I’m back from my tennis vacation in Naples, Florida (check out FB for many pix) and while I was there, I celebrated my birthday.

Last Week –

• Saturday – We had arrived on Thursday and today we continued with similar activities to Friday.

My friends took a tennis lesson and I went for a short run/walk (the heat and humidity were tough). After my run, I joined them to play doubles.

Then we packed a lunch and headed to the beach where we relaxed, cooled off, read, enjoyed the sunshine (and often walked to a nearby restaurant with a bar).

Eventually we left and in the evening, we went out to dinner.

• Sunday – Tropicool 5k.

Except for last year when I was recovering from a broken foot, I’ve run this race during this vacation.  I’m not sure why since 5ks in the heat are a challenge.  Again it was and again I enjoyed it. I even won my age group.

I rushed home to play tennis with my friends. Then instead of the beach, we visited the Naples Botanical Gardens.

It was lovely and the musical swings were fun… I especially loved the waterlilies

For dinner, we drove to Ft. Myers to go to the Broadway Palm Theatre. The food was great and the show, The Addams Family Musical, was awesome.

• Monday – As most days, I went for a short run/walk before playing tennis.

We chose a different beach today (Clam Pass) and it was beautiful.

Tonight was book club night. We got take out (instead of going out to a restaurant) and had a great discussion on The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.

• Tuesday – Pretty much the same as the previous morning except that I didn’t play tennis.

In the afternoon, we went back to the beach we visited last week (Vanderbilt).

Tonight was my favorite dinner yet. We ate at a nice French restaurant (with Annie, the lady from whom we rent each year.)

• Wednesday – This morning, I went for a long walk instead of a run and then played tennis.

Since this was our last night, I wanted to see a sunset. So we went to the beach we visited on Monday since it had a restaurant.

We spent the afternoon there and even stayed for dinner.

And as in everyday, the weather was perfect. The sunset was gorgeous.

• Thursday – MY BIRTHDAY!  Several of my friends had to leave early. But I still enjoyed being on vacation on my birthday.

Of course I had to run/walk 7.1k (more walk than run) and then get my free coffee.

Afterward, we packed up, went out to lunch and then headed to the airport.

Happily, the flights home were uneventful.

• Friday – I took the day off from work to recover from my vacation.

I went to the gym first thing.

After unpacking and laundry, I took a quick trip to Washington Park to check out the tulips.

mostly past peak but still beautiful

Then I played mah jongg in the evening.

my surprise b-day cake!!

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch Day.

I had FOMO today since there were two races that I had wanted to run.

But I had been really slacking off on my long runs and I have a half marathon in ONE week!

I got to the rail trail early to run a few miles with Barbara and then was joined by others.

It was hard but I got it done.

Thought about 12 miles but ended up with 10… the Hay is in the Barn!

For brunch I just chatted and had coffee since I was going out to lunch with my stepson, DIL and granddaughter.

• Sunday –  It will be a gym visit… maybe some yard work or hike (weather dependent).

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run, birthday dinner with my BFF
• Tuesday – GYM, walk with friends
• Wednesday – run, TC mentoring
• Thursday – run
• Friday – train to NYC, expo, carb load
• Saturday –RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
• Sunday – recovering in NYC, train home

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Tropicool 5k Race Recap
• Friday –  5 Great Things About Running Friends

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring?  How’s the weather where you live? Are the flowers blooming? Do you always try to find a race when on vacation? Have you read The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store? 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 used to be really into tennis.

August 2010 – Playing Tennis in USTA 3.0 State Championships

But once I started running, I’ve played less and less and now I don’t play at all…

…that is except during my annual vacation in Naples, Florida. Then I play everyday…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I had elaborate fitness plans for today…

I had wanted to go to the gym first thing… then at some point in the day finish my long run (that began the day before) and since it was such a nice day, go for a walk or easy hike on a nearby trail.

Well, none of that happened… and sometimes life gets in the way.

My hubby is still depressed about losing our cat so we went cat shopping all morning.

Almost got one (but someone beat us to him) but I was relieved since truthfully, I am ok with ONE cat.  She’s perfect.

The rest of the day was spent re-potting plants, laundry, grocery shopping, other errands and cooking meals for the week.

When I was finally ready to head out, it had started raining.

• Monday – A busy work day.  No time to get to the gym before work but I did get outside for a run after work (finally.)

and the temps are warming up

• Tuesday – I got up super early and headed to the gym and also had time to squeeze in a run at lunch since I had a hair appointment after work.

the predicted rain never happened but it was windy and muggy…

The forecast was wrong and it did rain all evening.

