Yup, we finally got some snow… but due to rain, it didn’t last long and that was fine with me.

On the injury front, the ankle is improving. Not as fast as I would like, but it’s getting there.

Last Week –

• Sunday – I planned to go to the gym but..

It wasn’t much snow at first but then it continued to snow for most of the day.

Despite the snow, my granddaughter’s Christening went off without a hitch (sort of).

• Monday – Back working from home today.. I planned to start the day at the gym but I was still pooped from the previous week in NYC and so I slept in.

The sun was shining… a sight we haven’t seen in forever so I put on my boots and went for a walk during lunch.

it felt great to be outside!!

Finally after work, I dragged myself to the gym and hit the machines.

• Tuesday – Today was 3 weeks since I fell and sprained my ankle. I am walking better but certainly not in shape to run yet.

I went to the office and then walked a little during lunch before going to set up for my class the next day.

After dinner, I hit the gym again to get some more steps in on the track on this nasty rainy day… In fact, I walked 15 laps or 1 mile!!

• Wednesday – Long day at work (live teaching).

I needed this!!

After work, I met my BFF to walk in circles around an outdoor mall.

• Thursday – Back to WFH.

Gym first thing.

Rode some miles on the stationary bike during lunch.

More walking at the gym after work but I had to cut it short in order to meet some friends (I hadn’t seen in a long time) for dinner.

Taco Thursday = $3 off 3 tacos 🙂

• Friday – Another WFH day. Similar to the day before except I walked outdoors at lunch and instead of the gym, I played mah jongg in the evening.

For my walk, I returned to the scene of the crime (where I fell).  I hesitantly tried to run… just a few steps. They were slow and awkward but I continued to run more steps and walk and run even more….

I wore a brace on my ankle and I’m not sure my feet were off the ground… but I RAN!!

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday and brunch day..

I planned to walk outside but it was raining so I headed to the gym to walk on the track and then meet my running friends for brunch.

I may have shed some happy tears…

Well, I decided to run one loop and see how it felt. It felt ok so I continued to walk a loop, then run a loop, walk a loop, run a loop…

The temps warmed up to 50 degrees with rain, hail, sun…

Eventually, it was dry, I ventured out for a walk.

• Sunday – No hiking yet so again it will be either the stationary bike or a gym visit… We do have a local race… (I could walk the 3m???)

There also will be packing for my work trip to NYC.

And dinner out to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – Friday – NYC for work! (meet up with Cari, Broadway show, museum visit, etc.)
• Saturday – Long Run – run/walk?, brunch with running friends
• Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – My Word for 2024
• Friday – 5 Things to Never Do at the Gym

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Any snow yet? 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.

Obviously a slow start to my running/racing in 2024.

had to switch my running emoji to this one… (and yes I do those those exact Crocs)

At least I was working in NYC for most of the week and that helped take my mind of it.

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym since I wouldn’t be able to go the rest of the week.

Then I stopped by to visit my granddaughter.

she’s getting so big!!

Lots to do to get ready for my week in NYC.

Our New Year’s Eve was low key… just a dinner out with the hubby with a stop to see my MIL (who lives nearby.)

dessert!

• Monday – New Year’s Day –  I was supposed to run a race. It was a free local one so no $$ loss but lots of FOMO (since I run it each year with my friends.)

2022 race – no snow this year!!

Now I didn’t have to rush to catch my train to NYC.

Instead I did a few miles on the stationary bike.

After I arrived in NYC and checked into my first hotel, I met Cari for dinner.

always a good time

Afterward, I explored some of the nearby holiday lights.

Wall St/Stock Exchange neighborhood

• Tuesday – After standing all day, I wasn’t sure what to do about my ankle.

I took the long way back to my hotel (via Battery Park)

it was worth it

I decided to give it a go and walk to WTC and Brookfield Plaza…

Then I grabbed some dinner in the Oculus and walked back to my hotel. Next door to my hotel was a Rooftop restaurant/bar where I had a drink/dessert…

• Wednesday – After work, I had to switch hotels. My new hotel was near Penn. Sta.

I still wanted to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and the light show at Saks so I took a subway there (to save time and my ankle).

I walked back to my hotel via 6th Ave, Bryant Park and Macy’s.

• Thursday – Today I took a very early subway to Jamaica, Queens for work.

