March 22, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Fitness Things I’d Love to Try

Today’s Topic is: Five Fitness Things You’d Love to Try

I’m pretty boring. I like to run, walk, hike…

But if I left my comfort zone, here’s a few:

1.Lifting Weights.

I stick to the machines that I’m comfortable with at the gym. But many runners seem to be lifting machines…

2.Zumba.

I have two left feet. But it looks like fun and it is very popular at my gym.

3. Track Workouts.

I just run and slowly with walks thrown in the mix but if I want to get back some speed, this might be a good idea. A local running club does offer these on Tuesday evenings.

4.Peleton Strength Workouts.

I subscribed to several free trials but I only used Peleton for the stationary bike and outdoor runs. I’m not sure I’d pay for it again but there are many free Peleton workouts.

5. Outdoor Cycling.

I seem to choose running, walking or hiking when I have time. And the stationary bike when I am injured.

But I know biking outside has its benefits. One of my running friends has been bugging me to try it. And there are many bike paths in my area.

As I said above, these are all out of my comfort zone… but maybe I will try one or more…

Happy Running! What things would you love to try? 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!!

Join the link party:

March 19, 2024 by Darlene

TT: Spring Racing Plans

This week’s topic is: What Are Your Spring Running Plans and/or Racing Schedule?

With several races already on my schedule, I plan to run 3x during the work week (usually only 3 miles) and then a longer run on the weekend.

Here a few of the races that I may run (if they are in bold, I’ve already signed up):

03-24-24 – Shamrock Shuffle (5m)

I’ve run this race many times including 2022 so maybe if I take a later train to NYC that day

04-13-24 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

YES, as it’s a local downhill half where I’ve had success in the past

04-21-24 – Autism 5k (as a STEM mentor)

A new race but I’ll only be participating in it as a mentor to new runners from the STEM program.

04-27.24 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k

I love this race because there’s fresh chocolate milk and you can win an apple pie!! Maybe.

05-11-24 – Summer Smith 5k

The race has returned to its original date and route. I’ve run it each year as it is dedicated to a former STEM runner who died so maybe

05-18-24 – RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon

YES!! Will the 3rd time be a charm and not rain?

05-26-24 – Miles on the Mohawk 10 Miler

Another local favorite and 10 miles is my preferred distance so maybe

06-01-24 – Run for Women 5k

YES. Of course. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year. Year 17 (with one being virtual)!!!

06-15-24 – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k

I got talked into this race a few years ago and it’s fun so maybe.

Happy Running! What are your spring running/racing plans? Please share.

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

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

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

March 17, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.10.24-3.17.24: Race Day!!

Finally! My first half marathon since last September.

My goal for this race (after my ankle injury) was to enjoy the weekend with friends and to finish the 13.1 miles smiling…

Stay tuned to see if that happened or not!

Last Week –

Sunday – Another dreary cold drizzly day… I started out at the gym and spent the rest of the catching up (and even started packing for my upcoming race weekend.)
Monday – The winds were insane…

I really wanted to squeeze in a run…

But I reluctantly bailed and postponed it until the next day.

Even week 4 of STEM mentoring got cancelled this evening due to the wind.

Instead I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

Tuesday – No excuse since the wind had died down so I went for a run before work

the sunshine was lovely and I wore the bright evening outfit from the run that got cancelled the day before. LOL

and followed it by a day at the office.

celebrating St. Patty’s Day early

Finally a grandma visit after work.

gets bigger and cuter every visit

On my way home, I got a text from two former co-workers asking me to join them for a walk on the rail trail followed by dinner in an Indian restaurant.

love having these extra hours of daylight

Wednesday – Back to live teaching today (starting at 7 am) and so I had to run after work.

who knew that the temps after work would be 30 degrees warmer than when I left at 6:30 am?… Hot and sweaty!!

