Author: Darlene

by

Weekly Run Down for 7.6.20-7.12.20: And the Heat Goes On…

Hot hot hot.

Not complaining because I love summer and it’s better than snow and ice and all those layers.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along.

Another 5k got cancelled – Silks and Satins.

fondly remembering last year

And of course, another half marathon went virtual…Adirondack Half Marathon in September (hopefully, I can get a refund or defer…I’m done with virtuals).

Last Week –

  • Monday – Too much work drama to get in a run or walk before work. UGH!  Especially on such a hot day.

I also only had time for a short walk during lunch….

no shade in the ‘hood but always pretty flowers (even if they are past bloom)

And so after work, I drove in search of some shade. I decided on The Crossings since there was a wooded loop I could run on. 90 degrees so still a struggle but would have been worse if I ran anywhere else.

definitely worth the trip and I got to shop at nearby Trader Joe’s

  • Tuesday – A little breeze this morning but only had time for a short walk.

part in the ‘hood and part on the trail. gotta bring a container to pick those raspberries

I did my lunch walk on the trail…warmer than this morning but cooler than yesterday.

pushed myself (as my shirt said) later in the day

Since I had plans after work the next two days, I decided to get in a run.  I drove to the Voorheesville end of the rail trail and hoped for a shady route. It was shady but I just wasn’t feeling it but I did enjoy seeing the artwork.

they added new pieces from my last visit…I guess I need to keep returning here

When I was done, I met my BFF to do our walk and talk in an outdoor mall.

  • Wednesday – A rest day!!  I skipped my morning walk (due to work stuff) so I planned to extend my lunch one (if the rain held off)…

I headed to the trails to stay in the shade…still hot and muggy!

2 loops though I had planned 3. Better than nothing.

Then after work, I met two former co-workers for a walk.  It’s been months since we’ve talked so it was nice. We almost didn’t get to do it due to a passing thunderstorm however the rain stopped (but the humidity did not.)

we were too busy talking for me to take any pics except for this one before my friends arrived on the rail trail

  • Thursday – I had grandiose plans to drag myself out of bed to run before work.  But my foot has been hurting (again) all week so I decided to lay low. (Of course, today my foot felt fine. D’uh)

So I just went for a short walk during lunch on the waterline during lunch…hot.hot.hot. (No way I would want to run today.)

the top photo is my house…I used be able to access the waterline (before everything grew in)

And then after work, our weekly scheduled trail walk was scheduled. This week, it took place at Five Rivers. And though it was a small group (like two of us) as usual, lots of fun (and exercise). We saw a doe and her fawn.  And a Mama Turtle laying 5 eggs.  Very very cool!!!

After an ice cream cone, I decided that I needed some more steps so stopped off at a preserve on my way home.

  • Friday – Another rest day.  My 3rd day in a row. Two walks and then I was looking forward to the trails after work.  Of course, there was heavy rain predicted…

I did get to walk this morning before work.

of course, more flower pix

It looked like rain but I also got in a second walk during lunch.  The only water felt was my sweat lol

soon these will be gone

It was raining when I finished work but it stopped. With the predicted thunderstorms, I decided not to hike and get stuck in the middle of the woods. Instead I went for another walk.  And the rain never came.

I parked at the opposite end of the rial trail from Tuesday (9 miles away). It was a lovely walk aside from the oppressive humidity.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back to my neck of the woods – the Delmar Rail Trail. Between the weather forecast, vacations and family obligations, my running group shrunk.

I too was wondering if the thunderstorms would hold off and let me get in a few miles. No rain but lots of humidity.  I ran 5 miles solo (though I passed Barbara twice on the path) and then 5 miles with Deirdre.

You bet I rewarded my achy feet and sweaty body with French toast.

Did some housework, a short walk and then watched Hamilton again (this time with the hubby – he didn’t hate it lol).

Ended the day with drinks out with a friend.  What happened to that rain??

  • Sunday – Boating Day!

Same as last Sunday though not as hot…relaxing, eating, drinking and reading in my happy place!!

It was a beautiful day on the lake…even a nice breeze

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  rest day
  • Wednesday –  run
  • Thursday – run, trail walk
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

by

Broken Ankle and the Pandemic

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic today is: My Broken Ankle vs the Pandemic

On Dec 30, 2011, I fell on the ice and broke my fibula and tibia and had to have surgery.

