October 18, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: Goals for My 3rd NYC Marathon

Since my big race is in TWO weeks, this topic came to mind:

******FIVE GOALS******

1.CROSS THE FINISH LINE.

I loosely completed the Hal Higdon Novice 18 week plan (for the first 8 weeks) and the Senior Hal Higdon Novice Plan (very loosely) for the last 8 weeks.

All the long runs (13+miles) were hard.

So I don’t take this distance for granted.

2.NOT CRASH AND BURN THE 2ND HALF.

I pretty do that on all my races.

I did that in 2019.

It’s not easy when you are in a corral with faster runners.

In 2023, my cramped right calf had me walking the 16 miles. (Still don’t know why that happened.)

not happy!!

3.ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.

Soak up the amazing crowds, scenery, music.

4.APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF MY FRIENDS.

In 2019, my tennis friends drove down to cheer me on at mile 18.

Last year, some of my running friends were there to cheer me on during the race.

This year, some of my friends helped me get those long training runs done.

Even if they are not on the course, I know my friends will be tracking me and offering the needed virtual support.

5.FEEL GREAT AFTER.

26.2 miles on these old legs…

I hope to feel good enough to run another day….

I have a Thanksgiving 10k and another 10k in early December on my schedule.

in 2019, a week after the marathon, a 15k!

Thanksgiving 10k in 2023

TIME GOAL:

A: under 5:29 (PR)
B: under 6:00 (faster than 2023)
C: just finish the damn thing

Happy Running! Do your goals change for a race that you repeat? Please share.

runner-sig

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party:

October 15, 2024 by Darlene

2024 Barn to Bridge 5k Race Recap

OCT. 5, 2024

The 3rd year for this race. A downhill course. A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up??

Big negative:

I was training for a marathon and needed a 18 long run that day.

Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in 18 miles, as well.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I was working in NYC for 3 days and I ran 16 miles the previous weekend in preparation for the NYC marathon.

Needless to say, I was pooped and seriously considered staying in bed.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The race extends from the Hilton Barn area of New Scotland to the finish line across the bridge in Slingerlands. The race kicks off the Fall Fest at the Slingerlands trailhead that will feature live musical performances, food trucks and vendors, as well as fun games and activities as participants come down the home stretch. Shuttle service will be available. T-shirts and one free meal ticket for all participants. Awards for top 3 overall Male/Female.

the “Barn”

the rail trail

the Bridge

Slingerlands parking lot and the race finish!

Race Day:

I had my standard breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I guess I’m a creature of habit.

Since the race didn’t start until 11 am, my plan was to park at the start, run 1.5 miles miles, meet two friends and run 8 miles, run 1.5 miles back to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run 4 miles back to my car… that would be my 18 mile long run.

Perfect, right?

And I did just what I planned pre-race.

11 miles done… 8 with Barb & Deb ❤ them

Since I ran this race last year, I was familiar with the course (as pictured below)

Race Course (according the web site)

There was no elevation chart but now I have one from my Garmin:

actually a very gradual downhill -100 ft total descent from beginning to end.

I arrived at the start in plenty of time. My friend Heidi had gotten my bib. I changed my shoes and shirt and I was ready to go.

I bumped into many friends. We chatted and took a few pics.

Karen’s first race in a year due to COVID

Some of my local running friends came as well:

The weather was absolutely perfect!!

Unlike last year when it RAINED!!

There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember.

Can it be called a “race” recap if I didn’t race? LOL.

Mile 1:

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started. And there were not going to be any age group awards for me.

Judy was going to run the race. Deirdre, Heidi and I were going to run/walk it (using Deirdre’s intervals 15:60??)

So we stood just somewhere in the back of the pack.

Although it was advertised as starting at the barn and going downhill from there on the rail trail, you actually had to run around the nearby neighborhood (in order to get to 3.1 miles by the parking lot).

That was not downhill and that was not fun.

