April 19, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.13.20-4.19.20: And another one bites the dust..

I am talking about another Half Marathon that I signed up for.

postponed from May 17 to October 11 (which is the week after Smuttynose HM!!) No refund. I can run 13.1 virtually before May 17 OR on Oct. 11. I decided on the virtual option. I still get all the swag.

Otherwise things are the same. Still working at home (now at least until May 15!!!!) … all social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!! Taking advantage of Zoom. I used it on Tues, Thurs, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!! But I just want to HUG someone…

Trying to get outdoors twice a day so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

Always looking for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing. I can’t believe how many places I have yet to explore.

signed up for a few of these FREE races – why not???

Last Week –

Monday – A rainy windy rest day. I was too busy at work to walk at lunch and it was raining even harder after work – The first day since the lock down that I did not venture outside AT ALL.

Tuesday – The sun was out during lunch and I took advantage and went for a walk.

Thanks Judy for the “rainbow” idea for a scavenger hunt.

Not as warm or sunny after work but I had already decided that I would go to the Crossings for a run.

hardly a soul there and spent most of my run on the trails to escape the wind…yes, that’s a Christmas tree.

Every month, my tennis friends and I go out to dinner. Instead we had a ZOOM chat tonight (15 of us!!)…Hope it’s our last and we can see each face to face next month.

Wednesday – I guess you can say that I’ve settled into a routine…WORK, walk, Work, run or walk, dinner, knit/read/TV.

lunch walk – pretty chilly when the sun went in and even saw flurries but then pretty nice for the few minutes when the sun came out

I decided that today would be a good day to complete my virtual 5k. I drove to the Corning Bike Path since the distance is marked there. I can’t say that I “raced” especially since I was too warm and had to stop to take off my extra shirt, tie my shoes, rest my weary legs and of course, take pics (=my usual easy run). Still an enjoyable 3.5 miles outdoors (with hardly a soul on the path)..

: this weeks un-canceled project color is obviously orange

Thursday – Ok, I woke up to snow on the ground but it did melt by lunch so I could take a chilly walk.

just a few flurries but brrr

I was debating on whether to or not to run after work but I just decided to go for an easy one and rest tomorrow. Per my plan to run in different places, I drove to Albany end of the rail (where I have never started my run).

running uphill into the wind was not fun but the scenery was worth it

In the evening, there was our weekly Sole Sister Zoom chat. Not the same as running together but still enjoy seeing their smiling faces. Miss my running friends!!

Friday – Officially a rest day. That meant NO running but two walks.

a short one on the trails behind my house at lunch

a longer one at my new favorite after work spot (Pine Hollow Arboretum) – the tree are STARTING to bloom up north

Saturday -Today was supposed to be the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon – the one I was supposed to be running with all my friends. The race has been postponed until Aug 29 but they added a free virtual option.

Though the race would have had you running point to point on the rail trail, I would have to run it as an out and back (But at least the back would be downhill).

You were allowed to run the race either Saturday or Sunday. When I got up on Saturday…it was cold and snowy so I decide to postpone my virtual half until Sunday.

AM view. The silver lining of this pandemic was that I didn’t HAVE to run today!!

Just spent the day doing errands, stuff around the house and going for a long walk (once the snow stopped). I decided to check out another NEW place. What a treasure!! Wish I had more time to spend there.

can’t believe there are so many places nearby that I have never been to…I can’t wait to go back here when I have more time.

Later in the afternoon, we had our 2nd ZOOM Blogger Ultimate Coffee Date.

always enjoyable chatting with these lovely ladies

Sunday – So today I set out to complete the H2H Half Marathon…solo.

I was originally supposed to run this yesterday, right? And I had a college reunion (we spent out junior year of college in France together) scheduled in NYC for today. Oops. I forgot that we had replaced it with a ZOOM chat.

over 3 hours…. would have lasted longer if I didn’t have a half marathon to run lol

Good thing about virtual races is that you can run them whenever. So this one happened in the afternoon. The weather was a lot warmer than I had hoped for but not complaining (as I was planning to wear a skirt no matter what.)

