Yes, NYC is my favorite place but unfortunately this trip was not for a race or a vacation… WORK!!

Still, I tried to make it fun.. explore, run, race, eat ice cream… lol

Last Week —

• Sunday – Boating Sunday got rained out AGAIN!!

It rained in the morning and threatened all day but actually didn’t rain until evening.

I started the day at the gym and was able to take my time (no need to rush home)…

and there were actually people running the indoor track (due to the inclement weather) and I even walked about a mile

Because I was going to miss my Thursday evening hike at Thacher park this week, I decided head up there to do some hiking (that was after I got stung several times in the nose by a wasp – OUCH!!)

Paint Mine trail was my first stop and the creek (and the humidity) were wild…

When it looked like the rain would hold off, I decided to walk the Indian Ladder Trail… it had been years since I had done it…)

the rain has been good for something I’ve never seen so much water in both falls!!

On the way home, I stopped for ice cream and my car started acting up AGAIN… (it’s back at the dealer !!! 😦 )

• Monday – Because I skipped my long run on Saturday in favor of a 5k race, I got up early and ran 7 miles on the rail trail before work.

I parked at that barn and ran some humid foggy miles with my friend Deirdre (who had to run 10) … the bottom right is a new bridge that collapsed while under construction)

• Tuesday – I got up very early to get to the gym and then my hubby drove me to the train station to catch my train to NYC.

I checked into my hotel and then had to decide what to do until Cari got out of work… I decided to head to the World Trade Center area to explore.

I was greeted by lots of wall art…

and more:

Unfortunately the 911 Museum is closed on Tuesdays so I just walked around..

upper right is the Survivor tree

I walked toward the river and discovered Brookfield Place

Soon it was time to head back and meet Cari for dinner and…

• Wednesday – Early morning subway ride to Queens, worked all day and then the subway back to the hotel.

Decisions, decisions. 5K in Brooklyn OR a 3 mile run around Central Park??

You know me, even though I was exhausted and it was humid and threatening to rain, I chose to run the 5k.

pic from last year’s race

I quickly changed my clothes and hopped on the subway… Q or the B? I chose the B.

Wrong choice as there was a delay on the line and we sat on the bridge for over an hour (as I watched the many Q trains go by.)

By the time we got to the next station, I would be too late to run the 5k (which started at 7:10 and it was already 6:45)

So what to do? Continue on and run 3 miles in the Prospect Park?

Nope… I got off the subway and went back one stop and then got off…

It was 3.1 miles back to my hotel and so I ran a leisurely route back through Soho, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, etc.

always interesting sights to see in NYC

Was I disappointed in missing the race?

Just a little. I love to race but the conditions were not ideal anyway and I did get the miles in (and beat the rain.)

• Thursday – I checked out of my hotel but left my bag, then there was a LONG subway ride to Queens, worked all day and then took the subway back to the hotel. Finally I headed to Penn Station to catch my train home! (LONG DAY!!!)

treated to this view of the Hudson

• Friday – Back home and back to the gym before work and mah jongg after work in the evening. In between, work and unpacking!!

• Saturday – Long Run Day!

I was lucky to have some amazing friends to share 8 miles with

on the Corning bike path (which is along the Hudson R)

and others who joined at brunch.

• Sunday – Gym first thing.

Will the weather allow us to go on our boat??

This Coming Week on the Run (15 weeks until NYCM)– 

• Monday – run, hike (PM off from work)
• Tuesday – rest day, walk with BFF?
• Wednesday -run after work
• Thursday – run after work, trail run/walk
• Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (9 miles)
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday –  PPTC 5K Race Recap When to DNS a Race
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? How are you dealing with the weather where you live? DNS any races lately? 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 started Marathon training but still I have a few 5ks on my schedule… I keep saying that these races are my speed workouts. However, it would be nice if I did some speed drills to prepare for them…

Last Week —

• Sunday – Another Sunday where rain and thunderstorms were predicted.

I went to the gym first thing

and then we decided to skip boating.  I went for a two very muggy hikes (while my hubby did yard work).

I returned to Tivoli Lake (where I had a tour recently) because the animals (sheep & alpacas) were supposed to return from NYC today.

the wildflowers were in bloom but no sign of the animals!?

Then I stopped to walk at Normanskill Farms (sorry no pix).