I was excited because after work, when I returned to Manhattan, I was able to meet up  with college friends for dinner. I was also able to grab tickets to a show that they were going to.

• Friday – Back in Queens for work and after a long day, I returned to Manhattan and took the train home.
• Saturday – Long Run Saturday – or for me, bike or gym and brunch day..

I headed to the gym and then met my running friends for brunch.

In the afternoon, I had a hair appt and then had to go grocery shopping plus some other errands.

The rest of the day was spent unpacking and waiting for our snowstorm to arrive.

• Sunday – No hiking so again it will be either the stationary bike or a gym visit…

and Heather’s Christening.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – Friday – same old, same old… trying to patiently heal my ankle.
• Saturday – Long Run – biking, brunch with running friends
• Sunday – GYM, pack to head to NYC for work the next day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – The Best of 2023
• Friday – 5 Things to Accomplish in 2024

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Any snow yet? 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.

Well, that went fast…

2023 is dusted.

It wasn’t the best year ever but I am grateful for many things: my health, my family & friends, running/racing, a new granddaughter…

Hopefully 2024 will have as many things to celebrate!

My biggest goal is to HEAL my latest injury and NOT FALL in 2024 (or ever again…)

Since these posts are called Weekly “RUN” Down(s), should I continue to post if I am not running?? (just kidding).

I have to say that when it rains most of the week, I am not as grumpy about not being able to run outside.

Last Week –

• Sunday – My ankle seemed to hurt more so I iced it and then decided to drive to the gym and just use the upper body, ab, and hip machines.

I limped up to the room with the machines and the fire alarm went off!!

A sign? (Should I just forget it and go home?)

So l limped back to car, went to the library, got my nails done and returned to the gym. (Phew. It hadn’t burned down.)

And after that, I rested my ankle for the rest of the day (I may have also included some cooking, cleaning, etc.)

• Monday – It was nice to sleep in and have a relaxing cup of coffee

I have share my latest granddaughter picture:

she spent Xmas with her other grandparents

I also took my first post-injury ride on my stationary bike.

Thanks to Netflix… it was a slow 10 miles.. right ankle feels ok but now my left shin is sore. LOL

What does a Jew do for Christmas Day dinner?

Yup, we went out for Chinese food.  My hubby is not fully recovered but was feeling much better.

my meal!! and we shared dessert…

• Tuesday – A rough night pain-wise but glad to be working from home all day so I could rest the ankle.

It felt better by the end of the day so I went to the gym to use the machines.

• Wednesday – Compression sock and brace made for a better night.

Still working from home so I was able to try my luck again on my stationary bike at lunch time (on this rainy day.)

6 slow miles with a podcast to keep me company

After work, I went out to a belated birthday dinner for my BFF.

sorry… last year’s pic…her b-day dessert this year was a cannoli

• Thursday – Off to the gym before work (on another rainy day) and then working from home the rest of the day.

I was able to jump on the stationary bike for a few miles at lunch

tried one of the free Peloton classes… too much talk 😦

After work, my college friends organized a ZOOM call.

so fun staying in touch (after 50 years)

I had rush off after that ZOOM to meet a running friend for dinner/drinks. (Glad to stay connected with my friends even when I can’t run.)

• Friday – Another dreary rainy day!!  But today I went into the office. On the way, I took advantage and got myself a treat.

In the evening, I went to my weekly mah jongg game. As I mentioned last week, it’s more relaxed when I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to get my long run done the next day.

• Saturday – LONG RUN Saturday.  It seems that my ankle pain rears its ugly head at night… so happy to sleep in on this rainy morning.

While my friends ran, I went to the gym and then met them for brunch.

• Sunday – I plan to spend some time on my stationary bike and start packing for my week in NYC (for work).

Most likely I will stop and visit with my granddaughter since I won’t see her next week.

No exciting plans for New Year’s Eve… just dinner out with the hubby.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – Friday – My first DNS of 2024 – on New Year’s Day (HMRRC Winter Series #2), then working in Manhattan on Tuesday & Wednesday and in Queens on Thursday & Friday.  I will not be able to run but hopefully I can walk enough to see some of the holiday decorations.

I plan to meet Cari for dinner on Monday and college friends on Thursday for dinner/Broadway show.

(But you know I’d rather be running….)

