August 2, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.27.20-8.2.20: Finally a Day Off

I haven’t had a day off from work (besides the weekend) since February.

So I took off this past Monday in hopes that the weather would cooperate and I could do something fun.

And I DID!!!

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Getting there…

Last Week –

Monday -As I mentioned above, I took the day off from work. I was hoping to spend the day hiking with my friend but she could not go so that will have to wait until my next Monday off in August.

Instead I decided that I would sleep over in Bolton Landing on our boat the night before. That way I could go for a run along Lake George first thing in the morning and afterward do some hiking up that way.

morning has broken…

I forgot how much I missed waking up with a view of the lake and running on those familiar routes (I used to do it most weekends before I ran with a running group on Saturdays.)

my favorite 3 mile loop – to and from the Sagamore Hotel

My favorite hike (Pinnacle Pt) was closed due to Covid 19 so I chose two longer and more challenging ones – Cat and Thomas. I’ve done them before but several years ago I believe.

I thought I’d do both but had a change of heart and decided to just do the longer one (Cat) since it had a better view. It was much much longer than I thought….

but the view was worth it

I met a bunch of older women at the top and they were heading over to Thomas so I’d thought well, I’ll should do that too.

Whoa!! The most technical trail I’ve even done…up and done cliffs… for several miles!!!

again a beautiful view but too tired and hungry to enjoy it as much as the first one

Well, it turns out these older women were 46ers (meaning they’ve climbed all the high peaks in the Adirondacks). Anyway, they said that they knew a shortcut down the mountain to my car so I followed them. Not a shortcut…an unmaintained WRONG trail that took much longer!!!

Hello. 15 miles for the day!! Did I mention it was in the mid-90s. But actually it was shady and breezy and perfect hiking weather in the mountains. That hike took me about 5 1/2 hours!!

It was sooo warm when I was done that I went swimming at the beach and then headed home for dinner.

Tuesday – Back to work. Of course when you take a day off, you pay for it the next day. No time to walk before work or during lunch. But I did get out for a few minutes in the afternoon.

hydrangea obsessed.

Not as warm as previous days but boy, the humidity was high!

After work, I was tempted to go for a run but I promised myself a rest day after my hiking adventure the day before. Instead I set off for the preserves.

unfortunately there was no waterfall as it has been a dry summer

I passed a second preserve on the way home so I decided to stop.

I think that I enjoyed this one even more than the first.

Wednesday – I started the day with a short walk in the ‘hood

it’s getting tough finding NEW blooms

I had plans after work so I had to squeeze a run during lunch. Hotter than I thought…. These noon runs are not the best idea…they never go well.

I thought the water line would be shady and it is except for the middle where you run…best part was the sprinkler (and the rose/butterfly)

After work, my running group had our weekly trail walk scheduled. With no rain in sight, more runners showed up this week. We chose last week’s location – Pine Bush Trails. Believe it or not, we did get rained on but it felt good!

we did the 1 mi blue loop and then the 3 mi yellow loop (to earn my ice cream cone)

Thursday – I had to get my run in before work since I would not be likely to do it later. It was a beautiful morning.

in the hood’ and along the main road

I listened to Ali on the Run’s interview with Emily Halnon (my friend who recently died’s daughter) and it made me sad and inspired at the same time. This is the link if you want to read about it or take a listen: https://www.aliontherunblog.com/2020/07/29/ali-on-the-run-show-267-emily-halnon/

I miss Andrea A LOT. She was an amazing lady and a great friend.

: Silks & Satins 5k – 2010

: VCM Relay – 2015

: Polar Cap Run – 2019

Her daughter is running 453 miles (in record time) this Saturday in her honor and to raise money for rare cancers. That is 45-70 miles a day for 9 days!!!!!

This is the link if you wish to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-the-oregon-pct-for-brave-like-gabe

I also was able to squeeze in a walk at lunch (to finish listening to that podcast).

After work, I went to my re-scheduled dinner out with my tennis friends. It was our first one in an restaurant (though one with patio dining).

