It’s that time of the month…

still optimistic for Oct 2-5 vacation

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I said that I was over Virtual races.  I hadn’t run one since May.

I asked for a refund for both of my September Half Marathons and asked for a deferral for the August one BUT my October race has gone VIRTUAL with no refund or deferral option.

So I guess I’m doing another virtual race. Reluctantly. I really don’t care about getting a half-zip or medal when I have not run a “real” race.

How do you feel about this?  Do you want swag from “virtual” races?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was okay when I heard that Skirt Sports was going out of business. I have made quite a few friends in past years by being an Ambassador and I have enough skirts to last (my lifetime).

As you may have heard, the company was bought by Sarah R, the owner of the ZOOMA race series.

I ran ZOOMA Bermuda last February and met Sarah.  This race was one of the best race experiences (and I have run a lot of them lol).

And there were quite a few Skirt Sports skirts at the race.

Perfect match, right?

Have you run a Zooma race recently? If so, did you enjoy it? Do you wear Skirt Sports?  How do you feel about its future?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that related to the above 2 updates, I signed up for another virtual race. I signed up with two other Skirt Sports ambassadors…

and it’s a ZOOMA race.

virtual swag

Have you done any virtual races lately?  How about any ZOOMA virtual races?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although gyms in NYS were allowed to open, my free gym has not.

It’s not that I was a frequent gym goer but I do worry about when winter comes.  I do not own a treadmill or a stationary bike.

Have you gone to a gym yet?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have unearthed my old bike.

 last ridden in 2012!?

You won’t see me at any duathlons.  I will be just be a casual biker. So far, I have only ridden around the neighborhood.

I need to get a bike rack for my car if I want to ride it on any of the bike paths. But it turns out bike racks are like toilet paper in March …None to be found 😦

How often do you bike?  How far?

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!

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when I upped my daily miles in the NYS Challenge from 500K to 1000k, I regretted it at first because I could have been done last month and then now I could rest my foot and start doing some biking.

But it is going well. It’s not as overwhelming as I thought.  I should be done by the end of the month or earlier.

It’s all good.

Are any of you participating in these challenges? If so, how are you doing?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I am moving a lot each day, it’s not because I have been running a lot.

March – 91 miles
April – 89 miles
May – 86.5 miles
June – 82 miles
July –  78 miles 

Notice a trend??

Yup, fewer miles each month.  I’m still on track to finish 1000 miles for the year but barely. (84 miles monthly is about what I need…)

Why the drop in running miles?

No half marathons not even virtual ones scheduled for June and July and maybe none for the rest of the year.  Minimal running during the week because I am walking and hiking a lot more. No need to train for any races.  Just enjoying my social distanced group Saturday runs and brunches.

How is your monthly mileage?  Running more or less?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I cancelled my Peleton trial subscription.  If I had a stationary bike or treadmill, I may have kept paying.  I don’t do any yoga or strength training.  Running is my thing and only outdoor running now that the gyms are closed.  Even you preload the class before you run, it still uses data (and I do not have an unlimited plan.)

I do have FOMO when I read about all the fun Peleton classes many runners are taking. Maybe I’ll be back if I can afford to buy a Peleton bike or decide to get a stationary bike or treadmill.

Any one use the Peleton app outdoors? Anyone use it for other things than biking?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do like my new Topo Fly-Lyte running shoes.  I may even try the Magniflys (love those free returns).

For trails, I am wearing Altra Lone Peaks. I like them too.

My foot problem is bearable however, not totally gone. I am still considering the expensive Laser Therapy.  Just procrastinating.

Anyone else wear Topos or Altras? If so, which model?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am not an Intervals runner.  I did not even use them to train for or run my marathon.

But with this insanely hot/humid summer, I have run almost all my long runs using them.

either 30:30 or 45:30 allows me to run forever…. Pace is over-rated.

Anyone else switch to intervals this summer?

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!

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have upped my daily miles so I can take time off.

I signed up for the NYS 1000k Challenge which means 6 miles a day.

I have enough accumulated miles so that I only have to run/walk 5 miles a day.

Running 10 miles on Saturdays means that I can take Sundays off!!!

not many steps will be taken while sitting on my boat or on a Lake George island.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my original Pandemic Goal was to finish as many trails and preserves as possible.  I had set my goal at 25 new places which I reached pretty quickly and then thought of upping it to 50.

Now I decided that instead of adding a lot of new places, I’m going to re-visit the ones I like most.  Besides, the trails look radically different in the summer than they did back in March.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I started seeing my friends about a month ago.  Many people may have thought it was risky.

I am still healthy and so are my family and friends and mentally, I feel so much better with social contact.  My runs are better, my hikes more enjoyable yada yada yada.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I feel really bad for all those signed up for fall marathons that have been cancelled esp. NYC and those running their first. I know it’s the right thing to do…but…

It’s a big step in committing to training and running 26.2 miles.

You can’t imagine how glad I am NOW that I took the plunge and ran NYC LAST YEAR. To think, I was hesitating… CARPE DIEM!!

lucky us!!!!

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I now have quite a collection of Virtual/Pandemic Race Swag.  I’m not sure if I care??

I may want to forget this year totally.

The Year Shit Became Real Virtual 5k wine glass

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!

