Many many months ago, way before this pandemic, my running friends and I planned a vacation in NH in order to run a half marathon and have some girl friend fun time.

Oct. 4. 2020

Well, the race went virtual like most races in 2020 (with no deferral or refund option).

Some of the group felt uncomfortable going. But at least seven of us decided to go anyway. And it was a super fun time.

In addition to ANOTHER virtual half marathon, I signed up for ANOTHER challenge. RBG! How could you not do this one?

There’s still plenty of time to sign up if you want to join me – Click here.

87 miles run or walked between Sept 20 and Nov 3. I am already DONE but will continue recording my miles and support the cause.

It’s October, don’t forget to support this important cause:

Breast Cancer Support Awareness

and lastly I lost this week, a very dear friend to lung cancer. We played tennis together for years and mah jongg, as well.

just last December – she’s the one at the bottom left

Last Week –

• Monday – A rainy morning. I wasn’t sure if I would “#missamonday” so I went for a run on the rail trail before my chiro appt. I originally was hoping to see the results of a chalk art contest but the overnight rain washed everything away. 😦

the one I voted for did win 🙂

I started running in a drizzle, then it stopped but the run ended in a downpour.  A little soggy but I got it done.

virtual 5k #5 and they keep getting slower but hey who cares…photo stops are important, right?

SI joint update – almost healed. Yay!!! I asked my chiro to work on my right calf that also seemed tighter than the left. Since this was my last appt, I might as well get my money’s worth.  And OUCH!  Tight on the inside…worth the pain. Feels great now.

I skipped my lunch walk but met a running friend for a post work run.  It was slow intervals and we met on the Voorheesville end of the trail for a change of scenery. Don’t normally run twice in one day but the rest of week looked rainy and busy so why not?

so warm and humid and lots of fallen leaves

• Tuesday – Got in a short walk before work

yes, roses still blooming…

and another longer one at lunch. Still no rain.

signs of fall in the ‘hood too

Even though I ran twice yesterday, the legs still felt great so since I had to be at UAlbany to volunteer, I did a loop around campus before we met. Rain in the forecast but I didn’t care if I had to walk in the rain…just not run in it.

no rain but lead legs and I HAD to celebrate National Coffee Day!

Well, the STEM walk got cancelled and it never rained so I went to the mall (with mask on) and bought hiking boots (finally)

• Wednesday – A rainy day but we did need the rain. So no morning walk.

Luckily it stopped by afternoon so I could get in a short lunch walk

still some flowering in the fields

AND the Sole Sisters weekly trail walk. This week, it was a repeat hike at Six Mile Waterworks (because of its convenient location.)

beautiful weather for a walk on the trails… I’ll be sad when it is too dark to do this.

• Thursday – A busy work day and I had a hair appointment scheduled for after work. Obviously a rest day and of course I had to pack for our 4 days in NH.

But I got up early enough to go for a run and I realized how much better I felt after and how much easier it is to run in the morning (even after a horrible night of sleep.)

blue day…oops forgot to wear PINK. signs of Halloween are beginning to appear

I did also squeeze in a short walk at lunch and that was it for the day.

new trail off the water line

• Friday – And off we went, 7 of us, in a few different cars. We took the scenic route and though it took longer (and some of our planned stops were closed due to the pandemic), it was still worth it.

our home for 4 days

• Saturday – Though the race was originally scheduled for Sunday, we decided to get it over with and do it today. We stuck together for the most part during our run/walk intervals. Some walked.  Ocean views, lots of laughs and we all finished 13.1 miles.

A big celebration was in order and in addition to running, this weekend was about birthdays. Three of the group were celebrating birthdays including the big 50 and 70!!

• Sunday – More Sole Sister shenanigans. Ocean sunrises, trails, and more. (Pictures coming after I return since I don’t have a computer with me.)

