After 8 7 days of fun and sun, I’m back.

And I’m a year older. LOL

Last Week & Before:

• Thursday – The 5:45am flight got cancelled and after multiple delays we didn’t arrive until 10:30 pm. So Day 1 was a bust.
• Friday – I started the day with a run, of course

I run around our neighborhood and then exit and tour a different neighborhood each day…

and then I joined my friends (who were taking lessons while I was running) to play tennis. Thankfully, it was like riding a bike. And I had a lot of fun.

Afterward we grabbed our lunch and headed to the beach.

unfortunately the hurricane destroyed many of the beaches and our favorite was being repaired as we sat and enjoyed the sun and the water

And in the evening we had a lovely dinner out.

• Saturday – This morning was very similar – a morning run

due to the heat, humidity and pretty scenery, my runs each morning were filled with walk breaks…

and then tennis

I enjoyed playing much more than I thought I would…

except that we hung out at the pool instead of going to the beach.

And then we drove to Fort Myers to go to a dinner theatre. We had a great time but it was a very late night.

great food and the show was very entertaining.

• Sunday – Before I went to bed the night before (around midnight) I told my friend that I didn’t need a ride to the 5k race I had signed up for. I knew she would be tired and I just wasn’t feeling a race.

Of course I got up early and had plenty of FOMO but just went out for a run and as previous mornings, I joined my friends to play tennis afterward.

We had planned an afternoon at the beach but couldn’t find parking so we went back to the pool.

For dinner, instead of going out, we ordered in pizza and had our book club discussion.

what a lively discussion about time travel and we learned so much about each others’ lives past and present…

• Monday – Another morning run

as you can tell from the pix, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky the whole vacation...

…followed by tennis and the same (noisy) beach as Friday.

Note the bulldozers bringing in sand

In the evening, we had a delicious Italian dinner with the lady who rents to us and ice cream (next door) for dessert.

• Tuesday – MY BIRTHDAY!

Of course a morning run first as I entered a new decade…

no runfie today… just beautiful flowers…

the bottom one is at The Dock restaurant where we’ve taken a pic every year since 2005.

And then after some group photos, we went into town to watch our tennis instructor compete in a tournament (middle pix below)

Instead of the beach or pool today, we decided to take a trolley tour of the city. We had done it years ago. We learned so much about the city and the cool breeze was wonderful.

In the evening, I got treated to a lovely dinner.

• Wednesday – Our last full day.

So I followed my same Naples vacation routine. Run. Tennis. Beach. Dinner.

views from my run…

Some ladies played pickle ball, others went to the pool or shopping.

I convinced my friend Lorraine to spend the afternoon with me at the beach…

a different beach and it was PERFECT!!

After dinner, the lady who rented to us brought over champagne for a farewell/birthday toast

• Thursday – My last morning run (sigh) and then we packed up and headed to the airport hoping for less drama then the week before.

Happy to report that we had no flight delays.

• Friday – Back to work…

Nothing exciting except for laundry but I did sneak out at lunch to go to the GYM.

• Saturday – Long Run Day! Taper Time!

I ran 2 solo miles and then my friends joined me to run 8 more.

At brunch, they surprised me with a cake!!!

and the cake tasted as good as it look (all homemade)

I was pooped after that run but later did some gardening and grocery shopping.

• Sunday – I plan to go to the gym, do more gardening and stop by to visit my MIL.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – GYM, FTC run
• Tuesday – rest day
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run
• Friday – train to NYC, packet pick-up, carb load
• Saturday – BROOKLYN HALF MARATHON
• Sunday –  rest day, train home

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Successful Return to Racing
• Friday –  Tips for Summer Running

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Any vacation plans? Anyone celebrating big birthday this year? 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 am always so excited for this vacation… every year since 2005…. There’s running, playing tennis, relaxing on the beach, eating out, drinking cocktails and fun times/laughter with 9 great friends!!

2010

2022

It’s not a coincidence, that usually I celebrate my birthday during this trip (May 9) but this year, I will enter a new age group!!!

Last Week:

• Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day due to Saturday’s rainy forecast.  Barbara agreed to accompany me on 9 of my 12 miles.  And the rain stopped!!

