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.

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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!

It’s that time of the month…

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

Yes, it’s been that kind of month..

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I always set 1000 miles as my yearly goal for running.  I’ve only reached that milestone twice (2016 & 2017).  But it means that I’ve been consistent with my running and didn’t have too many injuries.  I was pretty sure that due to my painful neuroma, toe and bunion plus the strained SI joint, I would not reach it this year. But I just may. Stay tuned…

just getting in the miles with the help of my friends.

Do you have yearly, monthly or weekly mileage goals?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’m still struggling with remembering what to wear when it is cold out.  I run “hot.”  And I can’t stand to be warm when I run.  I get sweaty and then afterward, I am really chilled.  I hope I figure it out before spring. LOL

still wearing the extra jacket and having to tie it around my waist – ugh!

Are you successful in dressing properly when the seasons change?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am not sure when my next half marathon will be.  As of now, there are NONE scheduled in my area. There are two that I’m eyeing for February in Florida.  But who can make plans with the rise in COVID cases. Nevertheless, I’ve decided to try to keep up my run at least 10 miles on Saturday streak.

It’s a little challenging in the cold weather and when no one else is running that many miles

Do you run double digit runs even if you are not training for a race?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the pandemic is lasting longer than I ever thought.  I’m not a gym person but I did go when I couldn’t run to use the stationary bike.  Of course, I thought by winter, it would be open again. Nope. Not happening.  I’m debating on what to do when it is unsafe to run outside (snow, ice).  I’m not a treadmill person but maybe a spin bike???

I’ve only tried one in the hotel in NYC

Any recommendations?  Not a Peleton but an inexpensive spin bike? 

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I don’t like to share all the doom and gloom in my life on the blog (not judging anyone who needs to) but now I have good news.

All four of my immediate family members who were very sick with COVID seem to be on the mend.  Phew.  It was very scary.

I hope none of you personally have to deal with this awful virus.

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…

ETA: 5-25-21

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that, in case you don’t know yet, I’m going to be a grandma in May.  We’re very excited.  It is a surprise since my daughter-in-law was told that she most likely couldn’t get pregnant and they have been trying for awhile.

And it’s a BOY so I guess I can start quilting/knitting and shopping.

may have to buy this!!

Any running grandmas out there??

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have a new challenge.  It’s actually one that I thought of when the pandemic started but now it’s a real one:

Before it was announced, I had already visited 17 out of 20.  The 3 left were just not nearby. And I just finished!!!

#20

Are you participating in any challenges?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I also participated in the RGB Challenge.

It was only 78 miles between Sept 20, 2020 and Nov. 3 2020Feb. 1, 2021.  Since I finished in a few weeks, I continued logging my running and walking miles.  My goal was to see how many miles I could accumulate and maybe finish in the top 20 out of over 8,000. (Just call me an Overachiever).  And I did pretty well.  I decided to stop posting on Nov. 2.

17th out of 8078.

Did anyone else Run for Ruth?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you I said that I was over virtual races.  And I meant PAYING for them  There are quite a few FREE NYRR races.  And so I did sign up for them (2 in Oct, 3 in Nov, 1 in Dec).

Most are 5ks (and I do get a medal if I do 3 out 5 and record them on Strava).

Dash to the Finish 5k is done!

This is the only longer one.

between Nov 30 & Dec 6.

Any more virtual races on your schedule? Free or for money? Anyone want to join me on the Free NYRR races?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I miss NYC big time.  I used to go there several times a month for work

Dec 2019

and several times a year with friends…

Oct 2019

and then there were the races…

Jan 2020

So on a whim, I registered for a NYC race on Dec 6.  Most likely it won’t be safe to go…but a girl can dream.

**6. And I forgot to announce here that I am now (in addition to Skirt Sports), a ZOOMA Ambassador.

I am very excited because I LOVED my ZOOMA Bermuda experience.  I hope to participate in ZOOMA Cape Cod next fall.

Any ZOOMA ambassadors out there?  Anyone planning on any ZOOMA races?

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!