Of course, the rain held off until later but boy did it rain…

I got caught up around the house, binged watched “Never Have I Ever” (someone mentioned it on their blog) and knit (I need to finish that blanket before the grandbaby is born…)

• Monday – My Day off!

And we cancelled our hiking plans since AGAIN the forecast was for rain!

Of course, when I woke up the rain had stopped.  I decided to risk getting wet and went out for a run.

lots of interesting scenery and NO rain, just high humidity.

I had 3 miles planned but when I didn’t have to rush to just it done before work, I wound up with over 4 miles!

Again it didn’t rain much and not until later.

So made a trip to TJ’s, continued binge watching Never Have I Ever and knitting.

Finally I decided that I needed that hike. We’ve had so much rain that it was quite muddy but I love the sound of flowing water.

• Tuesday – Back to work but I decided to postpone my rest day and run on the rail trail before the heat and with a friend.

4 miles with some cat sightings.

After work, I returned to the same trail to walk with a friend whom I hadn’t seen in a while.

• Wednesday – After a night of poor sleep, I decided against getting up early for a run.

Instead, I went to the gym and felt so much better afterward.

At lunch, I decided to give that run a go (despite the sun and heat.)

that was painful.. back to early morning runs!

After work,  the brief rain shower had ended so my BFF and I hit the outdoor mall for a walk/chat.

friends for almost 50 years…

• Thursday – Finally a rest day (from running) and I even skipped the gym.

After work, I planned to join my friends for a trail run/walk. Sorry to be a broken record but again rain/thunderstorms were predicted.  I don’t mind rain but thunderstorms in the woods would be no bueno.  And I was planning to just walk.

So a few of us decided to meet to just walk. Yes it did rain and who knows if its timing coincided with the event??

our view from the porch while eating delicious ice cream sandwiches

• Friday – Another rest day (from running) but I did get to the gym before work.

After work, I had a hair appt and then got ready for the my race the next day.

• Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k Race!! (Maybe this should have been a long run but it’s still early in my marathon training so I’ll call it a big cut back week.)

I met up with friends to run the race (and came in 2nd in my AG) and then after, we met up with other friends for brunch.

yup, another HUMID morning but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…

• Sunday – My plans for today include the gym followed by a day on the boat (unless the weather gets in the way AGAIN.)

This Coming Week on the Run (16 weeks until NYCM)– 

• Monday – GYM, run
• Tuesday –  train to NYC (for work), walk around NYC & meet Cari
• Wednesday -run 
• Thursday – rest day, train home
• Friday –   GYM, rest day
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday –  Silks and Satins 5k race Recap
• Friday – Sometimes Once is Not Enough (Part 2)

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  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.

Crazy week!!!

Instead of my usual WFH, I had to teach in person… 8-4 pm Wed-Fri.

So when do I run or work out???

In addition, to my job, there was also dealing with the weather. When I WFH, I can squeeze in my runs or workouts between the raindrops. Not this week!

And it was my turn to host mah jongg. OY! (cleaning my house…)

Plus, I had car problems and needed to use my hubby’s truck and get mine to the dealer = $$$$

Last Week —

• Sunday – The forecast called for cloudy and showers…

I started the day at the gym while the hubby went to play tennis..

But it didn’t look like rain at all so we headed to the lake… blue skies, sunshine and very warm temps.

perfect day and the water was even warm enough to go in… a little rain came after we got home that evening.

• Monday – Day off from work so the plan was to go on a hiking adventure with 3 of my running friends. Again rain was predicted.

First we drove to Field Farm in Williamstown, MA and had a lovely 3 mile hike.

It rained during lunch but then it stopped so we drove to the Clark Campus Trails and walked 2.5 more miles.

It rained a little on our way to get ice cream but the skies opened up when we got home and it poured all evening.

Phew… lucky us!

• Tuesday –  The weather was too unpredictable to plan an early morning run with a friend.

Of course, I woke up early and it wasn’t raining. Too late to call my friend so I drove the rail trail and ran solo.

95% humidity!! But glad to have it done… my whole day starts better when I do my run before work. And there will be lots of distraction since a scavenger hunt is going on on the trail.

• Wednesday – In person work!! That meant getting up early, looking good and driving to work (plus packing my running clothes, a lunch and snacks)…

My only run time would be after work… without rain, hopefully.