It was muggy but so happy to have that run behind me

• Monday – I went to the gym in the morning and then I had the afternoon off from work.

The plan was to hike in MA. with my running friends, have lunch, and see more tulips.

We got so lucky that the rain stopped before we left and stayed dry all day.

We headed to Stockbridge for a few hikes.  Unfortunately, we ran out of time but plan to return in a few weeks.

Mary V Flynn Trail…next time, the Laura’s fire tower & Ice Glen.

We had a delicious lunch and then we had reservations for the Daffodil/Tulip Fest at Naumkeag.

It was so beautiful (more pics on FB)

Last stop: High Lawn Farms.

I’m glad my friends love ice cream as much as I do

In the evening, I was supposed to attend my weekly FTC mentor assignment. But I got back too late so went for a walk instead.

• Tuesday – To make up for missed gym visits while on vacation, I tried to go every morning.

just finished before the skies opened up!!

I didn’t plan to run today but since I missed yesterday’s run and rain was in the forecast for Wednesday, I squeezed in one in the ‘hood at lunch.

I finally went to my chiro. It had been YEARS!! Nothing wrong but I thought I should get a tune-up before my big race.

Afterward. I met my BFF for a long mall walk.

• Wednesday – Another morning at the gym and a run at lunch.

beat the rain again!!

I spent most of the evening packing…

• Thursday – Our flight was supposed to leave at 5:45am. After several cancellations and delays, instead of arriving around 1 pm, we arrived at 10:30pm. What a disastrous day!!!!
• Friday-Saturday – I’ll recap the rest of week in my next WRD.

hopefully a lot of photos like this…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Sunday – Wednesday – run, tennis. beach, FUN, etc.
• Thursday – run, flight home
• Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – LONG RUN (Taper 8-10 miles)
• Sunday –  rest day, GYM, Mother’s Day

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – What Happened from Ages 65-69? – The Birthday Post (part 2)
• Friday –  Favorite Running Songs

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Any vacation plans? Do you go to a chiropractor

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 was one of those weeks where I had something scheduled for every night of the week!

That happens when you are traveling for work for weeks and now you are home!!

And then you have an upcoming vacation planned for next week…

Last Week:

• Sunday – My hike last Monday was cancelled due to rain as was today’s. (April showers bring May flowers, right?)

But I had plenty to keep me busy… unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning (that’s what happens when you are away the previous week…)

I started this rainy day with a trip to the gym.

Then my hubby and I got our 6th COVID shot.

very excited for the vaccine and to continue to be protected from COVID (for myself and others I am in contact with…)

Still raining so I got my steps in with a walk around the mall.

• Monday – Back working from home so I could hit the gym first thing. (BTW: no reaction from the vaccine at all.)

weather whiplash… it felt like winter out…

In the evening, I again mentored the beginner running group.

week 6 out of 12… most runners including myself struggled to run for 5 or 8 minutes. I encouraged them to walk if needed.

• Tuesday – Another morning at the gym (Trying to make up for last week and next when I’m on vacation.)

But no running today since I had a scheduled dinner date with my stepson (the unmarried one.)

Unfortunately my stepson had to work late so that left me free to walk and also prepare food for the party the next day.

I decided to return to the Pine Hollow Arboretum to see how things were blooming.

pretty sparse.. so many trees destroyed this winter.

Our local Tulip Fest is in a few weeks and I wondered if the tulips were starting to bloom so I headed to Washington Park.

most were not ready but I found enough to photograph to make me happy… (more pics on FB)

• Wednesday – I was forced to skip the gym since I had an early morning work ZOOM (with a camera on … I could not be there in my workout clothes. LOL)

But I took the afternoon off from work so I could run and then meet up with some tennis friends.

I was happy that my running friend Sherry was able to run with me at UAlbany (You know how I hate to run alone.)

looks like the lilacs will be in bloom soon

Afterward, my friends and I finally got together to celebrate our 2002 trip the USTA Tennis Nationals in Palm Springs.

group photo from 2002

It was so much fun to catch up and reminisce.

• Thursday – Back at the gym before work… and I squeezed my run in at lunch time.

it seemed chilly at first but not as soon as the sun came out

After work, my friends and I had tickets to go see Fiddler on the Roof (and of course, we went out for dinner beforehand.)