Thinking back to how I dealt with this horrible situation has helped me deal with the current pandemic we’re in.

Here are 5 6 reasons why both are very similar:

1.Happened Unexpectedly.

I was doing a 10 mile training run and then all of a sudden, I was down on the ground.

last run

I was at work on March 16 and then on March 17, I was told to stay home and self-isolate.

my new office

2.Scary Health-wise.

I had never broken my ankle. I had never had surgery before or anesthesia.  Yikes!

not my x-ray – I have 6 screws in the plate

COVID-19 – Would I get it?  Would my friends or family get it?  People are dying from it!!! Holy cow!

New York now has more coronavirus cases than Italy and Spain ...

3. Unknown Duration.

How long would it take for my bones to heal? Weeks? How long until I could walk or run again? Months?

post ankle surgery

How long until I would go back to work? How long until I could see my family and friends?  How long will we be social-distancing??

 our first pandemic post-run brunch

4. Feeling Depressed and Isolated.

I missed a New Year’s Party. I couldn’t go anywhere. Not to the mall, not out with my friends.  I was stuck at home. I was bored and lonely.

Nothing is open.  I can’t even get my hair cut.  I can’t go out to dinner or to the movies. I am tired of running by myself.

ZOOMing with my running friends

5. Changes Happen in Stages

First I would be mobile using crutches.  And then walking with a boot. And eventually walking unaided… and then running!!

first steps

First leaving the house to go to essential places, then more places but wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.  Eventually more places open up but restrictions are still in place.

first boating outing

6. What will “Normal” be?

Will I run as fast as before?  Will I be able to run long distances? Will there be things I can no longer do?

my first post-injury 5k

Will we be able to hug our family and friends?  Will we be able to attend concerts and movies?  Will there be big races?

running with friends but 6 ft apart

Happy Running! Have you ever had a serious injury or situation which may have prepared you for this Pandemic? Please share.

by

Mid-Year Review

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today is: 2020 Mid-Year Review

Well, obviously things haven’t gone as planned. (17 races that I was planning to run by Jun 30, 2020 have been cancelled).

  • Races

The year started with a painful foot.  I continued to run on it and completed a few short races and two half marathons. Then I got rid of the pain but there have been no races since 😦

  • Virtual Races

Yes, I have technically completed quite a few including three half marathons.

But none have I truly raced.

  • Mileage

My goal for the year has always been 1000 miles.  That means around 84 miles each month.

Jan – 83.8 miles
Feb  – 76.7 miles
Mar – 91 miles
Apr – 89 miles
May – 86.5 miles
Jun – 82 miles

I have run 507 miles so far.

It seems that I am right on track as far as that goes.

  • Training Plans

I have continued to run as if I were training for a half marathon.  That means I run 3 short runs during the work week

and one Long Run of 10 miles on the weekend.

  • Cross Training

Ummm.. I started the year with an occasional trip to the gym to ride the bike or use the machines (very occasional).

Then everything closed. I do not own any equipment.

So it’s been a lot of walking, a lot of hiking and a lot of weeding. I have also taken a yoga class every month (face to face and then through ZOOM).

  • Race-cations

Yes, my favorite thing to do.

NYC for a half marathon and then an awesome one in Bermuda (who knew how fun it would be and how it may be the last  one of the year?) I had a race scheduled for my tennis trip to Naples, Fl but the trip got cancelled.  I had another NYC trip planned for June but that race got cancelled.

Hopefully, my NH girls trip will happen in October – race or no race.  Maybe I will even get to run in NYC before 2021.

  • Blogger Meet-ups

Well, most of them have been virtual.

virtual 5k with Cari, Kim and Deb

Gotta love ZOOM.

As I am sure every runner will agree, 2020 so far has not been a remarkable year.  But if we are all healthy, we should not complain.

Things can only get better!!

I’m  also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! How is your 2020 shaping up? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 6.29.20-7.5.20: Rain Rain Go Away!

Hard to believe that it is July already.

Still haven’t run a race since February,

Summer humidity arrived along with showers and thunderstorms but running, hiking and boating still took place. In other words, I kept my sanity.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along. More than halfway…Yay!

