Being sick, sore Achilles (yes, still or again?), busy at work and in the evenings… lots of excuses…

But as the blog post title says: I was focused on JUST getting it done…wherever, whatever and whenever.

Last Week- 

• Sunday – Headed to the gym first thing and then had hoped to walk with a friend or go on our boat.

Neither happened as it started to rain and continued to rain all day.

Instead, I did some errands, laundry, cleaned out a closet (2 bags of dresses!), tracked Cari as she crushed her Chicago marathon race and even cooked for the week.

I guess I needed that day off.

I mentioned last week that I had to sadly re-home my new kitty.

I finally heard from her new owners.

They LOVE her and she loves them.. Happy and sad (I do miss her sweet face.)

• Monday – DAY OFF! Unfortunately, the rain had stopped but my hubby had to work (so no last boating day.).

I wanted to re-do my long run. I still had a cold but was feeling better. I also knew that I needed extra mojo. So I drove to a scenic trail (Vischer Ferry Preserve).

It was closed due to duck hunting!! WTH?

Plan B –  I drove to the Zim Smith trail and ran there.

started out cool but then sun came out and I was over-dressed. My legs just didn’t want to run/walk 6 miles today so I called it quits at 5 and bought an apple cider donut!!

• Tuesday – WFH all week which is nice considering I’ll be in NYC the next two weeks.

I started the day at the gym and then had a hair appt after work…

I did squeeze in a WINDY walk at lunch.

• Wednesday – Another gym morning and…

after work was the 5th meeting of the STEM group.  I got there a little to add more steps to my day.

and they’re up to 8 minutes running… on a perfect night weather-wise

• Thursday – A morning run… in the neighborhood

lots of photo stops for obvious reasons…

because in the evening, I got together with my tennis friends.

a small group tonight but so fun to catch-up each month…

• Friday- An early class and a windy rainy day so nothing but a trip to the office at lunch and…

I hosted mah jongg tonight so lots of pumpkin snacks (and cleaning beforehand.)

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

My run would not be that long since my 15k isn’t scheduled until Nov. 8. I planned on 7 miles (hoping to feel more energetic than the last 2 long runs…) I was hoping to have company for at least some of the miles… but no one was available or running.  And it was cloudy and COLD!!

Besides, I had things to prepare (see below)…

So instead, I went to the gym…

and brunch was replaced with lunch out to celebrate my stepson’s 40th birthday.

I am now certified as a “crazy cat lady.”

The reason we got Dali was as a playmate for Domino. Well, she hated him (and my hubby). And so she is now in a perfect new home as an only cat (see photo above.)

Here’s Firefly (who will be known as “Buddy.”) He was born on May 1 and fostered with a bunch of his siblings.

We’ll see how this goes… stay tuned.

• Sunday –  Long Run re-scheduled to someplace scenic (forecast is for sunny but COLD and Vischer Ferry Preserve is now open again), maybe a short hike after, errands and packing for my NYC trip…

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Monday – Started the day at the gym… and after work, STEM run (since I’ll miss Wed.)
• Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run, Bdway show
• Wednesday –  work in Jamaica, meet-up w/Cari & Elizabeth.
• Thursday – work in Jamaica, train home
• Friday-  gym, walk, mah jongg
• Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – Favorite Fall Activities
• Friday – 5 ways to recover from a fall race

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Enjoying fall temps?  Do anything special on the holiday weekend? Please share.

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.

I had THREE tuxedo cats and now only TWO… the house feels empty but so much calmer… I miss her but I think I made the right decision.

all alone again…

Last Week- 

• Sunday – Headed to the gym first thing and then off to the lake…

Depending on next weekend’s weather, this could be our last boat outing of the season…

cool but sunny and I read a whole book!!

• Monday – Since I had to go to the office, I did my run at UAlbany afterwards.

Holy Cow!! What wind!!! (and an achy lower back.)

• Tuesday – I started the day at the gym and then a walk after work with former co-workers.

• Wednesday – Live teaching today and so that meant Starbucks and a lot of standing…

don’t you try to have your drink match the scenery?

After work was the 4th meeting of the STEM group.  I got there a little to add more steps to my day.

boy, my legs wee tired but we’re up to 5 min. running!

• Thursday – Live teaching day 2 and in addition to Starbucks,

orange not pumpkin…

I got my run done after work.

my friend is injured so I had to run solo. but at least the weather was perfect…

• Friday- Live teaching day 3… no fitness activities!

