What I am Looking Forward to in 2023

Obviously, as a runner, I’m looking forward to races…

especially a race in a new location – Finger Lakes, here I come!!

But more importantly:

  • Good Health AND No Injuries.

  • Scenic Hikes

  • Runs with Friends

  • Blogger Meet-Ups

  • Outings with Non-Running Friends

  • Vacations

  • Lake Time

  • Flowers

  • Quality Family Time

  • Good Books

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to this year?  Please share.

runner-sig


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


I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie RunsConfessions of a Mother RunnerMile by MileRuns with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Weekly Run Down for 1.22.23-1.29.22: Home Sweet Home

As much as I LOVE NYC, it was nice after two weeks to sleep in my own bed.

Unfortunately, the weather played havoc with my running…but that is life in Northeast during winter.

And there was some cat drama this week.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – I got a lot done today… it was catch up day.

Laundry, cleaning, nails, library, bank, grocery shopping….

I did made time for a hike… although it was muddy, it hadn’t started snowing or sleeting yet.

so peaceful walking along the Normanskill Creek

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. and the 1/2 DAY OFF!

My new work schedule has been working some Monday mornings… this was one of them. I had planned to drive to the office and then run at lunch at UAlbany.

But I woke up to this:

So I decided to work from home and then run at lunch in my neighborhood.

At lunchtime, it was still snowing hard but at least my driveway was cleared.

Finally I got run done in late afternoon. I drove into town thinking the roads would be clearer.  They were but so many puddles that I had to run through the slush on the sidewalks…  Wet wet feet!!

  • Tuesday – Still working from home in the morning hopeful of getting in a dry run at lunch.

warmer and drier than the day before in my neighborhood

I went to the office in the afternoon and then after work, I met my BFF for a long walk around the mall.

  • Wednesday – More snow predicted and a dinner was scheduled with my tennis friends.

The dinner was postponed until next week (even though we didn’t get much snow and it was mostly rain.).

  • Thursday – Still no sun but dry so I hoped to get my run done at lunch.

Work got in the way but after work, I drove into town and finished my run before dark.

it was actually very pleasant… with some light snow falling.

However the day took a turn for the worse…

My hubby accidentally let my kitten outside…

Macch’s latest pic… he is still very skittish but is gradually warming up to both of us...

I hence spent ALL night outside (in the cold) looking for him.

  • Friday – Of course after a sleepless night, I woke up to sunshine for the first time this week. (However, it did cloud up by lunchtime.)

It was a rest day but not very restful.  Though I was working ALL day, at least it was from home so I could continue to search for my kitty at breaks and lunch..

The evening was spent with my mah jongg ladies (after 2 Fridays away.)  Boy was it needed.

  • Saturday Guess who made an appearance at 4am this morning. What a relief!!

Even though I was exhausted after sleepless night #2, it was Long Run Day (11 miles).

How I hate winter running… not the cold temps but the icy snowy paths.

As always, we planned our brunch time and location and did own own thing.

I ran 3 miles on my own and then met Stan and Sherry for 8 more miles followed by brunch with the others.

the sun finally came out at the end of the run…

In the afternoon I met my mah jongg friends for a movie date:

80 for Brady - Movie

It was very entertaining. I did skip dinner out for a trip to Trader Joes and evening at home.

  • Sunday – Winter Series #3 – 5.5k, 15k or 30k.

Obviously after the long run on the previous day, I plan to run/walk with my friend Heidi for the shortest distance.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday – rest day
  • Wednesday – run, dinner out with friends
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I am Looking Forward to in 2023
  • Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any winter big races?  Any snow where you live? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 


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.

FFF: The First Runfessions of 2023

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

And the FIRST one for this year!!

1.  I runfess…

Running Is My Therapy Drawing by Faiz Nawaz - Pixels

With all the stuff going on in my job, my poor running friends have become my therapists.  Luckily they are great listeners and don’t complain.

2.  I runfess…

12 Things You'll Only Hear Runners Say | ACTIVE

When you don’t know when you have to work and where, how can you schedule your runs?

3.  I runfess… 

I may have volunteered to work a week in NYC because I love to run in Central Park and would get to hang out with Cari.

4.  I runfess…

I am enjoying racing without a watch and running 1:1 intervals.

Ok, they are free races (and the fast local runners are there so no AG award would happen anyway.)

However, I like getting my long training runs done the day before rather than adding on miles before or after the race (as done in previous years).

long runs with my running buds

Plus it’s rewarding to be able to help out a friend (who’s returning to running after an injury.)