• Wednesday – Back to the gym.  It would be awhile until I got there again…

I packed during lunch. And after work, I went to mentor week 7 participants of the TC group.

I had to go into the office so on the way home, I planned to stop and run,  then pack in the evening (instead of my mentoring gig.)

A trainer called in sick and so I had to rush home to do his training. Hence, no lunch run.

Plan C:  After my training, pack, join the TC group, do some last minute errands and try to go to bed early.

in one week, we went from winter to summer (70’s today)

• Thursday – We took a very early flight to Fort Myers, Florida and then we rented 2 vans and drove to our villas at World Tennis Center in Naples.

We pretty much have a set routine since we (10 of us) have done this every May since 2005.

The first day, we stopped and had lunch, got settled in our villas, hung out at the pool, went out to dinner. After dinner, we headed to the grocery store (to buy the basics for breakfast and lunches) before we crashed at home for the evening.

• Friday & Saturday – My friends took a tennis lesson first thing in the morning. I went for a run and then I joined them to play doubles.

2022 (but most likely the same)

After tennis, we changed into bathing suits and drove to the beach where we spent the afternoon relaxing and deciding which restaurant to go to for dinner.

2023 (but most likely the same)

Check out FB and IG for this year’s pictures.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Sunday – Tropicool 5k, pool, dinner theater
• Monday –  run, tennis, beach, book club night
• Tuesday – run, tennis, beach
• Wednesday – run, tennis, beach
• Thursday – run, flight home (MY BIRTHDAY)
• Friday – GYM, mahjongg
• Saturday – Long Run or maybe a race (Summer Smith 5k or Prospect Mountain Run)
• Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Friday –  5 Ways to Celebrate the Mother Runner

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Are the flowers blooming? 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.

It seems like I’m always training for a half marathon. Feb, Mar, Apr, May…

Well, my next two (maybe three) races are shorter distances.

Will I be able to adapt and pick up a little speed?

Last Week –

• Sunday – For the past 10 weeks, My friend Heidi and I had been mentoring a group of STEM runners.  Today was their goal race.

Since I had run 10 miles the day before, I was hoping to be paired up with someone who wanted to walk or run/walk slowly.

And a lady who only walks her 5ks wanted someone to walk with her.  Of course, I was thrilled.

We chatted about all kinds of things and she got a PR.

It was so rewarding to be part of this group and I can’t wait to do it again.

(other pics from the race are posted HERE.)

The downside was that it was very COLD!!! So Heidi and I had to warm up with a delicious brunch.

• Monday – A day off from work. I met up with my running friend Sherry to log a few miles at the Crossings, followed by a side trip for coffee and to TJs.

the sunshine was nice but still chilly with the wind

I spent most of the afternoon doing yardwork!! (It was more exhausting than the 4 mile run).

• Tuesday – A quick trip (finally) to the gym.

Back to the office for the day and a walk with friends afterward.

• Wednesday – WFH and mentoring with the TC after work.

It rained in the morning and on and off all day (as it always seems to on Wednesday) but it stopped…

Week 6 so 10 min of straight running twice… I always hang back with the slowest runner

the wind made it feel so much colder

• Thursday – Back to live teaching…

A run after at UAlbany  and then a meet-up at the mall for a walk with my BFF.

• Friday – Same work schedule as Thursday but a quick visit with my granddaughter after work.

And after several missed weeks, I hosted mah jongg at my house.

• Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10K. I have run the 5k many times but I decided to challenge myself on the hills of the 10k.

I was happy that one of my running friends offered to sign up too. She chose the 5k and we drove up together.

It was chilly when we arrived but the sun was shining so it seemed like a perfect day for racing… except for that wind!!

However, as I expected I struggled on those 6.2 hilly miles.

And the answer to question above is NO, not yet!! But we had fun and even won my age group (Sometimes you just have to show up.)

It was supposed to be a Long Run Saturday so I am still contemplating how to get those extra 5-6 miles done?  Later? Tomorrow? (Or can 6.2 hilly miles=11 flat miles?)

• Sunday –  It will be a gym visit… maybe a hike or yard work and even start packing for my Florida vacation.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – GYM, hair appt.
• Wednesday – run, TC mentoring
• Thursday – flight to Fla.
• Friday – run, tennis
• Saturday – run, tennis
• Sunday –  run, tennis, theater tix

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k Race Recap
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Are the flowers blooming? Do you prefer long distance races or short? 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.