• Saturday – Long Run – gym, brunch with running friends
• Sunday – biking, Granddaughter’s Christening

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – 2023 Recap
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running end? Training for any big or small races in 2024?  How’s the weather where you live? Any big NYE 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.

Remember how my year began…

Read below and you’ll see how it ended.

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym and spent some extra time there walking around the track.

We were supposed celebrate the holidays with my stepson &  DIL but my hubby was real sick so we postponed it until the new year.

I got a trail walk done before the rain set in and then spent the rest of the day doing errand/shopping.

• Monday – Since it was not likely that I would get to the gym until the weekend (due to work), I decided to go again in the morning.

It rained most of the day so I was not able to get my run done at lunch.

chilly and damp but it got done

Luckily I could to squeeze in a run after the rain stopped and before I went out to dinner to celebrate a friend’s B-day.

• Tuesday – It was supposed to be a rest day but because the rest of the week was so busy with work and it was sunny, I decided get in one more run for the week.

I drove to the rail trail and I was in a rush, lots on my mind, listening to a podcast and then suddenly somehow, I was down on the ground…

Twisted my right ankle (the good one).

I limped back to my car.

Swollen, bruised and very painful… (RICE and tears)

• Wednesday  – Unfortunately, I had to stand all day (ouch) for my job.

Ankle is still swollen, bruised and painful. (More RICE and tears).

No run with Heidi.

• Thursday – Unfortunately, I had to stand all day AGAIN for my job.

Ankle is still swollen, bruised and painful. (More RICE and tears).

No run with Heidi.

• Friday – Unfortunately, I had to stand all day AGAIN for my job.

Ankle is less swollen, less painful but more bruised.

Friday is Mah Jongg night and thankfully, you sit when you play. (One of my friends there has metastasized breast cancer that has spread to her bones and now her lungs – puts it all in perspective so no more whining about my ankle).

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY- half marathon in 7 weeks!! And another in 11 weeks!!

NO RUN – Just brunch with my friends after THEY finished running.

just because…

• Sunday – Plan to hit the gym and use the arm machines…

So they say bad things come in threes:

1. My cat disappears
2. My hubby gets very sick
3. I fall and sprain my ankle

Then I’m done!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• NO RUNNING
• Some upper body work at the gym
• Some stationary biking at home
• Xmas dinner out (or with in-laws?)
• ZOOM with my college friends
• B-day dinner with my BFF
• WFH all week so rest the ankle

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Tampa Hot Chocolate 15k Race Recap
• Friday – Runfessions 

Happy Running! How is your year of running ending? Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Ever sprain your ankle? Please share.

sorry I couldn’t mail this card to all of you!!

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.

Back from my brief race-cation in Florida to holiday party mode.

I hope I can run enough to burn off those calories.

(Kitty update: he’s still AWOL 😦 )

Last Week –

• Sunday – Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K – no need for hot chocolate after this warm, humid race. Even though it was very close to a PW, I won my age group and had lots of fun.

I’m pretty sure after a delicious brunch, we headed to the hot tub.

Rain canceled our outdoor plans so we spent the evening watching Hallmark movies.

• Monday – Last day in sunny Florida so I went for a walk/run in the neighborhood

a cold front had come through so it was a little chilly but so much warmer than home..

After packing, we went out to our last lunch and then on the way to the airport, we spent time in Dunedin.

I got to see my friend’s work at DFAC and yes, there was ice cream…

• Tuesday – A late arrival home the night before so I was pooped but I dragged myself to the gym before work and ran at lunch.

cold and windy… please take me back to Fla!!

• Wednesday – I had planned to stop at the gym before work and run at lunch again… but a co-worker called in sick so I had to rush to the Training Center.

An unplanned rest day before

Holiday Party #1 – with my tennis friends.. it’s an annual thing with lots of food, Chinese grab bag, laughs and music/singing.

• Thursday – Back to the Training Center for work with a stop on the way:

it was yummy! (iced creme brulee latte)

and a run after at UAlbany.

• Friday – Holiday Party #2- at the office and then I had to rush back to the Training Center.

Mah jongg in the evening…

• Saturday – Started off the day with a long run and the weather was perfect.  Most of my friends were getting ready for the party so I ran 8 miles only with Deb.  We were treated with new artwork on the rail trail.

these pieces replaced the ones from the Pandemic and most had accompanying poetry so beautiful..