Friday – Rest day Friday as usual. A few walks here and there…

and after work, I met two former co-workers for a long walk on the rail trail.

we decided to make this a weekly thing

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. We all returned to Zim Smith at various times for various distances and all gathered after for brunch from Leah’s. I ran 3 solo. Then Alyssa, Deirdre and Jan arrived. I ran intervals with Jan and Deirdre while Alyssa ran ahead.

We ran for the first time on the new part of the trail

We probably spent more time eating and chatting after than running. I think there were 10 of us. So fun!!

Knowing that I would probably be a slug the next day, I went for an after dinner walk.

one of the my favorite places to stroll – Pine Hollow Arboretum

Sunday – Boating on Lake George. Although it was predicted to rain in the am then storm in the afternoon, we decided to ignore the forecast and go up to the lake. Glad we did since there was NO rain…just an occasional cloud. So relaxing. Love my lake get-away.

and I was right – no walking today – just floating in the water and reading on the boat

This Coming Week –

Monday –run
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – run, trail walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, walk with friends
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? How are you surviving the summer heat? Please share.

July 31, 2020 by Darlene

Runfessions for July

Runfessions

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

Time flies in a pandemic. This is my 4th pandemic Runfession post.

1. I runfess…

I have a high tolerance for pain. I’ve raced with a stress fracture and a broken foot.

this was my last painful run

No surprise that that I waited several weeks before I went back to the podiatrist for my neuroma.

Economic evaluation corticosteroid injections mortons neuroma

Next up maybe laser therapy…

Do you seek medical attention right away or procrastinate? Have you gotten laser therapy for pain?

2. I runfess…

Once I experienced foot pain back in November, I ditched my favorite Mizunos and bought:

Altras (and returned them)
Brooks (and returned them)
Hokas (and returned them)
Another style of Hokas (for walking)
Back to Mizuno Inspires (for short runs)

And now I am trying Topos!!

Did you try different shoes or stick with one brand?

3.I runfess…

I thought I would continue with some virtual races. For good reasons. Support the racing organization, charity, add to my swag collection or just to motivate myself to run faster.

5k, 10k, 13.1 Virtual Challenge medal

Nope, I’m done!

At least paying money to run them. And who needs another glass or medal??

If they are free, maybe??

Are you still signing up for virtual races?

4. I runfess…

We’re pretty good in Upstate NY with Covd-19 though there are still new cases. I am considering running a race, any race.

Aug 15…maybe? Maybe not?

Anyone else have run a real race or considering doing so?

5.I runfess…

I upped my goal in the NYS Challenge from 500k to 1000K because I would be done too early in the summer.

One NY Virtual Challenge - Race Across New York!

Then my foot started bothering me so I thought I should probably cut back on the walking, hiking running and maybe get my bike out.

can’t remember the last time on this???

Biking miles don’t count!!

And I am stubborn. So back to walking, running and hiking until I am done with 1000k.

Would you bike even if it did not count? Do you like biking?

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

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

July 28, 2020 by Darlene

Staying Safe/Sane When Running (during Pandemic Times)

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

My Topic for today is: Running (during Pandemic Times)

My utmost priority is staying safe. That means not catching COVID-19 and/or passing it on the my hubby, my stepsons or worse my 95 year old MIL.

Most of the time I have not stayed in my neighborhood because I have found ways to feel safe when running elsewhere. I will share some of those ways below in addition to ways to save your sanity if you choose to stay near home.

Wear a mask or buff around your neck

As you are probably aware, you wear something over your mouth and nose to protect others (even if you have no symptoms). So if you have it around your neck at all times, if someone comes close, you just pull it up. Also as respect for others, if you see someone else wearing a mask/buff (even if they are not close), you should pull up your mask or buff.

oops I’m the only one without a mask/buff

Run early on popular routes or bike paths.

You’ll be surprised how empty your normal running routes are if you go early in the morning.

Corning bike path is empty in the early am

Research new and rarely populated paths.

Do not run where you normally do That’s where most runners go.

Instead, find a new place, somewhere new, someplace uncommon. You will be rewarded with an empty, safe path.

this part of the Crossings is in the back and very empty

Call a friend.

You can run in your neighborhood. But every time??!! It sure gets boring no matter what you do.