It rained on and off all day but stopped by the time I was done with work. But as I mentioned above, my car was acting up so I drove straight home and ran in my neighborhood.

lots of flowers (and a podcast) to keep me entertained (and a beer after to re-fuel.)

• Thursday –  Same schedule as Wednesday except that it was Trail Run night.

I quickly changed into running clothes after work and drive to UAlbany to get in my 3 miles. Afterward, I met the others at the trail (which was nearby) ran to meet my friends Barbara and Deb who agreed to drive to the trail (due to my car issues).

As usual, I enjoyed walking the trails while my friends ran and of course, it was followed by ice cream.

• Friday – Same old, same old… but finally a rest day.

Rest?

Work, shop for snacks, clean, set up and host mah jongg.

• Saturday –  Long Run Saturday.

I met my friend Debbie and she drove to Zim Smith Trail where we ran 8 7 miles with Sherry, Stan and then joined Heidi for brunch.

several in our group didn’t come due to the poor air quality… it was the humidity, however, that bothered me not the smoke.

On the way home, I stopped off to pickup our bibs/shirts for the July 4th race.

• Sunday – TBD depending on the weather

This Coming Week on the Run (18 weeks until NYCM) – 

• Monday – rest day, full moon party
• Tuesday – DAY OFF – Firecracker 4 Race
• Wednesday – DAY OFF – Hike-athon, boating
• Thursday – run, trail run/walk
• Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run!
• Sunday – rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Mid-Year Review
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  How’s the air quality where you live? Has it prevented you from getting outside? 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.

Longer Days! Sunshine! Flowers! Boating!

What’s not to love?

Maybe humidity and higher temps.. just means adjusting and running early (and slower).

Last Week —

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym…

Since it was Father’s Day, I let the hubby decide what he wanted to do… and it was tennis.

So I did errands, laundry, cleaning, gardening and eventually a short hike.

• Monday – Juneteenth Holiday so I had the day off from work.. It was very convenient since I ran a 5k on Saturday instead of a Long Run.

And so today I did my Long Run. I was glad to have the company of two friends.

2 miles w/Deirdre and then 4 more with Heidi & Deirdre + coffee after (at a new place)

I spent the rest of my day off, weeding and knitting… Yup, a baby blanket for my granddaughter!!!  The pattern is  very easy so I should be able to get it done before Sept. 5…

this is the pattern: Diagonal Eyelet Baby Afghan (the baby is cute too)

After dinner, I went for a walk with my BFF.

• Tuesday – Gym was closed yesterday so I went there before work today.

I took the day off from running so I could go to our monthly tennis dinner.

love catching up with these ladies

• Wednesday – I decided to run before work rather than going to the gym.

My friend Deirdre met me on the rail trail but I forgot to get her pic so you have one of my cat Champ instead…

And after work, I had signed up for this:

It turned to be a private tour since no one else signed up.  If you know Albany, this park is located in one of least safe neighborhoods in the city…

but it’s beautiful… I’d go again… but probably not alone

• Thursday – Another early morning run…

a little too warm but much better than later in the day… ran a little on the rail trail, a little on a dirt trail and a little in the ‘hood.

and then after work, our weekly trail run was scheduled.

As usual, most of the participants ran it (and I could have on this trail but I had already run in the morning so I walked it with some friends).

always a fun time esp. searching for ice cream afterwards

• Friday – Rest day from running but a trip to the gym before work.

Mah jongg in the evening and getting ready for my race the next day.  Will it rain??

got my rain jacket, poncho and umbrella ready!!

• Saturday – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lake.  First time for this course that was changed from a 15k to a 7 miler (with the hills removed at the beginning).  Still very hilly until the last 1.5 miles but it ends at Lake George.

The predicted rain never happened until I was done but it was warm and oppressively humid.

don’t let that smile fool you… I struggled big time!!

In the evening, the hubby and I went out to dinner to celebrate a friend’s hubby’s b-day.

• Sunday – Fingers crossed for boating weather… (though it doesn’t look good) but if not, then hopefully some dry time for hiking and gardening.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – DAY OFF – run early, hiking with friends
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday – run after work
• Thursday – run after work, trail walk
• Friday –  rest day, mah jongg (chez moi)
• Saturday – Long Run!
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lake Race Recap
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Any NYC or big city addicts? 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.