Thursday – A morning visit to the gym before WFH and then I was supposed to run after work with Heidi. She wasn’t able to join me then so I squeezed in a run at lunch which gave me time in the evening to pack and go on a wine date with a friend..

first signs of spring and wearing my 2019 race shirt hoping it will bring me luck on Sunday (FYI: it is the same color as the 2024 shirt!)

Friday – Still WFH but much to do since I was hosting mah jongg and had to finish packing…

The temps today were not as warm as previous days (and it was raining in the am)but the weather for Sunday looked ideal:

would this report be accurate???

Saturday – Six of us (4 racers & 2 spectators) took an early morning train to NYC. After we checked into our hotel, we had lunch and then went to get our race shirts and bibs.

Eventually we carb loaded on pizza, went to see the Field of Light display

and headed to bed for a very early wake-up call (for the bus to Brooklyn for the start of the race.)

Sunday – RACE DAY! United NYC Half Marathon!

Early morning bus to Prospect Park (Brooklyn) and crossing the finish line 13.1 miles later in Central Park (Manhattan).

(Check out FB and IG for pics)

We have reservations at our favorite Italian restaurant for dinner tonight to celebrate our achievement.

pic from last March (at this restaurant) when I was recovering from a broken foot and could not run the race!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – recovery in NYC, (walk on the High Line, lunch in Chelsea), train home
Tuesday – run, walk with friends
Wednesday – GYM, run, FTC mentoring
Thursday – rest day, hair appt
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run, tix to Les Mis
Sunday – GYM, train to NYC (for work)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Spring Racing Plans
Friday – Fitness Things I’d Love to Try

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? How’s the weather where you live? Feel like spring yet? 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.

March 15, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Where I’d Love to Run

Today’s Topic is: Five Places Where You’d Love to Run

I added VISIT because for me, travelling is not only about running but it’s about places that I’d like to see.

So far in my running life, I’ve visited and run in some exciting places:

Maine
NH
Vermont
Wine Region of NYS
NYC
LA
Denver
Palm Springs
Vegas
Florida (East & West coasts)
Philly
NJ (Asbury Pk)
Montreal
Paris!!
Cape Cod (coming in Oct.)

And there are a lot more places I could mention besides these five US places:

1.Napa Valley

2.Hawaii

3.Alaska

4. New Orleans

5.DC

A girl can dream, right?

Happy Running! Where would you love to run? 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!!

Join the link party:

March 12, 2024 by Darlene

Bob and Brad C2 Ice + Heat Massage Gun Review

I got an email asking me if I wanted to try the Bob and Brad Massage Gun. I quickly responded “Of course.”

Though I already own a massage gun that I love, I wanted to see how and if this one was different and if I liked it better.

First thing I wondered was:

Who are Bob and Brad? Are they real people? Are they Doctors, etc?

Bob and Brad are Brad Heineck and Bob Schrupp.

They are not Doctors but Minnesota-based Physical Therapists.

They are also YouTube sensations thanks to their pain relief videos. In fact, they have 5.02M subscribers to their4.3K videos

Bob and Brad launched this company to sell recovery tools such as massage guns and leg compressors to compete with popular brands like Hypervolt, Theragun, and Normatec.

What are the specs for this massage gun:

Specifications	Details
Weight	1.5lbs
Design	Lightweight and portable design with ergonomic silicone handle
Motor	High-Caliber brushless motor
Max Speed	3200 RPM
Massage Heads and Speeds	5 massage heads and 5 speeds
Charging	USB-C FAST Charging
Noise Level	Ultra-quiet with noise reduction technology (<50dB)

How is it different from my other massage gun:

It offers all-new hot and cold massage therapy.

There are two optimized presets, designed for fast and precise temperature control.

This option offers a solution for individuals with differing needs and pain.

When would you use the Cold setting?

The Cold setting would be particularly valuable for post-surgery recovery or acute sports injuries, where reducing swelling and inflammation is necessary for a speedy recovery.

It also helps in alleviating pain in sore muscles and joints by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the affected areas.

And what is the Heat setting for?

The Heat setting could be used to relax muscles and increase blood flow, addressing soreness and stiffness.

