The house was still a disaster zone.  Not just the kitchen but now the family room, as well.

Finally, I had a Saturday without a race scheduled so I was able to do my long run in preparation for my next half marathon.

Last Week:

• Monday – They started installing kitchen floor. After emptying the family room, it was decided not to put in a new floor…UGH!  Instead we may either clean the existing carpeting or buy new carpeting (Either way, I’m NOT putting that clutter back!)

After work, I ran with the ladies in the FTC group. Always a good workout when running with others.

• Tuesday – Normally a walk day but I had a hair appt. after work and then had to rush home for a college reunion ZOOM.

progress on the new floor

• Wednesday – In the office today meant a walk at lunch.  There were rain and thunderstorms in the forecast. Fingers crossed that they would start late.

There was also a SOAR group run scheduled but I decided instead to run at UAlbany and follow it with a walk with my BFF (We hadn’t caught up in a while.)

The rain did come earlier than I hoped but I was able to squeeze in a few miles near work.

had to sprint to my car to avoid getting soaked.

• Thursday – I ran before work today since I thought that we would be walking the trails after work.

the weather was glorious…why don’t I do this more often??

This week we had planned on the Water Tower trail (part of the Pinebush trail system) but many couldn’t make it so we postponed until next Thursday. Instead I met Heidi to run on the Corning bike path along the Hudson R.. The second run of the day made up for my rained shortened run the day before.

so nice to have company for a run

The kitchen reno is done for now:

still no sink, dishwasher or countertops … sigh

• Friday – On the reno front, the kitchen was supposed to be measured for the granite countertops. I waited and skipped my lunch walk and they cancelled for the second time!!! Grrr

Not much other activity today.  After work, my tennis friends and I had tickets to hear Aztec Two Step perform Simon and Garfunkel songs.

This was so fun but would have been even better to sing along without masks lol

Of course, we met for a delicious dinner beforehand.

• Saturday – Back to half marathon training. Today I ran 12 miles with Sherry, Heidi and Deirdre. After, we met the others for brunch.

the humidity was a killer but as always, it’s easier with a friend.

Then I rushed home hoping the countertop guy would show up.  He did!!! Hopefully they will be installed in a week or two.

But I think going up and down the stairs to put stuff back in the cabinets (and de-cluttering at the same time) may have been more  tiring than the 12 miles.

• Sunday – Relaxing in the sun on our boat…

picture perfect day on Lake George

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run, trail group walk
• Friday – rest day, volunteer at packet pick-up
• Saturday – Freihofer Run for Women 5k (+5 miles)
• Sunday  – rest day, boating/hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Malta 5k 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? Is the weather interfering with your runs? Please share.

So nice to have a four-day work week. Even nicer that I do not have to go back to the office full-time until Sept. 20!! Woo Hoo!

And even though I just ran a half marathon, I did sign up and run a 5k race. It was a race that I’ve done several times in the past (so why not?)

The majority of my week was spent on kitchen reno stuff…

The last few weeks, 2 layers of flowered wallpaper and borders were removed (top) and the walls re-painted (bottom), new curtains. And all new appliances!!!

Last Week:

• Monday – HOLIDAY! Day off from work! After a rainy Sunday, I was hoping that it would be boating weather. Since it was #nevermissamonday, I started the day with a run.  I decided on the other end of the rail trail for the waterfalls and bridges and it being downhill on the way back.  There were no DOMS from my recent half marathon. Always glad when nothing hurts.

did not need capris – it was warmer than I thought but still lovely running weather

We decided that it was indeed a boating day so we headed up to Lake George. It was raining when we arrived but then it turned out to be a picture perfect day on the lake.

rain clouds at the marina followed by sunshine in Red Rock Bay

• Tuesday – Work day at the office means lunch walk for Starbucks.

had my first pumpkin latte and summer flowers are being replaced by fall mums.

It was a rest day so I met friends after work for a long walk on the rail trail.

I came home to my new kitchen:

morning (top), evening (bottom) – I told my hubby it would be like camping. Eating on paper plates and using the bathroom for water.

• Wednesday – Working today from home allowed me to get in my run during lunch in case the predicted rain happened after work.

even with the breeze and lower humidity, I still don’t recommend running at NOON….hot!