Instead of mah jongg, I attended an ARE-sponsored event:

CEO of Atlantic magazine, cancer survivor and an amazing runner…

Glad I went, it was so enjoyable and we got a free copy of the book…

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Really not that long since my 15k isn’t scheduled until Nov. 8. I had planned on 6 miles but feeling under the weather, I decided to go at it alone and quit after 3 miles.

having a nasty cold and starting too late.. Too bad since the weather was great.

I rushed home to meet a friend to go on a road trip the MA (Great Barrington and Lenox) for consignment shopping and  lunch.

great finds, great food and even ice cream at my favorite place place in Lee, MA…

• Sunday –  Gym and maybe even a few more miles.  The weather doesn’t look good for boating… the season may be over until next May 😦

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Monday – DAY OFF (holiday), Long run (since I skipped it on Saturday.)
• Tuesday – gym, hair appt.
• Wednesday –  STEM mentor run (week 4)
• Thursday – run, dinner with the tennis ladies
• Friday-  gym, walk, mah jongg chez moi
• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, lunch to celebrate my stepson’s 40th b-day)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – How do you stay active when the weather turns cooler?
• Friday – 5 Halloween-Themed Races

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Enjoying fall temps? Are your leaves changing yet? Ever have to rehome a pet? Please share.

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.

Does anyone feel letdown when you plan something for a year and then it’s over?

Last Week+- (Backtracking a little for more details on our trip)

• Friday – We set out early in several cars for a our race-cation weekend.  One of our running friends moved to Wakefield, MA (north of Boston) and so she invited us for a BBQ. It was a lovely way to start our vacation.

Next stop was race bib/shirt pick up in Marshfield, MA. Little did we realize how much traffic we’d hit through Boston and heading toward the Cape on a Friday afternoon.

Hours later we did arrive, got our bibs/shirts and  finally headed to our rental in Plymouth, MA.

the house was built in 1766!!

After settling in, we walked into town for dinner. (Unfortunately we chose an Italian restaurant that did not have pizza – my go to pre-race meal!)

broke another rule, had wine!

I (and a few others) ended our travel day with a soak in the hot tub…

• Saturday – Run to the Rock Race.

The race was held in Marshfield, MA at 8am. I ran the Half Marathon, 4 of us ran the 10k, 2 ran the 5k and 2 just cheered.

The weather was great but the course was so HILLY!!!

I struggled but did the best I could adding lots of uphill walks.

My biggest complaint was that the half course was mismarked and turned out to be .5 miles short!!!

But I won 2nd in my AG!!

After we returned home, some of us decided to walk into town to have lunch and explore some of the sights (Plymouth Rock, Mayflower II, etc).

Eventually that evening, we all went into town and had dinner on the water to celebrate our achievements (and friendships).

Again, the day ended with a soak in the hot tub…

• Sunday – If you read my blog, you may remember that if possible when I travel, I get up early to see the sunrise. I was thrilled to have Heidi’s company and the view was totally worth it.

With rain in the forecast for later, we continued walking around town and even grabbed breakfast (and ate it in the gardens).

Sure enough, it rained… and most of the day … and HARD!!!

Luckily, we all brought umbrellas and walked into town, stopping at some shops and for lunch (to get out of the rain).

Nevertheless, we were all soaked!!

We had brought plenty of food and drinks so we spent the evening inside our rental.

• Monday – The rain had stopped and of course, I needed to view my last water sunrise. It was again spectacular!

Many had to get home so after another walk around town (with Judy), Deb & I decided to go on a boat ride. I had thought of a whale watch but there was none on Monday so we went on a harbor tour instead. It was a gorgeous day and we learned a lot about the history of Plymouth.

And then I had a lobster roll and ice cream before having to get on our way.

Leaving wasn’t so easy because Deb’s car had a dead battery!!  Fortunately, some guy had a portable charger and started her car. Phew!

• Tuesday – Speaking of cars, I had dropped my car off at the dealer on Thursday thinking it would be fixed by today. Nope!!

Luckily I was WFH all week… but I did want to go to the gym before work.

I had to settle for a run around my neighborhood.

in the 40’s… not ready yet!

• Wednesday – Still no car so I had to run near home…

a little warmer and sunnier today. Flowers still blooming but apples are getting ready for picking

Tonight was the first night of training the STEM runners for a Nov. 5k.  As I did previous years, I signed up to mentor on Wednesday evenings.

