but I agreed since the date and location worked for the others.

So I signed up for the RunFluent Christmas 7k because:

Florida in December!
A weekend away with my running friends.
A running friend winters nearby, and she offered us a free place to stay.
Peer pressure!
We got matching holiday-themed tank tops.

Race Description:

Back for year #3.
4 miler OR 7 hour multi lap!!!
Race Day T-shirt for all participants
Finisher awards for all finishers!
Awards for Top 3 male/female each distance!!!
Special award for anyone reaching a 50k by the 7th hour!!
Cash prize for 1st Place each distance male/female!!!
There will also be additional “trinkets” for each lap completed in the 7 hour event
Multiple Loop (for the 7 hour race)
Elevation = Rolling, ~2500 feet in 50 miles or 7 hours
Surface = Mostly groomed trail or dirt roads

The Course according to my watch:

Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I did run a 10K on Thanksgiving Day

and then 6 and 7 mile runs on the weekends before this race.

yup, had to find some dry paths to do it…

But, again my goal for this race was just finishing especially since I would NOT be acclimated to the temps and/or humidity and trails scare me. There would be a lot of walking and looking at my feet.

My goal would be NOT TO FALL!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

We arrived very late Thursday evening and first thing Friday morning, I went out for a run in the neighborhood to try to get used to the heat/humidity. Fortunately, it was not that warm (for Florida but warm for me.)

And then out to lunch (where I met up with my ex-SIL whom I hadn’t seen in over 20 years.)

In the evening, we carb loaded on homemade pizza and went to a concert.

I’m usually pretty good about watching what I eat the night before a race… but this time I was very relaxed about the whole thing. There was a mimosa at lunch and beer at dinner. LOL.

Forecast:

perfect temps for an early morning race…

Race Day:

As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal. Up at 5:15 am and ready to leave at 6:15 am.

my travel buddy Heidi and our hosts Deirdre and Kevin

We arrived around 7 am and picked up our shirts and bibs.

There were real restrooms – always a plus.

And then we just hung out as they were setting things up.

Kevin planned on at least 50k

with 2 new friends – Donna & Ben

yes, we wore matching tanks

the 7 hour runners brought their families and everything they needed to be comfortable

used after the first lap

At 7:40, they gave directions followed by a prayer and the national anthem.

the finish line and where we started

Deirdre told me not to worry because Florida trails are not like upstate NY trails. They are flat and sandy with an occasional root…

She was right.

I decided to stick with Deirdre and Heidi (although they run much slower than I do) and follow their 30:30 intervals. It was perfect and if I got ahead, I just waited for them to catch up.

this was grassy section

The trails were very pretty and with lake views at times.

sandy section

There were several water stops… no cups because in your swag was a collapsible cup. I was not really thirsty but if I was running a longer distance; it would have been great. Around mile 2.5, we passed our car but then the course continued and eventually the finish was in sight.

I sprinted ahead and I was able to cheer on my two friends.

Post Race Activities:

They gave us our medals…

And now it was time to relax…

Nope, Deirdre and I decided it was too nice a day and we went back on the course…

Once we hit the car, we called it a day (or 2.5 more miles).

Deirdre’s friend Donna was still running (and ended after 22 miles) and Kevin and his friend Ben were going for a 50k.

We cheered for them every time they passed us..

We changed our clothes, had lunch that we brought and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

I understand why many runner enjoy trails and ultra races. So relaxed. Everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic.

modeling our matching race shirts

Finally, everyone was finished and so we went out to celebrate…

Additional Race Reflections:

The race was fun. It was even better running it with friends and with good weather. The race directors did a great job organizing all the details of this event.

I know that I could have pushed myself and gotten a faster time. But I wanted to stay with my friends and just enjoy the whole day.

If I run this race again, I plan to sign up for the 7 hr. option and try to run 3 loops (and that would be a half marathon).

