After last Sunday’s 5k,
I guess I needed a challenge before I take off on my annual Florida (birthday) tennis vacation.

advertised as “5.67 miles UP 1,601-feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain. It’s just 1 hill – the view is amazing and worth the trip!”
Last Week:
- Sunday – Race Day! Sasha’s Super Hero 5k – a new race for me and one that raises money for Ukraine.
The weather was perfect, over $30,000 was raised. It wasn’t an easy course but I did win my age group.
After the race, I did a little yard work and then went for a couples of hikes/walks.
First to Pine Hollow Arboretum…
The Annual Albany Tulip Festival was to be held the following weekend so I decided to check on the progress of the tulips in Washington Park…
- Monday – Gym first thing today. Woke to a dreary rainy day…glad I spent the weekend outdoors.
and then FTC group run was scheduled after work. No one hates running in the rain more than me but I was already dressed…
and the rain stopped and didn’t start again until we were done!! Woo Hoo!

2 runners twisted my arm into doing some speed work… we ran 800m at 5k pace, then ran slowly 800m and repeated it 3x…
- Tuesday – Another gym day… just because!
Since I ran two days in a row, I called it a “rest day” and just went for a walk after work with friends.
- Wednesday – I am front loading my gym mornings because I know I will not be going next week at all.
Another dreary rainy day but luckily the rain stopped so the STEM group run did take place and it didn’t start raining until we were done!!
- Thursday – More before work gym time!!
Sunshine rather than rain also allowed me to squeeze in a lunch neighborhood run. I haven’t done that in a while.
Then I was free to meet a friend for an after work walk. I suggested meeting her where she works and walking to Washington Park. And she agreed.
I would have like to do more walking in the park but I had to rush home to meet another friend for dinner and drinks.
- Friday – Yes… FIVE days in a row at the gym before work.
It was a cloudy day but at least no threat of rain. Many of my friends were away so mah jongg got cancelled. Too busy at lunch to get in a walk so I was able to do a short hike before dinner.
- Saturday – Race Day! Prospect Mountain Road Race! I carpooled with my friend Jenny up to Lake George (about 1 hr drive) to the start of the race. Running up a mountain is hard!! But it’s also fun to be able to do hard things.
It was not a big race so all three of us won age group awards. The swag included a shirt and coupon for a free ice cream cone. Jenny and I decided to run/walk down the mountain too.
- Sunday – Mother’s Day!
As I mentioned previously, the Y is now open on weekends (not at 5:30 am but 8 am). So I started my day that way.
Then I decided to take one last peak at the tulips in the park before the crowds arrived for the festival.
Later we plan to visit my MIL’s.
I also need to pack!!
This Coming Week on the Run–
- Monday – rest day, flight to Florida and MY BIRTHDAY!!
- Tuesday – Saturday – run, tennis, beach, walk, dinner out, REPEAT!
- Sunday – Tropicool 5k
This Coming Week on the Blog –
- Tuesday – Prospect Mountain Road Race Recap
- Friday – What I Talk About When I Talk About Running Quotes
Next Week on the Run–
- Monday – run, flight home
- Tuesday – gym, run
- Wednesday – gym, walk w/STEM group
- Thursday – Workforce Challenge Race
- Friday – gym, rest day, dinner out with family to celebrate my B-day.
- Saturday – gym, walk with running friends, boating? hubby’s B-day
- Sunday – Steel Rail Half Marathon
Next Week on the Blog –
- Tuesday – Racing By the Alphabet (Non-Half Marathon Version)
- Friday – Tips for Running During Vacation
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 run or planned? Did you experience summer-like weather this week? How did you celebrate Mothers’ Day? Please share.
Congrats on that mountain race—I would totally do something like that.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in your glasses. You look cute! Enjoy your vacation!
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I know you would join me
Don’t put my contacts in at 6 am. Lol.
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That mountain race looks tough but fun! Look at you rocking the gym consistently and front loading to compensate for your vacay! Awesome!
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Thanks. It was very hard. And yes fun when it was done.
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5 days at the gym this week! Who are you? I have to know how it makes you feel? Do you enjoy strength training more? Your mountain race sounds super fun and challenging!
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I know. What happened to I never work out Darlene? I feel accomplished.
And that race was super hard… a lot of walking.
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I can’t wait to hear about the mountain race! It does sound fun. So make sure you pack your shorts and tank tops- it’s hot down here! The Naples area is so beautiful though- I hope you have a blast.
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Looking forward to warm temps and ocean breezes.
Recap on Tuesday.
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Those tulips are beautiful! Happy almost-birthday!
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Thanks.
I wish they lasted longer. Soon will be lilacs and peonies.
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Your flower photos are stunning; thank you for sharing!
Wow, 1,601 feet of climbing in less than 6 miles is no joke! You definitely deserved an ice cream cone. 🙂
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Yes. It was challenging.
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LOL. I think you were at the gym more this week than ever? Awesome!
” But it’s also fun to be able to do hard things.” YES . Absolutely.
Loving all the tulip pics!
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Probably so.
Come visit some Mothers Day to see our tulips
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It rains every damn year. I think we had one when it didn’t when Loly was four months old.
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Very true.
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Great job on all that gym time!! Such beautiful tulip pics! Pella, a town about 40 miles away, hosts a huge tulip festival every year (it’s a a town with a lot of Dutch heritage). I don’t get over there every year, but the tulips are just breathtaking. Tulip gardens line many of the streets, especially the ones near the town square area. Happy Birthday…I hope you have a great celebration on your trip!
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Tulips this year were exceptionally pretty this year.
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FIVE DAYS in a row at the gym! You’ve definitely made up for the week you’ll be away! Happy Birthday to you Darlene – hope you have the best day and an amazing celebration!
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I know. Now I’m on a gym break.
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Five days in a row of going to the gym before work is awesome!
I would love to visit the Annual Albany Tulip Festival. Tulips are my favorite flowers and I love all the vibrant colors!
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My favorite flower too.
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Running is fine. No more in person races at the moment — unless I happen to find one that appeals to me.
Enjoy your birthday & your vacation — I know you will!
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Thanks.
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Look at you with 5 days at the gym! Nice job!
I hope you have a great trip 🙂
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Thanks. So far I am
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