Ask a friend to run with you. You two, of course, will be running 6 feet apart. But you can still chat that way and motivate each other to complete the distance.

Play head games.

If you feel that your neighborhood is your only option and you cannot find a friend to share the experience, invent ways to keep it fun.

Look for rainbow signs, find new flowers in bloom each week, ask the names of the friendly dogs, give out awards to the nicest lawns, pick out your favorite house, etc.

I mostly look for flowers to photograph (but I’m not interested in my pace)

I have no idea when things will go back to normal so that I can run safely anywhere, at any time and with my friends or at races.

This message still holds true…

Bloggers unite!!

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Have you found ways to run outside your neighborhood and still feel safe? Or have you been sticking close tPlease share.

July 26, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.20.20-7.26.20: Lazy Hazy Days of Summer…

Still warm, humid, lots of thunderstorm threats… a haircut is probably the only new event.

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Getting there…

Of course this is getting old but another of my favorite summer races has gone virtual.

nostalgic look back to 2019

I also finally got in the mail my swag from the Steel Rail Half Marathon that I chose to run virtually in May:

what? no metal? lol

Last Week –

Monday – Another scorcher. I wanted to get in a pre-work run to avoid the heat and test my new shoes.

still pretty steamy…no verdict yet since the the run was very easy as to break in my shoes

Even warmer at lunch but luckily I did not have much time to sweat on my walk.

more pretty pink flowers (Rose of Sharon?)

After work as usual, I went out in search of exercise and shade. I picked two very nearby preserves that were wooded and went along the creek at some point. It was wonderful!!

: Normanskill East

: Normanskill West

Then I met my BFF for an outdoor mall walk and talk. She broke her toe so this week it was a sit and chat.

Tuesday – I decided to squeeze in an early morning walk in the ‘hood

hosta time

and then a run at lunch since I had plans every day after work.

I actually drove to the rail trail because I am sick of my neighborhood.. so hot when you run at NOON!!

After work, I had my 2nd pandemic haircut (makes me feel kinda normal). Next week I hope to have my 2nd manicure!!

And I then I explored a preserve that wasn’t too far away followed by a walk on the bike path.

I had visited this trail before but not since the pandemic began

Wednesday – I wouldn’t normally run again but rain was predicted for later in the day and for tomorrow.

I woke up to rain but it stopped by the time I was ready to run.

70s for temp but 85% for humidity did not make this feel good (nor is my foot 😦 )

I decided for a change to drive to the park at lunch and walk on the trails there.

and met up with my “deer” friend

Fingers crossed that the storms would hold off so we could get in our weekly trail walk. Unfortunately I was the only one able to do the trails. And the rain did hold off (though it was so humid, the rain would have felt nice.)

I did the green, blue and part of the yellow trail – would have done more if I knew the rain would hold off so long…

Thursday – It was supposed to rain on and off today. It rained during the night but had stopped by morning. So I started the day with my usual neighborhood walk in search of new flowers to photograph.

I don’t think I posted these before?

and then one more during lunch. Hooray for rest days and no pressure to run between the raindrops.

got caught taking this pic and explained that I was admiring her petunias since they were nicer than mine.

In the evening, my monthly tennis dinner was scheduled. This was the first time, we were not doing take out and sitting 6 feet apart in a park. The threat of thunderstorms postponed this until next Thursday.

Of course, the storm never really arrived so after dinner, I decided to go on another trail walk at Normanskill Farm.

It was lovely walking along the creek but I didn’t have time to complete the whole loop since it was getting dark.

You can see from the photo above that I stopped for dessert before heading home. As I was enjoying my ice cream cone, I realized that across the street, there was an awesome sunset.

I can’t remember the last time I watched the sun set…it’s usually when I travel to NYC or Fla. I need to remember to do more of my walks later in the evening.

Friday – Another rest day as always due to my long run being the next day. I didn’t have much time today for walks but I did squeeze in two short ones in the neighborhood.

One in the morning

dahlia I think

and then one at lunch time

and a hibiscus

I did a repeat walk from Thursday but explored farther on the path. However, no ice cream or perfect sunset tonight.

back along the Normanskill creek

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the rail trail so that we could meet for brunch after at Emma Cleary’s (It’s all about food lol).

