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

The Topic for today is: How do you stay motivated to run?

So here’s a few things that get me out the door several times each week this year:

• FRIENDS

This is the biggest one for me.  I used to have some friends to run with during the week but now I am pretty much solo.  And guess what?  I am running less.

Luckily on the weekends, I do have my tribe.

• CHALLENGES

There is no loss of challenges to sign up for.  I chose the ONENY Challenge.  I had to run or walk 620 miles between May 15 and Aug 31.

You bet that got me out of my house rain or shine.

• VIRTUAL RACES

Not my favorite thing.  I have not signed up for that many.  But in some cases, it has been either FOMO or that the race was cancelled with no other option.

NYC Half Marathon

• MY SEDENTARY JOB

Due to our current pandemic situation, I have been working from home since March 16.

Yup, sitting at the computer ALL DAY.

Running has kept me sane.

• NATURE

At least during the spring and summer months when the different flowers are my motivation.

I have to admit, if you asked me this question in previous years, I’m sure my answers would have been totally different. I had shorter races on the weekend or was training for big longer race. I wanted to be in shape to do well at my races.  Racing always motivated me to get out and run.

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! How do YOU stay motivated to run? Is your motivation different this year? Please share.

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

The Topic for today is: What is the best fitness advice you’ve ever received?

You know me, I can’t just pick ONE thing…

So here’s a few of the most important ones:

• Join a Running Class

Some persons just start running on their own.  They risk acquiring bad habits.  This may lead to injuries.

One day after a tennis match, one player suggested that three of us enroll in No Boundaries, a Fleet Feet-based class for those  wanting to learn to run. The class culminated 16 weeks later with a 5k race. It was a great way to start my running journey. I still recall many of things I was taught by my coaches.

with my partners in crime (back in 2008)

• Find Your Tribe

Of course, it is more convenient to run when you want, where you want and how fast you want.  But you will definitely find more benefits in running with others.

When I first started running, I blogged and read other running blogs. One day in 2010, a local blogger (The Happy Runner) asked me to help her start a group for new runners (Strong Running Mamas) with the goal of having them run a 5k race. This group grew immensely to include runners of all ages and levels. I bump into someone from that group at almost every race.

the larger group at a 2013 half marathon (yes, we had shirts made up with the group’s name)

Currently, I am fortunate to be part of another group called the Sole Sisters (as a result of a race-cation for the Wine Glass HM). They support me, motivate me and have become friends, in addition to running partners.

most of the group at a local 5k

• Run longer distances.

It is perfectly fine to be a short distance runner. It certainly is much easier to fit in a training plan and to focus on speed and PRS.

That was my plan for several years. I ran 5ks and I ran lots of 5ks.  Nothing longer.

Then one day, a running friend insisted that I was capable of running a half marathon. I was so skeptical that I signed up for one and didn’t tell anyone (in case I failed.)

My first (2011):

My 41st (2020):

obviously the colors of my running outfits haven’t changed lol

Yes, I got hooked.

In fact, before the Pandemic of 2020, I was planning to run one each month this year. (Yes, 12 in 12 months!!)

• Run the NYC Marathon

No one needs to run a marathon to consider herself a runner. And if you do, it doesn’t have to be a BIG one like NYC.

Running a marathon was NEVER one of my running goals.

In 2018, I ran the Brooklyn HM fast enough to get into the 2019 NYC Marathon. I was told that it was a “no brainer” to run it since it is so hard to get into and I would not likely get in at a future time through the lottery.

However, my job in 2019 did not lend itself to training for one. Again, I was reminded that there will “NEVER be a perfect time.”

So I signed up. I trained (supported by my “Sole Sisters”).  I connected with fellow bloggers Lacey and Cari during Marathon weekend.  Most importantly, I finished those 26.2 miles with a smile on my face.

best weekend ever!

I could go on and on. I am sure I was given a lot of other good advice related to fitness.  (Much of which I have probably ignored LOL)

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! What is the best fitness advice you have ever received?  Does any of the advice I received apply to you too? Please share.

