Countdown to 2022.

Countdown to meeting my 1000 mile goal for the year.

Countdown to the holidays and those holiday parties.

Last Week:

• Sunday – Still unseasonably cold but not as windy as the previous day.  Glad to have been able to get a Sunday hike done.

I got a late start as it was snowing and I was tracking my friend who was running her first marathon (in Florida.)

I had been here before but not in a while… a little muddy and the leaves were slippery but still happy to be out in nature.

• Monday – #nevermissamonday Squeezed in a lunchtime run on the rail trail.

channeling my inner NYC…still not acclimated to this cold weather… cold hands, cold feet, cold face. but found a cute rock

Then I volunteered after work followed by a walk with my BFF.

• Tuesday  – After work, I went for a run through the holiday lights in the park (a prelude to our upcoming 5k).

was supposed to do this with a friend but she had to work so I ran first before the lights went on and then did a second picture loop

• Wednesday – I had a hair appt after work so used today as a rest day. (I wished that I had checked the weather for Thursday because today was a nice day to run.)

• Thursday – I had planned to run during the lunch. But just about the time I was to leave the house, it started to rain.   Many of you would have just run in the rain. Not this fair weather runner.  That meant I had to hope there’d be a break in the rain after 4 pm.

And the rain did stop for awhile. Rather than running at UAlbany, I decided to run in town (on streets that were lit.)

Believe it not, we had a thunderstorm that evening. Crazy weather!

• Friday -Rest Day.  Not much activity. However, this week instead of playing mah jongg, I went out to dinner out with a old friend.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. This was re-scheduled from last weekend. Some met to run on the Nisky bike path (others walked) and then we all went to a new place for brunch.

not a bad day for a run – no wind, no ice and brunch was great!!

Time to start decorating for the holidays. (Yes I celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas!!) Twice as much work fun.

my little “real” tree

• Sunday – Sunday continues to be a hiking day, I went for a longish drive to a new place.  Unfortunately I left late and was not able to do both trails. That just means a return trip.

Thunder Mountain

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –   run at lunch, volunteering after work
• Tuesday – run after work with a friend
• Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Thursday – run at lunch, walk after work with friends
• Friday -rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Albany Last Run 5k and pot luck dinner dinner
• Sunday – rest day, hiking or Winter Series #1 (3 miler)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
• Friday – What I cannot race without

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned?  Have you decorated for the holidays yet?  Any goals to meet by the end of the year? Please share.

Race Week!  Half Marathon #53 and my last one (and 5th) for 2021.

It was local and one of the few half marathons that was a repeat performance. At least this time, the hills were no surprise.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

my Christmas Cacti have bloomed and I had my first red cup.

Last Week:

• Sunday – Today I ran the Stockade-athon 15k for the 8th time. Who doesn’t love a challenging race?

• Monday – A rest day to recover from the previous day’s hills. A chilly cloudy one (with periods of rain) but I did have to go to the office so I got in a rainy lunch/Starbucks walk there.

After work, I did my first volunteer assignment with a 12 yr old girl from the Congo who only speaks French.

the classrooms are behind this building in an old church

• Tuesday  – I was able to squeeze in a lunch run and the legs felt fine.

pretty in pink? chose to run on the water line trail for a change of pace…

After work, I met my friends for a walk and then met my BFF for another walk.

• Wednesday – Too busy to run at lunch so I drove to UAlbany to run there after work. I was hoping to have Heidi as company.

dark, chilly, windy…glad to have company

• Thursday – I had planned to squeeze in a run during lunchtime since I was busy after work.

Then at the last minute, I decided against running three days in a row and skipped it.

I did not qualify so I have to wait until Dec 8 to see if I got in. I had to work so didn’t get to apply until 3:30 pm (and it’s first come first serve)

My monthly tennis gathering tonight was a visit to a museum exhibit and then dinner after.

the exhibit was on women’s clothes from the 1920’s (Downton Abbey style)

Friday – Resting up for the big race. But I decided to take a quick run at lunch. It was windy, chilly and I even got rained on.  It was a profitable run. lol

After work, I picked up my bib for Sunday’s race and then played mah jongg in the evening,

• Saturday – Long Run Day again this week was a walk in preparation for the next day’s race. We chose the Corning bike path followed by brunch, of course.

beautiful morning…hoping more of the same for the next day.

Afterward, I picked up my bib for Thursday’s Turkey Trot.

I spent the evening organizing my #flatme and carb loading on pizza.

• Sunday – Race Day! Upstate Classic Half Marathon. The 2nd time for this race and the 3rd time running this hilly course in Altamont, NY.

boy, this was HARD!!!!