My free 12 week membership to the YMCA has come to an end (or so it was supposed to..)

I definitely took advantage of this opportunity and used the machines there most mornings.

FYI:  Correction. I am still going to the gym.  If you read my Runfessions at the end of the month, you’ll find out why.

Last Week —

• Sunday – Rest Day but unfortunately too chilly to go boating.

My hubby played tennis and I did LOTS of weeding and planting…

Then I decided that I needed to see a real garden so I went on a road trip to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens.

many more pics on FB and IG

Many of the plants were not in bloom yet.. still a relaxing way to spend the afternoon… followed by a visit to my favorite ice cream place.

• Monday – A chilly morning (40s) so I knew that it wouldn’t be too warm to postpone my run until after work.

I was able to still use my gym membership… a positive start to the day.

Since I had not done my long run on Saturday (because of the 5k race), I forced myself to get 6 miles done…

a slog on this one… pollen… smoke…

• Tuesday – Until I need to run before work, I’ll go to the gym then..

fires up North made the sky still smoky and the sun eerie…

Today was a scheduled rest day so I met a friend to walk after work.

A funny story attached to this walk.  My friend and her hubby recently visited Cape Elizabeth in Maine… she was telling me about a lady they talked to on the beach for a while… her name was Joan and she said that she was injured but used to run… When my friend got home, she googled her and found out that she ran in the Olympics… Who can guess whom they chatted with for 1/2 hour and then hugged when they left.  Their new BFF they said. LOL.

We finished our walk just as the skies opened up and I had to drive home through a HAIL storm.

• Wednesday – Another early morning gym day. Still as smoky as the day before.

No time to run until after work.  I had several different groups to choose from. No surprise I chose the “ice cream” run but unfortunately they canceled due to the poor air quality.

I decided to see if it was ok to run and drove to the Crossings anyway. It was drizzling and I think that helped a lot and I felt fine… I even got ice cream after before it started to rain harder.

Global Running Day was a success …

• Thursday – I skipped going to the gym because I had to go into the office but did get in a run at lunch.  I was lucky to have a friend join me on the rail trail….

It rained at work but dry here and the air quality didn’t bother us at all… (definitely over dressed… very humid!)

and then our weekly scheduled evening group trail run. Happily, the air cleared and we had a fun time.

this was a tough one so we walked up and ran down and then recovered at dinner…

• Friday – Rest Day. No gym workout. No run.  Just work and a hair appt. after work.
• Saturday – Long Run Saturday.  No race this weekend so I was back at it with my friends. 7 miles for me in preparation for a 7 mile race in two weeks. Brunch after with the whole gang, of course.

• Sunday – If it is warm enough, we’ll go boating… if not, I ‘ll do some gardening and hiking.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – NYC (for a college reunion)
• Tuesday – run (in NYC)
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run, trail walk
• Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run Valley Cats Father’s Day Homerun 5k.
• Sunday – rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – FRW Race Recap
• Friday –  Favorite Running Fuels

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Do you belong to a gym?  Did the air quality interfere with your runs this week. 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.

Sure. Why not?

Well, I waited until the last minute to register. I wanted to see how I felt after the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

I had already paid for the race (as part of my H2H registration.)

There seemed to be no serious lingering pain from the weekend before.

So a 10 mile race today!! No rain but warm temps instead…

Last Week —

• Sunday – Lisa and I got up early and went for a LONG walk exploring Brooklyn. When we got back, we checked out of our hotel and took the subway to Penn Station where we checked our bags.

We then walked to a nearby restaurant for brunch (of course, today the weather was perfect for a race…)

it was longer than we planned because we got lost. lol (and at least my blistered foot felt so much better)

After lunch, we did dome strolling, hung out in a park until it was time to return to Penn Station to catch a train  back home.

required race medal selfie (too wet to take it the day before)

• Monday – Ugh! DOMS. My quads were crying as I walked down the stairs.  Worse than when I ran a full marathon,

I still headed to the gym first thing.

like my shirt?

And then after work, I went to the FTC run…

I stayed with the slower beginner runners… they ran… I walked/ran

Afterward, I hit TJ’s.

• Tuesday – Again I started out at the gym…

Today was supposed to be a rest day but since my legs felt a little better, I switched it until Wednesday.

