After an exciting two weeks of vacationing, celebrating and racing, this week was kinda dull.
Some weeks are like that.
But there was some running, walking, biking and hiking. I was selected as a Zensah Ambassador.
love my Zensah calf sleeves
So life is good.
Last Week:
Monday – A rainy dreary day. I had a dentist appointment in the morning and was hoping that I could squeeze in a run between raindrops before going back to work.
Tuesday – A very busy work day so a rest from running but a long walk after work with friends.
Wednesday – Today SOAR group runs resumed. Women gather every two weeks at 6 pm to run and socialize. The first meeting was at UAlbany. The time of the run doesn’t excite me since I only work until 4 pm but it gives me the opportunity to run with others and meet new runners.
There were at least 20 women who showed up. I ran intervals with my running friend Deirdre and spent lots of time chatting with old friends (Lara) and co-workers (Colleen).
Thursday – I decided today that my lunch run would include some speedwork. So I drove so I could run some 200s on the HS track.
It was in the 30s when I got up. I never checked the weather before I left to run…. sunny & mid-60s!! Skirt & tank weather!! I did do 200m sprint, 200m jog 4X on the track.
After work, I again met friends to walk on the rail trail.
a veteran running to support an important cause
Friday – Another rest day. I decided to take the bike out during my lunch break. I didn’t ride far or long (need to get those muscles back in shape.)
of course I matched my outfit to my ride. She is now named “Big Red.”
And hit the trails after work on this beautiful day.
noting exciting but very peaceful
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. I got to see the Florida runners for the first time in eons. We started on the rail trail at different times to run different distances. Of course, we all gathered after for brunch.
I ran the 10 miles with Sherry… the highlight was seeing two eagles up in a tree. Afterward we met the 5 others for a delicious brunch.
The rest of the day was spent grocery shopping, laundry, weeding and TAXES.
Sunday – Started out this gorgeous day with a waterfall hike.
I had already visited this trail in the winter but wanted to get here before the rain. It was so peaceful – didn’t see a soul.
Afterward, I completed another nearby but much shorter waterfall hike.
I spent a lot time here watching the crazy college students who climbed down into the gorge and up the cliff of the waterfall to dive in..brrr!
The rest of day was spent outdoors, weeding (X training, right?) Depending on if and when we get thunderstorms, I may go on another nearby hike or bike ride.
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – run at lunch, belated birthday dinner out with BFF
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? Any vacationsplanned? Please share.
I was away with my girlfriends in Naples, Fla most of this TWO week period. We had perfect weather and loads of fun.
Then I came home to lots of laundry and to celebrate my birthday (on Mother’s Day.)
On an insane impulse, I also registered for a race on Saturday.
4-26.21-5.2.21:
Monday – I was planning on squeezing in a run at lunch in the neighborhood but an emergency vet appt in the morning took away my lunch time (Champ had an infected bite wound but he is now fine).
he was very upset that he couldn’t go out and play for a week
Instead after work, I drove back to Washington Park to run around the tulips and do some hill work. Change of plans, I ran around town first and ended up at the tulips.
no pep in my step today but still got it done….
I just took pics, skipped the hills and walked back to my car.
90,000 bulbs here once they are all in bloom
Tuesday – Today I had time for a run during lunch. I was expecting much but trying to front load my runs in case they do not get done in Florida.
stayed in the neighborhood and sported my Florida race shirt
After work, I skipped my long walk with friends in order to finish packing and to get to bed early.
Wednesday – I took a very early flight (6 am) to Florida. Once we arrived, we picked up the rented van and drove to Naples. We got settled in our villas, ate lunch, went grocery shopping and then hung out at the pool. I was glad that I ran Monday and Tuesday since there was a lot of sitting happening today.
sunny – heat index over 100 EVERYDAY!!
Thursday – I got up early and excitedly got to play tennis with my friends. I guess it’s like riding a bike. It felt great to be out there. Afterward, while they were taking a tennis lesson, I went for a run. Whoa. Heat and humidity! Quite an adjustment.
ran around the neighborhood admiring all the gardens
Next on today’s agenda was the beach followed by a delicious dinner in French restaurant. A perfect day to be followed by many perfect days.