Last Week –

  • Monday – The rain yesterday cooled off the temps but left awful humidity!!  I ran before work. Still only getting in 3 miles since I never get out early enough (or run fast enough.)

working from home has given me more time to decide what to wear…this skirt is a unicorn

Still lucky enough to get in a walk and not get wet.

in the ‘hood – just love poppies!!!

After dinner I decided to re-visit the Tivoli Lake Preserve in Albany. Another hidden treasure that few people in this city know about.  I visited it early in the pandemic and got in a visit again before the third storm of the day.

behind some unkept trails and along the Amtrak train tracks

  • Tuesday – A busy work day so just a quick walk in the ‘hood before work. A dreary rainy morning but I stayed mostly dry.

the lilies are a bloomin’!

and then again at lunch. The sun came out but then it started to sprinkle…actually felt great.

don’t you love raindrops on roses, I mean flowers?

After work, it still threatened rain but nevertheless, I drove to the Albany end of the rail trail to get in as many miles as the weather (or legs) would allow. Barely got done before the skies opened up.

had to rush the pic but there is a roaring creek below

  • Wednesday – This weather is getting old. Humid #AF when I went for my morning walk.  Came home dripping in sweat.

an orange kind of morning

The sun came out so I went for my lunch walk.  It turned into more of a sprint since the skies opened suddenly and I got drenched!!

continuing with my orange theme for the day

Today was supposed to be our weekly trail walk day.  It didn’t look good weather-wise. But the rain stayed away and we did a really scenic and fun hike.  It was challenging in parts too.

even a waterfall at the Rensselaer Tech Park trails

  • Thursday – Finally sunshine.  Again, I got up too late to squeeze in a run so I walked.

it was warm already…wished I opted to run…

I decided to run at lunch… Holy heat stroke!! 91 degrees!!

did most of the run on the water line thinking it would be cooler but it sure didn’t feel like it

After work, I headed off to the trails looking for a breeze and some shade. I found it at Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary.

would have hiked longer but there was thunder and storms on the way.

I arrived home just in time for ANOTHER storm and no power for several hours.  No problem. I already had plans to go out to dinner with a friend (outdoors and the rain did stop 🙂 ).

  • Friday – My planned rest day. More clouds and rain on the way.  Started the day with a walk and took my umbrella (only a quick shower even though the forecast was for rain later on.).

these flowers reminded me of the fireworks that I won’t be seeing tomorrow 😦

I also managed to squeeze in a steamy lunch walk and did not get rained on. I walked both loops of the trail in the local park.

I must have just missed the rain because it was very wet and felt like a rain forest

It rained all afternoon. I’ve never seen it rain that hard!! Crazy weather.

Another day where I had to decide if I had time to hike between thunderstorms. According to the radar, it seemed that I would be less likely to get rained on if I drove north. So I headed to Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve (a new trail for me) and took a risk. I walked from the Whipple Bridge to the Old Lock 19 and back.

wide and flat…a nice place to run

Another storm in the evening but I stayed dry today.

Hamilton the musical release date: THIS is when Hamilton is ...

I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time. I downloaded it so I’ll probably watch it several more times.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  Back by popular demand was a group run at the Zim Smith Bike Path. As I did last week, I drove up earlier to run. Many of my 10 miles were with friends, some were solo. Glad for the cloud cover but it was sooooo humid, felt like running in a rain forest.

and yes, I wore my red, white and blue since it was the 4th of July

Unfortunately, our favorite brunch place (Leah’s) was closed so we drove to Lakeside Farms. I had apple fritter French toast … yum.

Normally, I would be up at the lake to BBQ with friends, watch the fireworks on the lake and participate in tomorrow’s Hike-athon.  All was cancelled so I decided to stay home do errands and go for a hike. Then head up to spend the day there tomorrow.

First Henry Hudson Park but could not find the trails and then another nearby but the trails were too buggy = short hike 🙂

  • Sunday – Boating Day.  Since most boaters had been there on Friday and Saturday, it wasn’t too crowded but it was a PERFECT day to be on Lake George. I just floated around in the water or sat in a chair on the island and read.

my happy place

My hubby drove home however my legs needed some steps so I just walked around town (and thus got home rather late but worth it.)

love Bolton Landing…next time maybe I’ll run here.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  rest day
  • Wednesday –  run
  • Thursday – run, trail walk
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

by

Ultimate Coffee Date for July

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have upped my daily miles so I can take time off.