If you answered: New York City, you were correct!!

Again I went to to NYC last Sunday and worked there until Friday evening.

Last Week –

• Sunday – Today I took an early train to NYC.

After I arrived and checked into my hotel, per Cari‘s recommendation, I took the subway to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

My original plan was to take Metro North and see the Orchid exhibit and other spring flowers/tees at the NY Botanical Gardens but Brooklyn was easier to get to.

And it was lovely. I’m glad I went there.

On the way back to Manhattan, I stopped at the Poster House. There was an exhibit on NYC travel posters (through the ages) and one on the making of movie posters.

And then my last stop for the day was Madison Square Park and then I walked back to my hotel.

And yes, I try to squeeze in lots of activities into one day (my only non-working day).

• Monday – Early subway to Jamaica, Queens…

view from my hotel room

I worked all day but the highlight was getting together with Cari and Elizabeth for dinner (and much chatting).

• Tuesday – Same as Monday..

my kitten at home

but tonight I had dinner plans with an college friend (the one I had connected with on my last visit here.)

Fortunately, she agreed to meet later and I was able to squeeze in a short run beforehand.

along the Hudson R.

• Wednesday – Work was exactly the same as the past two days except with no after work plans, I planned to hop the subway and get to Central Park for a run. It had rained all day and the forecast was for the rain to continue.

Plan B. Bring an umbrella and visit the Tulip Fest at Westside Community Garden.

amazingly beautiful – more pics on IG and FB.

Wouldn’t you know, it didn’t rain!! So I detoured to Central Park on my way home.

never too many sightings of cherry blossoms – running FOMO!!

• Thursday – Last day working in Jamaica.  Tonight I had bought tickets for a Broadway show.

I rushed back to my hotel so I could at least run a bit…

so happy for the running path on 8th Ave to avoid the crowded sidewalk…

It was a late night but so worth it… the show was great!!

anyone read the bock or remember the movie?

• Friday – Today I worked in the Wall St area so a shorter subway ride. That meant I had time for an early morning walk

and discovered a French restaurant…

and then after work, I took the train back home.

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. It was a combination recovery run (after last weekend’s half) and a training run for the next half in 5 weeks. (Tentative long run plan: 13, 10, 10k+6, 3 (vacation), 10, 13) I decided that 10 miles would work and I was delighted to have company on the Zim Smith bike path..

6 mi. w/Barb & Sherry, Deb joined for 4 more…for brunch we had 5 more folks!!

Then a nap.. LOL.  Nope, errands, laundry, nails and more!!

• Sunday –  Today is the 5k race for the STEM group that mentored.

I plan to walk it with the women walked during the training…

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF- gym, run, hike
• Tuesday – GYM
• Wednesday – run, TC mentoring
• Thursday – run
• Friday – GYM, mah jongg (chez moi)
• Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k (+…)
• Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Helderberg To Hudson Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Are the flowers blooming? 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.

The title says “Normal.”

What is normal?

It’s different for everyone but for me it’s sleeping in my own bed, going to the gym before work, and fitting in social/family activities around my work schedule while also getting my runs done.

Last Week –

• Sunday – Easter Sunday. I was hoping that the gym was open. I hadn’t been there in over a week. Nope.

Plan B: Go for a walk in the woods.

not much blooming yet and lots of mud but still felt great to be outdoors..

Although I am Jewish, my hubby’s family is not.  So we went to my MIL’s for Easter dinner.

Heather with grandma and great grandma

• Monday – I had today off. I hadn’t gone hiking with Heidi in quite a while so that was the plan.

That meant I had to get up early to squeeze in a run.

Then we drove to Saugerties and hiked at Falling Waters Preserve.

Before lunch, we stopped at the Saugerties Lighthouse trail.

Our final stop (before ice cream) was Esopus Bend Preserve.

we need to return to do some more of the trails but we did get to see the swans nesting spots.

We had to rush home because both Heidi and I were mentoring the STEM group at 5:30 pm.

25 minutes of straight running OY!

• Tuesday – After all the miles the day before, I was planning on a rest day

With all the rain and a snowstorm (Wed-Thurs) in the forecast, I decided that I’d better drag my feet out there today.

I started the day at the gym and then ran at lunch before the rain arrived.

the water line behind my house

Afterward I went to the office.

• Wednesday – A rainy morning so it was back to the gym.