This setting would be ideal for chronic pain management or discomfort associated with prolonged physical activity as well as, for those persons with chronic conditions or those recovering from periods of immobility.

It also keeps muscles and joints flexible and thus, prevents stiffness which would be helpful to those persons who regularly engage in activities (such as, running) that may lead to muscle tightness.

Which attachments come with the gun?

Standard Ball Attachment: Ideal for overall muscle relaxation and recovery.
Bullet Attachment: Targets specific trigger points and delves into deep-tissue areas for precise relief.
Fork Attachment: Perfect for massaging along the spine and targeting larger muscle groups.
Flat Head Attachment: Offers a broader surface area for a gentle and soothing massage (for use with ice or heat settings)
Cone Attachment: Designed to pinpoint and alleviate tension in smaller muscle areas.

And so I tried them all.

But the standard ball attachment is most likely the one that I will use.

Except when I use the ice or heat settings.

Pros:

Light weight and portable
Nice case
USB-C charging cable
Heat and Ice Therapy
Long Battery Life
Several Attachment Heads
Cheaper than some of the name brands

Cons:

None that I found

Would I buy this massage gun?

100% Yes!

It is quiet, powerful, light weight, easy to use, keeps a charge for a long period of time, offers both heat and cold settings and best of all, it is reasonably priced.

I’m pretty sure that my husband (who plays a lot of tennis) and I will be fighting over it.

You can read more about Bob and Brad and their programs and products at their Website here and be sure to check out their YouTube Channel here,

Plus you can get 10% OFF with this Discount Code: PRC2PRO10

Happy Running! Have you tried this or another massage gun? Please share.

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

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

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

March 10, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.3.24-3.10.24: Let There Be Light!

We turned the clocks ahead last night!!

It will be worth losing an hour of sleep for many reasons:

My cats will sleep later.
I can run anywhere after work.
It’s closer to when the flowers will bloom.
It will be warmer (hopefully).

Now if only the rain would stay away at the times I need to run…

Last Week –

Sunday – Just a visit to the gym…
Monday – It was a day off from work. I normally would be hiking with my running friend Heidi but she was away, Instead I contacted my friend Sherry and she agreed to go run with me.

although I planned to run the whole 4 miles with no walks, the humidity got to me but I was super glad for the company and the challenge…

Then in the evening, it was the 3rd week of STEM mentoring.

post run/walk stretching…

Tuesday – A morning visit to the gym before work and after work, a planned outdoor walk with a friend (whom I hadn’t seen in a long time). Rain got in the way of our plans so we walked inside at the gym and then I rewarded myself with a Shamrock Shake.

Wednesday – Another rainy forecast but I managed to squeeze my run in before work (had to work off that Shake).

the jacket, hat and gloves didn’t last long… another humid run… and a great way to start the day!!!

Thursday – Today I had to teach in the classroom

decided to try one of the new lavender coffees… meh… anyone else try it?

That meant my run had to happen after work. No sweat because it was light enough to run anywhere (at least for just a few miles). And the rain had stopped. I was hoping for company but my running friend had to cancel so I was solo.

I was pooped from standing all day but it got done

Friday – Another live teaching day so there was only a quick walk at lunch and then mah jongg in the evening.

back to my favorite drink

Saturday – Long Run and brunch day.. Last long run before the big race. I wanted to run 10 miles. Again, rain was predicted but I was hoping like last week, we could get it done.

We did and I was happy to have company on the run and join others after for brunch…

a windy gray day…my legs were toast from standing all day Thurs and Fri and so I only ran 8 miles, then walked/ran another mile… 9 miles will have to do… as they say “the hay is in the barn”

Afterward, I had to squeeze in laundry, grocery shopping and a nail appt…

In the evening, I had bought a ticket to see this play with friends. Glad we went as it was really good!

A Shayna Maidel, Yiddish meaning “pretty girl,” tells the story of the reunion of two sisters after World War II, one having survived the Nazi concentration camps.