I signed up for the NYS 1000k Challenge which means 6 miles a day.

I have enough accumulated miles so that I only have to run/walk 5 miles a day.

Running 10 miles on Saturdays means that I can take Sundays off!!!

not many steps will be taken while sitting on my boat or on a Lake George island.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my original Pandemic Goal was to finish as many trails and preserves as possible.  I had set my goal at 25 new places which I reached pretty quickly and then thought of upping it to 50.

Now I decided that instead of adding a lot of new places, I’m going to re-visit the ones I like most.  Besides, the trails look radically different in the summer than they did back in March.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I started seeing my friends about a month ago.  Many people may have thought it was risky.

I am still healthy and so are my family and friends and mentally, I feel so much better with social contact.  My runs are better, my hikes more enjoyable yada yada yada.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I feel really bad for all those signed up for fall marathons that have been cancelled esp. NYC and those running their first. I know it’s the right thing to do…but…

NYC Marathon Canceled Over COVID-19, Just Too Risky

It’s a big step in committing to training and running 26.2 miles.

You can’t imagine how glad I am NOW that I took the plunge and ran NYC LAST YEAR. To think, I was hesitating… CARPE DIEM!!

lucky us!!!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I now have quite a collection of Virtual/Pandemic Race Swag.  I’m not sure if I care??

I may want to forget this year totally.

The Year Shit Became Real Virtual 5k wine glass

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
runner-sig

by

Four Somethings for June

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (for me a Tuesday), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

1. Something Loved.

Nature!!!

Having no races to train for may have left most you runners unmotivated. I suffer from that as well so I have focused on experiencing nature.  Visiting and walking the nearby trails…

especially those with waterfalls (Huyck Preserve):

Once I race again and have to focus on running, these visits may decrease.

2. Something Said.

I posted a quote by Monet on my FB page.  One of French students from long ago said:

“You were one of the best teachers that I ever had!! I loved your classes! You always kept us challenge, entertained and made learning fun. I remember…”

That certainly made my day.  Teachers rarely get comments from their students.  At least, I didn’t (until I quit teaching lol).

My point being is that you never know when or if you inspire anyone.  And that carries over to running.  If you love what you do, you will affect someone.  They may never tell you. Running like teaching is often selfless.

Have you ever surprisingly inspired or had a positive effect on someone?

3. Something Learned.

Her Marathon Time Is Astounding—And Not Just for 71 - WSJ

Jeannie Rice, age 72

This lady has been running for 37 years without a single injury.

She holds the world and/or national record at every distance.

She has run 150 marathons.

She still runs at least 11-12 miles each day (6-8 marathons a year.)

If you have time, listen to her interview on this podcast.

What learned was that GOALS and SPEED do not have be related to AGE.

Have you used your age as an excuse to give up on your goals or slow down?

4. Something Read.

My co-worker lent me a whole bunch of mysteries. Some were so-so but I especially enjoyed this one.

The story is told from two points of view — Lucy (the daughter-in-law) and Diana Goodwin (the mother-in-law).  When Diana is found dead in her home, folks are unsure whether it is suicide or if someone wanted her dead.

Well, I couldn’t put it down. Now I want to read Hepworth’s other books.

Have you read this or any of Hepworth’s books?  Who is your favorite mystery author?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What are your somethings? Share at least ONE. 

by

Weekly Run Down for 6.22.20-6.28.20: Things are heating up.

As things have opened up (We are in Phase 3), the temps have heated up.

That means getting up earlier to run before work so I don’t die and looking for shadier trails for after work.

But mostly everything is the same.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along.