I had missed last week but today I mentored week 3 of the TC group. The weather was miserable!!! Rain, wind, sleet!!!

• Thursday – Too snowy to even drive to the gym this morning…

I stopped at the gym for a short walk on the track before dinner with a teacher I used to work.

• Friday – Rest Day. WFH and mah jongg in the evening.

Oh and a surprise earthquake! LOL

I got this text after I felt the house shaking…

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch Day. Ugh… where to go that would be dry. I wanted to at least get in 10 miles before next weekend’s half marathon.

I went out for 2 miles before my friends arrived and it was drizzling/sleeting.  But it stopped and the weather was pretty perfect for running 8 more.

this is the same route that I will running 13.1 miles on next Saturday

• Sunday –  It will be a gym visit… maybe a hike!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run, STEM mentoring
• Tuesday – GYM, walk with a friend
• Wednesday – run, TC mentoring
• Thursday – run (AM), tennis friends meet-up
• Friday – GYM, mah jongg, bib pick up
• Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon!!!
• Sunday – train to NYC (for work), visit to NYBG?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – The Healing Power of Running: A Guide to Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit Book Review
• Friday – 5 Things in Your Race Kit

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Are the flowers blooming? 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.

Next trip to NYC.  I leave today for a week there for work.

Next half marathon.  April 13!!

Glad that this past week was a recovery week since the weather was a challenge!!!

Last Week –

• Sunday – RACE DAY – United NYC Half Marathon!

The logistics for any NYC race is stressful and even more so when you stay in Manhattan and the race starts in Brooklyn.  At least I had company but at the last minute, we decided on the subway instead of the bus we booked.

There were a few glitches but it all worked out.

The race was hard. It was much harder than I thought it would be but I prodded along, took in all the scenery and walked as often as needed.

We all crossed that finish line!! And the weather was perfect!!!! Win. Win.

After we finished the race, the four runners met up with our two supporters and we all walked back to our hotel.

After a LONG hot shower, my roommate, Heidi and I walked around the area before meeting the others to walk to an Italian restaurant in Times Square where we celebrated our race achievement.

• Monday – A busy recovery day in NYC. We happily got a 2 pm check out of the hotel.

I encouraged my roommate to join me in exploring Central Park. It was lovely as spring had sprung there. Then we walked back to the hotel stopping for refreshments along the way.

Eventually we joined the others for a walk along the High Line followed by a lovely lunch in Chelsea.

Afterward, we walked back to our hotel to retrieve our bags from the hotel and head to Penn to catch our train home.

• Tuesday – Glad it was a WFH day (my only one this week.)

Started with a quick trip to the gym. Brrrr…cold and breezy!! Spring??

Looking ahead at both the weather and my work schedule, I decided to squeeze in some miles at lunch.

no DOMS but I did add a lot of walking to this run (just in case)

• Wednesday –  Before I had to go to the office and then to the lab to set up for my class the next day, I squeezed in a run.

sunnier and less windy than the previous day… legs even felt normal 🙂

That evening, I attended my first meeting as a mentor with those training for the Run for Women 5k (on June 1). I worked with the beginner group and we used the Couch to 5K app.

It was windy, freezing with intermittent snow squalls…

brrrr… spring?

• Thursday –  Rest Day. Teaching live today so no time for the gym or a run (Cold and windy so not sad to be stuck indoors.).  Besides after work, I had a hair appt.
• Friday – Back in the classroom again and then mah jongg in the evening. Rest Day #2.

When mah jongg got cancelled, I went out to dinner with some former co-workers.

• Saturday – Long Run – one week post half marathon but 4 weeks before the next one. That meant that 11 miles was on my schedule as long as the weather cooperated.

Nope!! Snow/rain/sleet/wind = run postponed.

It never gets old.  I’ve seen this show so many times (I used to take my French students back when it was on Broadway and have also seen many times since.)

I was fortunate that it was playing locally and I convinced some friends to go with me. The drive there and back was no picnic but it was worth it.

• Sunday –  It will be a gym visit long run (most likely only 8 miles somewhere dry) … and then the train to NYC.  Maybe a walk when I get there? Again weather dependent.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  evening run or walk, meet-up with Cari & Elizabeth
• Tuesday – evening run or walk, Broadway show
• Wednesday – evening run, Macys flower show
• Thursday – evening run or walk, Lady Gaga tour
• Friday – train home
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – GYM, Easter dinner with the fam

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday –  My Blog Turned Sweet Sixteen
• Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Feel like spring yet? Or has winter returned? 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.