As with all my virtual races, I didn’t really “race” it but just put in the miles and tried to enjoy the scenery and being outdoors. But no lie, this one was tough. I struggled from mile 4 on. Right now, I am trying to put it out of mind.

Onward and upward. Next one is May 17 or so (it’s virtual,of course.)

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day, walk
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – Virtual Earth Day 5k
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, ~~mah jongg~~ walk
Saturday – Virtual Un-Canceled Project 15K
Sunday – rest day, walk

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? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut? Have you been running any virtual races? Please share.

If you haven’t done so yet, enter my giveaway for a free entry to the Freihofer Run for Women Virtual 5k.

Click here to enter.

April 17, 2020 by Darlene

All your races are cancelled…Now what?

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

My Topic today is: What To Do When Your Races Are Cancelled

Another post about the pandemic! Sorry! It’s our New Normal.

1.Just Run for Fun.

No training plan!

Just run whenever you want. Wherever you feel like. And run as many miles as you feel comfortable with and at any PACE. Leave that watch home!!

2.Sign up for a Virtual Race.

There are so many offered.

Many are FREE!!

all distances and all at no cost

There are also ones that you pay for and it will support an important charity. They may even send you a shirt and/or medal.

for $20 you get a medal and shirt. use code AMBSS5 at freihofersrun.com

3.Find a New Way to Stay Active.

You had no time before because you were training for a race.

Why not try biking? Spinning? Yoga? Hiking?

4.Explore Locations where you’ve never been.

Again when you were training, you were looking for maybe flat routes and ones that allowed for a certain distance.

Now it is the time to explore places that may never be used for running. Those beautiful trails!!!

5. Stay Positive and Look Ahead. Plan for those Future Races.

Races scheduled for the fall may not work out because there will be so many re-scheduled races lumped together in the same month.

So look ahead to 2021.

2018 Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon - February 18 ...

next February in Florida!!!!

** One More.

Just run the races that have been cancelled as “unofficial” virtual races.

You just run the distance on any route you choose. Definitely is not the same but it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Happy Running! Have you used any of the above? Any other suggestions that you can add about dealing with cancelled races? Please share.

April 14, 2020 by Darlene

The Good News

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

My Topic today is: Pandemic Good News

It is so easy to think about how awful these times are for runners and everyone else.

Don’t kid yourself. It is bad. We cannot see our family and friends. We are stuck in our houses. People have lost their jobs and can’t support themselves and even worse, people are sick or dying.

So here are some good things to ponder (related to running):

More new runners. Some bloggers have mentioned that being cooped up in our homes has prompted an increased interest in becoming a runner. Kudos to anyone who has started running and I hope you continue even after this is over.

More Online Options for training, working out, yoga, etc.. ZOOM is free and easy to use. There’s FB live. There have been so many opportunities to remain active even if your gym or yoga studio is closed.

Connecting More with your Running Friends. One Thursday night, my running friends and I chatted for TWO hours via ZOOM. One mentioned that it was better than post run brunches when we only chat with the person next to or across from us. And when we run together, it’s often hard to chat.

Increased Participation in Virtual Races. There are so many out there. Some even send you a bib and a medal (and the fee often supports a charity). You don’t even have run an “official” virtual race. You can just pick a race and a distance and then run it.

a great one for April

Plus there are so many FREE ones, Why not??

Run the Edge – a different color each week and you can pic your distance – FREE!!

Increased Flexibility. Working from home may allow you more time to squeeze in a run, such as before work, during lunch or after work.

lunch run in the ‘hood

With everyone working from home, there is less traffic. This gives you the opportunity to seek out a new place to run.

drive to Colonie Town Park for an after work run

More Late Summer/Fall Race Opportunities. Many spring races have been postponed. There will be quite a selection to choose from. And you’re had all this time to train. LOL

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Registration Page

August 29, 2020

This will end. And if we come out of it healthy, that’s the best thing ever.