Since the rain seemed to be delayed, I participated in a FTC group run followed by a smoothie tasting at the Athleta store in our mall.

just a small group came for the run and we got it done before the storms

• Thursday – Since I ran twice the day before, I bagged the idea of getting up and running before going to the office. Besides, it was raining in the morning.

There was progress in the kitchen…

next up is the hardware, microwave 

I got in my office lunch walk (and Starbucks) since the rain had stopped.

After work, I met my friends for our weekly trail walk.  We went to Thacher again but to a different (and hillier trail.)

3 fun miles

And our favorite restaurant was open so we headed there after for dinner.

dinner view

• Friday – Another rest day and day at the office. Got in a walk at lunch and after work.

microwave in and hardware added. onto the flooring next week

Played mah jongg in the evening after a few weeks off.

• Saturday – Malta 5K. One of my favorite local 5ks. It’s nice to have races returning and to see so many familiar faces.  And the weather was perfect, as well.

After the race, I decided to run some more to see what the 10k course was like. I’m glad I did not race it….. downhill and then uphill the last few miles.

After 4 miles or so, I decided to continue my run on the Zim Smith trail..  I parked at Leah’s Cakery but changed my mind and ran in town. What a cute town and a nice change of pace.

got hungry after 2 more miles

• Sunday – Decided since our home was already a mess to replace the carpeting in the family room with the same flooring as in the kitchen.  That meant emptying the family room (OY!!)

I did most of the packing up last night so that I could either go boating or hiking if the weather cooperated. The forecast was for rain up North so I chose to hike and head South. (Of course it was sunny and never rained. Grrrrr)

First I went to Mawignack Preserve in Catskill, NY. where Thomas Cole did most of his paintings.

It was only a mile hike so I drove to the Thomas Cole Historic Site.  I just missed the 2pm entrance time and didn’t want to wait another hour so I walked the grounds and then over the Rip Van Winkle bridge. If I had more time (and not rain coming), I would have continued to Olana.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day, hair appt., College friends ZOOM
• Wednesday – run, walkwith BFF
• Thursday – run, trail group walk
• Friday – rest day, CONCERT
• Saturday – LONG RUN (12 miles)
• Sunday  – rest day, boating/hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Race 4 The River Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – Tips for “Older” Runners

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? Is the weather interfering with your runs? Please share.

It’s catch up time.  I skipped last week’s Run Down since I was away for four days.

I was in NYC where I met up with some college friends (and saw the Van Gogh exhibit), then I spent the weekend with my college roomie who lives in the Hamptons (on LI) and then I returned to NYC for some sightseeing and a special meet-up.

This past week I was both recuperating and preparing to run a half marathon.  It was one of the few trainings where life seemed to take precedence over my long runs.  But as we know, I don’t race for my job and finish times are a mere signal of accomplishment (no matter how slow or fast.)

So Half Marathon #51 is in the books.

Two Weeks Ago:

• Monday – We got spared from the worst of the tropical storm but there was rain and a lot of rain…all day! I was wondering if it would ever stop and I would be able to go to my Freihofer Training Run. I will run when caught in the rain but but to go when it is already pouring???

Well, the rain stopped before the run and we got treated to a rainbow.  What didn’t stop was the HUMIDITY!!

the group ran 4 miles with 3- 3 min. surges. I quit after 3 miles (blister and sore back).

• Tuesday – My after work walk with friends got cancelled in favor of a reunion with three other teachers that I used to work with. We had dinner at a restaurant on the water in Saratoga.  It was fun catching up.

great views and great conversation

• Wednesday – Back in the office so I did my usual lunch Starbucks walk.

this was interesting

After work, the last “ice cream” run was held. I debated about going but since it was on trails and the day before a race, I did instead a quick slow run at UAlbany followed by ice cream and a walk with friends.

Holy Moley…HOT!

• Thursday – Tonight the Workforce Challenge Race was scheduled on a new date and time (normally in May) and in a new locale (normally in downtown Albany.) It is always hot and humid during this race and tonight didn’t disappoint. The course was harder (HILLS) and there were fewer participants but always glad to have an opportunity to race with others.

soooo sweaty!!!!!!

Two of my running friends volunteered so we all went out after.

