Well, January has ended. We have a new President. Many people have gotten their first COVID vaccine. My hubby has even received his 2nd dose (No reaction!!)
My running has gotten off to a decent start. I’m on my way (barring injury) to 1000 miles for the year.
Despite the cold, snow and ice, I’ve continued hiking. I have already visited FOUR new trails. To quote Wendy “Nature is my anti-depressant.”
Last Week –
- Monday – Another cold morning but with possible snow on the way tomorrow, I knew I needed to get in a run at lunch. The sun was a welcome surprise, the wind not so much. I decided to repeat the route from last week – drive to park n ride, run to the HS track, run around the track and then run back to my car.
Thanks to Cari for the recommendation – my favorite Peleton run yet.
And after work, I checked out a local trail before it got dark. A perfect way to end the day.
HollyHock Hollow Sanctuary. If you look closely you can see the mon in the pic on the right
Also I got my swag for Saturday’s Virtual 15K. I wish I was running the real race but even without the pandemic, none are scheduled anymore in NY.
a hoodie, chocolate and more…
- Tuesday – A busy work day but I did get in a 45 min bike ride during lunch.
it started to snow just as I was finishing up
After work, I had a needed hair appt (2 weeks later than usual.) And I drove to it in a snowstorm (The things we women do…)
- Wednesday – I woke up to snow (about 5-6 inches.)
first world problems – have to shovel out the hot tub
so I waited until lunch to go out for a run. I wore my trail shoes and navigated slowly the streets in my neighborhood. No problem (except for my driveway which wasn’t plowed yet.)
half of the run was done to Wicked music 🙂
After work, I met my friend for our usual outside walk.
- Thursday – Today I took the day off. (Just needing to use up some vacation time). I was able to do grocery shopping, get my nails done and go for a morning run. I ran in the streets of town since obviously the trails were still snow-covered.
the sun may have been shining but the wind made it feel sooo cold
and then an afternoon hike. You know that I am obsessed with water falls so I chose Barbersville Falls. There was quite a few inches of snow on the Waterfalls trail. Underneath the snow was ice. Going down wasn’t as scary as trying to go back up (Next time, do not do this without spikes!!) Eek! Then I hiked the Ridge Trail. Much longer loop as not as scary.
The waterfalls were beautiful and the trails so peaceful… but slippery
I ended the day with a walk with friends.
- Friday – Rest day from running. I almost considered going for a walk.
Nahh. I’m not that crazy. Maybe one in a mall after work.
Instead I took a 45 minute bike ride at lunch.
30 min of Backstreet Boys but only had time for 15 min of Cher. Enjoyed both.
- Saturday – Long Run Saturday. I had planned to do my virtual Hot Chocolate 15k with Sherry and virtually with Deirdre and Kim. But first, 2.7 miles (because I never got in 12 miles last Saturday.) It was extremely cold again but not as windy as last time. And there was sun!! I started at 10 am and Sherry met me at 10:30. We had to return to the Crossings due to our recent snowfall and ran around the nearby neighborhoods. It was sub zero with the wind chill but not as bad as I thought and it was nice to have company.
Virtual 15k done! (Deidre was in Fla.)
I guess my painful feet are ready for another half marathon.
After my hot chocolate in the hot tub, I spent some time on my knitting. Just too cold to venture outside again.
I got tired of the socks so started a cowl. It is actually a darker purple.
- Sunday – Another COLD day. I started with a 40 min. ride on George.
actually did the warm up after the ride lol
And then off to the trails in search of peace and quiet and a waterfall. Sanders Preserve surprisingly was one of my favorite trails so far. Miles of trails on packed snow, not slippery at all and so peaceful. There was a waterfall but I couldn’t figure out how to get down to it. I am going back!
without any wind, it felt so much better than yesterday – a beautiful day on the trails
I’m amazed at how much my succulents are loving winter. This is the first winter of my obsession. I love plants but once I bought one succulent, I got addicted (and none have died 🙂 )
check out all the icicles outside the window!
This Coming Week –
- Monday – run, walk
- Tuesday – rest day, bike, walk with friends
- Wednesday – run, walk with BFF
- Thursday – run, walk with friends
- Friday – rest day, bike, walk
- Saturday – LONG RUN, walk
- Sunday – rest day, bike, walk/hike
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? Doing any virtual races? Are you venturing outdoors in the sub zero temps? Any knitters out there? How about succulents? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 
We haven’t been outside every day, but we’re going to go out in a bit and see if Bandit will actually move in this cold because most likely it’ll be a couple of days until he gets a walk again if the forecast is right.
Otherwise not a whole lot going on (except a whole lot of going on, LOL! Just not running).
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I hope you did get outside today. It was glorious – No wind which was an improvement over yesterday.
Maybe when you start racing again, your running mojo will return.
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I used to get terrible seasonal depression in winter and I haven’t had that in years. I wonder now if it stopped when I started running through the winters. Hmm….
Congrats on your 15k and your strong start to the year! Now we just need to hang in there through February and things will be a lot easier.