I’ve seen this show several times but still enjoyed it a lot

• Friday – Morning off from work.. that meant I could go to the gym later.

It was supposed to be a rest day from running. Why is the weather so nice on rest days?… boy do I wish I had switched my long run to today!!

Since I went to gym earlier than planned, I had enough time to do some walks or hikes.

With rain in the forecast for every day next week, I returned to Washington Park.

can you tell I love tulips? (still more pics on FB.)

I continued my walk around the park…

Then I drove to another place I’ve wanted to visit… it’s in the middle of the worst part of the city (and a little creepy to hike solo there).

I spent too much time in Washington Park to complete the whole trail so I may go back…

• Saturday – Long Run Day!! Nope… RAIN!! Sorry. I am fair weather runner.

Instead I went to the gym and re-scheduled my hair appt.

• Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day! My plan is to run 12 miles. Two of my long run buddies are away but I hope to have company of some other running friends and follow it with brunch.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – GYM, hike, Tulip Fest, FTC run
• Tuesday, GYM, run, chiro appt, walk w/BFF
• Wednesday – GYM, run, pack!!
• Thursday – rest day, 5:45 am flt to Florida
• Friday – run, tennis, beach…
• Saturday – run, tennis, pool, show in Ft Myers
• Sunday – run, beach

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Tips for Running During Vacation
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

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

The title refers to after two months of almost weekly visits to NYC for work, this week was the last one…

So I had to squeeze it all in.. parks, Broadway, runs, friends

Last Week:

• Sunday – After volunteering instead of running the H2H Half Marathon the previous day, I was wondering if I made the right decision.

emotionally rewarding…

I had sold my bib to my running friend Barbara and I decided to try accompanying her today on 10 of her 13.1 miles as she had to run the race virtually.

I ran with her for the first 5 miles (uphillish) using her intervals (90:30) and then finished using my own run and walk when you can’t run anymore.

I got it done but yes, I’m not ready for the big time yet… (5 weeks until Brooklyn!!)

what happened to the clouds and cool temps??

We finished early enough to I could do some yardwork before the rain came…

finally some trees are starting to bloom

• Monday – Day off!  I started with a visit to the gym. And it was pouring!!!!

The plan was to go hiking with friends, out to lunch, hike some more and then stop for ice cream.

We drove west in hopes that the forecast was correct for that area.

Nope.  We had a delicious lunch and then drove around waiting for the rain to stop… It did not

We resorted to getting our steps in at the mall.

Happily, the skies cleared and I was able to do my mentor assignment.

• Tuesday – Another morning at the gym…

The temps really cooled down but I decided on a rest day with a walk at lunch and then another longer one with my BFF after work.

• Wednesday – An exciting morning…

Before I got on the train to NYC, I got to see my 20 week old granddaughter (in the uterus, that is).

As soon as I checked into my hotel, I hopped on a subway to Brooklyn to catch the cherry blossoms in Prospect Park (before they were past peak.)

so so beautiful there and the tulips were in bloom as well.

Then I rushed back to Manhattan to meet up with Cari in Central Park.

I had changed into my running clothes and walked to the park. By the time I met Cari, I was too tired to run and so we walked through the park to get a cookie at Crumbl.

there might have been a mango martini or two at my hotel bar after…

• Thursday – Working in Jamaica, Queens for the day and as soon as I returned to Manhattan, I changed my clothes and got in a run. I ran from my hotel to Madison Square Park and then back.

It had to be a short run because I had gotten tix to a Broadway show.

and the show was great!!

• Friday – Nothing exciting happened besides work followed by the train home in the evening.

one sock done… one to go

• Saturday – Long Run Day!! 11 miles was planned. I am so lucky to have friends to pull me along to achieve my goals.

Brunch was light because I had dinner plans with an old friend.

• Sunday – I plan to start the day at the gym and then get my Bivalent vaccine (HOORAY for more protection against COVID) …

Depending on the weather and how I feel, there will be a hike or walk later in the day.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – GYM, FTC run
• Tuesday, GYM, rest day, dinner with stepson
• Wednesday – run, tennis team anniversary party
• Thursday – run, tennis dinner and tix to Fiddler on the Roof
• Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – 2023 Goals Check-in and the #13 Jinx 
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big races?  Do you prefer to do long runs alone or with friends? Everyone follow the Boston Marathon? Are you excited to get the new vaccine? 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.