Best dinner of the week (I am a biased former French teacher)
Friday – Today I went for a pre-tennis run. Still hot and humid. I decided that I would just happily endure the heat and humidity each morning.
more sweat and more flowers
Again we went to the beach. And after, we all went out to a scrumptious dinner. (Do you see a pattern?)
Some of the girls did go to the pool some days but I prefer the beach. Cool breezes, warm waves= Heaven!
Saturday – Things were becoming routine.
I found it cooler if I ran outside the community and along the canal…
I ran (if you could call it “running”) while my friends took their tennis lesson, then I played tennis with them and afterward I went to the beach. It was hot, sunny and humid but I loved it. Tonight’s dinner was Italian and we went to the theater after.
We saw Calendar Girls at the local theater
Sunday – I started the day with an early morning walk. No tennis or running since we decided on a road trip. We drove 1 1/2 hours north to Sarasota. First we took a boat ride on the Myakka River
Not as many alligators as we hoped but it was fun and we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park too.
and then went on a nature and canopy walk in the park.
quite shady which was very very nice on this hot day
Next we visited Selby Gardens where in addition to the beautiful flowers, there was an exhibit of Lichtenstein’s version of Monet.
Monet is one of my favorite painters so I really enjoyed this!!
We ended our visit with the St Armand Circle shops and a seafood dinner.
Last Week:
Monday – For the next few days, we played tennis first thing in the morning and then I ran during their lesson. The runs became more difficult since the temps were higher and the sun stronger. I coped by adding in more walk breaks.
I think I was walking more than running so these were just miles on the legs….
Again we went to the beach and out to dinner. But tonight we skipped dessert and had it back home during our book club.
We discussed Anxious People and yes, the dessert was as good as it looks
Tuesday – Today was pretty similar to Monday. Tennis, slow sweaty run, beach.
Of course, I realized that I should be running BEFORE tennis when it was cooler!! Not easy when you stayed up late on vacation….
Since it was our last Florida dinner, we had it at the Ritz while watching the sunset.
Top left: this is the first restaurant we ate at in Naples in 2005 so we go there every year just to take a pic. I am sunrise and sunset obsessed so I insist on ONE during my tennis vacations. My friends indulge me. (on my own, I’d be there every night lol)
Wednesday – Last day in sunny Florida. Tennis, a slow run…
I was frowning because I looked at the weather forecast for home!!!
followed by relaxing by the pool and dinner at the airport. Our flights were uneventful (for a change.)
Top: group pic with Mark our tennis instructor (I did not take lessons but everyone else liked him). Bottom: the bigger of the two pool in the community
Thursday – Home sweet home but missing my friends and the warmsunshine. I don’t often run several days in a row but my Florida running was more walking and I also wanted to check out the tulips in Washington Park before the weekend. The weather was cool and breezy so perfect for running.
it’s lilac time too!!
This past weekend was have been peak for the tulips but they were still gorgeous.
more tulip pics on IG @dsc59
After work, I resumed my walk on the rail trail with friends.
Friday – Finally a real rest day. The only thing I did was take a walk with a friend after work.
Saturday – On a whim, I signed up for a race – Prospect Mountain Road Race – 5.67 miles up a mountain (over 1600 ft elevation gain). Crazy, right? Yes it was hard, very hard but I finished unscathed, won 3rd in my age group and even enjoyed it.
Afterward, I drove up to Bolton Landing and walked around for a while (I had planned to run but was too beat).
Lake George still pretty on a cloudy day
As as soon I got home, I had to rush out as my stepson and his wife had invited us out to dinner to celebrate my birthday and Mother’s Day.
Sunday – MY BIRTHDAY! No big celebration planned. I thought I might run 6.8k but decided that I would go for a hike or two instead.
I am lucky to have so many choices within an hour radius. I decided that I needed water views and waterfalls. And I hit the jackpot.
Falling Waters Preserve – 3 trails with Hudson River views and several waterfalls!
On the way home, I stopped to hike a shorter trail.
More views of the Hudson but people live in the lighthouse so I could not climb it.
Believe it not mot, I accidently walked 4.2 miles or 6.8K!!!
Later we will stop by my MIL’s to wish her a happy Mother’s Day.
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? Is it warming up where you live? How did you spend Mother’s Day? Please share.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah
for their ultimate coffee date.
I am very excited to have just returned Florida.
Don’t worry. I still drank coffee every morning.