The only positive part about circling the neighborhood was that I could run the tangents (if I were running the race.)

Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.

Mile 2:

I believe the first year, there were no water stops but his year there was one.

Even with our long walk intervals, I was thirsty and stopped for a drink.

I didn’t take pictures this year (although I walking so I could have.)

Mile 3 – 3.1:

Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was little crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail.

I could see the finish line ahead

and so I left Heidi and Deirdre sprinted across it.

I looked up and saw my college BFF and her husband. I was surprised and happy that she got to see me race (too bad, I wasn’t actually racing.)

Deirdre finished shortly after.

At the finish line, there was water and apples, bananas.

Post Race Activities:

As soon as you were done, you got your race shirt and a coupon for free food and drink.

There was also a kids race.

they got shirts and medals

This race was also part of a Fall Festival put on by the county.

check out the line for the food truck

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out many freebies.)

some of these pics are from the first year

I hung out with my BFF for a while.

I picked up some freebies (that I gave to Heidi) and even had a free ice cream float. (I turned down the free hot dog.)

My running friends went to get some food from the trucks… Me? I had to run 4 more miles to get in my 18!!

What a struggle! But I did it!!

Then I drove my car back to the finish area.

The festival was still happening so I used my food coupon and sat on a bench listening to the music.

so cute!

Two food trucks didn’t show (illness), one had run out of food so I waited A LONG TIME) from the ONE existing option.

While I was waiting I listened to the music and watched a few of kids shows.

Finally!!

It was delicious ( or maybe I was just hungry).

Additional Race Reflections:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this race. If I am around, I will probably run it again next year.

The past few years, I’ve mostly focused on half marathons and this year and last year training for a full marathon.

Next year, I hope to take this race seriously.

I doubt I’ll ever PR again. But I’d like to go back to sub-30 finish times. But I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

However, I am happy to be healthy, to be running regularly and interacting with others.

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Positives:

Well organized
Participant guide provided beforehand
Inexpensive ($10)
Well marked course
Shuttle to the start from the finish and vice versa.
Cute gender specific race shirts
Lots of familiar faces.
Downhill course
Immediate results
One free meal ticket for all participants.
Free ice cream & hot dogs
Entertainment after.

Negatives:

I could run here for FREE!
Late start (11 am)
Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-30, 30-59?)
Long wait for food (only ONE food truck)
No photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!! A good race to try for a 5K PR.

Final Stats:

2024

Splits:

None – I didn’t wear a watch.

Other than the 5k where I walked, this was a PW by far:

2023

2022

Next Up:

SouthCoast Wind Cape Cod Marathon Weekend

Half Marathon on 10/12/24

Happy Running! Run a 5k race lately? Do you enjoy 5ks? Are you creative about fitting in a race around a long run? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

October 13, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 10.6.24-10.13.24: It’s Race-cation time!

A very busy work week before I leave for Cape Cod…

Last Week –

Sunday – I had elaborate plans for the day but I really needed to get a lot of boring errands and stuff around the house done.

finally finished and now onto a new project…

Monday – Again the gym was calling and I said that I’d rather stay bed…

cats have the best life..

WFH and afterward, I arrived at my STEM group meeting early so I could run before the new runners arrived.

Week 3. Their goal 5k is Nov. 24.

Tuesday – Another busy WFH day… and after work I had a hair appt.

Wednesday – Today I had to teach live and then afterward, my tennis group’s monthly meet up was scheduled.

No running for the 2nd day in a row 😦

Thursday – ~~I actually got up early to go to the gym since I was WFH.~~

After work, I drove to the end of the rail trail to run….

Then I met friends for ice cream..

chilly out!!

Of course, I had to rush home to pack for our weekend race-cation…

fingers crossed this is right…

Friday – We left early for Cape Cod in 3 cars. We met for lunch and then checked into our VrBo rental. After we settled in, we headed out to bib pickup (for the half marathoners) and scouted out the race start location and parking.