So after work, I ran/walked slowly and then met two friends for a long walk on the rail trail.

the weather was lovely… but the legs were still tired

• Wednesday – I had to work at an in-person training so no time for the gym.

Instead, after work, I joined a running friend to walk nearby. It started to rain so we decided to go to the YMCA to walk on the track.  Track closed!! We had to walk up and down the halls to get our 3 miles done…

• Thursday – Back to the gym. And after work, I met my two race buddies for a run at UAlbany.

after the run, we went out for dinner and drinks

• Friday – Another rest day.. starting out at the gym and mah jongg in the evening.
• Saturday – Normally a long run day with friends but instead, some of us walked while some ran and then we all had brunch.

Heidi & I twinned by accident

I came home to do some gardening and stress about the weather for the next day.

I think I’d rather it rain….

• Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 Mile Race. 

ready to sweat…

Pre-race was rocky (power outage at my house) But I survived the HEAT!!!. (Pics on IG and recap to come…)

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – Memorial Day – DAY OFF – GYM, boating?
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day, belated birthday dinner with BFF
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run, ARE trail walk
• Friday – GYM, rest day, volunteer at packet pick-up
• Saturday – Freihofer Run for Women 5k Race
• Sunday – rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Miles On The Mohawk Ten Mile Race Recap
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Have you run any so far in 2023? How did you spend Memorial Day? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Finally, a race in 2023!!

It was emotional due my injury that resulted in 3 missed half marathons (as well as a 10k and 5k)..

But I felt sorta ready for this race and I ran it in Brooklyn with two of my running friends, Stan and Sherry.

The race was held on Stan’s birthday so we had a double celebration.

I made him a a photo card and we also got him a cake and champagne…

Last Week —

• Sunday – I was surprised how Saturday’s long run tired me out… but I was determined to make myself active.

So I got up early and went to the gym.

Then I went for a nice long hike..

not much elevation but beautiful scenery… just what the body needed.

Afterward my hubby and I went to my MIL’s for lunch

and then I came home to tackle the garden…

• Monday – I only had to work in the morning…

First thing, I went to the gym and after lunch, I got my nails done and then drove to Washington Park to catch a one last glimpse of the tulips.

Unfortunately, most of the tulips were very past bloom (even though Tulip Fest was only the day before) but still a few left to view…

And then back to weeding the garden…

In the evening, I was supposed to run with FTC, the group of beginner runners whom I help mentor. But car issues forced me to cancel a walk with a friend and this group run (and a visit to TJ’s). 😦

Instead I ran in my ‘hood. (Sorry no pix).

• Tuesday – I had a terrible night’s sleep so I skipped my visit to the gym and after a long work day, I felt tired but dragged myself out for a run and then I met two friends for a long walk on the rail trail.

a warm muggy evening…

• Wednesday – Since I skipped the gym the previous morning, I made sure to go (and I would not be going Fri-Sun).

At lunch, I got my last run in before the race.

breezy and chilly!!

And then after work, I participated in an historical walk.

It was really interesting to learn about the buildings that date back to the 1800’s.

• Thursday – Rest Day (I like to take 2 days before a big race).

I was able to squeeze in a trip to gym before dropping my car off at the dealer.

Instead of a run, I met my running friends for a walk at UAlbany and then dinner.

I spent the evening packing for all weather conditions.

looks just like 2018 😦

• Friday – Stan, Sherry, Lisa (Stan’s friend) and I took the train to NYC, hopped the subway to our Brooklyn hotel (had to choose a new one since our original one had closed 9withoutnotice), had lunch and then went to Pier 2 to pick up our race packet.

We strolled around trying not to put too many miles on the legs, returned to our hotel to check-in and finally and carb loaded with pizza for dinner. (more pics on IG)

• Saturday – RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon!!

It drizzled, rained, poured!!

I finished!! More details in a future post (pics on IG).

We spent the rest of the day recovering, getting wetter, refueling and celebrating Stan’s birthday!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Sunday – More recovering and celebrating in NYC, train home
• Monday – GYM, FTC run
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run
• Friday – GYM, rest day
• Saturday – rest day, walk
• Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 Mile Race???

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday –  RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Have you run any so far in 2023? Did you do anything exciting on Mother’s Day? 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.