The Good:

Well organized before, during and after.
Real restrooms
Amble parking
Food for 7hr runners.
Collapsible cups provided to all runners
Well marked course
Flat and scenic course
Baby socks and pacifiers collected and donated to a charity.
Raffle for those who donated to the charity
7k and 7hr options
Perfect running weather.
Enthusiastic participants and supporters.
Running with friends
Thousands of professional looking photos

The Bad:

Nada

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. For all the reasons above.

Final Stats:

my time was 1:05:02

Next Up:

3 free fun races and then:

Feb, 1, 2026

Happy Running! Ever run a trail race? If so, did you enjoy it?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

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

December 21, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.12.25-12.21.25: Brrr!

I’m back in the Northeast and I think it feels colder since I was in Florida for several days…

I’m so grateful to be able to escape for a few days and am already looking forward to February. I’ll be more than ready to leave these cold temps again.

Last Week –

Friday – Although due to missing our connecting flight, we didn’t arrive at our friends’ place until 1:30 am, I was up bright and early to enjoy the warmer temps and go for a run.

sunshine & no layers= ❤

Then we went out to lunch and I met up with my ex-SIL (whom I hadn’t seen in over 20 years!)

sisters forever!! (and my favorite shrimp n grits)

For dinner, we carb loaded on homemade pizza and then went to a holiday concert.

Saturday – RUNFluent Christmas Race. There was a 7k and a 7 hr race. Heidi, Deirdre and I opted for the 7k which was only one loop.

We decided to stay together and run 30:30 intervals. The course was flatter and less challenging that I expected… and so much fun!!

After we were done, Deirdre & I went out for another loop and then we hung around to cheer on the other runners, many of whom completed a 50k.

the guys were running the 50k

Of course, a celebratory late lunch followed and drinks and some hot tub time in the evening.

Sunday – I had to take advantage of the weather and again went out for an early neighborhood run.

I could get used to this…

After my run, we went out to breakfast. And in the afternoon, we went to an outdoor bar and played music bingo (nope, no one won) and eventually went out to an early dinner.

We spent a relaxing evening in and watched a Hallmark movie: Oy to the World (in honor of the first night of Hanukkah.)

Monday – Last day of vacation and last warm weather run.

We were treated to homemade strawberry waffles and then headed to the airport.

No flight drama for our return flights home.

Tuesday – Back to reality and cold weather.

I had the morning off from work. So I headed to the gym first thing, then some grocery shopping, laundry and cooking.

In the afternoon, I went to the office and eventually to set up for my class the next day.

I met my BFF in the evening for a walk…

Wednesday – First of 3 days of live classes….

That meant Starbucks on the way…

and to bundle up and search out dry pavement for a post work run…

in town and not as cold as previous days…

Thursday – Same as the day before except that after work I attended my annual tennis friends holiday party.

fun evening with lots of food, music, gifts, etc…

Friday- Last day of live teaching and mah jongg in the evening. Though it warmed up, it rained most of the day. Good news: Snow is mostly gone.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Though, the paths were clear of snow, the temps had dropped again and so I was wondering if the rail trail would be clear or would I end up at UAlbany?

phew, clear sailing..

Unfortunately, I had to run/walk my 8 miles solo but met (walking) friends after for brunch.

Sunday – Plan to play Santa with my granddaughter (since she is spending Christmas with her other grandparents). Then hit the gym, run some errands and eventually have dinner at my SIL’s…

FYI: Had to join the cool kids with ChatGPT:

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – run, b-day dinner with BFF, walk
Wednesday – gym
Thursday – run, Christmas dinner with the fam
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – gym, ??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – RunFluent Christmas Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any vacations planned? Do you like trail racing? Are you dealing with snow or ice? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

December 19, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Motivational Quotes That Keep You Going

For Today’s Post, I am picking FIVE Quotes that keep me going when running seems hard:

1.”Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” ~ Lance Armstrong

2.“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” ~ Dean Karnazes

3. “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”~ Lucille Ball

4. “When you feel like giving up, remember why you started.” ~ Confuscius

Happy Running! What keeps you going? 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 blogs!!

