It’s that time of the month…

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

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I’m on my way to NH for a race-cation with friends. I would have been shocked if you told me a year ago that today we’d still be wearing masks and worrying about COVID.

At least this year, the race will be an in-person one.

cooling off after our virtual half last year

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that normally I don’t have time goals for my 2021 half marathons…but I think I want to finish at least be ONE second faster than my last one….so 2:20:56.

The reason being is that my last one of the year will be HILLY and no chance of improvement.

hills of Altamont in the Upstate Classic – Nov. 21, 2021

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that yes, I signed up for another half marathon even before I ran the current one.

No surprise…

Nov 21, 2021

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that boating season has almost ended and hiking season has begun.

The biggest dilemma is where to go…

to new places??

This one was new…

or places that I’ve already visited but loved???

Moxham Mt. last year

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that one home reno project leads to another. First I wanted to get rid of the wallpaper.

That led to new cabinets and appliances.

That led to plank flooring

and granite countertops.

The new flooring made me want to get rid of the carpeting in the family room… (but instead decided to put that on hold and just get our carpets professionally cleaned since we also need a new washing machine and my car needs work done.

What’s next?

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

It’s that time of the month…

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

After two months of going into the office three days a week, this month I will have to go back EVERYDAY!

I know I did it for many years before but still…. HOW???

I am so jealous of you runners who do not have to do your hair, make-up, put on jewelry and nice clothes and then pack a lunch, pre-run snack and your running stuff for all possible weather conditions. (RANT over!)

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I registered for Half Marathon #51 (counting all the virtuals of 2020). It is TOMORROW. Gulp!

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran 9 half marathons in 2020. However, I feel a little rusty. This is only my 3rd this year

and the last one was back in April.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I signed up for several more races in September and October:

• • 09-11-21 – Malta 5k
  • 09-25-21 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k
  • 10-03-21 – Smuttynose Half Marathon
  • 10-09-21 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k
  • 10-23-21 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’d tell you that I won 2nd place in a photo contest.

I won what’s in the picture not what the email says.

However, I didn’t remember entering and I had no idea which photo won.  Glad they posted the winning pics:

took this one back in March

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my kitchen make-over project is more stressful than training for a marathon.

1. Having someone remove all the wallpaper and then paint.
2. Buying all new appliances, having them delivered and installed
3. Picking out cabinets, flooring, tile, etc.
4. Hiring someone to install them.
5. Picking out countertops and hiring someone to install.
6. Having the cabinets and flooring delivered (my hubby has to pick up) and installed.
7. Having countertops delivered and installed
8. Odds and ends like new curtains, hardware and outlet covers, etc.

Much harder and longer than my 16 week marathon training plan. It leaves me wondering why I decided to do this and if I will get to that finish line…

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

It’s that time of the month…

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

I’ve only been working in the office for three days a week but after 18 months of working from home, it has been a HUGE adjustment.

And now I even have to wear a mask ALL day!

new short hair and new mask mandate

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that what I miss the most about working from home is being flexible with the time I can run.  If I’m in the office, occasionally I may run before work but usually it has to be after work. And if the weather is bad, I have to skip the run.

No more lunch runs… sigh

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve again joined the Freihofer’s Training Group.  I usually participated in the Advanced group. But due to COVID restrictions, the groups are smaller and more numerous but the only Advanced group is scheduled on Thursdays which is my Trail Runs night. So until they are over, I’ll run with the Intermediate Group on Mondays after work.

we used to freeze during our runs in April…now the race has been re-scheduled to late Sept.

with the Beg. & Int. runners

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in last month’s Coffee Update, I said that I had no races scheduled until September. Well, all of a sudden, I’ve run a 4 miler and a 5k.

I also signed up for another 5k and a 10k in August. And then a NEW local Half Marathon on Sept 4.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am most excited about running in NYC on Aug. 30.  I had plans to go to NYC for the Van Gogh exhibit, a college reunion and weekend on the Hamptons. But I extended the weekend one more day so I could run in Central Park or along the Hudson R.

can’t wait, Cari!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did take advantage of the Peleton special pricing – 3 months for the price of one. I joined on July 31 so that once my group runs end in September, I can use the app for my outdoor solo runs

Matty, I’ll be back soon!!

and for my neighborhood walks.

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

It’s that time of the month…

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

I am very excited to go boating again on Lake George. If only the weather would be consistently warm on the weekends.