But there was a lot of more this going on:
1. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that since it’s been awhile since I’ve gotten my second COVID vaccine, I was a lot less nervous about flying. Of course, there was still a mask requirement (so that we protect others who may not have gotten the vaccines.)
Have you flown yet? If so, how did you feel?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I was a little disappointed that they changed the date of the 5k race that I always run during this vacation. So I was not able to add any mugs to my collection.
Do you still go on vacations without a race planned? If so, are you disappointed to not be racing?
3.Over coffee/wine…
I’d tell you that when on a group vacation, it’s a little hard to get the runs in. I did my best but my weekend 10 mile run did not take place.
lots of tennis replaced my running
Do you skip long runs when on vacation?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that most of the local races are not happening but there are a few that have been scheduled:
May 8 – Schoharie 5k
May 8 – Prospect Mountain 5.7m Race
May 22 – Bacon Hill 5k
May 23 – Super Hero 5k
May 30 – Miles Along the Mohawk 5m or 10m or Marathon
I usually, in the spring, race EVERY weekend but so far, I’ve only signed up for the 5k on May 22 and the 10 miler on May 30.
Are races happening where you live? Have you signed up for any?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that again this year, I’ve been named an ambassador for the Freihofer Run for Women.
It’s a popular 5k and one of my favorites. It was cancelled last year and this year, it has been postponed until Sept 25. (If you want to run it or do it virtually, sign up with this code: AMBDC10for get $10 off. (I will also be giving way TWO free entries.)
Exciting, right?
I am also a ZOOMA Ambassador. Guess when the Cape Cod Zooma Race weekend is?
September 25-26, 2021
Yup, same time!!!
Any advice? Which would you choose? Anyone else running ZOOMA Cape Cod?
Happy Running! What’s new with you? Any trips or races planned? Please share.
Since I happen to be on my “favorite” vacation right now (and it’s even more special since it got cancelled last year), I thought I’d share why it’s my favorite:
It’s affordable.
Every year, I go to Naples, Fla. in May. It’s off-season so the flights are not expensive. We rent two villas that sleep 5 each. We leave our chairs, umbrellas and beach stuff in the garage from year to year. We rent 2 vans and split the cost. We eat breakfast in the villa, bring our lunch to beach so we only eat dinner out.
The weather is warm and dry.
It rarely rains and if it does, it is only for a short time. It is warm (and at that time of year, usually still cool in the NE.) The sunsets on the Gulf are amazing, too.
I run.
This is one of the best things, of course. I can run around the private communities or on the sidewalk along the main road. The only downside is that it is not close enough to the beach to run with water views. And you have to get up early since it is warm and humid.
I play tennis and take lessons.
The 10 of us (and the make-up of the group can vary) met playing tennis although we no longer play together at home. So every morning we play doubles and take lessons with a tennis pro.
I go to the beach every day.
Love the sand…the sun…the water…ahhhh!
I eat and drink whatever pleases me!!
Calories do not count on vacation, right?
We take a day trip each year to explore a different nearby location or site.
Often, it’s in the Sarasota area to visit a garden park, museum, etc. Of course, I always try and push for a hike.
One evening we stay in for a fun gathering of sorts.
We’ve played games, recorded songs and skits, cook, and now we also have Book Club night.
We also try to fit in some cultural event such as a play or concert.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1. I runfess…
Last month I did a big de-clutter of my Skirt Sports skirts. (I got the idea from Deborah.) I sold 12 skirts on FB in 5 minutes!! They were all old ones that did not fit right. (And I priced them cheaply.) But still I had a hard time letting go….
I love the older patterns and I remember races that I ran in them
Do you get rid of running clothes frequently? Do you donate them or sell them?
2. I runfess…
So of course, I was now tempted to take advantage of other runners’ Skirt Sports sales. However, I quit looking after buying two items.
no choice – look at the color & in S.
biking skirt – also in S
Nope, I bought two more…
lioness capri in XS (fits!)
pink GGU in S
Do you buy used running clothes online or do you always buy new?
3.I runfess…
Since I cancelled my Peleton membership, I’ve lost my indoor cycling mojo. Maybe there’s no connection. It could be just that the weather is improving or my bike is no longer a novelty.
lonely George
Anyone ride their stationary bike consistently?