Saturday – Cape Cod Half Marathon. Four brave souls got up early to run 13.1 windy miles along the coast. The others who were running the 5k the next day had to pickup their bibs and then meet us at the finish line.

Sunday – Today those who ran the day before spectated and cheered on the 5k racers.

Check out FB and IG for weekend pics.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – Race-cation ends, Run (in Cape Cod)
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – PM run, STEM mentoring
Thursday – train to NYC (for work), run, meet a college friend for dinner
Friday- train home
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 20 miles!!!
Sunday – gym, recovery

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Barn to Bridge 5k Recap
Friday – 5 Goals for my NYC Third Marathon

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down 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.

October 11, 2024 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Fitness Goals to Accomplish Before the End of the Year

Today’s Topic is: Five Fitness Goals to Accomplish Before the End of 2024

Ok, 3 months left to do this:

1.Run Pain-Free

I started out the year with a sprained ankle. Then on Labor Day, I had an accident which resulted in a head injury and bruised ribs.

I’ve thrown my 1000 mile yearly goal out the window.

2022 … maybe in 2025?

Now the total number of miles doesn’t matter, I just want to enjoy my runs and races without feeling any aches and pains.

2. Continue my YMCA workouts.

I started going to the gym in March of last year (for free) and then officially joined that July.

Being honest, I don’t enjoy working out but everyone seems to think it is important.

When I was in town, I did go THREE times a week.

Then I got hurt and I stopped going.

It’s time to return to my workout schedule (once my rib pain disappears).

3.Do some scenic local hikes.

Not having Mondays off had me slacking off and I really do enjoy hiking.

I hope to get a few in before it snows.

twinning with my hiking buds

4. Finish one more Half Marathon

My unofficial goal was 75 before 75.

I will turn 75 in 2028. (Yup, I’m on track.)

I’ve already completed 69 and my 70th is coming up tomorrow!!

Oct 12, 2024

Each half marathon I complete seems to get harder.

Due to my recent accident, this one may be the hardest… at least it’s part of a fun weekend with friends.

the 2023 gang

5.Complete the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.

Until September, I had high hopes for this race.

I wanted redemption from last year.

Now I just want to reach the finish line!!

And get that damn medal!!

Happy Running! What are your fitness goals for the rest of the year?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

Join the link party!

October 8, 2024 by Darlene

2024 HMRRC Anniversary Run Race Recap

September 22, 2024

As I have mentioned in previous years, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the year for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free. Usually, I try to run most of the races held in the winter because there no other races.

I decided to sign up for this race for the following reasons:

There were 2 distances and I knew if I walked the shorter one, I wouldn’t get lost.
With no boating on Sunday, I had free time.
I would get to see many of runners that I know.
It was early enough so I could also participate in my scheduled afternoon activity.
I ran 13 miles the day before instead of the plan’s 16 so this would add time on my feet.
It was close to home.
The award winner was a family friend of my hubby.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

There was a choice of a 3.3 mile race or a 10k.

Because I had been recovering from an injury plus having run 13 miles the day before, I chose the shorter distance.

Since I planned to walk the race, there was no prep…

I got up, had breakfast and left.

Race Day:

I arrived around 8:30 and signed in. Everyone got a beer glass..

I was greeted by so many familiar faces.

I also noticed when I looked at the course map that they changed the start and finish from previous years.

Elevation according to my Garmin:

last year’s – not as hilly as it looks!

I immediately bumped into my friend Barbara.

She was running the shorter distance and she said “SLOWLY.” She wanted to run with me. I explained that I planned to walk it but then I decided to start with her and see how it went.

The races started with the award ceremony.

Although there was both a 3.3 miler and 10k, they started at the same time and location but the 10k runners ran in the opposite direction to start and then had to do the loop twice.