Like previous weeks, it was HOT and HUMID so I arrived earlier to get in a few solo miles. Then everyone else arrived at various times. I again took advantage of Deidre’s offer to run 10 miles with me. She runs intervals which is fine with me. It’s all about distance in the summer time. I ran 2 miles before she and Jen arrived and then she wasn’t feeling well so we only ran 9. 11 miles was enough to deserve Emma’s strawberry stuffed French toast with potatoes and bacon (and chocolate mile of course).

We twinned with our Skirt Sports tanks

Sunday – Boating. For the first time this summer we had company (my hubby’s friend, his girlfriend, his daughter & daughter’s friend) on our boat.

that’s my hubby diving off a cliff.. me? I just floated around in a tube.

The weather was perfect and it was fun hanging out with other people for a change.

Another first was that I slept overnight on our boat. I haven’t done it in awhile but I had Monday off from work. My hiking plans got cancelled so I decided why not run and hike here for a change of scenery.

This Coming Week –

Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – run, trail walk
Thursday – run, dinner with tennis friends
Friday – rest day
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you? Please share.

July 24, 2020 by Darlene

Summer Running – Love it or Hate it?

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

My Topic this week’s is: What do you love/hate about summer running?

All apply even we weren’t in the midst of a pandemic.

Love:

1.Less Layers

I can get changed in minutes. Tank. Skirt. Cap. Go!

so easy to squeeze in a run during lunchtime

2. Sunshine

I love the SUN!! It motivates me to get outside and get my dose of Vitamin D!!

blues skies, sunny days = ❤

3. Longer Days.

As a working runner, this is especially important to me. It is no fun running in the dark after work. When it is dark, it limits the places where I can run.

after work runs are my favorite because I can drive to favorite routes

4. Nature is prettier.

I love trees and flowers. So much to look at during this season. And different flowers and trees are blooming each week.

flowers and more flowers

5. No Training Runs.

Even during a normal year, I run my big races in the winter, fall and spring. So summer is just for running. No plans. No stress.

just for fun and connecting with friends

Hate:

1.Mosquitos/Ticks/Black Flies

I am very susceptible to insect bites so I need to always apply insect repellent. Sometimes I am lax and I pay the price with lots of itchy bites.

2.Humidity

Dry heat is great but when it is humid, it is tough to get the miles in and the speed. I have to do a lot of walking…

too humid to run!!!

3.More Laundry

Less layers but they are sweaty. That means that I can’t wear items more than once like I do in the other seasons.

4.Competing Activities

In the summer, there’s hiking, tennis, boating, BBQs, etc. It’s hard to fit it all in and sometimes, I may have to just skip the run in favor of a summer-only activity.

just suffering on the lake lol

5.Lack of Races to Motivate You.

Many more races to sign up for in the spring and fall. Not many even during a normal summer. So it may be hard to motivate yourself to get out the door or do those weekend long runs.

luckily for friends or these runs may not happen or be shortened

So I think I LOVE summer running more than I hate it.

Summertime quotes - i love summer

Maybe I should move to a warmer, sunnier climate?

Happy Running! What do you love and/or hate about summer? Do you love or hate it more. Please share.

July 21, 2020 by Darlene

Running Success (During Pandemic Times)

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

My Topic for today is: Running Success (during Pandemic Times)

In “Normal” times, as runners, we would most likely define SUCCESS with one or more of the following:

Completing a New distance such as your first full marathon
Attaining a PR (at a distance or a course)
Qualifying for a big race (Boston?)
Running a bucket list race (like one of the World Majors)
Trying a new type of race – a trail race, a triathlon, etc.
Returning to racing after an injury

Well, I doubt any of these have occurred this year.

So how do runners now determine success?

No Covid-19

Only one of my running friends has gotten this and she recovered. All others including myself are and have been symptom free.

thumbs up for flowers and feeling good

Mileage

Since we are all working from home, there is less travel time and thus, more time to RUN. As a result, we are running more miles each month.

my goal had been 84 miles per month and I often didn’t meet it

Varied running routes

In order to stay safe, you have had to avoid those non-wearing masked neighborhood walkers or the bikers on crowded bike trails. So you have discovered new places to run such as secluded trails or quiet park paths.

all alone at Zim Smith

Virtual Races

No scheduled races has given runners who want to race the ability to sign up and complete a multitude of VIRTUAL races.