December 16, 2025 by Darlene

TT: 2025 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

A work visit to NYC to start off the year.

Running some local fun races.

February

My annual vacation to Florida’s East coast to visit friends

Convincing a fellow blogger to join me in a Florida Half Marathon.

March

Racing in a New Place – Rock n Roll Half Marathon in DC

Meeting Up with Bloggers in DC

April

and in NYC

Completing one of my favorite local half marathons (in miserable weather).

May (my favorite month)

Visiting Naumkeag in MA (on my birthday)

Enjoying my annual tennis trip to Naples, Fla.

June

Participating in the Run for Women for the 18th time (in the rain.)

Visiting the NY Botanical Gardens

Finally Running the NYC Mini 10k in Central Park

July

Celebrating the Fourth in (running) style.

Celebrating Bastille Day with College Buddies.

Touring Brooklyn

Spending Sundays on Lake George

August

Tiptoeing through the Sunflowers!!

Visiting a college roommate on LI.

Celebrating my granddaughter’s 2nd birthday

and my MIL’s 100th.

September

Seeing Autumn Glow

Running a 10k on Governor’s Island

Starting up Monday Hikes

October

SVU Fangirling while on a work trip to NYC

Another Successful Race-cation.. this year in Lake Placid.

Celebrating 50+ Years of Friendship

Competing in two 5k races in one day

November

Spectating at the NYC marathon and celebrating our friends’ achievement.

Running a popular local 15k

Coaching Runners to their first 5k.

Turkey Trotting with Friends

December

Saying Good-Bye to One of My “Sole Sisters” (Denise, the one in black)

Seeing NYC at its finest.

Traveling to FL to meet up with Friends (and run a trail race)

Happy Running! What was your favorite photo or event from 2025? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) 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

December 14, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.7.25-12.11.25: I’m in Florida!!

I returned from a work trip to NYC and then packed my bags…

Last Week –

Sunday – I went for a run since I was going to miss my Monday and Tuesday runs.

doesn’t everyone get ice cream to warm up after a cold run?

Then I did some errands and even went to the gym.

I also finished decorating for the holidays… (Just a few shown below… I celebrate BOTH holidays…)

Monday – I took an early train to Manhattan with Heidi, Deb, Stan and Sherry.

After I dropped my bag off at my hotel, we had a quick lunch and then headed to Radio City to see the Christmas Show (with the Rockettes).

Our next adventure was to take the subway to Brooklyn for a walking tour of the Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights.

After a quick dinner, we headed back by subway to Manhattan to check out the Holiday decorations around Rockefeller Center.

it was a cold day but we had loads of fun…

Last stop before my friends had to head home was ~~a ride on the Christmas Carousel outside Macys~~

we ran out of time although we did have tix.

a holiday drink at the bar at the train station (instead).

Tuesday – A long work day. Subway to Jamaica, Queens. Work all Day. Subway back to Manhattan and then Amtrak home.
Wednesday – I bailed on a short run after work (It was snowing, windy and very icy.)

and instead I packed for my Florida trip.

Thursday – I got up to again snowy icy conditions…

and waited a bit before I ventured outside (with my trail shoes on)…

cold and windy… I froze (can you guess which snowman is real?

then worked a half day before I boarded a plane (with my friend Heidi) to Tampa, FL.

Our friends Deirdre and Kevin picked us up at the airport and drove an hour back to their home (where we would be staying until Monday.)

I’ll recap the rest of the week in my next WRD.

Check out IG and FB for photos.

weather looks much better than up North!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Friday – hanging out with friends, meeting my ex SIL for lunch, concert in the evening
Saturday – RUNFluent Christmas (Trail) Run (7k)
Sunday – hanging out with friends
Monday – run, fly home
Tuesday – run, walk w/BFF
Wednesday – PM run?
Thursday – run?, tennis holiday party
Friday – ~~gym~~, work holiday meeting, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – breakfast w/granddaughter, gym, dinner with the fam

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2025 in Photos
Friday – Motivational Quotes That Keep You Going

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any warm weather vacations planned? Do you enjoy checking out holidays decorations in your town? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

December 12, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Must-Have Accessories Under $30

For Today’s Post, I will pick my top FIVE:

1.GOODR Sunglasses

Cheap, durable, cute and comfy (and they can match all your outfits and seasons.)