Holiday Party #3 – with my running friends… it’s also an annual thing with lots of food, drink and running talk.

• Sunday – Plan to start the day at the gym and end with dinner at my stepson & DIL’s (holiday party #4) since the hubby is sick, just a visit with my granddaughter.

she loved Santa!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – run, b-day dinner for a friend
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday – run 
• Thursday – run, walk with BFF
• Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – GYM, hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Hot Chocolate 15k Race Recap
• Friday – Goals for 2024

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Do you have a lot of holiday parties? 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 do prefer warmth and sunshine for my runs.

It’s not even winter or that cold yet. But I couldn’t turn down an invitation to run a race in Florida…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym as I usually do on Sundays.

It was a damp, cold, rainy day…So glad it was a rest day and that I had a fun indoor activity scheduled for the afternoon.

I joined some friends to see the Monet Interactive exhibit.

I had seen it in Miami a few years ago but each company does it differently and I did enjoy this one too.

After, we went out for a bite to eat.

• Monday – I wanted to run at lunch (because the temps would be warmer than the morning) but though it was sunny, it was RAINING!!

It stopped so I drove into town…

and it started to pour and I got soaked and then the sun came out… and then it started to pour…. it continued that way all day!

and after work, I met my stepson and his GF out for dinner.

Unfortunately, while I away, my hubby accidentally let one of our cats out when he left to play tennis.

Mac who is NOT an outdoor cat 😦

• Tuesday – A busy work day so I had to get my run done after work at UAlbany. Happy to have a friend join me

before I met my BFF for a walk/chat in the mall.

• Wednesday – I woke up to freezing temps and SNOW (and my kitty still gone for the 2nd night)!

Another busy work day so again I had no time to run until after work.  I decided to drive to a neighborhood with lights and then rushed home to  pack.

It SNOWED the entire run but it was kinda nice…

• Thursday – Kitty still gone (my hubby did see him last night so at least we know he’s alive)…

a lovely sky greeted me…

I hit the gym before work because after work, I had to rush to the airport to catch a flight to Tampa, FL with my friend Heidi.

We arrived late that night and our friend Deirdre picked us up at the airport.

• Friday & Saturday – It was great to be re-united with Deirdre and Kevin. Check out IG & FB for pics of our pre-race activities.

#flatme ready Fingers crossed for NO RAIN!!

• Sunday – Hot Chocolate 15k Race. Heidi is running the 10k (Deirdre sprained her ankle in a trail race so has to sit this one out) but I chose the 15k.

I’m sure it will be fun. (More details in the next WRD.)

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – hanging with friends, fly home (fingers crossed that my kitty will be there to greet me)
• Tuesday – GYM, run
• Wednesday – run, tennis holiday party
• Thursday – PM run 
• Friday –  rest day, work party, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run, Running Group Holiday Party
• Sunday – GYM, hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Bling of 2023
• Friday – Favorite Fitness Moments of 2023

to those who celebrate

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Any races planning before the end of 2023?  How’s the weather where you live?  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 not big on the holidays. I don’t have to buy many gifts.  I do some decorating and still send out cards…

But I do enjoy those holiday parties… so I better keep running to be able to eat all the goodies.

Last Week –

• Sunday – As usual, I started the day at the gym and also walked on the track since I was not in a rush.

guess who’s getting ready for the holidays?

I spent most of the day decorating the house… (more tiring than the gym).

I’m obsessed with snowmen… this year, I added a few gnomes LOL

Then I went for a short hike before the sunset.

Five Rivers never disappoints

• Monday – DAY OFF so I was able to run and not at the crack of dawn. The forecast was for rain (as always on my Mondays off) but I got lucky and finished my run just before the skies opened up.

not on the rail trail for a change

I took advantage of the postponed hike to make beef stew and then went out for a walk when the rain stopped.

I spent most of the afternoon helping my running friends move. At least 6 hours of going up and down steps as they moved to an apartment upstairs from the one they already owned.

We got rewarded with a nice dinner… and it was fun.

• Tuesday – Started the day at the gym and then decided to skip the run based on the number of steps I climbed the day before.

I met my BFF for a long walk and chat after work.