• Friday – Off on a very early train to NYC. When I arrived at Penn Station (or now we use Moynihan Hall), I met up with my college friends and we all took the subway to have a yummy brunch together.

After brunch, we taxied to the Van Gogh expo. I had already seen it (in Montreal) but my friends had not. Even with all the COVID restrictions, it was still enjoyable.  Glad I got to see it again.

on the bottom left is the original Van Gogh from MOMA.

After the expo, we headed back uptown to catch the Cezanne exhibit in the Modern Museum of Art. What else would French majors do? And afterward, we had drinks and a bite to eat.

Then my roommate and I took the LIRR out to her place in the the Hamptons where I would spend the weekend.

• Saturday – I woke up early to get in a run in my roomie’s neighborhood. It’s always nice to run in a new place.

I ran to the bay and then found a nature preserve. Didn’t get in my planned 10 miles but so what?

It was quite windy so we decided instead of the beach to go to a winery.  There are zillions on eastern LI.

Pindar is one of the largest so we chose that one…did lots of tasting and even found a sunflower field on the way home.

For dinner, we settled on a seafood meal with a view of the LI Sound.

• Sunday – My host was a late riser so that gave me the opportunity to again go for a run.

I headed to the same preserve as the day before but ran a different route there and on a different trail.

The weather today was nice enough to head to the beach… that made me super happy.

note the pic on the middle left – do not leave unoccupied food on the beach lol

We chose this beach because my friend wanted to give me the opportunity to run over a bridge.

I will admit that I walked to the top and ran down and repeated that going back. (There was also a seafood/bakery on the other end.)

For dinner, we chose an Italian restaurant (of course with a view.)

Last Week:

• Monday – My plan was to head back to NYC on the train.  It is 2h30 ride and there are not many trains.  I did have time to run before I left but decided instead to save my legs for walking around Manhattan.

I had thought that I would walk around Central Park but Cari recommended that I go someplace new.  So I hopped the subway and headed toward the Little Island. (Thanks Cari for the suggestion.)

an oasis in the middle of the Hudson River (near 13th St)….so unique.. the only problem was the heat and humidity lol

With time to kill until dinner and needing some shade, I decided to walk the High Line.

although I’ve done the walk so many times, there’s always something new to see.

The real reason that I added an extra day to my trip was to see two dear friends that I hadn’t seen in forever.

dinner and chatting until I had to leave to catch my train home.

I returned home by train (with no travel issues.)

• Tuesday  – I was pooped from my 4 day vacation. Luckily I was still working from home. I was able to squeeze in a run before meeting friends to walk on the rail trail.

what’s with this humidity!?

• Wednesday – Today the forecast was for rain but I was hoping to be able walk and to attend the SOAR/ice cream group run after work. At lunch, I checked the forecast and made the decision to run then rather than waiting.

It was cloudy and in the 60s but still very humid…it drizzled at the beginning and end of the run

It was the right decision since it rained all afternoon. We wound up doing our walk in the mall.

• Thursday – Rest Day!  The ARE trail runs had ended but my running friend had decided to continue these as walks each week on a a different trail. Today we chose Thacher Park. (The weather was cool and would have been perfect for a evening race…just saying.)

a fun 3.2 mile trail

Unfortunately our favorite post-hike restaurant was closed so we had to choose an alternate.

• Friday – Rest Day #2. I picked up my bib for the race the next day,

got my outfit ready and played mah jongg.

ready or not!

• Saturday – Race 4 the River Half Marathon. Finally a race where it was not very hot or humid and one where the course was not super hilly. Still it felt hard but thanks to my friends, I had a fun time before, during and after.

we carpooled to the start, I ran almost the whole run chatting with friends and went for drinks and food after…so glad racing is back!

• Sunday – Recovery Day and packing up the kitchen for the reno.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  DAY OFF (Holiday) – FTC run
• Tuesday – (Kitchen reno starts!) rest day, walk with friends
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run, trail walk
• Friday -rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Malta 5K (+5-8 more miles)
• Sunday – rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Workforce Challenge Race Recap
• Friday – Looking Forward to Fall

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.

No big Heat wave. No races.  I did complete my last long run before my half marathon.