5. I runfess…

I keep toying with the idea of joining a gym… maybe Planet Fitness..

I had planned to check it out first…

A month has gone by and I have yet to do so…

13 Hilarious Memes Related To Being Lazy For You To Enjoy In Your Lazy Time

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

 

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

Winter Racing

I know winter officially started back in December but I’m finally getting around to posting..

It seems that all my races this Winter will be ones that I have run in the past…

  • As I’ve previously mentioned, I signed up for ALL five free club sponsored races.  This year, however, the shorter distance has been changed to a 5.5k.
  • For the 2nd time, I will be running the A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon on Feb. 19. I hope to meet up with blogger Jenny.

  • Twice, I ran this race as a 5 miler

but for this year, the race has been changed to a 10k (Hopefully the weather will be better than last year.)

  • I will be running the NYC Half Marathon for the 2nd time. In addition to two of my local running friends also running it, I plan to meet up with bloggers Cari, Erica, Deborah and Zenaida.

yes, it was cold back in 2019

Happy Running! What are your racing plans this winter?  Please share.

runner-sig


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


I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie RunsConfessions of a Mother RunnerMile by MileRuns with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Weekly Run Down for 1.15.23-1.22.23: Back to the Big Apple

My co-worker was still out sick so that meant that I had to go to NYC and work in Queens all week!!

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Winter Series #3. Though there were 3 options:  5.5k, 10k or 25k, I choose the shortest one (since I had run 9 miles the day before).

It was windy with feels like 10 temps but still fun.  I ran/walked with my running friend (until the last 1/2 mile or so) and we finished with a 2 minute PR over Winter Series #1 (same distance.)

After the race, I went to my office to get things ready for my week in NYC, then went grocery shopping, cooked and finally the hubby and I went out to dinner to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary (which was the next day.)

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. and the DAY OFF!

Although it was my 3rd day running in a row, I never know what the week will bring. So I decided to drive to the other end of the rail trail and go for a short run.

the sunshine and flowing water made up for the vey chilly temps.

Then I had to pack before heading to Manhattan by train

sunset on the Hudson R.

I checked into my hotel and relaxed.

  • Tuesday – First I had to check out of my hotel and then head by subway to Jamaica, Queens to work.

I was staying in a different hotel for the next three nights so after I returned to Manhattan, I had to retrieve my luggage and then check into my new hotel (The one I usually stay in).

By this point, I decided to call it a “rest day.”  That makes me laugh since the day was anything but restful.

Coincidentally, my friend Cari also decided not to run so we met for dinner instead.

  • Wednesday – Up at 6am and on the 7am subway to Jamaica.

sunrise was more impressive in person

Another long work day but as soon as I returned to Manhattan, I changed into running clothes and headed out for a “needed” run in Central Park.

I thought I might have to run solo but I was so lucky that Cari had postponed her run until after work. She ran from home and I ran to Cat Hill and then we completed the rest of our run together (which included a visit with Fred and the Onassis Reservoir.)

We both indulged in a cookie for dinner (bought in different Chip City locations. lol)

Talk about a small world… walking down the streets of Manhattan (sweaty from my run), I bumped into the President/Dean of the law school where I used to work.

  • Thursday – Working all day and if it was not raining, I was planning another run in the evening.

Nope, it was POURING so Plan B was cheap tix to a Broadway show.

It had a good mixture of serious issues and comedy.

  • Friday – Rest Day since I was working in Queens all day and then had to take an evening train back home
  • Saturday – Long Run Day (10 miles).

It’s always a challenge in the winter to figure out where to run that is not icy. So I planned on 2 miles with Barbara on the Nisky bike path and then the rest of the miles with Sherry and Stan.

Icy in too many spots but Sherry & I added on some road detours and got it done. Then we joined the others for brunch.

yes, that’s an eagle!

  • Sunday – TBD – laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning…. short hike?

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – 1/2 DAY OFF, run
  • Tuesday – rest day
  • Wednesday – run, dinner out with tennis gals
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Winter Racing
  • Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running beginning? Do you have to travel for work?  If so, how do you fit in your running? Ever run in NYC? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 


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.

FFF: 5 Struggles to Meeting Your Fitness Goals

Whether it’s running, walking, biking or working out, we often are faced with struggles that prevent us from reaching our fitness goals.