What am I training for?

The Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 20!!

I’ve decided to skip the April 15th local Half Marathon and volunteer/spectate my friends. (My 3rd half marathon DNS of 2023 😦 )

Last Week:

• Sunday – Postponed Long Run because it was forecast to rain on Saturday (even though it didn’t). 6 miles with Barbara, Sherry & Stan… my longest run since Feb 6.

Not gonna lie. It was HARD and the insane wind didn’t help.  Grateful to have friends pull me along.

• Monday – On my day off, I hit the gym first thing…

it was soo windy that I took my walk in the mall (I may have engaged in some retail therapy too.)

and then in the evening, I participated in my 2nd FTC as mentor for the beginner group.

90:90; 3min:3min. Luckily the wind had died down and the temps warmed up…

The one good thing about this new location is that it is not far from Trader Joe’s.

• Tuesday – Since I was working from home, I could start the day at the gym.

It was rainy in the morning but by afternoon, it had cleared up.  I decided on a rest day since I had run 2 days in a row.

Instead I went for a walk.

• Wednesday – Teaching live for the next two days so no time for the gym or a run until after work.

I saw this parking lot near where I was working…

not a trail… just a busy road to run on…

It used to be a tradition to have a Seder with my mah jongg friends but couldn’t coordinate it with everyone this year.

 the good old days…

• Thursday – Same as the day before but I was fortunate to have company for my post work run.

It was raining and I probably would have bailed if it weren’t Stan and Heidi.

a very wet run but at least it wasn’t too cold…

• Friday – Home again which enabled me to work out in the gym before work.

a new photo location lol

There is finally a few signs of spring at my house … but that wind!!

After work, my friend and I battled that wind for a walk on the rail trail before going out to dinner.

• Saturday – Long Run! Finally a Saturday without rain in the forecast.

And I had company from Stan for all 8 miles. He was tapering for the H2H half marathon next weekend (I’m just building back…).. and the weather was perfect!

I felt so much better than last week’s run!!

After the run, we joined the others for brunch.

• Sunday – Easter morning will start with a trip to the gym.

Then maybe a quick family visit since I have to unexpectedly take the train to NYC to sub for a trainer who had a death in the family.

I hope to get in a run/walk in the park after I check into my hotel..

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – run in NYC, FTC
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day, train home
• Wednesday – FTC run
• Thursday – run w/friends
• Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg chez moi
• Saturday – volunteer at H2H half marathon
• Sunday – LONG RUN (10 miles)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – World Majors
• Friday –  5 Words That Describe Me

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

Most of my week was spent in NYC (working in Jamaica.) But I was able to drag myself out for two runs and a walk in the evenings while I was there. (I say “drag” because although I love Manhattan, I am usually so tired by the end of day (leaving the hotel at 7am and returning at 5pm).

This week I also added two new fitness activities.

Last Week:

• Sunday – Back to my regularly scheduled program.  IOW – 3 short weekday runs, a long run/brunch on the weekend and a walk/hike on Sunday (if my run was done on Saturday.)

it was quite muddy, trees down blocking the path and missing trail markers but the weather (and views) was great.

• Monday – I celebrated my return to running by signing up to be a mentor. for the first time. The Freihofer Training Challenge (FTC) actually started last Monday (but I wasn’t sure I was ready…)

Unfortunately, they changed the location of the training after I signed up so I decided to get in a run at lunch.

nice to be back running on the rail trail… eagle sighting LOL

I’m definitely a work in progress… stamina and speed are lacking but I’ll be working on getting it back.

I drove to the new location after work to volunteer with the beginner group.

C25k – week 2 (90:60 intervals) and finished before the rain

On the way home, I met up with my BFF for a mall walk.

• Tuesday – As I did last Tuesday, I took the train to Manhattan and checked into my hotel. Normally I immediately hop on the subway to Jamaica to set up for the next day.

I had taken a later train in the morning so as result I got back to Manhattan later that usual.  I decided to skip my set-up and go earlier the next day.