Many are even free.

Participation in Challenges

In addition to virtual races, you can join a variety of challenges that will motivate you to complete a certain number of miles or kms.

Many of the states have one such as this.

So of course as running goes in 2020, we may want a do over but it always helps to focus on the positives. I’m sure you can find ones that I didn’t even think of.

Yeah, life is hard, but people get through it, why? Because they ...

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! How successful has your running year been? Have you had any of the successes mentioned or any others? Please share.

July 19, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.13.20-7.19.20: Week 20!

Can you believe that I’ve worked from home for 20 weeks!!

And there’s no end in sight.

Not complaining because I have been able to run and walk in many different places and even with my friends.

But…NO RACES!! NO TRAVEL! Sad face.

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Getting there…I think I will make it.

BTW: My August Half Marathon just got cancelled, I think. I’ve already run it virtually in April. Hoping for a refund or deferral.

Last Week –

Monday – Yes, I finally decided to run before work. Still rather warm but it takes the pressure off the rest of the day because there’s always a threat of rain. I also have more energy. Yeah, why not every run? Mostly work stuff and not wanting to run in the dark.

ran outside the ‘hood and past my favorite house on the main road…love their gardens..there’s an Eiffel Tower through the arch on the bottom.

It threatened rain so I took my umbrella but the sun came out and it was pretty steamy during lunch (still cooler than previous days).

just more pix of other people’s flowers

After work, I headed out in search of shade. I decided on Hollyhock Hollow Preserve and walked the outside loop. It was perfect and then I took a quick trip around the creek before I stopped off for an outside chat with a mah jongg friend (whom I hadn’t seen in ages.)

Tuesday – With all my foot pain, I decided to postpone the shot as long as possible by cutting back. So I skipped my morning walk. But at lunch, it was less than 80 degrees for the first time in days so I decided that I must get in a few miles.

the waterline so no flowers..still felt warm with all that sunshine

I only had time for a quick walk at the Pine Hollow Arboretum after work.

I got home just in time for the ZOOM Bastille Day celebration with my college friends (the ones I spent a year in France with)

we are connecting more now than before the pandemic

Wednesday – A beautiful morning for a run, cloudy, coolish but I am trying to baby my foot so I just went for a walk.

just love these flowers – would be an interesting jigsaw puzzle

I even skipped my lunch walk but I was getting antsy by dinnertime so I headed for the trails. I decided on a new one – Holt Preserve. It was so nice!! I’ll be going back.

the views will be amazing come Fall.

Thursday – Another cool breezy morning… shoulda but I didn’t. I waited for lunch time (when it was warmer) and went for a short run. I chose to venture to a new neighborhood. How did it go? I came home immediately and made an appt. with my podiatrist. (Foot pain sucks!)

After work, I went on our weekly trail walk with my running friends. This week it was to Papscanee Island nature preserve (South entrance).

along the Hudson R, through the woods and the fields – a fun way to get in your steps

Friday – Started the day with a podiatrist appt. Friday is my rest day from running and it was a rainy one anyway. I got my B12 shot and the pain disappeared so I celebrated with Starbucks and a walk in the woods.

yes, cool and wet in the early morning hours (that changed by lunch time)

The verdict on my left foot (neuroma) is that the shot helps but the pain comes back. My Dr does not recommend to keep getting shots. Instead, she wants me not to wait until the pain is bad but come back in 2 weeks (if I feel some pain) and start 12 sessions of laser therapy. The problem is that it not covered by insurance….

The sun came out but it was still breezy not too as warm as it will be this weekend so I took another short walk at lunch. I drove to the rail trail in town and cut over to the water line. And got home before the rain!

always time for a flower pic

The rain was brief and so after work, I decided to hit the preserves before dinner. I chose three with short trails.