4. I runfess…
Speaking of biking, I did take my bike out of the basement. It is now in my garage. I have ridden it once. I find it boring and it’s a pain to put the bike rack on and off my car to I can ride on the bike paths. Maybe I need to name my bike so I do not neglect it.
last year’s pic…I now even own a helmet
How often do you bike?
5.I runfess…
I am currently in Naples, Florida. I forgot how hot and humid it is even early in the morning. Usually I have a race on Sunday which motivates me to get out and run. Not this year and it is very tempting to sleep in and then just play tennis (that’s X-training, right?)
wearing my running shoes!?
Do you run everyday while on vacation?
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
My topic for today is:Tips About Being a Runner and also Working Full-Time
I know that if you are a stay at home mom, you are plenty busy and if you are retired, you also still have many responsibilities but this is for all you out there who have a full-time job and are also runners:
Run Fewer Times During the Week
Let’s face. Your time is limited. You have hours where you have to be at work.
You probably don’t have the time to run more than 3 times a week. Maybe not more than twice. There may be busy weeks that you only get out to run on the weekend.
It really annoys me when it is sunny during my work day and then it is raining when I finish. I wish I could just run whenever the weather permits.
squeezing in a run at lunch and getting rained on…
So make your runs quality runs and don’t be guilty about missed runs. You can try to make them up the following week.
Be Flexible.
We really don’t want to skip our runs. So it often takes some creativity to figure it out.
I work near UAlbany and I have run over and then return to change my clothes and go back to work.
You can run before work, after work, during lunch. You may have to run on the treadmill.
after work run in the dark…
Whatever it takes to get it done.
Increase Your Hours of Sleep at Night
Working 8 hours a day is tiring….stressful. Then there’s running which tires us out, as well.
It would be nice if when we were tired, we could sneak in a nap during the day.
Since that can’t happen (at least not at my job), you need to ideally get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Schedule/Plan Your Runs
This is especially important if you are training for a big race.
If you leave it to chance, you are less likely to get your runs done and/or get in enough mileage.
I put them on my calendar (and on my blog).
I pack my running clothes the night before to bring to work (if you are not working from home). If I plan to run before work, I lay out my clothes the night before.
3 miles after work and before a show when working in NYC
These scheduled runs are just a plan or a framework. It doesn’t mean that I don’t switch days and mileage around. But it definitely helps me organize my life.
Don’t Forget About You.
I have a hard time with this.
I often am tempted to refuse a dinner or social invitation because I need to get a run in. Rather than relax with a book or watch TV, I want to go for a run.
Sometimes, I have to bring work home 😦
Plan to treat yourself to some ‘you’ time. That means time that doesn’t involve work or running.
family time on the lake instead of my long run….
This not only lowers your stress level (at work), but it also improves your running performance.
Tomorrow, I’m leaving to spend 8 days in Florida. Not to run but to play tennis and hang out with friends. I may run but not sure how much (even though I am training for a 10 mile race in a few weeks.)
Today I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.
Living in the NE, we seem to be behind everyone else with signs of Spring and it also such a short season. Before we know it, it will be hot and humid.
My running actually was related to weather not recovery. All the hiking I did the next day seemed to alleviate any stiffness in my legs.
Hit #40 for my 2021 Hike Challenge:
Last Week:
Monday – Today’s forecast was for occasional rain showers. With work, it is always a challenge to time my run just right. I drove to near the rail trail and it started to rain as soon as I got there. I grabbed my jacket and continued on my run. Of course, it did stop and I was sweating.
The house on the top left had necklaces hanging from her tree. When I asked why, she said they do it New Orleans. After I took the picture on the bottom left, an old man came out of his house down the street and asked what I was doing. I explained that I like pink flowers. He then grumbled something.
When I looked the weather for Wed & Thurs, it looked like I may have to skip my runs. So I opted for run #2 today. After another quick rain shower, I drove to UAlbany.
all the cherry blossoms from last year were gone but I found some other interesting sights
Then I met my BFF for a long walk at the nearby outdoor mall.
Tuesday – Too busy a work day to get in a run (and I ran twice the day before). So just a short walk at lunch and a hair appointment after work. It was light enough afterward that I was able to get in a quick hike at a nearby trail (oops forgot my phone for pix.) Then I met my walking friends for snacks (and wine).