Sunday – It will be a gym visit… and I may start packing and weather stalking…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – GYM
Wednesday – run (after work)
Thursday – run (after work)
Friday – GYM, mah jongg
Saturday – train to NYC, expo, carb load…
Sunday – NYC Half Marathon!

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Bob and Brad Massage Gun Review
Friday – Where I’d Love to Run

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? How’s the weather where you live? How do you feel about DST? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 8, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: NYC Marathon 2024: Yes or No?

Register between February 21 and March 21, 2024

I have a BIG decision to make…

Here are 5+Reasons why it’s NO:

1.Very Expensive.

Not only the race entry fee but transportation to/from and meals and hotels in NYC.

2.Work and Training.

I could be traveling for work which would make week day runs difficult to schedule.

3.Missing Shorter Races in the Fall.

I love to race. In our area, there are so many races in the fall (including our group race-cation.) And those long marathon training runs must be done somehow.

I missed my racing peeps!

4. The Training Plan!

18 long stressful weeks!!

5.Been There, Done That…

I have already run it twice.

6. Possible Aches/Pains During
7. and/or After the Race

Calf cramps? Lower back pain? Recurrence of that awful neuroma pain?? Other pains? Will it affect future running/racing?

Here are 5+ Reasons why it’s YES:

1.Guranteed Entry.

Yes, I do and I know many runners who do not and would love to run it. And I may not have the chance again.

With a 2:27 or below finish time on a NYRR race in 2023, at my age, I was guaranteed an entry.

Brooklyn Half Marathon results

2.NYC!!

It’s my favorite city (next to Paris). If I run another marathon, I can’t think of another one I would like to run more.

3. Weather.

Your longest runs are in the fall (not summer or winter). And the race is at the beginning of November. The odds are in favor for perfect running weather.

race day last November

4.Support.

Crowds everywhere.. the entire 26.2 miles for ALL runners!

5. Friends to train with and race with.

Last year my friends helped me train and they even came to the race to cheer me on and celebrate after.

But this year, I have friends who will be running the race!! It would be more fun to share the actual racing experience.

6. Redemption.

Last year, the race didn’t go as planned. I didn’t enjoy it as I should have. Hopefully I could end my marathon career on a better note.

7. Carpe Diem!

Because I can. Who knows what the future will bring? (I will be 71!!)

Happy Running! So what is your opinion? Will you by chance be entering the lottery or able to run this race? 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!!

Join the link party:

March 5, 2024 by Darlene

TT: Staying Motivated to Run

This week’s topic is: How Do You Maintain Your Running Motivation?

Sign Up for Races.

If I have a race on my schedule, I will NOT skip a run or cut short a long run. I want to run well in a race but more importantly, I want to remain injury-free.

Join Running Groups.

As often as possible, I try enlist the company of a friend or two on my runs. Running alone is no fun!! And you cannot procrastinate if someone is waiting for you!!

I am also fortunate that there are a few local running groups who post their runs. Sometimes I do join them.

SOAR

Volunteer at a Race.

I always get running FOMO when I volunteer.

Mentor a New Runner.

New runners have that beginner runner excitement and it’s contagious.

Blog.

I post 3x a week. If I don’t run, I feel like a phony since I schedule my upcoming runs or races on Sunday’s blog post and then recap them the Sunday after.

And of course, these ladies:

Read Running-related Books and/or Magazines.

I recently read Des and Kara’s book and especially enjoyed the book below:

Listen to Running-related Podcasts.

It’s entertaining, makes the time go by faster and I usually learn a thing or two.

just one of many that I do listen to…

Buy New Gear, Clothes, Shoes!

new shoes!

Put it on your Calendar.

It’s just as important as a work meeting or a dentist appointment. So schedule it.

Prep the Night Before.

If I run in the morning, my running stuff would be on the floor next to my bed. Since I run after work, I pack my running clothes the night before. It’s so easy to skip the run when you are tired in the morning or wake up late.