Last Week –

  • Monday – As I mentioned, it was hot and humid.  What I hate about running early is that it is boring to run in my neighborhood.  Looking forward to cloudy cooler temps just so I can drive somewhere to run after work.

running slow enough to admire the landscapes in my NYC outfit…

I went for a walk again at lunch…and almost had heat stroke lol

I need a shadier route but the trails are so buggy…

After work, I waited until the temps went down from 95 to 86 and headed for a shady trail.  I re-visited Hanncroix Creek Preserve. When I arrived, people were leaving in bathing suits. I guess it is a popular swimming hole as well as a trail.

you can jump of the cliff into the creek or climb down the rocks to cool off..there are a few different trails so I still have more to explore on my next visit

  • Tuesday – Today I went for my walk before work instead of a run and then again during lunch.

another hot one…wish I had done my run early this morning

I had planned to meet my BFF for a walk and talk so I squeezed in my run before that at UAlbany.

a steamy run around campus…met two old tennis friends on the way and well. you can see my post run treat

  • Wednesday – It rained all night so the temps were a lot cooler in the morning so I should have run but instead I went for a walk since I was still debating about the evening Ice Cream group run.

had to model my new shirt from the FRW virtual 5k… much cooler out but still humid

I walked again at lunch. This time I drove to the nearby preserve (and put on a lot of bug spray).

two loops of Van Dyke Preserve were a refreshing reprieve from the ‘hood

WTH?…I drove to the Crossings to meet some others to run followed by ice cream.

the run was good since I was motivated to run faster than when I run alone, I met some new people and well, the ice cream was eaten too fast to take a pic.

  • Thursday – Finally a rest day with a few short walks and an evening adventure trail walk with my running friends on tap.

Too much work drama to get my walk in before work and the temps were cool and perfect for a run (figures).  I did get a short walk in at lunch.

Then after work, I drove to Peebles Island State Park. I walked a bit until everyone arrived …

and then we strolled around the island. We didn’t get lost.  It was an island (but that fact didn’t stop us last time.) Lots of fun, as usual (and ice cream after.)

  • Friday – Another rest day. A walk before work and then a walk at the Arboretum since I signed up to volunteer there after work.

no one showed up so I went home did 2 hours of weeding there

Dinner out at an outdoor restaurant (for the 2nd time.) This time locally with a friend. Just a little bit of normalcy.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  This week we picked the Zim Smith Bike Path. Our reason was that we thought that Leah’s Cakery had re-opened and we wanted to buy our brunch items there (then we found out that you had to order your items 2 days in advance so we switched to Lakeside Farms just a few minutes away).

As with every long run, I am running longer than the others so I get there early and run and then hook up with the others.

I ran 4 miles solo and then 6 more with Sherry & Alyssa…as you can tell almost everyone in the group showed up to either run, walk or brunch…Love my running friends!!

Well, we discovered that Leah’s indeed had opened, so we hung out in the park, ate and chatted until the rain came.

  • Sunday – Boating was on my schedule but the weather did not cooperate. Instead I planned an early morning hike with a friend.  But she texted to tell me it was already raining.  I decided to go solo and bring an umbrella and avoid the mud by walking on the rail trail (where I often run.)  I headed to the end and it was no longer raining.  And much to my surprise there was an exhibit of artwork dedicated to the pandemic.  What a treat.

the pictures don’t do it justice since there are words on many of the art.

I walked and discovered some side trails (you see so much more when you are not running) and only truned back when I heard thunder.

Only a few drops of rain so I decided to continue my explorations until the real rain came.  I headed into the city to visit the ground of Ten Broeck Mansion.

another hidden treasure that is located in the worst section of the city

Rain kept threatening so I headed toward home and got in one more walk.  This time at the opposite end of the trail trail.  I walked until I hit the bubbling creek and then rushed back to the sound of thunder.

don’t you love the family huddled under that umbrella (on Pride Day)

Last stop before I got home was to get my NAILS done!!! They took my temp, the salon was empty.  Hair colored and cut and now a manicure. OMG.  My life is complete…only kidding.  (I could have waited since I work from home but self care is important, you guys!!)

While I was getting my nails done, the sky opened up.

It rained several more times but I was able to get in one more walk.  Forecast for Mon, Tues and Wed is showers and thunderstorms!! Oh my…

after dinner on the middle of the rail trail

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday –  rest day, trail walk
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

by

Runfessions for June

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I am impulsive.  Well, you knew that, right?

I upped my NYS Challenge distance from 500k to 1000K.

Certificate

That means it’s 6 miles a day rather than 3!!

SIX miles… I only run 3 and not every day.  I walk a lot but once boating season gets in full swing, that’s ZERO miles when on a boat all day.

What was I thinking?

It’ll be a challenge.

This challenge will be good for me, I hope.

Are you impulsive or do you think things through before you act?

2. I runfess…

I really miss racing.