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run or hike, last day in NH
• Tuesday –  DAY OFF – hike or run or both
• Wednesday –  run? 
• Thursday –  run, trail walk
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday –  rest day, Boating (LAST ONE for the season)

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall?  Any virtual races or challenges on your plate? Please share.

Yes, we’ve already some very chilly mornings. In the 30’s. We’ve already used our fireplace in the evenings. I’ve used the heated seats in my car.

I’m not a fan.  I can never dress right and I HATE that my after work runs and hikes will be slowly disappearing.

Of course, by the end of the week, it felt like summer. OY!

Last Week –

• Monday – I missed #nevermissamonday because I ran on Sunday and am cautiously resting my back. I went for a pre-work walk and froze (remember I don’t know how to dress for 30 degrees anymore).

these flowers don’t realize how cold it is

I went on a lunchtime walk and then I was too warm.

no worries. there still are flowers despite the frost

Instead of a run after work, since my bike was still on my car, I took it for another road trip. This time to the Corning Bike Trail.

nice views of the Hudson but too many cracks on the path so a bumpy ride

My legs are not yet adjusted to biking… needed a nighttime soak

ahhhh

• Tuesday – I dressed to run before work but never got out. Instead I squeezed in a 5k during lunch.

too lazy to change my clothes and I was overdressed in the sunshine. I’m halfway in this series and each race is slower lol

After work, I took a walk before my STEM volunteering assignment.  Tonight we walked for about 30 min. and the participants were better behaved than last week. I think I’ll continue doing this.

a sign of the times. we used to give the participants shirts

• Wednesday – Long day at work so I made sure to get in a few short walks in the hood. 50 degrees before work, 70 degrees at lunch Ouch!

mum time

apple picking time

Today I also had my second appointment with my chiropractor. She said my SI joint was not as tight.  One appointment and I hope to be fixed.  She gave me exercises to do for my tight hip flexors.

For our weekly Sole Sisters after work walk today, we returned to Vosburgh Trails. And the weather was perfect for an evening  on the trails and to the waterfalls.

we really liked the tree on the right

• Thursday – Day off from work and a busy one.

First I went on a hike with some friends. Due to evening plans, we had to choose a shorter hike – Hadley Fire Tower.  It was my first fire tower climb and I was a little nervous. But it wasn’t that hard and I loved it!! Can’t wait to do another.

It took about 2 hours to get to the top but it was totally worth it and the weather was perfect. I was even over-dressed.

My friend finished the Fire Tower Challenge – She hiked 23 of them!!

When we got back, I had to rush to get to my monthly tennis friends gathering.

we ordered take-out and sat in our friend’s backyard – always a good time!

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. Started the day with a walk.

my favorite neighborhood sign

But not having run for 2 days had me out there for a short one during lunch. I was tired of my neighborhood so I drove to run. Of course, that meant I had less time to run.  Oh well.

found a new entrance to the park’s trails but ran mostly along the road & around an apartment complex

in a hearse…creepy, right?

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk with former co-workers. Instead of the rail trail where we usually walk, we toured the neighborhood where my friend recently moved.

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back on the rail trail. I had thought of running on Sunday but since the hubby decided to play tennis, I decided to meet friends to run. It was our last run because of our virtual half marathon in NH next weekend. I ran early and then met Deirdre, Jan and Debbie for our run/walk interval run while the others walked.  It was painless which made me happy.

After the run, I couldn’t join everyone for brunch. I had to rush home.  Since we were busy on Sunday, the hubby and I decided to go boating on Lake George today. And the weather couldn’t have been better.

lots of sun, water views, reading and relaxing

• Sunday – Today we were scheduled to celebrate my MIL’s birthday. It was take-out at her house in the afternoon.

with her grandsons (the 2 on the left are my stepsons)

That made me happy since it meant that I had time to hike to another fire tower. I convinced a friend to accompany me hoping that she would enjoy it. I choose the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower since it was the closest and I didn’t have much time. Also it was reported to be less than a 3 mile out and back hike.

we accidentally parked at the end and climbed the tower first – super views and then we walked the trail

So glad I did this.  And I think Molly enjoyed it too.  I see more fire towers in my future.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday –  run, STEM walk
• Wednesday –  run, trail walk
• Thursday – rest day, hair appt. pack
• Friday – rest day, drive to NH
• Saturday – run/walk, fun stuff in NH
• Sunday – virtual Smuttynose Half Marathon in NH

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall? Please share.