Looking forward to seeing these smiling faces in person.

I’m also linking up here:

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

Happy Running! Any positives in your running life during the Pandemic? Please share.

April 12, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.6.20-4.12.20: When will it end?

Still working at home (now at least until April 30) …

All social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

So bored that I even signed up for one free month of NetFlix (not really a TV addict)

Unorthodox: Season 1 Episode 1 “Part 1” [Series Premiere] – Recap ...

Any watch this? It enjoyed it. Next up is binge watching Schitt’s Creek.

and I am knitting again.

one done…I call them my quarantine socks.

But if there is a silver lining in this, it’s that running solo has motivated me to vary my running routes. I am running in different places each day. It’s easy to get in a rut and run in the old same, same old. Thanks to IG and FB, I have discovered some new routes to walk or run on. Plus there is usually traffic after work. Now with everyone working from home, I can drive to places that I normally would not.

Last Week –

Monday – Hooray for sunshine!!

Lunch walk on the trails near my house:

blue skies!!

Post work run: Trying to avoid crowds but not run on the roads… Decided to drive to The Crossings because they closed the park to cars.

windy and maybe a little early for the skirt but couldn’t wait…I parked at a nearby church and had almost all the trails to myself. 🙂

Tuesday – Sunshine two days in a row!!

First my lunch time walk:

different route everyday on this nearby trail

I had planned a rest day but rain was predicted for the next two or three days so run I did. Today I picked Washington Park in Albany.

found some signs of spring and not too many people

Wednesday – Sun has left for a few days. The morning rain had stopped so I was able to get in a walk during lunch

left, right, straight??

and a run after work. Today I decided to drive up to Colonie Town Park. Normally I would not since there would be too much traffic at this time of day. It was refreshing to check out the scenery in a different location (haven’t run here in ages.)

some bikers but not many but bumped into a running friend and we chatted for a long time (from a distance)

A little nostalgic as it was the first night of Passover and in past years I celebrated at a Seder with my mah jongg friends.

Thursday – A miserable weather day – pouring rain and WIND. Skipped my lunch walk and hoped to rain would end by 4 pm.

Declared it a rest day from running but did get in at least one walk. It was chilly and very windy and I almost bailed but I remembered a place that looked interesting from a friend’s IG post. (Pine Hollow Aboretum) Boy, am I glad I went…it was amazing – 22 acres, 11 ponds, trees from all over the world, trails galore.

can’t wait to go back when the trees are in bloom

And although we don’t currently run together, our running group is chatting virtually once a week:

Friday – Yes, another unseasonably cold, rainy, windy day. Since there was no rain at lunch time, I decided to search out a place to walk that would be shielded from that awful wind. (Elm Avenue Park Fit Trails)

the tall trees at the park did the trick & I even discovered a new path. will go back when I have more time to explore

Normally a rest day but no mah jongg this evening and a postponed long run so I decided why not run. I just drove to the Albany rail trail for a quick one since I needed to be home early for a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends.

holy wind…froze on the way out but warm on the way back

Miss my game night…not the same playing on the computer.

Saturday – One good thing about doing long runs alone is that if you change you mind, you don’t have to notify everyone else. The weather looked better for Sunday so today was my catch up day. Errands and boring stuff around the house including some gardening. It was cold and windy but later in the day, the sun came out and the wind calmed don so I decided to again explore a new location (suggested by my an IG friend.)

Tivoli Lake Preserve…what an interesting find. Definitely going back here.