Once my September Half Marathon (Saratoga Palio) was cancelled, I got depressed.  My last half was in February (and I was injured).  Remember I was hoping to run 12 half marathons (one each month) this year.

And I am sick of virtual races.  I ran THREE virtual half marathons already.

So when I got an email announcing that the Adirondack Half Marathon was on (but with changes)…

2020 Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival - Schroon Lake, NY ...

Sept. 27, 2020

Well, you know what happened.

I decided to take a refund for Palio and then signed up for Adirondack Half.

Are you running any races this year?

3.I runfess…

In the beginning, I whined and complained about being stuck in the house 8 to 4 – tied to my computer.

But as the weeks went on, I realized that I NEVER want to go back to my office.

Why?

I can wear running clothes ALL day. That means I get quickly sneak out for a run at lunch and be out the door in no time to run after work.

I am in no way running more miles (as you can see above) but what I am doing to getting in more steps because I am moving THREE times a day – before work, at lunch and after work.  I will either walk or hike if I do not run.

Does working from home help or hinder your running?

4. I runfess…

The downside for me regarding work during this pandemic is that I do not get to travel.

I miss running in different locations.  I miss my hotel points (to use for race-cations).

What do you miss if you are working from home?

5.I runfess…

I am enjoying my trails.  I wish I enjoyed my weekday runs that much.  I keep thinking that I should start running on the trails.

only about a mile loop

There’s a few problems.  First I am clumsy. Secondly the nearby ones are not long enough.  The longer ones I would have to drive to and it would be after work.

Definitely could try running on this one

I think that I am just making excuses lol.

Anyone else prefer to walk rather than run on trails?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

runner-sig

by

Summer Bucket List (during the Pandemic)

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today was: Summer Bucket List

I think I posted about this last year and it included such things as:

  • Racing on the weekend
  • Long runs in preparation for fall half marathons (or marathon)
  • Playing tennis outdoors
  • Participating in ARE Trail Series and SOAR group runs
  • Running in different places around the state esp. in NYC
  • Going to Saratoga Race Track
  • Boating on Lake George
  • Hiking 

Now with this Pandemic, obviously my bucket list plans have changed:

  • Racing on the weekend

What races?

Last summer, there were many:

This summer??

There’s still a slight possibility that my August half marathon will happen…very slight!!  Hopefully a shorter small race or two will happen before Sept 22.

Druthers Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

April 19th race postponed until August 29….

Checkmark Bullet Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | ShutterstockLong runs in preparation for fall half marathons (or marathon)

Yes, I am trying to keep up my 10 mile base.  So far so good.  But it’s hard with the heat and keeping the 6 ft distance from my running friends. But at least I’m not running all those miles alone.

  • Playing tennis outdoors

A big NO here.  My Tuesday evening group disbanded in favor of playing on clay during the day.  I am still working.  Though, I could pursue finding others to play with, I have switched my focus to running, walking and hiking after work.

tennis friends

I used to play tennis EVERYDAY especially in the summer. I miss it!! But at least I still see my friends. I am sure I will play again often if I ever retire.

  • Participating in ARE Trail Series and SOAR group runs.

The Trail Series that I did with my friends last year has been cancelled.

I am running mostly solo during the week, fitting it around my work schedule.

I may participate in some Ice Cream Group Runs that will be organized.

  • Running in different places around the state and in NYC.

No traveling for work.  That means just running locally in the same places!!

Last year:

  • Going to Saratoga Race Track

The races have been cancelled for spectators.  This has been a tradition for my friend and I – For over 30 years we have been going to breakfast and then watching the races.

Checkmark Bullet Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | ShutterstockBoating on Lake George

Yes, this will happen.  Many restrictions, of course. No fireworks, no events or craft fairs…. MASKS!

We’ll see how it goes.  The lake will be there. It will be beautiful but camping, docking, eating, socializing….????

Last summer:

This summer:

Checkmark Bullet Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | ShutterstockHiking 

I plan to do this all summer.  I have been hiking during the pandemic.  I have acquired a new hiking friend.  This is one the highlights of the pandemic for me.

One big downer is that the Hikeathon that I signed my hubby & I up for (for the first time) has gone virtual.

Hike-A-Thon 2020 logo

in fact, Pinnacle Pt, the hike we signed up for is still closed

Last summer:

This summer:

As they say: This too shall pass!