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I agree. When I first started running, I didn’t in the winter. Now I do and it gives me a reason to get outdoors. Even when it s freezing, the sunshine feels great and lifts your mood.
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Its been cold here but not as cold as your weather. I’ve gotten out most days, but when I run early its been easier to just hop on the treadmill if Im doing an easy run and also strength training. I have a virtual 5k in a few weeks…I just haven’t picked what date I will do it yet.
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It is very hard fitting in runs. That’s my biggest complain in the cold weather – finding a safe place tor un, putting on ALL those layers – ugh!
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Nice job on your 15K and battling the weather. You have many more challenges than I do in that area. I keep saying I am over virtual runs but I have 2 this month.NIce to see my Denis on your Peloton schedule :). I am the worst with plants but I was thinking about succulents as well. Do you order them from somewhere special?
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Succulents are so easy. I ignore them and they grow. No I just picked them up – some even at Trader Joes.
no more Virtuals I say!!
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You picked some great rides with Cody – he’s my favorite cycle instructor 🙂
Hooray for your husband getting the second dose of the vaccine! I get so happy when I hear of people who have already received the vaccine – gives me a lot of hope of a return to “normal” later on this year.
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I liked him. so energetic but not overly chatty.
I can’t wait until I get my 2nd one. Even better will be when everyone else does too.
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wow, you guys really did get a cold spell! Goodness!
Great job on the 15k! Excited that your feet are ready for another half marathon 🙂
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Yes. Very cold. And now snow.
I was being sarcastic about my feet.
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Got it. I missed that.
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Beautiful nature scenery as always. My succulents are thriving as well and I’m not sure why. I’ll take it though. Nice work on the 15k!
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Maybe my house is so dry in the winter. I ignore them too,
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Your trail pics are so pretty! Great job getting all that walking done! Bummer your Hot Chocolate race was so cold!
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At least it wasn’t really a race. And I really needed Hot Chocolate after.
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I’m glad the cold doesn’t stop you, because I enjoy your frosty photos. Can you believe I haven’t taken any of Cody’s classes? I’m not sure I could cope with his energy before I’ve had my coffee. 😉
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I don’t like the cold but I have no choice living where I do.
I had coffee and breakfast before Cody lol
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Nature has been my anti-depressant all year but this week, nature has brought me to tears, lol! I love snow but a little moderation would be nice. It’s a slow slog for me no matter what mode of transportation I use. Sigh…
I too am obsessed with succulents and I had to put a hold on my succulent of the month membership. I have so many now. Have you seen the newest one? It’s shaped like a heart…
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No. I think I need to get it. Lol.
And I agree about nature. Today was fabulous out there.
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OMG. I can’t have any plants in the house. I can’t be trusted with them.
Your winter hikes are so gorgeous. It’s got to be so good for the soul.
Can’t wait to see the results of your knitting! I bet your cowl will be gorgeous! I used to crochet a little, but that’s it.
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I never hiked in the winter before. Wasn’t really a hiker before the pandemic but I am loving them.
I used to knit and crochet. Every now and then I go back to it. I don’t love it though. Rather be outdoors.
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Love those outdoor photos. Nature is an anti-depressant for sure!
Interesting that your husband didn’t have a reaction to the second dose of the vaccine- so many people said they felt sick for a day afterwards. Nothing dangerous- it just shows that the vaccine is working. Yes, things are looking up! Great week of running, even in the snowy tundra!
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Most people that I know did not have a reaction to either one. Just a sore arm. Fingers crossed that I will not as well.
No matter how cold, it’s still better to be outdoors.
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I loved your Barbersville pics. Amazing the art mother nature creates.
I wonder if Hot Chocolate will come back in 2022. I heard a rumor it might, and it seems like it might be possible. Otherwise it’s one I might go to P hilly for.
Hot cocoa in a hot tub in the snow sounds like perfection
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and hah on not having your driveway plowed. Clearly I had ESP when I send you the pic of the helper 😀
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Yes I thought of that. How did she know??
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The one in Brooklyn was so well organized. Central park would be even better.
Love being in the hot tub when it is snowing. Have to do that the next few days.
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and I love CP’s 15K loop besides the obvious of it being much more convenient for me personally.
She comes with her own tools.Payable in cookies.
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In Brooklyn it was 2.5 loops of Prospect Park.
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That is great to hear about your husband! Many people have also said that they 2nd vaccine is the worst.
Glad your are enjoying your rides with Cody. He is the best!
Great job on your 15k!
Succulents are so pretty but I am afraid of what my cats will do to them.
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My cats ignore them. Not sure why.
No reactions at all. He played tennis that night.
And yes love Cody’s energy.
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Ha, I will get some and see how my cats react. Mine are so nosy.
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Not sure why they ignore them.
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those trails look amazing! way to go on your 15K!! What about your feet though did you ever get any sort of resolve on your issues?
valentine’s virtual coming up. it was free so what the heck. 10K though. am I up to it???
I really need some plants, but I need someone to TEACH me about the plants in the first place!
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Not really. I’m just putting up with the pain.
Anyone can grow succulents – just saying.
Free virtuals are the way to go. Just have fun with it.
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