Sunday – Long Run Saturday postponed to Sunday. Today was my taper for my unofficial virtual H2H Half Marathon. I decided on the Nisky Bike Path for this run. When I woke up, it was in the 20s.. and so I waited until it warmed up a bit (50s) Still a little breezy but warm enough for a skirt 🙂

I was a worried when I saw a lot of cars in the parking lot but they must have gone in the other direction since I saw very few people during my run.

I have run on this bike path many many times but have never ventured off the path and I today I did twice. Once to explore a 1 mile trail and again for a short time to take in the views.

another trail that I want to go back to when I am not running.

Unfortunately the restaurant where we usually have brunch was closed since it was Easter Sunday so I had to settle for a post run chocolate milkshake.

: Yes I get to celebrate

: BOTH…lol

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day, walk
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – run or rest day, walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, ~~mah jongg~~ walk
Saturday – VIRTUAL HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HALF MARATHON
Sunday – rest day, walk

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut? Did you use ZOOM to celebrate Passover or Easter with your family? Please share.

April 10, 2020 by Darlene

Tips to Not Feeling Alone When You Run Alone

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

My Topic today is: How To Survive Running Alone.

Another post about the pandemic! Sorry!

I know that due to the social distancing requirement, you are running alone.

For some, it is perfectly natural. You usually run alone. You have posted that nothing has changed with your running (other than some races may have been cancelled.)

But for those of us who do enjoy the company of others when we run, here are some suggestions that may help you:

1.Plan Virtual Runs with your friends.

Pick a date and time together and run. Then afterward, text each other about the run and even send a picture.

2.Run a Virtual Race.

You can sign up for one and wear the bib or just run a race (unofficially). This gives your run a purpose.

3.Focus on Your Scenery.

In other words, run in a scenic location, forget about your watch and look around. Stop often and take pictures. Be grateful for the opportunity to be outdoors.

: Five Rivers Environmental Center

: Peebles Island State Park

4.Take Selfies.

Take those running goofy shots and even try jumping. Post them or send them to friends.

5.Add Audio Distraction – Music, Podcasts, Audio Books.

When you run with others, you chat. Talking makes the run go by faster. Now… we need to be creative.

Cute Sport Girl Running With Music In Her Headphones. Morning ...

One More..

**Focus on YOUR running.

This is the time to work on your cadence, your posture, your foot strikes, etc. Try intervals or HR. Run naked (without that darn watch).

It will keep your mind off that you are now alone.

Happy Running! Have you used any of the above? Any other suggestions that you can add about running alone at this time? Please share.

April 8, 2020 by Darlene

FRW2020: Good News and Bad News

Let’s start with the Bad News.

I have run the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k every year since I started running. It is obviously my FAVORITE race and I have never missed one – in all weather conditions, recovering from ankle surgery and even with a broken foot.

I have run this race (FRW) 12 times!!

: FRW 2019

: FRW 2008

: FRW 2012

And this year, I was named an ambassador!!

Well, I guess 13 is an unlucky number.

This year, the race has been cancelled!! 😦 😦

The Good News:

The Freihofer’s Run for Women has switched to a virtual 5k run for 2020.

That means that YOU do not have to travel to Albany, NY to run this race.

You can run the 5k no matter where you live!!

For only $25 or $20 with the code AMBSS5, you will receive:

42nd annual virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women t-shirt & bib
A finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home
Commemorative finishers’ medal
Coupons for Freihofer’s products
Automatic entry into Virtual 5k Sweepstakes with great prizes!

The t-shirts, medals and coupons will be mailed to participants the first week in June.

You will be getting exercise and supporting some great charities.

Please join me!!

For more info and to sign up, go to http://freihofersrun.com before April 30, 2020.

Here’s even better news:

As an Ambassador, I am giving away TWO free entries!!

To enter, click here:

I’ll be choosing TWO winners on April 23, 2020.

I’m linking here since it is Wednesday:

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

Happy Running! Will you be joining me and running the Virtual FRW 2020?

