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.

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.