However, my trip to the New York Botanical Gardens and the Sunflower field were the highlights of the week.

Last Week:

• Monday – #nevermissamonday. After work, I had time to kill before my Freihofer group run so I drove to see the sunflower field. Due to our hot, wet summer, it wasn’t as impressive as last year but still awesome.  ❤ sunflowers

Today’s intermediate workout was 15 min run, 2 minutes hard, 2 minutes slow x 3, 15 minute run.

more humid than I expected and it’s always nice to have company on a run

• Tuesday – I planned this months ago with my tennis friends – a day at the New York Botanical Gardens to see the Kusama exhibit. The forecast was for clouds and showers.  Nope. Beautiful weather to hang with my friends. I knew I’d love Kusama’s art but it was even better than I expected…and there were so many flower gardens and water lily ponds. ❤

The NYBG is in the Bronx, right near Little Italy. So afterward we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner before our long drive home.

• Wednesday – A busy work day at home but I was able to meet friends after work for a walk followed by either the SOAR run or Ice Cream run. Since the SOAR run was held where I was already walking, I chose these women to run with.  (Definitely will do the ice cream run next Wed.)

• Thursday – Another busy work day at home but I was excited because Thursday evening is our weekly trail run/walk.  Rain was in the forecast which is not unusual. I knew that I would go anyway since it was the last one (and I had perfect attendance.)

So it rained on and off all day, sometimes like a monsoon but it only drizzled during our run.

another nice trail run and I even ran most of it. Dinner and drinks afterward were fun too.

• Friday – Rest day and more rain this morning but also a Starbucks walk during lunch (since I was at the office) and another after work before mah jongg.

sun came out for my lunch walk around the mall

• Saturday –  Long Run Day with 12 on my schedule. I was so happy to have company for this one. I ran all the miles with Sherry and bumped into the others on the rail trail or after at brunch.

soul sucking hot humid AF run

• Sunday – Hope to get in a hike before the rains come.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day, dinner with old teaching friends
• Wednesday – (last) Ice Cream run
• Thursday – Workforce Challenge 3.5 mile Race
• Friday – train to NYC for a college reunion, Van Gogh exhibit, Cezanne at MoMa
• Saturday & Sunday – run in the Hamptons, LI (visiting college roomie), beaches, wineries and more

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – What I Have Tried New This Year
• Friday – Runfessions

Next Week on the Run– 

• Monday – run in NYC, train home that night
• Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – rest day, trail walk
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Race 4 The River Half Marathon
• Sunday – rest day, boating

Next Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Workforce Challenge Race Recap
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Update

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? Is the weather interfering with your runs? Please share.

Summer is just speeding by.

However, I am actually looking forward to this new month.

I have three races planned – 5k & 10k and an informal team 3.5 race.

More importantly, I also have some fun friend events on my schedule this month – a day at a retreat on Lake George, a day at the Saratoga Race Track (breakfast & betting), a visit to NY Botanical Gardens, a college reunion to NYC Van Gogh exhibit, and a weekend in the Hamptons with my college roommate followed by a run/walk day in NYC.

Yes, I am also still working in the office only three days a week ..savoring my last month of freedom until I go back full-time in September.

Last Week:

• Monday – Warm temps had returned along with that smoky hard to breathe air.

more pretty plants during my Starbucks lunch walk

Although I did run on Sunday and rarely run the next day, I decided to still attend the FTC group run.

8:2 intervals but it actually felt good.

• Tuesday – Rest Day on my schedule. My plan was just a walk at lunch and a longer one with friends after work (if the thunderstorms did not happen.)

flowers to go with my Starbucks

I got to our walk early but by the time my friends were due to arrive, the storms arrived.  No walk for them.

The rain did eventually stop and I took advantage and walked after dinner around my neighborhood.

flowers on the walk part deux.. the rain is good for one thing

• Wednesday – Ice Cream Wednesday – Another lunch Starbucks walk and believe it not, no rain. So I got in a short walk with friends after work and then a group run on the rail trail followed by ice cream.

my friend wanted 4 miles rather than 3 so I got sprinkles on my ice cream cone

• Thursday – Trail Run Thursday – Working from home today but too busy to do much but crossed my fingers that the predicted rain wouldn’t mess up my post work trails event.