No timing mat at the beginning or end (although there is a clock at the end.) Since we were going to be going slow, we started at the back. Not a big race (maybe 25 with more running the 10k).

The course was similar to previous races that I’ve run but it started and ended in a different location.

Since I was planning to walk, I didn’t wear a watch…

There were no mile markers because of the 2 different distances so I relied on the course marshals and those ahead to lead the way.

As I mentioned I started to run with Barbara.

She ran slow enough that I didn’t feel the need to walk.

She thought I was pacing her but actually she motivated me to continue to run…

We started the race at the UAlbany campus…

Then we continued to loop around the state office campus..

The course is boring but much less so when you are chatting the whole time.

There was one water stop but at the speed we were running, I was not thirsty. And it was a beautiful fall day.

As we got toward the end of the race, I was confused on which way to go. Luckily Barbara led me in the right direction.

Once I saw the finish line, I took off…

I crossed at approx. 38:50 and Barbara shortly after.

You wrote your time and age on a card and handed to the RD.

We waited to cheer on the 10k finishers, one of which was Barbara’s hubby and the other was the award winner.

Final Stats:

None!!

No Garmin…

Post Race:

There were apples, cookies and cider for everyone.

They gave out apple pies to the winner in each age group.

On a good day, I may have won… (previous 3.4 times were around 32 and 3.75 at 34ish)

Obviously since I was planning to walk, I was not disappointed at all.

I chatted with some other runners and then quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to attend a wool and sheep festival with friends.

Additional Race Reflections:

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity. HMRRC races are fun but if you want to take them seriously, you can. And with the longer distances offered, you could use them as training runs for a half or full marathon.

And then there’s the camaraderie of the local runners and free food!

Win Win for the HMRRC races!

Positives:

Ample parking.
Well marked course.
FREE if you are a member of HMRRC. $5 if not
Indoor restrooms
Warm place to congregate before and after
Several distances to choose from.
Many familiar faces.
Swag (glass for everyone)
Awards (fresh baked pie)
Post race refreshments
Free Photos

Negatives:

Self reported finish times (sometimes I forget to look at the clock or start my watch)
10 year age group awards and only 1 deep.
No mile markers.
Boring course.
Looped course if running more than 3.3 miles.

Would I recommend this race?

Absolutely. Great way to stay active..

Next Up:

Oct 5

miles, miles and more miles gearing up for a race-cation half marathon

Oct. 12

and then finally

Happy Running! Have you run any free races? Have you done a race just to stay active (and not for time)? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

October 5, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.29.24-10.6.24: Back you know where…

New York City!! For 3 days…

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym (finally returned after a 4 week lay off).

In the afternoon, we celebrated my mother-in-law turning 99.

Monday – DAY OFF. It’s been a while since Heidi and I have been able to coordinate our schedules and go hiking.

I got up early and ran before my friends arrived at our meeting spot.

Then we headed off to Saratoga Spa State Park… between sickness and injuries, we wanted to take it easy.

I rushed home because it was my STEM volunteering night…

Tuesday – Back on the train to NYC.

After checking into my hotel, I decided that I didn’t feel like running so instead I walked south from my hotel.

I ended up in Freeman Alley where there was some interesting wall art.

Then I walked toward the Financial district because I wanted to check out the 3 new bronze statues at the Oculus.

more pics on FB and IG

I rushed back to the hotel by subway and changed my clothes since I had Broadway tix.

I was lucky to catch Cari for a quick walk from her office to the theater.

someday we may even run or race together…

Wednesday – A long work day in Jamaica, Queens.

It’s been a while since I’ve run in Central Park so I was tempted to head there.

But the East River was calling me so I took the subway there and ran while checking out the views.

After dinner (with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge), I walked around the Financial District and then took the subway back to the hotel from there.

more pics on FB and IG

Thursday – Just another long work day in Jamaica Queens and a late train home… later than usual since my hubby was playing tennis and I couldn’t get a ride home until 9:45 pm.

that did me extra time to wander around Hudson Yards… maybe the Vessel will be open by Marathon weekend.