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

My Topic for today is: Running (during Pandemic Times)

My utmost priority is staying safe. That means not catching COVID-19 and/or passing it on the my hubby, my stepsons or worse my 95 year old MIL.

Most of the time I have not stayed in my neighborhood because I have found ways to feel safe when running elsewhere. I will share some of those ways below in addition to ways to save your sanity if you choose to stay near home.

• Wear a mask or buff around your neck

As you are probably aware, you wear something over your mouth and nose to protect others (even if you have no symptoms). So if you have it around your neck at all times, if someone comes close, you just pull it up.  Also as respect for others, if you see someone else wearing a mask/buff (even if they are not close), you should pull up your mask or buff.

oops I’m the only one without a mask/buff

• Run early on popular routes or bike paths.

You’ll be surprised how empty your normal running routes are if you go early in the morning.

Corning bike path is empty in the early am

• Research new and rarely populated paths.

Do not run where you normally do That’s where most runners go.

Instead, find a new place, somewhere new, someplace uncommon.  You will be rewarded with an empty, safe path.

this part of the Crossings is in the back and very empty

• Call a friend.

You can run in your neighborhood. But every time??!! It sure gets boring no matter what you do.

Ask a friend to run with you.  You two, of course, will be running 6 feet apart.  But you can still chat that way and motivate each other to complete the distance.

• Play head games.

If you feel that your neighborhood is your only option and you cannot find a friend to share the experience, invent ways to keep it fun.

Look for rainbow signs, find new flowers in bloom each week, ask the names of the friendly dogs, give out awards to the nicest lawns, pick out your favorite house, etc.

I mostly look for flowers to photograph (but I’m not interested in my pace)

I have no idea when things will go back to normal so that I can run safely anywhere, at any time and with my friends or at races.

This message still holds true…

Bloggers unite!!

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! Have you found ways to run outside your neighborhood and still feel safe?  Or have you been sticking close tPlease share.

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

The Topic for today is: 2020 Mid-Year Review

Well, obviously things haven’t gone as planned. (17 races that I was planning to run by Jun 30, 2020 have been cancelled).

• Races

The year started with a painful foot.  I continued to run on it and completed a few short races and two half marathons. Then I got rid of the pain but there have been no races since 😦

• Virtual Races

Yes, I have technically completed quite a few including three half marathons.

But none have I truly raced.

• Mileage

My goal for the year has always been 1000 miles.  That means around 84 miles each month.

Jan – 83.8 miles
Feb  – 76.7 miles
Mar – 91 miles
Apr – 89 miles
May – 86.5 miles
Jun – 82 miles

I have run 507 miles so far.

It seems that I am right on track as far as that goes.

• Training Plans

I have continued to run as if I were training for a half marathon.  That means I run 3 short runs during the work week

and one Long Run of 10 miles on the weekend.

• Cross Training

Ummm.. I started the year with an occasional trip to the gym to ride the bike or use the machines (very occasional).

Then everything closed. I do not own any equipment.

So it’s been a lot of walking, a lot of hiking and a lot of weeding. I have also taken a yoga class every month (face to face and then through ZOOM).

• Race-cations

Yes, my favorite thing to do.

NYC for a half marathon and then an awesome one in Bermuda (who knew how fun it would be and how it may be the last  one of the year?) I had a race scheduled for my tennis trip to Naples, Fl but the trip got cancelled.  I had another NYC trip planned for June but that race got cancelled.

Hopefully, my NH girls trip will happen in October – race or no race.  Maybe I will even get to run in NYC before 2021.

• Blogger Meet-ups

Well, most of them have been virtual.

virtual 5k with Cari, Kim and Deb

Gotta love ZOOM.

As I am sure every runner will agree, 2020 so far has not been a remarkable year.  But if we are all healthy, we should not complain.

Things can only get better!!

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! How is your 2020 shaping up? Please share.

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (for me a Tuesday), 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!

1. Something Loved.

Nature!!!

Having no races to train for may have left most you runners unmotivated. I suffer from that as well so I have focused on experiencing nature.  Visiting and walking the nearby trails…

especially those with waterfalls (Huyck Preserve):

Once I race again and have to focus on running, these visits may decrease.