It’s always something. I felt fine after my 13 mile run on Saturday.  I did some gardening and then woke up Sunday with pain and stiffness in my lower back on the right side. (I should mention is that I’ve had this exact pain in the past starting years ago after pulling up a boat anchor.)

So I went for two hikes.  No pain when walking.  Still stiff and painful when I bent over or got up from a seated position.

I woke up Monday morning even more stiff so I googled my symptoms (doesn’t everyone?)

Google Diagnosis: Lower Back Strain: Bending over increases the strain on a person’s back, which can result in pain. Lower back strain is a common cause of back pain when bending over. The position can put significant pressure on the lower back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch excessively. A strain in the area can also cause inflammation, which can lead to muscle spasms.
Recommended Treatments: Resting the back for 1–3 days can help reduce muscle pain, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some over-the-counter (OTC) options include ibuprofen and naproxen. Massage, applying ice and heat, and using electrical muscle stimulation therapies may also help. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the back and help prevent further injuries
My Treatments: Taking Naproxen (have some from a previous injury), applying ice and spending time in my hot tub, using my trigger gun, walking, running and hiking only if not painful. No virtual races this week!! May even trying some exercises. Oh and I made an appointment with my chiropractor to see if she could work some magic.

❤ ❤ – perfect temps to soak…haven’t used it all summer and just cleaned and re-heated it…must have known something lol

So I have fully embraced Fall for its flowers

love this color asters

and food

haven’t visited the orchards yet to get the real thing…

Why do I say that I don’t like Virtual Races and then sign up for another??

Because I wanted to support the Lake George Conservancy…they maintain all 14 trails in the Lake George area.  I have never done this trail because it is difficult and I would not sign up for a trail race.  Now that’s it’s virtual, I could run its 4.5 miles anywhere.

Oct 2-5, 2020 – oops that’s when I’ll be NH – I guess I’ll either run it there or before I leave.

Last Week –

• Monday – Sat in the hot tub instead of walking before work . Unfortunately, sitting all day is the worst thing for a sore back. I went for a short walk at lunch just to stretch.

walking felt great… and still finding new flowers blooming

I met a running friend after work at the Corning Bike path.  We just walked (although I was tempted to run).

6 miles followed by grocery shopping

• Tuesday – I started the day again with a soak in the hot tub instead of a chilly walk … almost frosty out there.

I did a short walk during lunch.

parts of my water line need trimming

Since I hadn’t run since Saturday, I decided to drive to UAlbany and run a few miles.

I did feel discomfort in my back… so I walked often

After my run, I started my weekly STEM volunteering assignment.  I have done this in the past but this year, it will just be walking instead of training for a 5k. (The goal of STEM is: EMPOWERING DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS THROUGH THE SPORT OF RUNNING… hopefully, it will be back to running in the spring.) This group was made up of young women in a substance abuse treatment facility – they refused to wear masks, were texting and swearing…. I may not go back next week 😦

• Wednesday – As I mentioned above, I made an appointment with my chiropractor.  I had started seeing her when I had a calf injury and she performed ART and completely cured me. After that, I planned to see her for monthly tune-ups. I think the last time was last November after my marathon… and then came the foot pain and the pandemic.

Her diagnosis was that my body was TOTALLY out of alignment and that I have tight hip flexors due to sitting all day. The pain in my lower back on the right is most likely caused by an inflamed SI joint. She worked on me for quite a while and gave me stretches to do before and after running.

before

after

I go back next Wed to see if there’s any improvement. Fingers crossed that she can work her magic and make me pain-free.