: Swift Preserve

: Phillipin Kill Preserve

: Van Dyke preserve

Though it was the day before, they had already hidden gnomes at each of the 19 preserves. If you email a photo of yourself with the gnome, you can win an ice cream gift card courtesy of the Summer Hike-a-thon sponsor Stewart’s Shops (my favorite ice cream!!) Score!!

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back by popular demand was brunch at Leah’s so that meant our group run or walk was at the Zim Smith Trail. Some other running running friends were heading there as well.

I got there early so ran a mile and then ran intervals with Deirdre for 10 more miles. The heat really wasn’t as bad as I feared. But my feet HURT!!!

my shirt says it all!

We gathered with everyone for brunch and ate and chatted in the park…there were 13 of us!! So great to stay connected with running friends!!

Guess what was waiting for me when I got home?

Topos. Will try anything once.

It was HOT, HUMID and I was pooped (and my feet sore) so I only tested them at an outdoor restaurant date with a friend.

Sunday – Boating. Our hottest day so far this summer so the only place to be ws on the water.

lots of floating in the water and reading on the island – heavenly

Sorry I ate my ice cream too fast for a picture. I had to celebrate… didn’t you?

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY – Third Sunday in July

This Coming Week –

Monday – run, outdoor mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – rest day, hair appt
Wednesday – run, trail walk
Thursday – run, dinner with tennis friends
Friday – rest day
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you? Please share.

July 17, 2020 by Darlene

Running and Gardening

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

My Topic today is: Gardening and Running

When I was a teacher, I had the summers off and I had a big perennial garden. (I was not a runner back then).

Then I changed careers and started working during the summers. So I let this garden ~~die~~ grow wild. I eventually also started running.

This summer with working from home and taking down a huge pine tree, I decided to create a new perennial garden.

Here are 5 reasons why both running and gardening are very similar:

1.Start small.

It is not recommended to start off by running a marathon. You start with one mile and continue onto a 5k. Maybe at some point even a half marathon or longer distances.

back in 2008…I didn’t start running 13.1 until 2011.

Your plants will not be full and tall right away. If you plant too many at first, you will have to split them or your garden will be too crowded. So buy a few the first year and add more each year, as necessary.

2.Progress happens slowly.

Remember how slow your first 5k or half marathon time was? Everyone progresses differently. And some runners progress faster than others. And of course, there will be setbacks (injuries or illnesses.) Patience!

2015 – finally a HM age group award

Some of your plants may die, get diseases or eaten by predators. Others may take a few years before they bloom. Patience!

3. Hydration and fueling are complicated.

Of course, we need to hydrate when we run. But when and how often? Do we carry water? Is it different for different weather conditions or distances? And what and when do you eat? How often do you eat during a race or run?

This was my favorite handheld.

And yes, plants need water to grow. How much? When is the best time to water your garden? How often do you water? And fertilizer…what kind, how often, etc?

4. Consistency is important.

We all know that to move forward with your running, you cannot skip a lot of runs. You need to get out there several times a week. If you take time off from running, it is definitely harder when you do get back into running.

obviously a hard half marathon – my first one after my broken ankle

With my garden, it’s weeding. Not a pleasant job, but if you let it go, OMG, it is so much worse. I have to do it EVERYDAY.

5. Set and Re-adjust goals.

It’s great to have a running goal…maybe even something like a BQ. It gives us something to work towards. But as we know, injuries happen, life happens (hello, pandemic), we have to re-adjust. Hey, I thought that I was going to run one half marathon each month in 2020.

Half #2 of 2020

My new goal is just 3 shorts run during the week and 10 miles on the weekend with a new focus on nature walks. The 12 half marathon goal will have to wait.

My initial goal for my garden was to have a beautiful flowers, mostly pink and purple perennials. Obviously a long-term goal. Some of the plants were eaten by deer, some died, others were not flowering well or yet.

This year’s goal is now to fill up the space with other pretty objects such as a bird bath, annual flowers, solar fountain, sun catchers, ornaments, etc.

A work in progress (like my running)

Happy Running! Are you into gardening? Or do you have another hobby that has similarities to running? Please share.