April 7, 2020 by Darlene

Four Somethings for March

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

Oops I’m a little late…

1. Something Loved.

My Visit to Montreal. NYC is my favorite city. I used to take my students (as I was a French teacher) to Montreal often years ago. I also ran a race there a few years ago.

But this time, I went with a friend as a spur of the moment weekend get away.

We explored the city. I ran, of course. We attended the interactive Van Gogh exhibit (the highlight of the trip) as well as the Barbie expo (1000 Barbies all in one place.) We ate some delicious French meals and drove to the top of Mont Royal.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Have you been to Montreal lately? If so, what did you do there?

2. Something Said.

3. Something Learned.

I cannot retire yet.

I hate staying home day after day and I love being around people and having a schedule.

I even miss wearing nice clothes and makeup.

my office with only my cat to talk to

Do you enjoy staying at home? What do miss when you are forced to stay home?

4. Something Read.

Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by [McDougall, Christopher]

I recently finished reading this book.

The best-selling author of Born to Run, Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder after he and his family moved from Philadelphia to the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country. In order to heal this neglected donkey, Chris had to give it a job which turned out to be running and competing in a race. A lot could go wrong and did.

I didn’t love it as much as I expected. It was drawn out and too much back story. Not as much about running as I had hoped.

That being said, it was interesting and at times, heart-warming. So I would still recommend reading it yourself.

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think?

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

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

April 5, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.30.20-4.5.20: Continuing to be Socially Distant

Still working at home (at least until April 15) … all social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

I am grateful for having a full time job, paycheck and being healthy.

That being said, I have be sensitive to the fact that even if the above is true, many of you are struggling with:

homeschooling your children
not seeing your family and friends
working from home
not going out to restaurants, movies, shows, sporting events…
running alone
cancelled races
closed gyms
unhealthy snacking

Your friends may say they are ok but make sure that they are and give them support (even if nothing has changed much for YOU!!)

We are in this together!

Last Week –

Monday – A dreary day with rain forecast. I decided to mix things up and run during lunch and hopefully walk after work. It’s easier now when you can dress for work in your running clothes and stay that way for the rest of the day (I’m alone, right?) But that meant I had to run in my neighborhood which I never do (boring!!) In between raindrops (almost made it back dry), I ran looking for signs of spring (and positivity).

not my daffodils, yet

The right call since it poured the rest of the day. So I got out my raincoat and umbrella and went for my post work (breakout) walk. The rain stopped almost immediately as I drove in search of a new place to walk.

Tuesday – .Another dreary day although the sun did come out for a minute during my lunch walk.

back on the trail behind my house (for lack of time to drive anywhere)…if only the mud would dry up…

This was supposed to be a rest day but work was stressful so I decided to drive to UAlbany (where when I was NOT working from home, I used to run most of time)

and I bumped into a running friend. We chatted for awhile (from a distance).

Wednesday – Hard to figure out when to rest and when to run…

Modeling mittens that I got in the mail from a friend who knit them. The sun actually appeared at the end of my lunch walk on the (muddy) park trails.

Working from home has me sitting all day. I always feel antsy at the end of the day. So I drove to Washington Park and went for an easy run.

warmed up quite a bit from my lunch walk…made a new cat friend

Thursday – Decided on a rest day after 3 days in a row of easy runs. Of course that meant 2 walks.

One during lunch:

clouds and wind but grateful for a trail behind my house that seems to go on forever…

And one after work:

drove to Five Rivers and explored some new trails… unfortunately chillier than at lunch…where is spring?

And although we don’t currently run together, we are chatting virtually once a week:

Can you believe we talked for TWO hours!!

Friday – Since I was planning on a long run the next day, I took a second rest day in a row. Perfect planning since it was rainy and chilly (Spring…I am waiting…).