Here are FIVE of mine.  They all relate to a goal of working out:

1.Access

I do not own a treadmill or any exercise equipment besides a stationary bike.

I could, of course, join a gym or subscribe to Peleton.

Both cost $$$.  Affordable but sometimes we need to make choices on how to spend our salary.

2.Time

I work from 8-4.  Sometimes I have to travel which means even more hours spent at work.

Again, I could get up earlier or skip after work social activities.

It’s a matter of priorities (as in $$) – sleep/friends vs fitness

3.Partner

I’m pretty sure that if I had a partner in crime, I would go to a gym.

For some things I just need that extra push of a friend doing it too.

4.Too Many Options

  • A gym?  Which one: Planet Fitness, YMCA, etc?
  • App Subscriptions? Which one: Peleton, Les Mills, etc?
  • Free Online Videos?
  • Do your own thing?

5.A Reason

As they say “If it ain’t broke…”

IOW, I only run and yet I do not have any aches or pains or injuries. (knock on wood.)

Happy Running! Which struggles do you face, if any? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My Word for 2023

one little word // Crafty Ass Female.jpg

Well, it’s that time of year. Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year. (If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

Below is a list of the words, I’ve chosen so far:

So how intentional was I in 2022?

At least with my running, I think I was…

  • I scheduled my runs both on my blog and on my phone calendar.
  • For accountability, I tried if possible to enlist the help of a friend especially for long runs
  • I often joined established group runs.
  • I set goals for my long race training runs (by working backwards from race day (13, 8, 12, 11, 10, etc.)
  • I rewarded myself for finishing a difficult run (new shoes or FOOD).
  • I laid out my running clothes the night before (or packed them & brought to work) so there would be no excuse NOT to run.
  • I signed up for races and ran them (no matter the weather.)
  • I blogged several times a week (I have to run in order to write about it.)

What about 2023?

Rejuvenate Meaning, Rejuvenate Definition and Rejuvenate Spelling - YouTube

So what does “Rejuvenate” mean?
  • to make feel or seem young again; bring back to youthful strength, appearance, etc.
  • to make seem new or fresh again

Why “Rejuvenate“?

Of course, it may be related to entering a new age group this year…

Although I don’t feel OLD, I want to make sure I don’t act “old” and I think we can always use a refresher.

How does that translate into running?

Not sure exactly…

New races? New goals? Run trails? Join a gym? Ride a bike?

Any suggestions?

Happy Running! Do you choose a Word each year? If so, what have you chosen one for 2023?  Please share.

runner-sig


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


I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie RunsConfessions of a Mother RunnerMile by MileRuns with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Weekly Run Down for 1.8.23-1.15.23: The Work-Run Juggling Act

I’m still working remotely except when I’m not…

This past week, I was supposed to teach live Wed, Thurs & Fri with set-up on Tues. Then it was changed to only Wed and remote on Fri.  THEN a maybe of going to NYC (to substitute for an ill co-worker) Wed-Fri was added…

How’s a girl supposed to schedule her runs!?

Last Week:

  • Sunday – It’s been a while since I hit the trails… I had a lot to do and almost didn’t think I’d have time… but late afternoon, I did get out for a short one…

a little muddy but worth it for the waterfall views

  • Monday – #Nevermissamonday…. and the DAY OFF!

I got up early and went for a run in the neighborhood.

not a great sunrise but the lack of wind made the 20 degree temps feel not so bad

I rushed home so my running friend and I could take off to go hiking in MA.  But at the last minute, her son was sick so I was left solo.

I procrastinated and wound up choosing shorter and closer hikes

This was a surprise seeing how I love waterfalls.

On my way home, I stopped off a few places to hike some more… nothing picture worthy

  • Tuesday – Rest Day due to a dentist appt, possibly going to set up my computer lab or possibly pack for a trip to NYC.

At 4pm after setting my lab, I was informed that I would indeed be going to NYC…

Hotel and train reservations scramble and then pack….

  • Wednesday – Off on a early morning train..

view of the Hudson R.

After checking into my hotel, and going to Queens and back, I was able to take a run around Central Park and then back to my hotel.

always enjoyable to run here even if I had to climb “cat’ hill

  • Thursday – Working all day and if it was not raining, I was planning a short run along the Hudson…and then meet a friend for a drink.

rainy am

Unfortunately lot’s of work drama (I’ll spare you the details) and rain so no run and no meet-up.  Just a late dinner in the hotel.