Fortunately (or unfortunately), my car was not done but they agreed to give me a loaner.

we have a big group of participants this year … week 1= 60 min run/90 min walk)

• Thursday – I had plans to go to the gym before work (but still catching obviously on my sleep from the weekend). Since I had a car, I planned to meet Jenny for a  lunch walk. Nope. It got rained out. But later I did meet my BFF for a walk in the mall. Gotta get those steps in!
• Friday- I dragged myself to the gym before work. WFH all day. Just mah jongg in the evening.
• Saturday – Long run and Brunch.

With half marathon over and my next long race being a 15k in November, my long run was not very long. I met up with Sherry on the rail trail and planned to up to run/walk 6 miles.

It didn’t go as planned but I got it done.  Almost three miles in, Sherry fell, hit her head and cut her face.  I ran (a mile) to Stewart’s and back to get her ice and a towel. Then we walked back and her boyfriend came to take her to urgent care. I quickly ran to meet our other friends for brunch. After brunch, I ran back to my car (2 miles).

In the afternoon, I got my COVID and flu shots, did some errands and decoratedthehouse for fall..

• Sunday –  Gym and hopefully some lake time…(though rain is in the forecast)

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Monday – run
• Tuesday – gym, walk
• Wednesday –  STEM mentor run (week 2)
• Thursday – AM run, tennis dinner
• Friday-  gym, walk, mah jongg
• Saturday – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k.

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – Run to the Rock Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  How do you recover from a vacation? Please share.

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.

Finally!

The races were run in Marshfield, MA and our rental was located in nearby Plymouth, MA.

We survived our races and are currently enjoying our time together.

Last Week-

• Sunday – The weather looked a little better for Monday so we postponed our lake visit one day…

I briefly thought about gong to the gym but I had only run 3 miles on Saturday and I usually taper for a half with 8.  So I set out to run 5 miles.

I drove to a place that I used to run and even found a new scenic neighborhood but I didn’t wasn’t feeling it.

no excuse as the weather was delightful… I did drag myself through 3 miles…

After some errands and home stuff (laundry, gardening), I decided that it was still too nice out to stay indoors so off I went to explore a nearby trail… (I was a little disappointed in the lack of flowing water…)

with a TJ’s stop afterward.

 too much pumpkin??

I used to play tennis (a lot) and so I still love to watch the big tournaments on TV.  3 American men and 4 women still left in the USOPEN!  Yay!!

• Monday – Labor Day so a day off from work. The gym was closed but although it was cool, the sun was shining so we drove up to the lake.

I spent the day relaxing with a book ..

finished Whistler… loved it!

and took a LONG trail walk, as well.

I would have walked longer (if my hubby had come) and if I didn’t get a little lost. LOL

• Tuesday – WFH this week (with my boss away). That means that I cannot sneak out (during worktime) for any runs or walks.

So I went to the gym before work and after work, I went for a run. I’ve mentioned many times that my preferred time to run is NOT after work but I chose the other end of the rail trail and even veered off to a trail to drag myself through the miles.

the barn has been re-finished…

Two exciting 5 set US Open tennis matches – I watched the end of the first one (Yay Foe) and the beginning of the 2nd (which ended at 3:30 am).  We will have two American men in the finals!!

• Wednesday – I skipped the gym before work and since rain was predicted, I squeezed in a short run at lunch.

enjoying all the flowers before they die… and yes the rain did come...

• Thursday – Just the gym before work and after work, my last PT appt was scheduled.  But I had to cancel as I needed to drop my car off at the dealer (fingers crossed that it not $$$) and I had to finish packing.
• Friday – We set out early in several cars for a our race-cation weekend.  One of our running friends moved to Wakefield, MA and so she invited us for a BBQ.

Next stop was race bib/shirt pick up in Marshfield, MA and then finally to our rental in Plymouth, MA.

After settling in, we went into town and  to carb load for our races and hung out.

• Saturday – Run to the Rock Race.

The race was held in Marshfield, MA at 8am. I ran the Half Marathon, 4 ran the 10k, 2 ran the 5k and 2 just cheered us all on.

We got it done!! (more details in another post).

After lunch, soaking in the hot tub, showers, we eventually went into town to celebrate our achievements (and friendships).

We capped off the day with drinks on the deck in front of the firepit.