No rest for the weary. I plan to go out to dinner with a bunch of wonderful ladies to celebrate 13 years of playing mah jongg together.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – rest day, volunteering
• Tuesday –  run, walk with friends
• Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Thursday – Troy Turkey Trot 10K Race, dinner with the fam
• Friday -rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (8 miles)
• Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Upstate Classic Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – Runfessions

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Please share.

So my trial membership ended. I really like Peleton and the instructors. I think it offers a great variety of workouts. But I used it 9 times in 3 months!!! And I only used it for outdoor runs.  It just doesn’t fit into my schedule. Well, actually I prioritize running and time with my family and friends over Peleton workouts. I won’t say that I won’t try it again (if it’s free)  But there are just so many hours in the day when you work full-time.  And then the $$$ thing. I choose to spend it on racing and brunches.

After a week of rainy weather, I’m happy to report that although it was cold, it was dry.

Last Week:

• Sunday – With #boatingsunday over for the year, #hikingsunday continued with Taconic Sculpture Park and Chittendens Falls before handing out candy to the neighborhood trick or treaters.

• Monday – #nevermissamonday. I got my run in at lunchtime so I could walk with friends after work.

the wind made it feel chilly at first but then the sun warmed me up and I found my favorite candy. (another new neighborhood and even had a short trail)

• Tuesday  – I had originally planned to either run at lunch and then walk with friends after work…or even go to my first Track workout.

My running friend asked me to run with her after work and so I walked at lunch… (And voted, of course.)

and then ran at UAlbany after work with her followed by a chilly outdoor walk with my BFF.

I ran Heidi’s 2:1 intervals and it was nice to company on the run

• Wednesday – Today I did squeeze in my run during lunch and then met my friends after work for our rail trail walk.

leaves leaves everywhere…soon there will be Christmas decorations – though it was in the 40s, the sun sure made it pleasant out there

• Thursday – Rest day finally so after work, I could help a running friend move. We worked hard unloading their truck.  Strength training, I say.

how convenient that they moved across the street from the cookie truck. We had ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

• Friday – Another rest day because I don’t run the day before a long run.  I did walk at lunch time and played mahjongg in the evening.

• Saturday – Long Run Day!  My 12 miler! Happy to report that it was sunnier than my runs during the week and that I had my friends to run with on most of the miles. Since I wanted to run 12, I ran 3 solo and then carpooled to Zim Smith with Barbara and ran the 9 remaining mile with Sherry.  Due to the cold temps, we decided that we may be done with outdoor brunching for this year and instead I ate inside at a new place with the rest of the Sole Sisters.

I froze on my solo foggy 3 miles but then was overdressed for sunny 9 miles…for some reason this run felt harder than most…

• Sunday –  NYC Marathon... tracking not running. FOMO. lol  Good Luck to all those running it.  You are all so lucky to have perfect weather.

#tbt 2019.

A hike or two planned, of course.

I had wanted to go to Overlook Fire Tower but somehow my directions took me to Falling Water Preserve.  it was a beautiful day with nice view of the Hudson.

wearing my NYCM beanie & jacket lol

On my way home, I stopped at Opus40 which someone had recommended. It was kinda meh. But again a beautiful day to be outdoors.

it was interesting … just not what I expected

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –   run at lunch, volunteer mtg after work
• Tuesday – run at lunch, walk after work with friends
• Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Thursday – DAY OFF, run, hike
• Friday -rest day, mah jongg chez moi
• Saturday – rest day, walk with friends
• Sunday – Stockade-athon 15k Race

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – What I learned from my worst race
• Friday – How to pick your next big race

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? What you like about Peleton?  How often do you use it? Are you watching or tracking the NYCM today? Please share.

No weekend 5k last week so I could concentrate on the 11 mile Long Run.

We had previously been blessed with such great weather.  Well, that ended.  Many runners don’t mind running in the rain. I am not one of them. lol.

Fortunately I always have flowers in my kitchen (that I buy for myself at Trader Joes) which brighten my day (even when it cloudy and rainy).  And they last for weeks too (although I hope we have more sunshine this coming week.)

Last Week:

• Sunday – Since I had only run a 5k on Saturday instead of the planned 10 miler, I decided to explore a new route, run 7 miles there  and then go for two nearby hikes afterwards.

• Monday – I had not planned to run after running on both Saturday and Sunday, But Sunday’s run was easy and the pouring ran had stopped by lunchtime and threatened to start again.  So off I ran.

I get very bored in my neighborhood so I took a drive… I think the colors are prettier on a cloudy day.

I met a friend with my umbrella for an after work walk (and of course, it never rained until we were finished.)

• Tuesday  – Another rainy day. I had no plans on joining the TTTC group. I did think about joining ARE’s Track workout (for the first time) if the rain stopped.

The rain never stopped ALL DAY. My first track workout will have to wait until next Tuesday. And I had to get my walk in at the mall.