I tried to walk at lunch but it was raining and then after work I started my run but it started raining again (after 2 miles).

So off I went to the trail run expecting rain. But nope. No rain and a really nice trail.  But not long after I got home, the skies opened up.  What a storm!

• Friday – Please make the rain stop. Although it was a rest day, I was working from home and thought I could walk before walk.  RAIN again!!!

I only worked a half day so I could attend a lunch with my tennis friends, several of who I haven’t seen in a long time.  It was so great to be together again.

guest of honor missing from the pic… oops The restaurant was overlooking the Hudson R.

Then in the evening, I squeezed in a short walk with friends and then played my usual mah jongg game.

• Saturday – Back to Long Run Saturday with my running peeps. We met at the Crossings and the weather was actually cool but sunny.  I ran with Sherry and Stan for most of my 10 miles and then we went to our favorite brunch place with all the others.

even though I ran 10 miles, I still think we spent more time chatting at brunch ❤ my running friends.

Believe or not, after I got home, a friend called to ask me to teach her how to play tennis.  Cross training??

• Sunday – Either hiking or boating or neither – weather dependent as always.

Due to all the rain, there is also a lot of weeding to be done.

In the end, we decided to stay home and get some work done around the house.  I have to say, Weeding is tiring!!!

I did get in a neighborhood walk (using my newly downloaded Peleton app) before the rain came.  Yes, It rained AGAIN!

loved her playlist so much that I did it twice

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day, hair appt.
• Wednesday – Ice Cream or SOAR run
• Thursday – ARE Trail Run
• Friday – Day OFF – run, mah jongg
• Saturday – LONG Run, rest day, walk, boating?
• Sunday – Run for the Roses 5K

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – FASNY 5k Race Recap
• 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? Have you been experiencing summer temps where you live? Any vacations planned? Please share.

After having rained almost part of every day last week, I was wondering if the same would happen this week.

Also as I have complained numerous times, we are now expected to work in the office at least three days a week.

But due to a day off, I only worked in the office on Wednesday and Thursday. A great way to ease back in. Next week will be the full three days.  Sigh.

Both my job and the weather make fitting in runs quite a challenge… but so far, so good.  (Remember I do not own a treadmill or belong to a gym.)

Last Week:

• Monday – I had the day off from work. My original plan was to go boating yesterday, sleep on the boat and then do some hiking up there today.

We didn’t go boating yesterday as it rained last night and today.

Plan B?

Hiking in the rain… And re-visit some of my favorite waterfalls.

I lucked out on the first hike. It rained on my whole hour drive out but stopped once I arrived in Canajoharie.

at Winter Green Park

Since the rain had stopped, I decided to drive a half hour further to Owen D Young Nature Trail (my all time favorite place with at least 15 waterfalls).

As soon as I arrived, it started to pour.  I left my poles behind and grabbed an umbrella. And I had a wonderful time.

trails, waterfalls, caves and lots of mud

I had to rush home since this evening was my first Freihofer Training Challenge group run. I am an ambassador for this race so I need to participate to support them.  I chose Monday night because it was the only night that I was free. And I joined the intermediate group since the Advanced group this year only met on Thursday (my Trail group night.)

I’m the one in the green cap lol

Obviously I was tired from hiking but excited to meet up with new and old running friends. It was raining and I was very tempted to bail. But I went and happily the rain stopped.

And guess what? Two of the women wanted to be in the advanced group as well so we will run together from now on.

the purple shirt is dedicated to a mentor that died this year. Purple was her favorite color and she was also a STEM mentor (the team color is purple as well.)

• Tuesday – I woke up to rain, Again! But it stopped early and I got in a lunch time run on the rail trail.

It was like running through a rain forest

After work, it stayed dry for a walk with my BFF at the outdoor mall (Oddly enough, it is where I walk when I go to the office.)

• Wednesday –  Back in the office… trying to keep my lunch Starbucks walk streak

it was supposed to cloudy and rainy. instead it was sunny, hit the nearby woods for some shade (and bugs)

and then after work attend our Wednesday Ice Cream Run.