Friday – Back to work… at least WFH and so ~~I was able get in an early morning gym visit~~ so I could sleep later.

In the afternoon, I went to my office and the chiropractor. I decided to prehab for my half marathon.

I ended the day with my mah jongg ladies.

Saturday – Long Run Day.

18 miles on my marathon plan but I had signed up for the Barn to Bridge 5k.

With the race not starting until 11 am… I could be creative in getting it all done. Timing was obviously tricky.

So at 7:30 am, I parked at the end of the rail trail and ran out and back 11 miles. I was lucky for have Deb and Barb’s company for 8 of those miles.

I slowly ran/walked the 5k race. (no awards and no reason to race it…). Deirdre, Judy and Heidi came to the race too.

my college BFF surprised me at the finish line.

Then we checked out the festival exhibits and had some refreshments (free root beer float!)

Finally I ran 4 miles back to my car.

Not pretty but 18 miles done!!!!!!

I drove back to the festival and cashed in on my free food ticket.

a long wait but worth it

Sunday – I plan on a gym visit and ???

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – PM run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – Hair appt.
Wednesday – dinner with tennis friends
Thursday – PM run
Friday- Girls Race-cation begins – drive to Cape Cod, lunch, check into VRBO, bib pick up, carb load…
Saturday – Cape Cod Half Marathon!!
Sunday – Cheering on the 5k runners, recovering and sightseeing

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – HMRRC Anniversary Run Recap
Friday – 5 Goals to Accomplish Before the End of the Year

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Are the leaves changing yet? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

October 4, 2024 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for October 2024

It’s that time of the month…

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

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that friends help make those miserable long runs better…

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when running friends cannot run, we still keep each other company by eating together.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when we first starting planning race-cations, everyone in the group ran a half marathon,

2017

Each year, fewer complete the distance.

2023 (+2 who ran 18 miles)

This year, only 5 out of 10 have signed up for the half (and 2 are even injured.)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I may have become pumpkin-obsessed this year.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that most of the treats above were for my mah jongg ladies and what they didn’t eat, my hubby consumed? Can you guess which I ate?

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

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

October 1, 2024 by Darlene

TT: 2024 3rd Quarter Update

MY TOPIC TODAY is 2024 UPDATE.

Wow, NINE months have gone by pretty quickly.

Things have not been perfect and so there’s definitely room for improvement. Of course, many good things happened… and some not so good things.

AND there’s still THREE months left!!

The best is yet to come (as they say…)

Running-Related:

630 Miles

My annual goal is always 1000..

I started the year with a sprained ankle but even if I had stayed healthy and trained for that full marathon, I highly doubt that I would reach my goal.

Then on Labor Day, I got injured on our boat. As a result, I could not run for a while.

It’s all ok. I will run as many miles as I am able.

As always my favorite miles were those with friends…

16 Races (4 Half Marathons, 2 -10Ks, 1 -4M, 1 -3.3M, 7 -5Ks)

Again, lower number than normal… Quality not quantity, right?

I’m pretty sure they were all PWs or COURSE PWs… (but I’m trying to be positive here…)

One of my favorites was when I skipped a half marathon and I ran a new 5k in Florida instead (and met Jeannie Rice).

5 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

Bridge the Gap 5k
Hero 5k for Autism
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k
HMRRC Anniversary Run (3.3 m)

High Lawn Farm Keep MOO’ving 5K

8 Age Group Awards

None were speedy but it depends on who shows up…

Bridge the Gap 5k – 1st
Helderberg to Hudson H alf Marathon – 3rd
Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k – 1st
Tropicool 5k – 1st
Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k – 2nd
Silks & Satins 5k – 2nd
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k – 1st
Run 4 the River Half Marathon – 2nd

Tropicool 5k

Walked 4 Races

However, one was a free local race, one was free since I was a mentor, one was the day after a 9 mile training run and so I only walked ONE serious race.

