Lots of running and good weather last week.

Hoping for more of the same though not optimistic for two weeks in a row. And unfortunately, there was quite a bit of rain this week.   In other words, getting wet on my runs.

My tentative plan for the weekend was to break away from my computer and go to NYC to race, meet up with friends, see the holiday decorations, etc.

But I waited until the last minute to decide: if I felt safe, if the predicted rain would happen and if I would have fun if wearing a mask for the entire weekend.

Stay tuned…

Last Week –

• Monday – Normally my run day (#nevemissamonday) but there was hard rain on the way. I managed to sneak in a run outside before work (not early enough for sunrise). It was cloudy, humid but the forecast lied.  It started to rain as soon as I started running. The rain was light until the last mile.

It rained harder as the day wore on…not even tempted to go for lunch walk.  Only ventured out after work to do errands.

• Tuesday – Woke up to pouring rain again!  And then the power went off. I ventured out to see what was wrong since it was only raining lightly.  Got in only a mile before I got drenched. Without Internet, I could not work.  When the rain lightened, I went out again.  This time the rain stopped and the sun came out.  A power line had come down and by 10:15 am, we had power back and I could work.

It looked like the temps would be dropping so I went for a walk during lunch. And indeed, windy and much colder than the morning. Dressed warmer for my post work walk.

• Wednesday – Another cloudy cold morning with rain/snow on the way. I did get in a walk at lunch… I thought about running but just didn’t feel like it.  After work, I decided to venture out. It was less windy but still COLD! I should have checked the forecast because as soon as I started to run, it started to rain. Light at first but then it changed to freezing rain (the third day in a row getting wet on the run!!) I stopped my run at that point and headed to the library to return some books. Then the rain stopped and I finished my run.  At this point it felt delightful.

• Thursday – It looked finally like a day without rain.  There was even some sunshine though colder than previous days. I walked at lunch at a nearby nature preserve.

After work, I met a friend to run through the holidays lights in the park… so fun.

Then I met my BFF for our usual 1.5 hr walk around an outdoor mall.

• Friday – Debating all morning about the rainy forecast for NYC. Normally I would not mind but I planned to walk (rather than take the subway), eat take out (rather than in restaurants), visit the sites (rather than shop) … all would not be fun in the pouring rain.

I eventually opted to slow short run at lunch (yes, 5 days in a row) but then skip my long run on Saturday. (My group wasn’t gathering anyway due to the rain forecast.)

Ended the day with some errands (in prep for my NYC trip) and my usual friends walk.

• Saturday – A lazy morning (skipped my walk) but packed instead. I had decided to take an afternoon train to NYC.  My plan was to avoid traipsing around all day in the rain and just stay later on Sunday.

I arrived around 4 pm, checked into my hotel.  It was almost sunset so I rushed to the Vessel (I had pre-bought tix) to get in a view.  (and it was no longer raining and not cold.)

Then I continued to walk around the area taking in the festive atmosphere.

I tried to make it an early night and get my #flatme settled.  It is hard when you are not at home (and you have plan for pre-race, race and post-race dress options.)

• Sunday – Race Day – Winter Classic 5k – Got up bright and early (after a sleepless night) and took an Uber to the start. Made through all the COVID safety protocols and cautiously ran a hilly COLD 5k in Riverside Park. (Recap coming on Dec. 15.)

I had done bag check so I could hang around after the race (and not freeze) and meet my friend Elizabeth. We spent hours in the park exploring parts that I rarely get to when I come to NYC.

Then, I walked umpteen blocks back to my hotel, changed my clothes and took more of the holiday sights of the city before getting an evening train home.

So happy to have decided to take a weekend away. No better place to get in the holiday spirit (even in a mask) than NYC.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  rest day
• Tuesday – run
• Wednesday –  rest day. hair appt
• Thursday – DAY OFF, run, hike
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday –  Long Run
• Sunday – rest day, hiking

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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 “real” races yet?  Have you decorated for the holidays yet? Do you usually go to NYC or a big to see all the decorations? Please share.