• Wednesday – Since I didn’t run the day before, I had to squeeze my run in at lunch.

those deer were near each other and close to me

In the evening I got together with my tennis friends for a dinner out.

although I don’t miss playing tennis, I do miss my friends so glad we do this every month

• Thursday – After a late evening, I dragged myself out of  bed to work out at the gym

Then another lunch time run… and it was sunny!!

like my new running partner?

No plans for the evening so I had time after work to visit my granddaughter.

• Friday – Another early morning trip to the gym… but a rest day from running.

I was hosting mah jongg that evening so that meant “cleaning.”

• Saturday – Long Run in preparation for the 15k the weekend after.

So lucky to have company for the miles and brunch after.

I woke up to rain!!

But the radar showed that it wouldn’t be raining where we were going.

hooray for a dry (cloudy) run but my friend was only running 7 miles and so I stopped too.

• Sunday – Gym first thing and then a re-scheduled visit to the Monet Interactive in the afternoon.

I did go to one in Miami several years ago. I LOVE Monet so I can’t wait to see this version.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – AM run, dinner out with stepson
• Tuesday – GYM. PM run, walk with BFF
• Wednesday – PM run, pack
• Thursday – GYM, fly to Tampa, FL
• Friday –  hanging out with friends
• Saturday – hanging out with friends, bib pick up in Tampa
• Sunday – Hot Chocolate 15k race

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Holiday Gift Guide
• Friday – Favorite Stocking Stuffers

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  How’s the weather where you live? Done decorating for the holidays? Any exciting plans for this last month of 2023? 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.

In order to recover from the marathon, I scaled back my runs last week.

But now there’s a 10k and 15k on my schedule.

So it’s time to get serious again.

Last Week –

• Sunday – As I mentioned last week, today one of my favorite local races was held.  Many friends ran it and of course, I had FOMO.

I didn’t sign up because I didn’t know how I would feel after running a marathon.

Instead I went to the gym and spent a relaxing day on the trails.

happy to find some leaves still on the tress

• Monday – DAY OFF! No rain… a miracle!

Finally I decided to get myself going for a daylight run. I got up early… got dressed.  Looked at the 20 degree temps and WIMPED out.

My running friends and I were planning to hike and so I texted them and they agreed to bundle up and do it.

Phew.  Not training so no need to suffer.

We decided to head to MA and repeat a shortened hike in Williamstown MA that we did in the rain.

Somehow this hike turned into 7 miles as we decided to hike UPHILL through the fallen leaves so we could cross the NYS border (from MA).

we had so much fun that we may go back and continue on into VT. But next time bring water and snacks

Since we didn’t plan such a long and difficult hike, we didn’t get to eat lunch until after 3:30 pm!!

• Tuesday – Gym first thing and then I was able to sneak in a quick run before sunset after work.

quite a few interesting things seen along the Hudson R.

• Wednesday – I was teaching live so I was only able to run after work.

Since I was meeting my BFF for dinner and a walk nearby, I ran the UAlbany loop.

happy for the company and the lights

• Thursday – Back to the gym before work,

 and then a run at lunch on the rail trail.

I didn’t check the temps before I left the house and quickly realized that I was way overdressed

• Friday – Another rest day and gym morning.

it was so pretty this morning… glad I was up to see it

I decided to go into the office…

it was on the way… no will power!!

On the way home, I stopped to see my granddaughter…

left hip dysplasia – she will be fine in a few weeks (hopefully).

You may have noticed that I have not posted any Heather pics lately.  I prefer to keep my personal life separate from my running blog but I guess she could use a few prayers…

• Saturday – Long Run!

Creeping up the miles to be prepared for the upcoming 10k and then 15k.

I woke up to rain but luckily it stopped before our meeting time.

I met my friends on the rail trail and we ran 7 miles.  Afterward we met the others (who walked) for brunch.

a beautiful day for a run… the sun even came out (yes, overdressed again!)

In addition to all my Saturday errands, I stopped by to pick up my bib and shirt for my Thanksgiving race.

• Sunday – Rest Day and gym visit followed by FOMO on this half marathon.  First time I am not running it.

it was freezing last year!!

I do plan some walking, get my nails done and it’s the 15th anniversary for my mah jongg group.  Dinner plans!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – run
• Wednesday –GYM, rest day
• Thursday – Troy Turkey Trot 10K, Thanksgivng dinner with the fam
• Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – GYM, hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Why I’m Thankful for Running
• Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this fall?  How’s the weather where you live? Any Thanksgiving race 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.