I celebrated commiserated with Starbucks and free pastry in my hot tub.

my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season – yum!

For our weekly Sole Sisters after work trail walk today, I suggested another new place (that I previewed last Sunday.) I walked it cautiously due to my painful SI joint. My back felt felt good…so happy that I went.

after we walked in the Conmunity Gardens, we crossed the road and continued into Tawasentha Park – the lack of blue skies today was due to the smoke from the fires

• Thursday – woke up to news that a restaurant in front our our marina burned to the ground overnight. Very sad and very scary for us boaters.

No time for a morning walk bur I get one in at lunch…

signs of Fall in the ‘hood

And then after work, I had planned on a run but decided to rest the back …

 and go for a peaceful hike.

the trails at the Pine Hollow Arboretum always make me feel better

Afterward, I drove to meet my BFF for an outdoor mall walk to catch up and chat. Pain is minimal when I walk and the longer I walk, the better I feel (but it may only be mental lol).

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. I’ve been getting lazy with my pre-work walk but still try to squeeze one during lunch.

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers.

introduced my friends to the water line trail… followed by a parking lot picnic

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the Zim Smith Trail with brunch at Leah’s. With no real races on my schedule until maybe February, I just try to connect with friends, run some miles and eat good food. Due to my back pain, it wouldn’t have been smart to run 13 miles again.  In fact, I probably should have skipped it totally.  But I did not.  I decided to run/walk and see how I felt. It ended up only being a 6 mile walk but I was so glad to have the company of three friends who walked as well and of the others afterward (and Leah’s quiche).

a beautiful blue skies day. started out pretty chilly but warmed up nicely

After errands and  housework, still feeling energetic on this beautiful fall day so I went for a hike. I bumped into my chiropractor there and she wanted to know how my back felt running. She was surprised that I was NOT running. (She know me lol)

so lucky to live close to Five Rivers Environmental Center

Then I went to see where my former co-worker (whom I walk with on Fridays) is moving.

it has access to one of my favorite nature preserves – Phillipin Kill

• Sunday – Since I had not run on Saturday, I met a friend in the morning on the rail trail to test out my back and see how it felt to run.  There was no pressure since I already completed my 13 mile run last week and if it hurt too much, I could cut it short and walk again. Not 100% but seems like I am on the mend.

patience is the word that I am pointing too. It seems that taking time off this week and just walking instead of running helped. not the 12 miles that were on my plan but happy with the relatively pain-free miles.

Normally today would be a day to go boating with the hubby. But the temps are getting fall-like and I have to accept that our swimming days are over. Still, the lake is beautiful in the fall and I hope to continue our boating until the middle of October.

Instead of boating, I took Big Red on its first road trip. I drove to Zim Smith (where I walked on Saturday) and rode 7 (slow) miles.

Both my legs and the bike need a tune-up, I think. But it was pretty enjoyable.

On my way home, I stopped at a new trail, Ushers Road State Forest. It’s actually connected at some point to Zim Smith but I drove to its entrance.

very pretty and will be even more so when the leaves change color

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  rest day, bike, hike
• Tuesday –  run, STEM walk
• Wednesday – rest day, chiro appt, trail walk at Vosburgh Trails
• Thursday –  hike, tennis party
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – LONG RUN at Corning Bike Path
• Sunday – rest day, My MIL’s 96th birthday party

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall? Anyone ever suffer from SI pain? Please share.

Love those 4 day work weeks. In this case, it was a Monday holiday so I thought it would be a challenge finding a hike without lots of people. But it was not 🙂

I said that I’m not a fan of virtuals and yet I completed a few this week. LOL

I usually run this as a 5k. Well, for $25, I could run both, get a mask, maybe an AG award and $10 off next year’s race. Plus support local charities. It seemed like a no brainer to sign up.

Last Week –

• Monday – As I mentioned last week, since I had today off, I decided to sleep on our boat so I could get an early start.

First I had breakfast at the marina (see pic below for my view) and then I went for a run on my usual route.