That gave me some extra time to run. This week I opted instead of going to Central Park, to run along the Hudson River.

it was a little chilly but much warmer than the day I spectated there.

After my run and dinner, I quickly changed my clothes and stopped in Macys (which was nearby).

such beautiful displays pictures don’t do it justice

and then I walked to the theater to catch a show.

such a fun show to see!!!!

• Wednesday – After a long work day, I decided to just go for a walk in the park. I got a late start but any time of day is a good time to visit the park. Since it was getting late, I took the subway back to my hotel. Unfortunately Cari and I couldn’t coordinate a meet-up this time.

more signs of spring than where I live

• Thursday – Another long STRESSFUL work day, but because I won’t be in NYC again for several weeks, I decided to mix things up and run along the East River. 

I took the crosstown bus, ran a few miles and then took the bus back.

• Friday – Last day in the city so just work and the train home.
• Saturday – Long Run Day – But the forecast was for rain and thunderstorms so we postponed our run/brunch until Sunday. And of course, it was not raining in the morning… GRRRRRRR! I hate when that happens.

But I made my FIRST visit to the gym.

One of the perks of the FTC is free membership to YMCA for 12 weeks.  I missed last week and was working in NYC the most of this week but I plan to work out on the machines several mornings a week.

Not much rain to speak of and the temps rose to 70 degrees by the time I was done with unpacking, cleaning and grocery shopping. So I headed out for a short run (in a skirt!!)

water was flowing and the sun shining… I’d dare say it was “hot”

• Sunday – LONG Run Re-scheduled.

At least it’s not supposed to be humid and rainy… Just colder but sunny. We chose the Crossings.  Stan and Sherry have to run 12.  Barbara and I plan to join them for their last 6 miles before heading to brunch.

Since I have Monday off, I may even add a short hike to my day.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – DAY OFF – run, FTC
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday – run, FTC?
• Thursday – run w/friends
• Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (8 mi.)
• Sunday – GYM, Easter dinner with the family, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Happy Vitamin C Day
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

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

Last Sunday, I spectated at the NYC Half Marathon on a very cold, windy day.

I had to return to NYC for work Tuesday (and stayed there until Friday night).

And again this week, on Tuesday, I’m heading back and I will be there working until Friday night.

But my biggest news is that I ran…. after 34 days of NO Running!

Last Week:

• Monday – I finally had my 2nd Ortho appt. They took an x-ray of my foot and the doctor was very pleased.  All Healed. No restrictions he said… just don’t twist your foot and fall again.

it was interesting to see the hardware from my ankle surgery

What a relief and I couldn’t wait to celebrate with a run.  I drove to UAlbany and cautiously ran/walked about 2 miles.

and yes, ice cream was part of the celebration

• Tuesday – I took an early train to NYC, checked into my hotel and hopped a subway to Jamaica to set up for my class the next day. When I got back to my hotel, I changed into running clothes and headed to Central Park.

Again I was cautious and ran slow with lots of walk breaks and then I met Cari and Elizabeth for a sushi dinner.

• Wednesday – An early subway ride to Jamaica, taught all day, and then took the subway back to my hotel. Not wanting to overdo the running thing, I took the subway to the Harlem Meer part of Central Park and just walked around.

• Thursday – My day was similar to Wednesday except that since the forecast was for rain, I has gotten a ticket for a Broadway show. Before the show, I had time to run/walk around Hudson Yards.

that’s my 2018 Brooklyn half shirt… getting psyched for May.

• Friday – My last day this week teaching in Jamaica and finally a train home.
• Saturday – Long Run Day so finally I was able to run with friends before brunch. And we got it done before our wintry mix.

we saw an eagle and my foot felt GREAT after 4 miles.

After I had my rescheduled hair appointment.

• Sunday – Planned is some errands and some hiking…

This Coming Week on the Run–

• Monday – run, Freihofer Training Challenge
• Tuesday-Friday – working in Jamaica, Queens again

As time allows, walks, meet-up with friends and hopefully, some runs after work.

• Saturday – Run and Brunch with running friends

This Coming Week on the Blog –

• Tuesday – NYC Half Marathon Race Recap – the Spectator Version
• Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big races? Do you enjoy spectating races? Any signs of spring 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.