Run for Women 5k (7 of us walked)

only for ice cream

DNSed 4 Races

Three were also free local races so only ONE big DNS (for the 2nd year in a row).

Mentored 2 Running Groups

STEM (victims of Domestic Violence)

Race for Women Training Challenge group

It’s always rewarding to help others reach their goals.

Fitness-Related:

0 Bike Rides

Correction, maybe a few on the stationary bike early in the year when I couldn’t run.

Approx. 80 Gym Visits

When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 3 times each week.

Hiking Mondays

Working full-time so no longer always an option to have the day off. But it’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places.

7 Trail Thursdays

The ARE Summer trail series is over…

Again when I was in town, I walked them with friends

Many Walking Tuesdays

Whenever I’m in town and have friends available, there were walks on the local rail trail…

Non-Running Related:

Many visits to NYC

Mostly due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.

Two Florida Vacations

In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach)

And in May, I traveled with tennis friends to the West coast (Naples)

Summer Sundays on Lake George

The weather has cooperated for the most part… Sad that it’s over!!

And I am continuing my quest for

My word for 2021 - Joy — Katie the Creative Lady | Create, Capture, Celebrate

my word for 2024

Happy Running! How has your year gone so far? What’s left on your list to complete before the year ends? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

September 28, 2024 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.22.24-9.29.24: Just getting it done…

Some weeks are like that: friends, family, work, volunteering and running!! Rain!

You just do what you can…

Last Week –

Sunday – I ran 13 miles the day before so my plan was to walk a local free race today.

When I arrived, I bumped into a friend who was running it…. She said she would be going slowly so I thought… why not?

it was a 3.3m anniversary race for this running club and an distinguished service award 10k… the award winner was a family friend of my hubby

We went very slowly but we ran the whole thing… I was so happy!!

I quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to meet knitting (and running) friends to go to a sheep and wool expo.

we accidentally matched and the wool that I wanted is sold by someone that lives a block from my home (no need to have driven 1 hr. lol)

There was lots to see and we spent several hours there and then drove 1/2 hr south to meet others for a beer.

The weather was perfect and I was was so grateful to be feeling healthy enough to enjoy it.

Monday – My ribs continue to be sore and so I postponed the gym visit.

After work today was the first meeting for the STEM participants. I again agreed to volunteer on Mondays.

It’s Couch 2 5k so in the beginning, it’s mostly walking.

we had quite a large group and it was so exciting!

Tuesday – A busy work day but I was able to get in a ~~short run and~~ walk with my BFF after work.

Wednesday – I actually got up early to run because that was my only free time. It was RAINING!!

So I waited until lunch and squeezed in a short one.

Halloween decorations are starting to appear…

After work, I had to go set up for my live class the next day and then attend our monthly tennis friends meet-up.

Thursday – Yup, live class and so today I had run after work.

Boo! RAINED OUT!!

Friday – Day 2 of live teaching so nothing but mah jongg in the evening. And it was at my house.

Saturday – Long Run Day (and brunch).

Many of my friends were away so I was lucky to have company for at least some of the miles… I ran/walked 8 solo and then met Deb for the last 8 and then met Deirdre for brunch.

those last 4 miles were a killer but 16 miles in the books (I earned those tiramisu waffles)

But there was FOMO on a race I usually run..

I will run it next year when I am not training for a marathon!!

Sunday – Plan to finally go to the gym and then in the afternoon go out to a restaurant to celebrate my MIL’s birthday. 99!!!!!!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF! – run, hike, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run in NYC, show tix
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – train home
Friday- gym, chiro appt, mah jongg
Saturday – Run, Fall Fest 5k, run
Sunday – gym, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 3rd Quarter Update
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Update

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Anyone else struggling to fit it all in? Are the Halloween decorations up? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for