I still went for my lunch walk with an umbrella…not on the trail but in a new neighborhood. Trail was too muddy!

oops my cat sign is backwards. My first daffodil hates the weather too

Fortunately, the rain had mostly stopped by the end of my work day so I drove into town for another walk. Nasty, raw and it even started to rain again. Ugh!

bunnies chasing each other was the highlight of this weather-shortened walk

Saturday – Long Run Saturday…alone but with perfect weather. I decided to run an unofficial virtual Cherry Blossom 10 miler. I debated on where to run (and where to get take out after). I decided on the Corning Bike Path so at least I would have a water view. For many reasons, this was hard (tired, hot, hungry, lonely, etc.) But I got it done and rewarded myself afterwards.

the only cherry blossoms to be seen were on my shirt (so over dressed – could have worn a skirt & tank). Not pictured was the French toast that I took out for lunch later)

Thanks to Zoom, I participated in a live Coffee Date with other bloggers later in the day.

so fun…recognize everyone?

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day.

Started the day with a ZOOM chat with my tennis friends. Sadly, we had to cancel our 16th annual trip to Naples, Fla.

20019

2010

After errands and laundry we done, the hubby and I decided to go for a long ride up to Lake George. Just needed new surroundings.

unfortunately too rainy and damp to do much

Of course when we came home, the weather cleared and even the sun came out.

got some ice cream and walked it off on some trails.

This Coming Week –

Monday – run
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day, walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, ~~mah jongg~~ walk
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, walk

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

April 3, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for April

It’s that time of the month…

Life Is Better When You're Running 11-oz Mug Marathon image 0

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do not own any exercise equipment. So I could take some online classes. Many are even offered free.

I have not.

I actually miss my little gym

Have you taken any online classes? Do you miss going to the gym?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran the NYC Half Marathon Virtually. Does it count as my 42nd half??

: NYC HM

Do you plan to run your cancelled races virtually?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I hate working from home but at least I am making the effort to get dressed (does workout clothes count?) and go for a 30 minute walk at lunch every day. I am lucky to have a few nearby trails.

How are you coping with working from home? Are you getting outside more?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I can work from home thanks to technology.

my work helper

We use ZOOM for meetings and Webex to teach.

I’m even using ZOOM for meeting up with my friends.

Anyone else using technology more? ZOOM meet ups anyone?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I normally either cook or go out to eat. Rarely do I do take-out but I want to support local businesses so I’ve ordered here many times (do not judge):

so glad that my favorite ice cream place did not close

How are you supporting local businesses?

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

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!

March 31, 2020 by Darlene

How to Support Your Running Friends While Running Alone

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

My Topic today is: How to Support Your Friends While Running Alone

Now more than ever, runners need support.

I know, you may think this doesn’t apply to you. You mostly run alone. You follow your own plan and run whenever you choose and wherever. You pretty much worry about your own running concerns, needs and goals.

I bet at one time or another, another runner has helped you at a race, a run or even provided online support.

I know when I was training for my marathon, I was very lucky to have friends who cared about and supported me. They offered to run parts of my long runs, cheered me on at the end my 20 miler and even tracked me during the big race.

And although my friends and I are currently not running together, I want to still support them, encourage them to keep running and make sure they know I care about them.

So here are some ideas that you can use to support your friends even if you are now running alone:

Text them. Ask them how they are? What they are doing? How they are keeping active?

Mass Texting: Keeping Your Church in the Know

Set up Video Chats. ZOOM is free and easy to use. You can discuss running, of course (or anything else) and it’s nice to see their faces and hear their voices.

Organize Virtual Running Dates. You can run at the same time but in different places. You can even text each other pictures from the run.

Cari and I even planned our outfits for an after work run.

Participate with them in Virtual Races. There are so many out there. Some even send you a bib and a medal (and the fee often supports a charity). You don’t even have run an “official” virtual race. You can just pick a race and a distance and then run it.

a great one for April

Post Your Scheduled Runs (when and when). Your friends will know where and when you are running. They may even choose to run WITH you (but of course, 6 feet apart.)