I hadn’t been on a vacation since last May.

So I was obviously looking forward to this trip to visit my college roommate.

And sunflowers are my favorites…

Two Weeks Ago –

• Sunday – Run for the Roses 5k.

I’ve done this small local race before and enjoyed it.  This year I recruited my Heidi to join me. You get a shirt, a library book and a rose… and it raises money for the library.  Oh but I did forget that it was hilly!!

Although I was 3 minutes slower than last time, my ankle didn’t feel any worse and I won my age group (though I didn’t stay for the awards.)

Afterward, I jetted up to the lake and joined my hubby who was patiently waiting.

We spent the afternoon on an island and of course, I read a whole book.

My hubby drove home and I hung around town for a few more hours exploring the shops and listening to music (and having my evening ice cream).

• Monday – I went to the gym before work and had my last pickleball lesson in the evening. Some folks mentioned that they may show up each week here to play… So I did buy a racquet and balls (just in case).
• Tuesday – I met my friend Jenny again for an early morning run. She invited our friend Linda and chose a track workout…

some planets, the moon, sunrise and 50m repeats = great way to start the day

and then I had to rush home because I was teaching live today and tomorrow.

• Wednesday – Same as the day before….

except that Jenny and I met early to run 60:60 intervals

and I chose a different flavor at Starbucks…

and we finally got some rain after work…

• Thursday – I went to the gym and then left work early for a PT appt.

I told her that I was still sore and stiff but no worse. She did her stuff and proclaimed that it seemed a lot better. I was told to continue my exercises and return in three weeks.

Afterward, I was supposed to take the train to NYC. I had decided to stay overnight so I wouldn’t have to make the long trek to the Hamptons in one day.

Well, my train had so many delays that I decided to take the bus and arrived with no snafus. I checked into my hotel and then met Cari for dinner and conversation.

After we parted I continued my evening with a walk around NOMAD and had some gelato.

• Friday – I got up early to do my long run. I had thought of trying for 12 miles. I ran from my hotel toward the East River. Unfortunately I didn’t leave until 7 am and it was already hot and humid. I did my best but with construction, I kept hitting detours.

Eventually I arrived in the Financial District. My run was only about 8 interrupted miles but I was done.

I walked around the area a bit and then took the subway back to my hotel to check out.

I had lunch and took the train to the Hampton Bays where my college roommate, Barbara, lives.

We went out for a drink at a restaurant on the water and we took a boat to another place for a drink. Finally we relaxed with a dinner also with a water view.

• Saturday – I got up late and we just spent the day relaxing in her pool and reading.

Since I was running a race the next day, we went out for pizza for dinner (on the river this time).

We ended the evening with homemade ice cream.

Last Week –

• Sunday – Ellen’s Run.

Early wake up because even though the race started at 9 am, Barbara was volunteering at 6:30 am.

I brought my breakfast and coffee and hung out until it was time to pick up my bib and shirt.

The race raised money for breast cancer research and many of the runners were either survivors or relatives of those who had the disease.

I decided to run in memory of my friend Ava who died back in November.

Although it was sunny, hot and humid, I did my best (and walked a lot) but still won my age group.

The plan for the afternoon was visiting a winery.

The one we chose even had live music. We brought along charcuterie and did flight tasting (5 different wines). All were good.

There were even sunflowers there.

For dinner, we stayed in and barbecued steaks and had home grown corn.

• Monday – Unfortunately it was looking not to be a beach day. Cloudy, cool and breezy. Barbara also had work being done on her house.

I thought that I do a run but my legs wanted a walk and so I just ran to the water (which was nearby) and walked along the shore in both directions.

We went out for Mexican for our last dinner and then to a movie. It was an Italian movie and so good!!

• Tuesday – Last day of vacay and I needed to run. This morning I chose to go to a nearby nature sanctuary. My legs felt like lead. Too much relaxing I guess.

Since the weather was perfect for the beach, that’s where we headed.

Then I took the LIRR train back to NYC and eventually Amtrak home.  I arrived home late but no travel snafus… phew!

• Wednesday – Back to the real world. Early wake up planned to run with Jenny. Then WFH.

Nope, it was pouring!! So I just went to the gym instead.  And it rained ALL DAY!

In the evening, I had dinner with my tennis friends.

• Thursday – WFH again and I had no time to run with Jenny in the morning so I instead of the trails, I ran after work on the rail trail.

I decided to end my day on a happy note – visit to a sunflower field.

• Friday – Back to gym before work and another WFH day. I skipped mah jongg so I could wrap presents for the party the next day.

• Saturday – Last long run before my half marathon

This would normally be a taper but I skipped my 12 miler and my friends are marathon training so I’d have company.

I met Sherry and Stan for some miles and then I joined Deb for the rest.

I had to skip brunch because there was a noon birthday party for my granddaughter who will be turning two.

Since I do have a sunflower obsession, I drove up to another sunflower farm (one that also had colored sunflowers…

• Sunday – Gym is planned and then up to the lake (if the weather forecast is wrong.)

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – walk, pickleball?
• Tuesday – walk
• Wednesday – walk
• Thursday – run, STEM zoom
• Friday – gym, mah jongg
• Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon
• Sunday – gym, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Ellen’s Run Recap
• Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall?  Any fun beach vacations? Is your weather cooling down? What is your favorite flower? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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