Plan Food Rewards for after each run.

I admit it. Food is my reward after any run or race.

Pick a New Route (esp. one with Pretty Scenery).

I love to run with a view of the water… or on a path with fall foliage.

Happy Running! How do you stay motivated to run? Please share.

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

I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

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

March 2, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 2.25.24-3.3.24: Training or Tapering?

If I hadn’t gotten injured, I would have already run a half marathon on Feb. 18 and I’d be tapering for the NYC Half Marathon in 2 weeks.

But I’m still playing catch up especially since I skipped my long run while on vacation in Florida.

Although is it still called “training” if you just want to finish the race?

Last Week –

Sunday – Another frigid morning. I started the day with a visit to the gym.

haven’t posted a gym selfie in a while… just wanted to show you how empty it was (most people were on treadmills or the track)

After some errands, I went to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate the birthday of two friends (in the umbrella hats.)

Monday – Although my STEM mentoring (training victims of DV for a 5K in April) started last Monday, I was away so this was my first meet-up.

I knew that it would be the 2nd week of Couch-to-5k and mostly walking so I got in a few miles in the ‘hood during lunch.

thumbs up for sunshine and warmer temps (oops. overdressed)

I was correct in that most of the 2 miles were walking.

Tuesday – A busy work day but I went for an unplanned run after work since the forecast was for rain the next day.

so nice to still have daylight after work… and it was warm, humid though the wind was not fun

In the evening, there was a ZOOM meeting for those who would be mentoring in the Freihofer Training Challenge (FTC) this spring.

We got the news that the race will have a new name (No longer “Freihofers.”)… but there will still be cookies!!

Wednesday – An early morning visit to the gym. It was a dreary rainy day and so I didn’t miss my outdoor run.

I did go to the office and had to stop on the way to …

yes, my office desk still has running-related items on it…

and then after work, I visited my granddaughter.

still cute as ever

The wind in the evening/night was insane… so glad that we didn’t lose power.

Thursday – I briefly contemplated running before work.

Not happening… wasn’t it just 60 degrees a few days ago?

So I waited until lunch and …

sun was out but… brrr

I finally dragged myself out to the rail trail after work… and I couldn’t believe how cold I was!!

it was sooo windy and I couldn’t wait to get done and be back in my warm car!!

Friday – Just a morning visit to the gym and mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – FOMO on a race I would have liked to have run…

Electric 5 Miler was now a 10k

but it was Long Run and brunch day… 12 miles on the plan and rain in the forecast.

We made the decision to run no matter what… and it never rained until we were done and at brunch!!

prepared for rain but after 4 mi, got rid of the jacket, extra shirt and gloves…

Sunday – It will be a gym visit… maybe a hike since the temps look to be rising.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – Day Off so hopefully a hike or a run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – GYM
Wednesday – run (lunch)
Thursday – run (after work)
Friday – GYM, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (10 mi.)
Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Staying Motivated
Friday – 2024 NYC Marathon?

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any signs of spring? Has your weather been crazy this week? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 1, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for March 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

NYC is the theme for this month’s post:

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first half marathon since last September is in TWO weeks (and in NYC)!

It’s #66 but I’m still anxious about it.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this is the second time I’ve run this race but both times it has been a “recovery” race. And so the goal of my training has been “just finish.”

Do you believe that I thought this was a “slow” finish time? Now I’ll be happy with 2:36:01.

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I haven’t been to NYC for work in two months but after I return home March 18 from the race, I go back on March 24 and I’m there for the rest of the work week.

You will be seeing plenty of Central Park pics… I hope the cherry blossoms are early this year again.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am also working in NYC in April, twice in June and in July.

Maybe that why I subconsciously signed up for races in May

May 18 (Prospect Park to Coney Island)

and August

Aug 3- 10k (on Governor’s Island)

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the sign up for the guaranteed entry for the 2024 NYC Marathon opened up on Feb. 21… and I have until March 21 to decide if I want to run it for 3rd time.