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that I start working in the office next week. BOO!!

I need to wear nice clothes, jewelry and make up, pack a lunch and bring the appropriate clothes (and snack) to run after work.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NO races on my schedule this summer.

Very strange. I even ran several races during the Pandemic and many many virtual ones.

Since we now CAN race, I have no desire to do a virtual one.

(Late update: I lied. On a whim, I recently registered for a race this coming weekend.)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have been a Skirt Sports ambassador since the beginning. Last year they merged with ZOOMA. Now they have added Momentum jewelry. So now I represent all three brands.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been consistently running 10 miles each weekend until I have not…

I started to slack off in May when I was in Florida.  Once you stop, it’s so easy not to continue. So in June, I haven’t as well.

only 4 miles!!

Until my friends and I have a half marathon to train for, I just may run less….

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I will going back to the office for work next week, I do not know when I will be travelling again. I miss running in different locations. I miss my hotel points!!!

I think this was my last NYC run, I mean work trip (Jan 2020)

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

It’s that time of the month…

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

I am very excited to go boating again on Lake George. If only the weather would be consistently warm on the weekends. (This weekend, it may happen!!)

1. Over coffee/wine… 

I’d tell you that I have run a few races this spring. But there seems to be a lag in available races this summer and then a cluster races for the fall.

It may be struggle to stay motivated to run with the heat and few races.

Will you be racing this summer? If not, does it affect your running mojo?

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I have been hiking every Sunday since last October.  I really enjoy my fire tower climbs and waterfall views.

But boating on Lake George is one activity that the hubby and I share. Sunday is the day we go boating (because I do long runs on Saturday.)

Do you have to compromise with your significant other or can you do what YOU prefer?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I’m excited to have more opportunities to run with others. Until recently, I ran alone during the week and with others only on Saturdays.

In May, SOAR started group runs with women every other Wednesday.  Also on Wednesdays, there will be Ice Cream group runs scheduled (You run with others at different locations located near ice cream shops.)

back after a year off

In June, on Thursdays, there will be Trail group runs hosted by our local running organization.

how well do you know me? which shoe is mine?

In July, the Freihofer race training challenge will also begin group runs.

Do you have the opportunity to run with others? Or do you usually run alone? Which do you prefer?

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that my fall race-cation weekend has been finalized.  We are returning to Hampton Beach, NH and will be running the (in-person) Smuttynose 5k or half marathon. (There will 10 of us running the race.)

after last year’s virtual race (missing our sherpa in the pic)

Unfortunately, I was not quick enough and last year’s perfect house was already rented. But instead we rented another with 5 bedrooms and 7 beds (not on the beach but .8 miles away.)

Do you have any race-cations or big races planned for the Fall? Anyone planning on running this race or have run it?

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that the NYC Marathon will be held live in November. I know several runners who will be doing it. Yup, I’m having some FOMO.

I did time qualify for 2020 but did not want to run it two years in a row. Who knew that there would be a Pandemic and I could pick 2021, 2022 or 2023 to run it again.

Hey I’ll be 70 in 2023…so maybe things will be back to normal by 2024 and I’ll still be running half marathons?

Do you ever have second thoughts about a race that you did not sign up for?

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Any trips, races or fun summer activities planned? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

It’s that time of the month…

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

I am very excited to have just returned Florida.

Don’t worry. I still drank coffee every morning.

But there was a lot of more this going on:

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that since it’s been awhile since I’ve gotten my second COVID vaccine, I was a lot less nervous about flying. Of course, there was still a mask requirement (so that we protect others who may not have gotten the vaccines.)

Have you flown yet? If so, how did you feel?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was a little disappointed that they changed the date of the 5k race that I always run during this vacation. So I was not able to add any mugs to my collection.

Do you still go on vacations without a race planned? If so, are you disappointed to not be racing?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that when on a group vacation, it’s a little hard to get the runs in. I did my best but my weekend 10 mile run did not take place.

lots of tennis replaced my running

Do you skip long runs when on vacation?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that most of the local races are not happening but there are a few that have been scheduled:

• • May 8 – Schoharie 5k
  • May 8 – Prospect Mountain 5.7m Race
  • May 22 – Bacon Hill 5k
  • May 23 – Super Hero 5k
  • May 30 – Miles Along the Mohawk 5m or 10m or Marathon

I usually, in the spring, race EVERY weekend but so far, I’ve only signed up for the 5k on May 22 and the 10 miler on May 30.