  • Friday – Rest Day since I was working in Queens all day (for a millisecond I thought of running on the hotel treadmill) and then had to take an evening train back home
  • Saturday – Long Run Day (9 miles)

So rain and snow the evening before kind a derailed (literally) our plans to run on the rail trail.

Sherry joined me in the nearby neighborhoods (love that tree) and the rest of my friends ran on treadmills but everyone showed up for brunch

  • Sunday – Winter Series #3 race – 5.5k, 10k or 25k. Again I plan on choosing the shortest distance and run it for fun.

pic from Winters Series #2

After I need to go to the office, do some grocery shopping and pack for my week in NYC.

My 24th wedding anniversary is tomorrow so we may go out to dinner tonight to celebrate…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – HOLIDAY – DAY OFF – run – train to NYC
  • Tuesday – run (in NYC)
  • Wednesday – run (in NYC)
  • Thursday – run (in NYC)
  • Friday –  rest day, train home
  • Saturday Long Run (10 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – My Word for 2023
  • Friday – 5 Struggles to Meet Your Fitness Goals

Happy Running! How is your year of running beginning? Any races planned? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 


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.

FFF: 5 Things That Motivate Me

1.Staying Healthy

I really believe that running outside 4x a week (so matter what) has kept all those sicknesses (COVID, RSV, Flu, Cold, etc.) away!

-7 with the wind chill… I survived!

2. My Friends

As often as possible, I try enlist the company of a friend or two on my runs.  Running alone is no fun!! And you cannot procrastinate if someone is waiting for you!!

3.Food

I admit it.  Food is my reward after any hike, run or race.

4.Races

I enjoy racing.  But if I have a race on my schedule, I will NOT skip a run or cut short a long run.  I want to run well in a race but more importantly, I want to remain injury-fee.

12 miles in preparation for an upcoming race

5.Blogging.

I post 3x a week. If I don’t run, I feel like a phony since I schedule my upcoming runs or races on Sunday’s blog post and then recap them the Sunday after.

Happy Running! So what motivates YOU? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 


It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With AttitudeRun Laugh Eat PieRuns with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

The Best of 2022

Best of 2022: TV, movies, music, books, theater and art - Los Angeles Times

I decided that since I did race so much to give out race-related awards this year.

  • Best Picture from a Race: (CARI) FRED LEBOW HALF MARATHON

(ELISA) STOCKADE-ATHON

  • Best Weather during a Race: HELDERBERG 2 HUSDSON HALF MARATHON

chilly at the start but perfect for running

  • Best Race Swag: TROPICOOL 5K

towel!! used it a lot!

  • Best Age Group Award: MALTA 5k

both useful… (they could skip the medal, though)

  • Best Race Refreshments: BARN 2 BRIDGE FALL FEST 5K

free drinks and a food truck coupon (yes, I got a WHOLE pizza)

  • Best Scenic Race Course: MAINE HALF MARATHON

water views… can I say more?

  • Best Race Finish: FREIHOFER RUN FOR WOMEN

Downhill, baby!!

  • Best Race Finish Time: BARN 2 BRIDGE FALL FEST 5K

best 5k finish (out of 10)

HELDERBERG 2 HUSDSON HALF MARATHON

best Half finish (out of 8)

  • Best Organized Race: MILES ALONG THE MOHAWK (and ALL A.R.E.-sponsored races)

participant manual, easy packet pick-up, shuttle to the start, real bathrooms, well marked course, enthusiastic volunteers. box lunch, beer coupon and more

  • Best Volunteer Stint: HAIRY GORILLA/SQUIRELY SIX TRAIL RACE

scenic area, fun to see everyone’s costumes…

  • Best Race Medal:  CENTRAL PARK HALF MARATHON

I love the map on the medal

  • Best Virtual Race: NYC HALF MARATHON

it automatically got me into the 2023 race

  • Best New (to me) Race: SASHA’S SUPER HERO 5K

channeled my inner “super hero” and the money went to support Ukraine

  • Best Race Outfit: PUBLIX FLORIDA HALF MARATHON

too bad it was raining… even my sunglasses were purple

  • Best Vacation Race: MAINE HALF MARATHON

Just the fact that we were all together and rented a fantastic house made the race special

I did enjoy all of my 34 races in 2022. Each one was special in a different way.

Happy Running! What are some of the highlights of 2022 in racing? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 


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

and on Wednesday:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie RunsConfessions of a Mother RunnerMile by MileRuns with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.