• Wednesday –  A scheduled rest day due to a hair appt.  Of course, it was a nice weather day.  I hate when that happens. So I decided to squeeze in a run.

it was very windy (but dry) and I did not have a lot of time… a short run is better than no run, right?

During my hair appt, I got a text that our power was out.  So I headed to the mall and walked around until the power came back on.

• Thursday – Back to trying to fit runs in during lunch or waiting to run or walk after work with friends. I decided to wait until after work and walk at lunch.

I walked on the water line behind my house since I hadn’t been there in ages.

chilly, damp and muddy but still glad to be outdoors.

I drove to the end of the rail trail and ran solo

still working on fall running attire – always cold at first and then too hot

and then met friends nearby for cookies (since they were not able to meet me to run.)

the good news: it was too cold to order ice cream and I only ate ONE warm cookie and my hubby finished off the bag.

• Friday -Another rest day and an evening playing mah jongg.

• Saturday – Long Run Day! Of course, rain was predicted. But then the forecast changed to rain after 11 am.  So we all decided to give it a go.  I arrived early on the rail trail and ran 2 (in the rain… Boo).  By the time everyone else arrived the rain had stopped.  9 more miles with Sherry while the others did their own thing.  We met after at a new breakfast spot (which did not get rave reviews but my pumpkin waffles were delish).

I dressed for the occasion and like the others got warm while running (3 other runners not pictured)

The hubby wanted to go out for dinner so I had to indulge him.

the pumpkin cannoli was the highlight

• Sunday – I had originally planned to volunteer at a local trail race. I changed my mind when my friends were not running it and the forecast was for rain (and just in case I needed to change my long from from Saturday to Sunday.) And it did rain in the am. So I continued my d-cluttering obsession…

and then took off to go hiking

First I stopped off at a Sculpture Park

unfortunately it was closed but that didn’t stop me from taking pix

and then to see some nearby falls and stroll on the Electric Trail.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!! Champ and I are looking forward to giving out candy tonight!

This Coming Week on the Run:

• Monday –   run, walk with friends
• Tuesday – TTTC group run, ARE track workout
• Wednesday – run, walk with friends
• Thursday – rest day, help friend move
• Friday -rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
• Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – What I learned from my best race
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Please share.

Leaves are falling and the colors are changing…but at times, the temps still feel like summer (70’s).  That’s ok with me. I like to wear my tanks and skirts as long as possible.

Things seem to happen in spurts… But this week was packed with celebrations (Healthy eating starts next week lol).

Last Week:

• Monday – I had the day off from work.  I wanted to go hiking but it was the last day of boating season so my hubby took the day off from work too.  We got to the marina early so I could go for a run.

I used to run here all the time when I slept on the boat…but it’s been awhile and yes, I dressed for the season.

Rather than bringing lunch to eat on the lake (as we usually do), we decided to eat at a restaurant on the lake.

We got very lucky. The weather was picture perfect. Though this summer, we did not spend spend as much time on the boat as usual, it is always sad to put it away for the season.

• Tuesday  – Back to work. A lunch walk in the park…

I forgot how much I enjoyed these walks esp. in the Fall

and the 2nd in-person session of the TTTC group run. Again I ran with the advanced group which included different runners than last week.

2 loops of the campus and 2 loops of the track… with 2 minute speed intervals in the mix

• Wednesday – Rest day and a quick walk during lunch at a nearby nature preserve…

a little muddy but worth it…

And then after work, we went to my stepson’s for dinner.

• Thursday – Squeezed in a lunch run on the rail trail so I could again walk after work with friends.

• Friday – Another rest day. A college friend (who lives in NJ) was passing through on her way home from a biking trip.  I was able to get together with her and a local college friend. I thought we’d hike in the afternoon (I got out of work early) but they arrived later than planned so I did a short one on my own …

this was a brand new trail and it overlooked the rail trail that I run on often.

then a longer one

I’ve been coming here since the 70s and still enjoy the view

before we eventually met for a walk in a park.

It was also my stepson’s birthday so we went out to dinner with the fam.

• Saturday – Long Run time. This week we chose the rail trail.  I started early and then ran 8 miles with others (followed by brunch, of course.)

that’s an ugly turkey vulture

In the evening, it was dress up time as I went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

• Sunday – Hiking has returned. I had plans to hike with a running friend.  And we visited three different trails between the rain showers.

Vroman’s Nose

We met two running friends for lunch after the first trail.

Christman Nature Sanctuary and the bottom right is from Winn Nature Preserve

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –   run. walk with BFF
• Tuesday – TTTC group run
• Wednesday – rest day, museum/dinner with tennis friends
• Thursday – run, walk with friends
• Friday -rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k (+ 7 more miles)
• Sunday – long run (if miles not added on Sat) or hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – National Savings Day
• Friday – Running Without Training

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Please share.