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Sunday – More fun exploring the sites…  saying good-by to one of our friends who is moving permanently to Florida…
• Monday – Starting the day with a short run or walk and then checking out of the rental and heading home…
• Tuesday – gym, walk or run
• Wednesday – run, STEM mentoring (week 1)
• Thursday – run or walk
• Friday-  gym, walk, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long run and Brunch. Covid & Flu shots

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – Community
• Friday – Fall Races/Bucket List Races

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Are you looking ahead to fall? Has the weather got in the way of any plans? Do anything exciting for Labor Day?  Are you obsessed with pumpkin-flavored food? Do watch tennis? Please share.

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.

10, 11, and 12 milers done!!

Next up is to TAPER and to finish up with PT, stay healthy…find the right shoes and hope for good weather.

Sept 12 – Here I come…

Last Week-

• Sunday – Woke to rain so I started the day at the gym. The weather was iffy so we decided not to go up to the lake. Instead I decided to hit a trail that was near the gym (Since I never have time when I go to the gym).

It was sooo muggy and I got a little lost…

One more because this trail was nearby as well.

I spent the rest of the day doing laundry, gardening and eventually around 4 pm, it did rain (hard on and off for several minutes.)

• Monday – DAY OFF so I wanted to go for a run. I had tentative plans with Jenny but then she said that she wanted to run at 5:15 am.  I replied “Not on  my day off! So I decided to run solo.  My friend Heidi also had the day off and said that she wanted to walk at the Corning bike path.

Perfect – I’ll run and then walk.

Note that this is the beginning of the Erie Canal… they recently found the remnants of Lock 1)

I spent the rest of my day off doing errands, pruning bushes and reading…

• Tuesday – A WFH day but PT first thing… Oops they changed my appt from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm… I didn’t find out until I got there.

So I instead planned to meet Jenny for a walk at lunchtime. As soon as I got to our meeting spot, it started to pour!

Not a good day so far…

Finally after work, I did get his PT appt #9 (with  lots of manual manipulating the movement in both ankles.)

In order to gte in my steps, I stopped off at the mall…

• Wednesday – Live teaching today so only Starbucks before work…

yup, I couldn’t resist…

and a run afterward at the southern end of the rail trail….

I do not enjoy these late sunny runs…

• Thursday – Back to WFH. It was raining when I got up so I went to the gym.

I got my run done at lunchtime before the predicted thunderstorms arrived.

quite muggy but at least there was a breeze

In the evening, I participated in the weekly trail run/walk a Zoom call (Board Meeting for STEM) and then met the trail runners afterward for ice cream (Yes, they got soaked.)

• Friday – A walk at lunch time solo (Jenny is in Sydney Australia).

and another PT appt but after work,

and finally mah jongg in the evening.

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Would I be able to run 12 miles?  Would I have company this week?

I ran the first 6 miles solo and then was joined by Deirdre & Sherry for the last 6.

My feet felt good (and Barbara drove so that problem was solved.)

And met the others for brunch.

In the evening, I joined a friend  to listen to her friend’s band…

• Sunday – Most likely just the gym and boating (weather permitting)…  We plan to invite our granddaughter!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Monday – DAY OFF, PT, run, hike
• Tuesday – walk, hair appt.
• Wednesday – PM run 
• Thursday – AM run, trail walk/BBQ
• Friday-  gym, walk, mah jongg
• Saturday –Silks and Satins 5k, granddaughter’s b-day party

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – Focus for Fall?
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Are you looking ahead to fall? Has the weather got in the way of any plans? Please share.

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.

Achilles is feeling ok so I can keep on adding the miles to my long run?

or

I can play it safe and taper??

Sept. 12!!

Last Week-

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym, did some errands and then met Jenny (the energizer bunny) for a walk.

Normally, Sunday is our day on the boat but we thought that it was going to rain today so the hubby & I went last Friday.

Instead, I was able to visit a nearby sculpture garden (that I had just learned about on FB) with a running friend …

many more pics on FB.

Eventually, the builder is going to open up the castle as a museum for his paintings.

It was near where we went on our trail walk last Thursday so we met other friends there for a drink & pizza.

soo good!

Finally, I was able to visit a tennis friend whose son and grandson were in town…

Ben is a former marathon runner so we had a lot to talk about

• Monday – WFH so I was able to squeeze in an early morning  run…

much cooler and I explored a new route…

• Tuesday – Another WFH day but I had a Dr’s appt so I had to wait until lunch to run… Big mistake (so sunny and humid!!)

tried to escape the heat but nope, I had to quit early…

After work I had PT appt #7 and he added some new exercises.

• Wednesday – My live teaching assignment for the next two days got cancelled… but instead I had to sub and do an all day remote class.