2. SPI BELT

Holds your phone and you can even attach your bib to it. And it stays in place.

3. BASEBALL CAP

Holds your hair in place, protects your face from the sun and your eyes from the rain.

4. PORTABLE WATER BOTTLE

Hydrate whenever you need to… this one is light and easy to carry.

5. Comfy No Blister Socks

Nothing is perfect but these are close…

Happy Running! Anything to add? 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 blogs!!

December 9, 2025 by Darlene

My Race Bling of 2025

This week’s topic is: Show Us Your Year in Bling

Lots of bling this year since I was relatively uninjured and I did complete 32 races. And I am proud of every finish line that I crossed (even the ones with no bling.)

Half Marathons:

5Ks:

Other Distances (10m, 10k, 7k)

Three Race Challenge

Happy Running! What was your favorite bling from 2025? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and on Wednesday:

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

December 7, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 11.30.25-12.7.25: Looking Ahead…

Yup, looking ahead to tomorrow’s work trip to NYC where I plan to check out ALL the holiday decorations..

and then on Thursday, I leave for Florida to visit a friend (and run a Christmas Trail Race).

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym and then went for a walk…

and it was soooo cold!

I started getting ready for the holiday… a little decorating, wrapping, addressing cards…

Monday – DAY OFF – With the predicted snowstorm on its way, I knew I had to go for a run.

I met up with my friend Sue and after our run, we got coffee and tried to figure out our flights for the Asheville HM that we are running together in March.

One of our running friends (in black shirt) is moving to Tacoma, WA so we had a farewell party for her in the evening..

Tuesday – Jenny & I tried to beat the snow with our early morning run.

and we did!! Barely…

It snowed the rest of the day.

In the evening, I was supposed to go to a special showing of Wicked 2 movie (sponsored by the the UAlbany Alumni Assoc.) but it got cancelled due to the snowstorm.

Wednesday – Lots of snow!! But I was able to get out and drive to the gym.

we got about 6″

The main roads weren’t too bad so I went to the office…

’tis the season for egg nogg latte

Then I stopped at UAlbany to check the path conditions and get some steps in…

and then went shopping for some last minute gifts (ha ha, it’s only Dec. 3!)

Thursday – WFH morning

coffee at home with some holiday spirit..

and then I met Jenny for a short run at lunch time.

snowing and windy. Brrrrr!

In the late afternoon, I met my BFF for a re-scheduled movie date.

Wicked: For Good - November 21, 2025 | Explore Oz

Friday – I didn’t even want to leave the house…

Eventually after work, I went to the gym when it warmed up to a balmy 20 degrees…

Mah Jongg in the evening…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Too early to have to plan where to run before of the snow. 😦

Unfortunately we are limited to UAlbany loops or the roads. This weekend, we chose the roads. (Smaller attendance than usual due to the weather and the holidays. I ran 7 miles with Barb,. Sherry & Stan ran on their own. Of course, brunch followed. (Sorry I forgot to snap a pic.)

In the evening, I got to baby sit for my granddaughter!!

4 hrs of Disney movies…

Sunday – Gym visit planned and then packing for NYC trip (and maybe start for the Florida trip… holiday decorating too.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – Train to NYC, Radio City Christmas Show, Dyker Heights lights, more Manhattan holiday lights…
Tuesday – work in Jamaica, Queens, train home
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – AM run, PM fly to Tampa, FL
Friday – hanging out with friends
Saturday – RUNFluent Christmas (Trail) Run (7k)
Sunday – hanging out with friends
Monday – AM run?, fly home

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Race Bling of 2025
Friday – Must-Have Accessories Under $30

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any vacations planned? Do you enjoy checking out holidays decorations in your city? Have you seen Wicked Part 2? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for