Are races happening where you live? Have you signed up for any?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that again this year, I’ve been named an ambassador for the Freihofer Run for Women.

It’s a popular 5k and one of my favorites. It was cancelled last year and this year, it has been postponed until Sept 25. (If you want to run it or do it virtually, sign up with this code: AMBDC10 for get $10 off. (I will also be giving way TWO free entries.)

Exciting, right?

I am also a ZOOMA Ambassador. Guess when the Cape Cod Zooma Race weekend is?

September 25-26, 2021

Yup, same time!!!

Any advice? Which would you choose? Anyone else running ZOOMA Cape Cod?

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Any trips or races planned? Please share.

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

It’s that time of the month…

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

I am very excited to be taking another trip down to Florida.

Yes, it is warming up here but….no beaches!!!

ahhhh

1. Over coffee/wine… 

I’d tell you that I am relieved that NYS has lifted its quarantine requirement for traveling out of state beginning April 1.

is this in our future?

What are the travel requirements in the state where you live?

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that this girls vacation started back in 2002 but it has been annual Naples, Fla thing since 2005.  It was to play tennis and take lessons so we could win our team matches.  Things have changed. At least with me.  I quit team playing, then I quit regular play and then I quit tennis totally.

It will be a little scary to return to the courts after two years.

at least I still have all the tennis clothes lol

Have you returned to a sport that that you hadn’t done in a while? Swimming? Biking? Other? How did you feel?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that this is the first time in a long time that I will NOT be racing during my vacation.

The 5k that I usually run is scheduled for the Saturday after I return home….. next year hopefully!

Do you still go on vacations without a race planned? I usually do not.

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that although I plan to play tennis every morning, I will get up early and run first. Unfortunately, there will be no sunrise pics.  Our villa is not near the beach (I would drive but I will not have a car.)

Do you always run during your vacations?

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that on each Naples vacation, my goal is to get my friends to be more active.  The last time we went to Naples, for my birthday, I begged them to go to a park and hike (a few did lol).  I will try again this year.

Do you try to get others to be active during vacations (even if they prefer to just relax)?

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Any trips planned? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

It’s that time of the month…

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

I live in upstate NY so it’s HOT coffee in the morning before work and red wine in front of the fireplace at night.

Spring arrives later this month and the days are getting longer. And my quarantine has ended. 🙂

But I’m still trying to hold onto memories of my warm sunny days in Florida.

1. Over coffee/wine… 

I’d tell you that in addition to being relieved that I had gotten both of my COVID vaccines before I left for my Florida vacation, the CDC advised that you did not have to quarantine after 14 days post vaccine #2.  Many states have no quarantining requirements. Some states (like NY) have stricter ones. It’s all so confusing.

What are the travel requirements in the state where you live?

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that contrary to popular belief, I felt safe from COVID while I was recently in Florida.  As a result, I am in the midst of planning our annual tennis trip to Naples (April 28-May 5.)  The snag will be that some of my friends are not over 65 so may not have gotten both of their vaccines yet.  It just may be a smaller group this year. In times, like this, it pays to be older.

looking forward to more shenanigans with these ladies

If you traveled during the pandemic, how did you feel?  Do you have any future travel plans?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that it was quite disheartening that both my feet still are painful when I run.  Obviously I can withstand the pain or I would not run and race half marathons but I definitely will NOT run another marathon (with foot pain.)  And yes, I’ve rested, gotten shots, new shoes, PT, etc.  And no, I do not plan to have surgery.

smiling through the pain

Any bunion/neuroma advice?  Do you run/race with non-injury-related pain?

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that that I am not running as fast as I used to.  I am planning to embrace my slowness.  But that seems easier if you run long races… Not a problem yet since most races for 2021 are still cancelled.  I used love my weekly 5ks.

in faster times

Long distance or short distance races, which is your preference? Does finish time matter? Only answer if you have been running at least 10 years. (If not, you can still get faster.)

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that in spite of what I said about my snail’s pace, I signed up for a five mile race on March 13. What was I thinking?

I guess I was thinking back to my favorite 5 miler, the Delmar Dash (which will not happen again this year.)

That’s how long most of my 3 milers take now. lol

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Any warm weather trips planned or in-person races? Any neuroma/bunion advise? Please share.