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that this time EVERY year since 2005, I have been in Florida running, playing tennis and getting a tan at the beach.

I even run in a 5k race

Do you have an annual trip that you look forward to every year?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the Steel Rail Half Marathon race was postponed until Oct 11.  I really wanted to run this race but NOT a week after another half marathon.  No refunds but you could do it virtually by May 17 and receive all the swag. Not sure I made the right decision but I did decide to run it virtually.

2017 – my Half marathon PR

What would you have done?  

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that May is usually my favorite month. My Birthday. Florida Tennis vacation, Annual Tulip Fest. Beginning of boating season. Freihofer Run for Women, my favorite race. My hubby’s b-day. I could go on and on.

I kinda feel like May was cancelled.

at least no one told the tulips the bad news

What is your favorite month?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am cooking more, eating more, drinking more wine!!  This pandemic is not healthy.

Anyone else guilty of this?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I miss racing and traveling so much that I already signed up for a race next February!! (It should be safe to fly by then…)

want to join me?

How are you dealing with the travel ban and race cancellations?

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!

It’s that time of the month…

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??

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!

It’s that time of the month…

and that time of year

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I taken up yoga again.  I used to go weekly and then my favorite yoga instructor left and I stopped going.

I’m not one to do things at home. I need to sign up for a class and then I’ll go.

I started with Cat Yoga and it was fairly enjoyable… very low key so a good way to start up again.

that’s me in the pink skirt…thanks Lloyd for the pic

I’ve gone to Hot Yoga too …the participants can bend like pretzels but I do what I can and I do enjoy the warm temps.

I also attended a Yoga for Runners class which focused on the lower back/spine …just what I needed. (I plan to attend another one fro upper back and shoulders.)

And of course another Cat Yoga class at the same location as the Yoga for Runners class.

Do you do yoga? If you do, do you do it on your own or sign up for classes?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that though it’s no surprise but I am hating the cold temps and early winter weather conditions.

My biggest problem is that I have amnesia when it comes to dressing…I am either overdressed or cold.

too warm in that heavy vest

Do you remember how to dress to run from season to season?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that in addition to hating the weather, I despise the lack of daylight.  It cuts down on the places that I can safely run after work.  There’s only ONE lit up route and that’s UAlbany….BORING.  I like to run in different places.

I may have to get up early and run before work. UGH!!!

Do you run outside in the dark?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am back to traveling for work.

Last month it was 3 days in NYC.  Not complaining…

I met up with running friends Cari and Elizabeth and also saw HAMILTON!!!

Work travel can have its perks now and then.

This week I am back in NYC for 5 days.

Good news is that in Manhattan, there are loads of places to run with lights… and of course at Christmas time, lots to see and do.

Anyone else love to visit NYC at this time of year?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that now that my marathon training and marathon is over, I’m debating a new challenge for 2020.

One half marathon each month???

I already have one planned for January (Fred LeBow in NYC), February (ZOOMA in Bermuda), March (NYC Half), April (Helderberg 2 Hudson) and May (Sacandaga or Steel Rail)….

What’s 7 more?  LOL

What do you think of my my goal? Has anyone ever run 12 halfs in one year?

Of course, I wrote this post before I had a sore foot….all these racing plans may be on hold….

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!

It’s that time of the month…

NYC State of Mind

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

The NYC Marathon Edition….

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am excited about running my FIRST full marathon and I am glad that I chose NYC. It’s only a train ride away, I have free pts for my hotel and most importantly, I do LOVE NYC and know my way around this city.

after the Poland Spring Race last October. Who knew??

If you have run a marathon (or half), which one was your first and why?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that recently I met up with two college roommates.

We reminisced about our last meet-up. It was in NYC in 2013 the day before the NYC Marathon.

I had them take a picture of me at the finish line.

And now 6 years later, I am running that race.

Do you believe in serendipity? Have you  had a similar experience?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that unfortunately my hubby will be in Palm Springs that same day competing in a national tennis tournament.  Yes, what are the odds that it would be the same day as my first marathon?

Back in 2014, he did come to a race.

I was sad that he could not come since it is my first (and most likely my last) marathon.

Some of my running friends have expressed interest in coming down to NYC for the day to cheer me on.  But the logistics are not easy. I doubt they will be able.

I think a few of my tennis friends may come…. (Fingers crossed.)

If not, I will gather energy from the thousands of cheering fans that I do not know personally.

Do your family and friends cheer you on at big races?

Anyone coming to cheer? If so, let me know where you will be?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that there are quite a few current and former bloggers who are running the NYC Marathon. Hopefully we can arrange a meet-up.

Cari, Lacey, Linda, Pam, and ???

loved meeting Michelle and Kim here

Anyone else coming to run? If so, when can we meet up? I’ll be at the expo on Sat.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have zero time goals for this race. It is my first full as I have mentioned.  My longest run was 20 miles and it was very painful. I did run two 14 milers, one 16 and one 18. I did not increase my mid-week runs due to job commitments. My weekly mileage was only usually in the 20s.

So do I think I can finish?

YES!!!

Will it hurt?

YES, most likely.

My goal is to run the first half SLOWLY, enjoy the WHOLE experience and get my MEDAL at the end!!!

Do you have a time goal for your big races or do you just do it for fun?

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!