I am healthy.  My family and friends are healthy.

Life is good!

I’m  also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What is on your summer bucket list?  How has it changed from last summer? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 6.15.20-6.21.20: Being Flexible

As things are opening up (We entered Phase 3) and the temps are heating up, it was often hard to fit the running and walking into my schedule.

There was work, of course, but also a haircut, get-togethers with friends, runs with friends, boating, etc.

Almost like old times…not quite. But trying to focus on the positives.

Some days the run was before work, other days during lunch, others after work and some days not at all. Gotta be flexible.

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

the LAST week for these virtual races and the theme was LIFE Un-Canceled

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along.

Last Week –

  • Monday – A beautiful day all around.  A walk before work in the ‘hood …

yes, today was purple day

and then a walk at lunch on the waterline trail.

no flowers …just a cute little bunny

After work, I drove to Albany and ran around the Washington Park area for change in scenery.

the flowers were in the nearby neighborhoods…none in the park. the rainbow was where I worked at one time.

the last un-canceled virtual.. I was hoping to do a longer one but didn’t have it in me today and that’s LIFE!

  • Tuesday – A busy day.

I had to squeeze a short walk in before work

white and yellow were the colors of the morning..lots of sunshine

And then a run at lunch (around the neighborhood.)

a little warmer than I would have liked but it was noon…I guess I felt RED hot.

After work, I had a hair appt.  It felt so good to look decent again.  I wish I had somewhere to go to celebrate.

Instead, I went on a walk at a nearby preserve.

my 2nd visit to Lishakill Preserve

  • Wednesday – Another busy work day and a hot one.  I declared this a rest day. With the temps heating up, it seemed to be a great idea.

I did get in two short walks in my neighborhood (before work and at lunchtime).

I liked the mixture of colors here

I figured you may want to see my HAIR – colored and several inches chopped off – however it looked better before wearing a cap yesterday and this morning. My shirt reminded me of my LAST race (got it when I was an ambassador several years ago)

After work, I got together with my tennis friends for dinner in the park.

Once they all left, since I was in a park where there were trails, I took a short walk on them.

this deer just would not get out of my way!!

  • Thursday – Another hot day so I started the day with my run.  Best idea ever!! And it was cloudy!!

Ever try to see how fast you run with a speed zone device? I got it to 10 mph WTH?

Then I took a short walk at lunch.  The sun came out and it sure warmed up.

always searching for new wildflowers on the waterline

And then after work, I drove to meet my running friends to explore some trails.  We walked at Schodack Island State Park where I had always wanted to go.  We had planned to do the 4.7 mile loop but missed the turn…we ended up walking 8.5 miles…. Oh, my aching feet!!

we laughed as it was still fun.

  • Friday – Fridays are my rest days due to a long run scheduled the next day.

I still try to get in 2 walks (before work and during lunch break)

legs did not feel as sore as I thought they would but it was warm out even very early in the day

took a different route at lunch …boring as you can see

 and then explore a preserve or trail after work. After Thursday night’s experience, I want to find a short, flat trail. I decided to go back to Five Rivers (as I hadn’t been there in months.)

I was so nice there that I did TWO trails.

so relaxing being by the creek and flowing water

enjoyed this one as well

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  Again with the heat and everyone doing different things, the easiest part is to plan where and when to meet for brunch.  This time it was BYO at Chris’ house.

I drove to Corning Bike Path and ran 4 miles solo and then met up with some others for the rest of miles (6 for a total of 10 for the day.) It was steamy (and not a cloud in the sky) but I ran the last 4 miles with a friend using 30:30 intervals which made it almost painless.

After some gardening and laundry, I was rested enough to hit the trails.

This was a repeat and it is very pretty but sooo buggy!

  • Sunday – Father’s Day! And finally a day on our boat.  The weather was perfect and my stepson and his wife came along too. We all had a great time. We ate, swam and while they napped, I read a book in the shade.

can’t beat that view

And then I went out to a restaurant for dinner (an outdoor one, of course) for the FIRST time in forever.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  run or rest day
  • Wednesday – run 
  • Thursday – rest day, trail walk
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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?  Are things opening up where you live?  Have you gotten a haircut yet?  If so, didn’t it feel amazing? How did you celebrate Father’s Day? Please share.