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Weekly Run Down for 1.9.22-1.16.22: Getting it done…


With my first half marathon in one week, I needed to get out there and run… no matter what.

And there were several very cold days and the bike paths were still covered with ice/snow.

I sometimes wonder WHY I signed up for so many half marathons that require me to train during the winters of upstate NY?

Last Week:

  • Sunday – After a successful frigid 12 miler the day before, I was hoping to continue to get some fresh air on the trails.

Nope, freezing rain and sleet… I did some stuff around the house (including laundry and repotting my plants) and then hit the mall for some exercise.

a work in progress…they grow so fast, I can’t keep up

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday. Of course, I had to run.  Another chilly day but after last Saturday, it seemed balmy lol.

although it was only in the 20s, it felt warm.. unfortunately I’m stuck in my neighborhood since the rail trail and bike paths are still icy

  • Tuesday  – Normally I would have run today but it was supposed to be warmer on Wednesday so I just switched today to a rest day.

even too cold for me!!

I did venture out after work since we now have some extra hours of daylight..

ok I admit it… I FROZE at Holly Hock Preserve!!!

So back to the mall for a walk. Ours still close early (7 pm) so if you go after dinner, it’s pretty empty.

  • Wednesday – Still cold but what can you do?  Winter in the NE!! (and you know how I feel about treadmills.) So I scheduled a late lunch and took to roads hoping that the wind had died down.

not bad at all.. glad I waited until today

  • Thursday – Temps were gradually getting higher but again not what you would call “unseasonably warm.”  I keep trying to vary my running routes (which is not easy when the normal paths are still dicey).

the sun didn’t come out until I was done so it felt colder than the 30 degree temps

Oops. I double-booked myself so I walked at 5 pm with a friend at the outside mall and then at 6:45 back to the indoor mall for a walk (a different mall than Tues) with my BFF.

  • Friday – Rest Day Friday due to possible long run Saturday and freezing temps.

Mah jongg night to exercise the brain (instead of the legs).

  • Saturday – Sub zero wind chill temps forced us to postpone the run until Sunday (when it would be a little warmer and sunnier.)

nope, not happening!!

But my running friend, who was recovering from an injury, asked me to do a slow 3 mile loop at UAlbany in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, she chickened out and crazy me decided to instead bundle up and take to the trails. First I headed to one with an amazing waterfall but the trail was way too icy (even with nano spikes & poles).

walked on the ridge trail instead (@Barbersville Falls)

Then I drove to one closer to my house.

Five Rivers on a sunny but cold winter day

It was great to get some fresh air after being cooped up on Friday.

And in the evening the hubby & I went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary (which was the next day.)

  • Sunday –  Last long run before the big day.  Only 8 miles on my “plan.” Plan in parentheses because after 53 half marathons, I don’t have a plan lol. My running group has shrunk for various reasons (snowbirds, illness, injury) but Karen and Stan agreed to tackle the freezing temps with me.

the thermometer read -3 but no wind and sunshine made all the difference… nice run!!

Today (January 16th) was also an important day in my life:

and in my running life:

2011 vs 2021

I also celebrated the calm before the storm with a hike:

a different trail at Five Rivers… the frozen creek was so fascinating (more pix on IG)

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – rest day – rain/snow? – hike?
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, NYC bound (Train, Broadway show…)
  • Sunday – Fred LeBow Half Marathon

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2021 Goals Update and 2022 Goals
  • Friday –  Super Hero Muffins

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 in-person races planned?  Have the cold temps forced you indoors or do you run outside anyway? Please share.

35 thoughts on “Weekly Run Down for 1.9.22-1.16.22: Getting it done…”

  3. Happy anniversary and race aanniversary. You are half marathon machine so I am sure it will go really well next weekend. Great job getting it done w freezing temps

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  5. Happy Anniversary & congrats on your halfiversary (is there a word for that?).

    It was definitely a challenging week weather wise. I wanted to go to my mom on Thursday, being the warmest day, but I also wanted to actually run outside (and knew I’d need a rest day after going to my mom). So I bundled up to go to my moms, LOL.

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  6. I thought I was the only one with a succulent obsession, but clearly you have me beat! I need a shelf or something for mine. They’ve taken over our kitchen table!!

    The ice and cold definitely were challenging this week. But you got it done and that’s what matters. Great job!

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  7. You are definitely getting your miles in for your next half 😉 When I registered for Key West, I didn’t think about the training runs prior (like in December, LOL). I think my longest run was 8 miles, and that was awhile before Christmas. Then my hip flexor got a little weird and we traveled to Florida and my long runs didn’t happen as they should have. Thankfully, my biking (and all the recent walking) carried me…but barely.

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    • I know the feeling. I did nyc half a few years ago with no long runs due to a calf injury. But you get it done. Just at a different level.

      I’m really training for Feb half. Thus will be a run.

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  8. You started off this post wondering why you signed up for half marathons that require you to run through the winters… it’s forcing you out of your comfort zone and out there to run in all sorts of conditions- and think how interesting that makes your life! How depressing it would be if you spent the winter huddled inside, waiting for it to end. And you officially have earned the title of “badass.” Good luck this coming week! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in NYC.

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    • I do it every single year. Lol.

      But it’s always so cold.

      You’re right. It gets me out the door.

      Nyc will be for fun. I’m hoping Fla will be a good one.

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  11. Happy Anniversary and Raceaversary! I normally don’t get out to run in the cold, so I don’t have the proper shoes/clothing for it. That’s why I have a treadmill in the basement. It’s not too bad on shorter runs. I think the longest I have run on it was 6 miles…maybe 8. That got a little boring, but good music and/or a mindless old TV show helps with that….as does changing up the pace every few minutes.

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    • It is cold. It’s hard to get motivated to do it outside. It’s warmer when you run. Luckily in the evening the malls are pretty empty and you can walk a few warm miles.

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  14. I used to be a die-hard cold weather runner but I have found myself gravitating more toward the treadmill over the past 2-3 years. I know i need to change that and force myself to get outside more, as long as it’s not icy.

    I love that January 16th is such a special day for you. That’s also my mom’s birthday so I have a special love for the date as well 🙂

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