Wednesday – A predicted rainy day. It did rain on and off and I was hoping like Monday to time it right and get in my run between showers. It was cloudy and the 40s at lunch. Of course, it started to rain, stopped, got sunny and then started to rain again. Crazy weather.
definitely overdressed…. still waiting for tulips. Maybe next week.
Thursday – A very windy cold day with a chance of snow flurries (seriously?) I took a chance and drove to do my run on the rail trail.
It was crazy windy and snowing when I started my run and then the sun came out and it got even windier. At least I remembered to wear green for Earth Day. Did you?
I met my friends after work for a long walk (too windy for the rail trail so back to the outdoor mall.)
Friday – As usual Friday was my rest day (due a long run the next day.) Of course, it may have been the first sunny day of the week. I decided to take my bike out for the FIRST time this year.
needs a major tune-up I think
But since I had had not hit a single trail all week, I headed out for a hike after dinner. Waterfalls, of course.
very pretty and many more trails that I had time to cover
Loving the extra daylight and I took advantage and stopped off at a nearby trail.
the extra rain has made the waterfalls even more impressive but some of the trails were too muddy to hike on.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Even though my half marathon was done, I still intended (if possible) to meet up with my friends for brunch and run 10 miles each weekend. We met at various times for a variety miles at the rail trail. I started early and ran 3 miles alone and then ran 7 more miles with Sherry and Stan.
Stan & I were both wearing a shirt from the Brooklyn half marathon.
With rain predicted for Sunday and my impending vacation, I was anxious to get in at least one more hike on the trails. Especially since the weather was gorgeous. I decided to drive about an hour and instead of exploring waterfalls, I hiked and climbed a fire tower.
beautiful views and I met a lovely couple to hike with
The couple whom I met recommended another nearby hike and it was pretty as well (but longer).
view of the Hudson, the train and a variety of terrain.
Sunday – A rainy day which worked out perfectly since I needed to get ready to leave on my vacation. First order of business was to get my nails done. Since the salon opened later than I thought, I made a spur of the moment decision to head to the park to see how the tulips were faring. It was raining but not hard. I was shocked…so many were already in bloom. Not all. I bet they will be in full bloom next weekend (when I am in Florida.)
my favorite time of year…
The rain stopped so I decided to go for a walk.
yup…more signs of spring
Finally, thanks to Cari for organizing this event.
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – run, walk
Tuesday – run, walk with friends
Wednesday – rest day – 6 am Flight to Florida – pool, walk in Naples, Fl.
Thursday – run, tennis, beach, walk in Naples
Friday – run, tennis, beach, walk in Naples
Saturday – run, tennis, beach, walk, theatre in Naples
Sunday – run, walk, road trip to Sarasota
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Working FT and Running
Friday – April Runfessions
The Next Week on the Run–
Monday – run, tennis, beach, walk in Naples
Tuesday – run, tennis, beach, walk in Naples
Wednesday – run, tennis, pool, walk in Naples, 6:30 pmFlight Home
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? Doing any virtual races? Any in-person races planned? Any vacationsplanned? Please share.
It’s been over a year and some races are being scheduled again.
If you have participated in any, you know that they are not the same as before the pandemic.
Here are FIVE ways racing has changed:
1.Course Changes – No Point to Point Routes.
So most courses are now loops or maybe several loops due to eliminating shuttles to the start from the finish or vice versa.
As result, the course may not not be as scenic as before or even monotonous.
2. Little Crowd Support
People congregating is discouraged so as result you won’t see many people cheering along a race route.
3. Mask Mandates
All the races that I have run have required that masks be worn at the start, finish and at any time where runners are less than 6 feet from each other.
4. Lack of Post-Race Food and Water Stops
Some races ask that you carry your own water. Some races have even eliminated post-race food totally.
I have gotten bag or box lunches at some local races
5. Limited Capacity, Staggered Starts and Minimal Post-race Gathering
Races have limited the numbers of runners that can register for the race. The race starts are organized so that groups of runners start separately and standing 6 feet from the runner in front, behind and next to one another. And after the race, there are usually no indoor facilities or tables to sit together.
Obviously having races with the above limitations is better than having NO races.
Hopefully at some point, races will gradually become more “normal.”
the good old days
Happy Running! Have you run races during the Pandemic? Did you find any of the above or other limitations? Which ones bothered you the most? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 