Of course, there was a threat of rain/thunderstorms. As soon as I got done with work, the skies opened up. It poured and poured. And so I waited and waited. Finally I drove to Six Mile Waterworks where the run was being held and sat in my car contemplating if I wanted to run in the pouring rain. Other runners were there and going to run so I decided that I would too. And then it stopped raining. It was muddy but I ran the whole thing (and didn’t fall this week.)

salted caramel cappuccino twist = yum!!

• Thursday – Back in the office again. Since the trails would be very muddy after last night’s torrential rains, I decided to get up early and get in a few miles.

temps were cooler but it was sooo foggy and wet.

The lunch/Starbucks walk streak is still alive.

lots of pretty flowers around the office buildings

and this on the nature path:

After work, our weekly group trail run was held. Finally one with NO rain predicted. Yay!

I had tome to kill so I picked up my ambassador swag for the Freihofer 5k.  If you are interested in running it (even virtually), sign up here and use my code (ambdc10) for $10 off.

some is from last year…

This week’s run was scheduled at Tawasentha Park. Another very muddy run/walk. But so fun be with so many friends and other runners.

it was so hot and humid and very HILLY that we decided to walk the 3 miles.

It was Judy’s birthday eve so we had to celebrate with ice cream.

• Friday – Working at home and a rest day.  My work schedule and my running schedule are definitely not in sync. But there was No ice cream and No Starbucks coffee and pastry. I call this a diet win.

Iced Chocolate Almondmilk Shaken Espresso = my new favorite

There were several walks and evening mah jong with the girls.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday with my peeps. My plan was 9 miles and run some of these with others and then brunch after. Of course, rain was predicted for morning and thunderstorms for the afternoon. Oh joy!

It did not rain but was warm and HUMID.  And thanks to friends, I got it done.

1 mile w/Barbara, 1 mile w/Jenny, 2 miles w/Debbie and the rest solo (and cheer on Jenn on her 15 miler.)

• Sunday – In between raindrops, I was able to squeeze in a nice hike.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Wednesday – SOAR run
• Thursday – ARE Trail Run/walk 
• Friday – AM run, walk, mah jongg, moonlight paddle party (with running friends)
• Saturday – LONG Run rest day, walk, boating or hiking
• Sunday – FASNY 5K race + more miles

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Running with Groups
• Friday – Getting Back Into Racing

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 been experiencing summer temps where you live? Any vacations planned? Please share.

As I mentioned last week, we are now expected to work in the office at least three days a week.   I am not a happy camper….

But due to a day off, I only worked in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It was very strange and really impacted my running and other stuff but it is what is is.

Last Week:

• Monday – I had taken the day off so I could participate in the Lake George Hike-a-thon. Since my hubby does not enjoy hiking and had to work, my friend subbed in.

I registered early and chose one of my favorite trails – The Pinnacle.

There were 22 sites and over 700 participants. Our hike started at 10 am and it was just a mile to the top. Then we had to wait until 11:19 for a helicopter to fly over and take our photo.

photo: Carl Heilman

There was a reception afterward and then we into town, got lunch and my hubby took us out on the boat.

we hung around in Log Bay (top) and Red Rock Bay (bottom) and also rode around the lake

We got so lucky – it was the most perfect weather of the summer.

• Tuesday – My first day back at the office.  It was hard to remember how to dress and what to do in the morning to get ready.

Again this week, weather was an issue. With the threat of rain/thunderstorms, I was hoping that I could motivate myself to get up very early and run…NOPE!!

I did go for a HOT HUMID BUGGY walk at lunch (since my mid-day runs could no longer occur) and then it rained most of the afternoon.

I planned to meet my friends for our usual Tuesday after work walk on the rail trail but they decided to bail due to the threat of thunderstorms.

I decided to risk it and go on my own.  It never rained and the sun even came out. Unfortunately, the earlier rain did nothing to lower the humidity. But I actually felt too energetic to walk and so I ran.

I was overdressed for running since I planned to walk… and that cat followed me for about 1/4 mile. If a black cat brings bad luck, des a white one bring good luck?

Today’s Nugget (from Ali on the Run podcast interview with Sarah Lesko from Oiselle): “I have my own running goals but the most important goal is to support other people.”  Some days I have felt that way with my friends.

Wednesday – SOAR run or Ice Cream run??? Tough decision. With thunderstorms in the forecast, I DID get up for a short run.