July 14, 2020 by Darlene

Favorite Running Views/Places

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today is: My Favorite Running Places

Unfortunately, this summer I have not been running on my top picks so some of these are nostalgic.

I love scenic routes (especially those along the water) and I enjoy variety.

New York City

in Central Park

along the East River

along the Hudson River

Bolton Landing (upstate NYS)

Washington Park (Albany)

in the spring

winter

and fall

Zim Smith Bike Path

The Crossings

Albany Rail Trail

There are a few more that I haven’t mentioned here as well:

: Colonie Town Pk

: Nisky Bike Path

: Corning Bike Path

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What criteria do you use when picking a favorite route? Are you still running on your favorite routes during the Pandemic? Please share.

July 12, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.6.20-7.12.20: And the Heat Goes On…

Hot hot hot.

Not complaining because I love summer and it’s better than snow and ice and all those layers.

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Still chugging along.

Another 5k got cancelled – Silks and Satins.

fondly remembering last year

And of course, another half marathon went virtual…Adirondack Half Marathon in September (hopefully, I can get a refund or defer…I’m done with virtuals).

Last Week –

Monday – Too much work drama to get in a run or walk before work. UGH! Especially on such a hot day.

I also only had time for a short walk during lunch….

And so after work, I drove in search of some shade. I decided on The Crossings since there was a wooded loop I could run on. 90 degrees so still a struggle but would have been worse if I ran anywhere else.

definitely worth the trip and I got to shop at nearby Trader Joe’s

Tuesday – A little breeze this morning but only had time for a short walk.

part in the ‘hood and part on the trail. gotta bring a container to pick those raspberries

I did my lunch walk on the trail…warmer than this morning but cooler than yesterday.

pushed myself (as my shirt said) later in the day

Since I had plans after work the next two days, I decided to get in a run. I drove to the Voorheesville end of the rail trail and hoped for a shady route. It was shady but I just wasn’t feeling it but I did enjoy seeing the artwork.

they added new pieces from my last visit…I guess I need to keep returning here

When I was done, I met my BFF to do our walk and talk in an outdoor mall.

Wednesday – A rest day!! I skipped my morning walk (due to work stuff) so I planned to extend my lunch one (if the rain held off)…

I headed to the trails to stay in the shade…still hot and muggy!

2 loops though I had planned 3. Better than nothing.

Then after work, I met two former co-workers for a walk. It’s been months since we’ve talked so it was nice. We almost didn’t get to do it due to a passing thunderstorm however the rain stopped (but the humidity did not.)

we were too busy talking for me to take any pics except for this one before my friends arrived on the rail trail

Thursday – I had grandiose plans to drag myself out of bed to run before work. But my foot has been hurting (again) all week so I decided to lay low. (Of course, today my foot felt fine. D’uh)

So I just went for a short walk during lunch on the waterline during lunch…hot.hot.hot. (No way I would want to run today.)

the top photo is my house…I used be able to access the waterline (before everything grew in)

And then after work, our weekly scheduled trail walk was scheduled. This week, it took place at Five Rivers. And though it was a small group (like two of us) as usual, lots of fun (and exercise). We saw a doe and her fawn. And a Mama Turtle laying 5 eggs. Very very cool!!!

After an ice cream cone, I decided that I needed some more steps so stopped off at a preserve on my way home.

Friday – Another rest day. My 3rd day in a row. Two walks and then I was looking forward to the trails after work. Of course, there was heavy rain predicted…

I did get to walk this morning before work.

of course, more flower pix

It looked like rain but I also got in a second walk during lunch. The only water felt was my sweat lol

soon these will be gone

It was raining when I finished work but it stopped. With the predicted thunderstorms, I decided not to hike and get stuck in the middle of the woods. Instead I went for another walk. And the rain never came.

I parked at the opposite end of the rial trail from Tuesday (9 miles away). It was a lovely walk aside from the oppressive humidity.

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back to my neck of the woods – the Delmar Rail Trail. Between the weather forecast, vacations and family obligations, my running group shrunk.

I too was wondering if the thunderstorms would hold off and let me get in a few miles. No rain but lots of humidity. I ran 5 miles solo (though I passed Barbara twice on the path) and then 5 miles with Deirdre.