It’s that time of the month…

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

I live in upstate NY so it’s HOT coffee in the morning before work and red wine in front of the fireplace at night.

1. Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I got my first COVID-19 vaccine and am anxiously waiting for the second one. It’s the first step but we still have along way to go. And the distribution here was very chaotic. Hope it is more organized where you live.

2.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I can’t wait to skip town.  My last hotel stay was Dec 6 (in NYC) and my last vacation stay was in NH in October. (I know I am lucky. Most people have been at home since March 2020 and have zero future plans).

We haven’t had a really bad winter but still I am looking forward to feeling the sand beneath my toes. And SUNSHINE!!! (I need some Vitamin D!)

back in Feb. 2019

I am not weather stalking (well, maybe a little). It may not be warm but I know that it will be warmer than it is in NY and there will be NO ice or snow.

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that the reason I’m heading for a warm weather vacation is to run a half marathon. No surprise. I had a really hard time making the decision to take this vacation because of the Pandemic.

Publix A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon – February 14, 2021

Not because I was afraid of catching COVID (maybe a little) but because I wasn’t sure if I would have fun.  I knew it would not be the same as in previous years. I was planning on staying in two hotels instead of with my friends.  I would see them but for the most part, I would be on my own.

Another friend from college, Patty, will be in Delray/Boca too.

In the end, I felt that seeing the sunrise on the ocean each morning, going to the beach, visiting the bird sanctuaries and gardens, eating outdoors and completing a half marathon were reasons enough to take the trip.  Plus I would be using free points for my hotel, car, and credit for the flight (and not spending much money.)

4.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that that I will still be running this half marathon for fun.  I did complete all my long runs to train for this race but my competitive mojo has deserted me.  In a good way, I think.

I mean it’s been a year since I have worn my Garmin (Hope it still works.)

Feb 15, 2020

5.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that I am still years later deathly afraid of running on ice or snow. I don’t want a repeat of the broken ankle and be out of running for five months.  Of course this limits where I can run in the winter. But more importantly, it rules out any hiking. So I bit the bullet, pulled out my yak trax and hiking poles and have ventured out on the trails.

I go alone and walk VERY slowly but better than missing out on nature in the winter.

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Do you do any solo winter hiking? Any vacations or any races planned for this winter? Do you know when you will get  your vaccines? Please share.

It’s that time of the month…

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

And it’s the first one of 2021!  What a difference a year makes…

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am glad, like most of you, that 2020 has ended.  It wasn’t all bad

seemed like it was going to be the best year…

but for me, personally, there were quite a few sad things that happened during this year. I’m demoting 2020 from 5 starts to one star.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that that in 2019, I was so excited to be running my first full marathon.  In 2020, I was so excited to try to complete one half marathon each month.

HM #1 in 2020

2021? I wonder what I should be excited about (related to running)?

in limbo

Do you have any big running goals for this year?

3. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it’s getting harder and harder (in the cold weather) to do my long runs without big races on my schedule.

this was HARD!

Do you still do your weekend long runs?  Are they shorter than pre-pandemic?

4. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that that although I want to go on a race-cation in Florida in February, I don’t want to be uncomfortable or make my family and friends uncomfortable. So if the race actually happens and I go, I’ll be staying in hotels rather than with people that I know. (Fortunately I still have hotel pts for free rooms from 2019’s work travel.)

my 3 good friends who live in Delray Beach, FL

Any vacations planned for 2021?  Will they be different than in the past?

5. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I can’t wait to get my COVID vaccine!! (My hubby got his yesterday!!!!!!!)

It’ll be the first sign that things are moving in the right direction on containing this virus.

I do hope people do get it. I know there are those to do not get the vaccines that are recommended (like their flu or shingles shots (if over 50))

Credit: Dogukan Keskinkilic/Anadolu Agency/Getty

Will you be getting the vaccine right away? Or are you worried about the side effects?

One more for good measure:

6. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have registered for two mileage challenges for 2021 – both for 1000 miles:

I’m a Skirt Sports/ZOOMA ambassador so of course, I participated in this one (even though I signed up for the free version + the beanie)

and

you get this super cool medallion, a great looking quarter zip for winter running, and a short sleeve techie for when it warms up.

Have you signed up for a 2021 mileage challenge? If so, which one?

It’s also 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!