No time for the gym, walking or running…

After work, I had my monthly tennis dinner scheduled… Since I no longer play tennis, I look forward to these gatherings…

yes, that’s a hard cider flight… all were delish.

• Thursday – Unexpectedly WFH again… so I planned to join Jenny for an early morning run. She wanted 5 am … Nope, I slept longer and ran solo.

detour to the horses and a long hill…

In the evening, I want to participate in the weekly trail run/walk. But it was pouring and we all agreed to DNS.

• Friday – Another PT appt before work, a walk at lunch time w/Jenny…

almost 6 miles! Almost late for my afternoon meeting

and finally mah jongg in the evening.

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Could I run 11 miles?  Would I have company?

Nope on the company. Everyone seemed to be away or busy.  So I chose a location that I’ve always enjoyed but haven’t run on much since the Pandemic… It has a lot of variety and a great post run place to brunch.

Yes, I got 11 miles done!

dirt paths, shady and flat = perfect for a solo long run

Again on the drive home, my right achilles was painful but s soon as I got home, the pain disappeared!?

• Sunday – Most likely just the gym and boating (weather permitting)… rain is, however, in the forecast.

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Monday – DAY OFF, gym, run, hike (weather permitting again)
• Tuesday – PT, walk
• Wednesday – PM run (not WFH)
• Thursday – run, Stem Bd Mtg Zoom
• Friday-  gym, walk, PT, mah jongg
• Saturday –Long Run and Brunch

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – Jeffing
• Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Are you looking ahead to fall? Hs the weather got in the way of any plans? Please share.

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.

I’m sure you are tired of reading abut my foot.

So am I.

The leftt neuroma hurt during the race but at least the right Achilles felt fine.

Then the next day, the Achilles was sore…

Did I wreck it by running the race?

Last Week-

• Sunday – So I went to the gym and rested my foot at the lake…

read another great book – The Calamity Club (when not the whole book it’s almost 700 pgs….)

• Monday – Day off!

No real plans… just catching up after 3 days away.

I decided to see how my foot would do on a run…

it felt ok. Phew! but it was warm and I should have gone out earlier…

After my run, my friend Jenny wanted to go for a walk…

she has endless energy as she is training for Sydney… we walked over 6 miles!!

• Tuesday – WFH this week and another walk with Jenny…

we walked around a nearby park

After work, I had a PT appointment.  We continued to work on stretching and gaining flexibility in my ankles/Achilles.

• Wednesday – I had plans for a pre-work run with my friend Deirdre. She had to cancel because she was sick. Luckily I didn’t see the message and showed up.  And I had a great 4 miles with negative splits.

the weather was great so that helped… did 60:60 run walk intervals (with some fast runs)

At lunchtime, I went for a walk with Jenny…

much warmer than this morning… glad I got my run done already…

• Thursday – Another early morning run…

a little variety, neighborhood and the HS track

and a PT appointment after work (my PT was very pleased that my range of motion has increased from 5 degrees to8!!).

followed by the weekly trail run (which I walked).

perfect weather & scenery followed by hard cider (at this orchard.)

• Friday – DAY OFF.

The original plan was for 4 of us to hike and then have lunch and maybe more  hiking (a repeat of last October):

But for various reasons, we had to cancel and hopefully we can re-schedule for a Friday in September.

So I convinced my hubby to take the day off from work and we went up to the lake.

ate lunch at my favorite spot on the lake and relaxed until the wind kicked up (we left before the skies opened up.)

In the evening, I hosted mah jongg.

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. We met up at Zim Smith bike path where is my favorite spot for a long run.  I had 10 miles on my plan but since I only ran 6.2 last weekend, I wasn’t sure how many I could get done…

My running friends decided to walk so I was solo…

And I did it!! 10 miles!!

90:45 intervals and I felt great…

We had a great brunch but my foot was very sore on the drive home…

Ice and the hot tub seemed to do the trick… no damage done.

In the evening, I went with a friend to my annual sunflower field viewing!!

❤ sunflowers!!

• Sunday – Most likely just the gym, walk, errands, hiking…

This Coming Week on the Run –

• Monday – run, walk with BFF
• Tuesday – gym, walk, PT
• Wednesday – run, tennis meet-up dinner
• Thursday – run, trail walk
• Friday-  PT, mah jongg
• Saturday –Long Run and Brunch

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – Sharing A Summer 2026 Memory
• Friday – 5 Facts About a Runner’s Age

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Anyone getting PT? Please share.

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.