Next on my plan was a hike.  I got some recommendations and choose Mt Severance which was about 30 minutes away. It had nice views, a big parking lot and though it was straight uphill, the trail was well marked.

At the top, there was a view of Schroon Lake (in the pic of me) and then also a view of Paradox Lake (bottom left)

Since I was nearby to Schroon Lake, I decided to stop and walk around town.  The wind had really picked up.  My hubby made the right call not to go boating today.

the waves on the lake are due to the wind. I had actually signed up to do a half here in a few weeks but of course, it is now virtual.

• Tuesday – I was planning on a rest day. But this week was quite busy work-wise. I wasn’t able to get out for an early morning walk and I had a ZOOM scheduled for after work so I decided to run my virtual 5k during lunch.

As I mentioned last week, I have been struggling with speed. This week was even worse.  I can give a lot of excuses – tired legs from the day before, no shade, warmer, more humid yada yada.  But I got it done and I have 6 more to go.

lots of rest stops and I was dripping by the end (and I don’t sweat)

I am actually seeing my college friends more often thanks to ZOOM.

we spent our junior year in Nice, France together many many years ago

• Wednesday – A busy work day and a rest day. I didn’t even get out for a morning or lunch walk so after work I was determined to go hiking. I decided to go visit the trails that was on the plan for the next day. There were several loops you could take but I wanted to get to the end and see French’s Hollow Falls. The trails started out with just grass and then changed to woods around the lake.  I couldn’t figure out how to get to the Falls so I just turned around and took a shorter (yet more challenging) way back.  Then I drove to the Falls.

3 miles on the Vosburgh Trails

• Thursday – Rain was predicted for today. I had wanted to get in a run but I knew that it might not happen. It rained on and off all morning. And it was POURING at lunch. So NADA.

But it finally stopped raining by the time I ended work. For our weekly Sole Sisters after work trail walk, I suggested a new place, Vosburgh Trails (which I had previewed the day before).

we followed the trail all the way to the Falls and back (3.5 miles)

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. Normally. But I hadn’t run the past two days.  So I decided to run during lunch since it was cool and breezy (didn’t realize until too late how humid it was).

why not do my virtual race a week early? If you are wondering…my times are getting slower not faster and I know the flower matched my shirt lol

And of course, I ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers. We walked 5.66 miles or 9.11K to honor this day!

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the rail trail with brunch at Emma’s. With no real races on my schedule until maybe February, I just try to connect with friends, run some miles and eat good food each weekend.

The weather was perfect for running. In fact, when I started it was chilly (in the 40s) but it quickly warmed up and I shed my gloves and arm warmers.  I ran 2 quick miles before Deirdre arrived.  Then we ran 10 miles (30:30 intervals) together. Debbie joined us for a few miles (and finally Heidi). Then they decided to add another mile. I could have quit but I figured why not just go for it.

an impromptu half marathon

I ate back all the calories burned at brunch.

I guess I could count this as my virtual race(s) too

• Sunday – Normally Sunday is my day to go boating with the hubby provided the weather cooperates. I can’t complain because we’ve had some great boating Sundays.

our previous Sunday on Lake George

Today the weather was iffy (and my hubby had a tennis match) so we decided to skip it. I went on a hike instead.  It was great… all alone in the woods but met up with the race director from the virtual race that I did.  He remembered me since I usually run the race (and win my AG). We talked racing, of course.

100 Acre Woods Trails – a new one for me

me & the RD in 2014

I only walked about 2 miles.  Weeding was on the schedule for the afternoon and another hike.

Community Gardens Trails – decided to preview them for this coming week’s group trail walk

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  rest day, walk with friends
• Tuesday –  run, STEM walk
• Wednesday – rest day, chiro appt, trail walk
• Thursday – run, walk with BFF
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – LONG RUN 
• Sunday – rest day, Boating on Lake George

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races yet?  Are you looking forward to Fall? Please share.