2. Something Said.

I posted a quote by Monet on my FB page.  One of French students from long ago said:

“You were one of the best teachers that I ever had!! I loved your classes! You always kept us challenge, entertained and made learning fun. I remember…”

That certainly made my day.  Teachers rarely get comments from their students.  At least, I didn’t (until I quit teaching lol).

My point being is that you never know when or if you inspire anyone.  And that carries over to running.  If you love what you do, you will affect someone.  They may never tell you. Running like teaching is often selfless.

Have you ever surprisingly inspired or had a positive effect on someone?

3. Something Learned.

Jeannie Rice, age 72

This lady has been running for 37 years without a single injury.

She holds the world and/or national record at every distance.

She has run 150 marathons.

She still runs at least 11-12 miles each day (6-8 marathons a year.)

If you have time, listen to her interview on this podcast.

What learned was that GOALS and SPEED do not have be related to AGE.

Have you used your age as an excuse to give up on your goals or slow down?

4. Something Read.

My co-worker lent me a whole bunch of mysteries. Some were so-so but I especially enjoyed this one.

The story is told from two points of view — Lucy (the daughter-in-law) and Diana Goodwin (the mother-in-law).  When Diana is found dead in her home, folks are unsure whether it is suicide or if someone wanted her dead.

Well, I couldn’t put it down. Now I want to read Hepworth’s other books.

Have you read this or any of Hepworth’s books?  Who is your favorite mystery author?

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

The Topic for today was: Summer Bucket List

I think I posted about this last year and it included such things as:

• Racing on the weekend
• Long runs in preparation for fall half marathons (or marathon)
• Playing tennis outdoors
• Participating in ARE Trail Series and SOAR group runs
• Running in different places around the state esp. in NYC
• Going to Saratoga Race Track
• Boating on Lake George
• Hiking 

Now with this Pandemic, obviously my bucket list plans have changed:

• Racing on the weekend

What races?

Last summer, there were many:

This summer??

There’s still a slight possibility that my August half marathon will happen…very slight!!  Hopefully a shorter small race or two will happen before Sept 22.

April 19th race postponed until August 29….

Long runs in preparation for fall half marathons (or marathon)

Yes, I am trying to keep up my 10 mile base.  So far so good.  But it’s hard with the heat and keeping the 6 ft distance from my running friends. But at least I’m not running all those miles alone.

• Playing tennis outdoors

A big NO here.  My Tuesday evening group disbanded in favor of playing on clay during the day.  I am still working.  Though, I could pursue finding others to play with, I have switched my focus to running, walking and hiking after work.

tennis friends

I used to play tennis EVERYDAY especially in the summer. I miss it!! But at least I still see my friends. I am sure I will play again often if I ever retire.

• Participating in ARE Trail Series and SOAR group runs.

The Trail Series that I did with my friends last year has been cancelled.

I am running mostly solo during the week, fitting it around my work schedule.

I may participate in some Ice Cream Group Runs that will be organized.

• Running in different places around the state and in NYC.

No traveling for work.  That means just running locally in the same places!!

Last year:

• Going to Saratoga Race Track

The races have been cancelled for spectators.  This has been a tradition for my friend and I – For over 30 years we have been going to breakfast and then watching the races.

Boating on Lake George

Yes, this will happen.  Many restrictions, of course. No fireworks, no events or craft fairs…. MASKS!

We’ll see how it goes.  The lake will be there. It will be beautiful but camping, docking, eating, socializing….????

Last summer:

This summer:

Hiking 

I plan to do this all summer.  I have been hiking during the pandemic.  I have acquired a new hiking friend.  This is one the highlights of the pandemic for me.

One big downer is that the Hikeathon that I signed my hubby & I up for (for the first time) has gone virtual.

in fact, Pinnacle Pt, the hike we signed up for is still closed

Last summer:

This summer:

As they say: This too shall pass!

I am healthy.  My family and friends are healthy.

Life is good!

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! What is on your summer bucket list?  How has it changed from last summer? Please share.