Yesterday I felt so lethargic at work and after I went for a run in the evening, I felt so much better. So I decided to run before work to see if it gave me more energy at work.

I didn’t getup as early as I should have and it was already warm and humid but I realized that I need to do this more often.

Today’s Nugget (from Ali on the Run podcast interview with Sarah Lesko from Oiselle cont.): “The moment the negative stuff is taking up too much head space, it’s time to make a change.”  Yup with running and life.

Again I walked at lunch. I avoided the buggy nature path and just walked around the outdoor mall.

these lunch walks are getting expensive. but don’t you love when the flowers match your drink

And after work, I decided on the Ice Cream run.  Not for the ice cream but for the location. The SOAR run was going to be at the Crossings where I will be running on Mondays so I’d rather go someplace different. In this case – Five Rivers Environmental Center.

As happened on Tuesday, there were afternoon rain/thunderstorms. They stopped but there still was a threat of rain. As a result, only 4 of us braved the weather for this run…actually a trail run. Although the skies were dark and there was thunder in the distance, we managed to stay dry.  The downside was that the other runners run trails fast. As I attempted to keep up, I wound up falling. Nothing serious other than some bruises, a cut on the ankle and mud on me everywhere.  The scariest part was that when I fell, my phone fell out of my pocket. I had to go back and I did find it!!! Phew.  Remind me never to enter a trail race…

this is what the park looks like a sunny day

We did get ice cream after and the skies opened up as we were eating it. Perfect timing!!

• Thursday – Back working from home today …so happy.  Unfortunately the weather Gods were mad at me. It rained all morning on and off. I wanted to run during an early lunch….if it weren’t for the RAIN.

Finally I decided to get in my car and go for it (since there was a possibility that the evening run would be canceled.)  It was only drizzling when I started but then it started to pour.

Yes, I got wet but I didn’t melt.

Today’s Nugget (from Ali on the Run podcast interview with Sarah Lesko from Oiselle cont.): “A third of my weekly running miles are walking. And my running is getting better and faster.  I count them both the same. The only downside is that walking takes longer.”  Hmmm. I do not count my walking miles.  Maybe I should?

And my favorite run of the week was tonight’s evening group trail run. The location was Peebles Island.

I went last week and got rained on.  So I had no excuse not to go tonight. So off I went hoping that some of my friends would be there to share the misery fun. Well, it rained before and after but not a drop during. Got lucky again!

Another fun evening with new and old friends – some running but mostly walking so I didn’t fall

• Friday – Finally scheduled rest day. The forecast AGAIN was for rain. Still at lunchtime, it hadn’t started yet. So I headed to a nearby trail for a walk.

sooo muddy. the top left is not the creek but the path!

• Saturday – Back to a long run with my peeps.  It was great to have company for part of my 8 miles on the Nisky Bike Path. The temps were not really warm but boy was it humid.

Afterward we all gathered for brunch. I am so lucky to be part of this group.

Recovery was getting my nails done, doing grocery shopping, laundry and weeding. I think my recovery activities were more tiring than the run lol

• Sunday – Boating or hiking or both or neither? All weather dependent but most likely since my hubby has an AM tennis match, I will go hiking early and see if the rain stays away for the afternoon.

And I was correct, I did decide on hiking and spent a lovely day on the trails and beyond before the rain came.

First I hiked to the gazebo at Pilot Knob (on the opposite side of Lake George from Mondays hike).  Then I continued to the waterfall (which I had visited last fall but at that time, there was no water.)  I was glad to have gone early because it was very crowded when I was done.

Since I had driven over an hour, I decided to stay for awhile. I did a short walk around Edgecomb Pond and then headed to Bolton Landing (where we keep our boat.) No boating today but I walked around town admiring all the flowers

especially the waterlilies at the Sagamore Hotel.

Eventually  it did rain but not until I was almost home.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday –  DAY OFF – hiking, FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
• Wednesday – Ice Cream run
• Thursday – ARE Trail Run 
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – LONG Run
• Sunday – rest day, boating/hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Firecracker 4 Race Recap
• Friday – Why Watch the Olympic Trials

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 been experiencing summer temps where you live? Any vacations planned? Please share.