Where has the year gone? Can’t believe it’s July already!!

And now the number of daylight hours is decreasing… So trying to make the most of my available time!

Last Week:

• Sunday – Boating Sunday! 

this race will have to wait until next year

It was a tough decision to DNS a trail 5k race. But with weather in the 90s after a tough 15k the day before, I decided to join my hubby on the boat.

did not regret it one bit!!

• Monday – DAY OFF! I now have every other Monday off from work.  I made plans to hike with friends.  But the weather didn’t get the memo. I woke up to rain!!

Heidi and I waited and waited and then decided to go for it once the rain stopped.  Fingered crossed for a good time and not too much mud.

It turned out to be a lovely day.  First a delicious lunch in Stockbridge, MA followed by a hike at Olivia’s Overlook…

a lot of gradual climbing but worth it…

Then we hiked at nearby Steve’s Glen…

this hike was shorter and easier which was a good thing since it was late in the day

We ended to day with the best ice cream at a farm in Lee, MA.

Unfortunately I got home too late to join the group run.

• Tuesday – A busy week ahead so I squeezed in a run at lunch…

tried out my new Topos and listened to Matt Wilpers

I chose to use Peloton for my run for the music. But what interested more was of Matt’s Insights:

• • Do your best with what you got!

Don’t wish for longer legs, stronger core, cooler temps, better training on hills, etc… 

• • Are you intrinsically or extrinsically motivated?

Why do you run?  Do you need others or awards/rewards or signs of improvement? Do you just do it for you?

And then I went for a short walk after work

While I was walking, a friend called and we went for a longer walk together on the rail trail after dinner.

• Wednesday – A busy evening so I had to run before work…

what’s with the hair? New Topos #2. Check.

Again, I was running solo so I chose another Matt Wilpers Peloton run.  And I got more advice from Matt:

• • Embrace the weather you have.

Go outside!  Make adjustments for the weather rather than excuses.

• • It’s easier for shorter runners to stay cool.

Something to do with air flow and energy expelled.

• • Lyrics to “Hung Up” by Madonna

Time goes by so slowly for those who wait
No time to hesitate
Those who run seem to have all the fun

I left work early to go the Van Gogh exhibit. It was my third time (in Montreal, NYC and now Schenectady).  Each time I saw it with different friends and each was different show. This visit was with my tennis friends.

Afterward, we went out to dinner to celebrate one friend’s BIG birthday.

• Thursday – I had to squeeze in a run after work and before our weekly trail run walk.

one loop at UAlbany

My legs weren’t happy with three days in a row of running (but I had no choice since I skipped my run Sunday and Monday.)

always a fun time on the trails and ice cream after, of course.

• Friday – Rest Day. After work, a relaxing evening with the mah jongg ladies,

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. No long races on my schedule until September 3 so I was free to just run and brunch with my friends.

We woke up to rain and my friends decided to instead to have brunch rather than run.

And yes, I was so tempted to join them….

But the rain stopped and I decided to do my LONG run.

the Bad: 97% humidity and I hate running alone! The Good: Lots of shade and bird sculptures and brunch with a friend after.

And then in the evening, the hubby and I went out to dinner with a boating friend.

• Sunday –  Boating Sunday! 

The weather looks good and we invited my stepson, his wife and their two friends along with us.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – Race – Firecracker 4
• Tuesday – rest day, Lake George Hike-a-thon
• Wednesday – train to NYC, Al Goldstein 5k (in Brooklyn)
• Thursday – run (in NYC) with Cari
• Friday – rest day, train home
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – 2022 Goals – Mid-Year Update
• Friday – Share 4 (or 5) Somethings

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Any fun plans for July 4th? Please share.

A slow week at work, gym membership ended and I also decided against running any races this past weekend.

Even though my evenings were all booked, I still considered this week “Down time.”

Unexpectedly, my down time included some pain and almost a cut back on the running.

Last Week:

• Sunday – I started the day with a short run since I went to brunch after Saturday’s 5k race instead of running more miles.

great running weather and yes, that’s my shirt from the race the day before (check out the cardinal in the birdbath)

Then the hubby and I (and one of our friends) went up to the lake.

• Monday – No more gym time.  Instead, I went for a short run before work since I had plans during lunch and after work

of course I stopped to take a pic every time I saw a peony

And then one final birthday dinner that evening with my BFF.

• Tuesday – I had planned to walk in the am but got lazy. However, I did drag myself out for a another short run at lunch.

very humid but at least a nice breeze for this combo road/trail run

And then I had plans to meet friends after work for a walk on the rail trail. The walk got rained out so I got my nails done instead.

• Wednesday – A planned rest day due to a hair appointment after work.

But it was more than planned as the night before, I woke up with pain in my right shin.  Of course, I freaked and spent a sleepless night.

I immediately called my chiro but she had no appointments until Friday afternoon.

Was it legs cramps from dehydration, shin splints, tibial stress reaction or fracture???

To be safe and not run or walk until I knew if it were serious, I got an appointment with an ortho for the next morning.

In the meantime:

ibuprofen, ice and compression sleeve

and the pain disappeared!!!

• Thursday – In fact, it didn’t bother me at all last night. So I cancelled my ortho appointment for this morning.

Rain on and off all day had me postpone my run (to test my shin) until after work.

Listened to music from one of my favorite shows and NO PAIN!!

And then I went to the weekly trail run.  I walked with my friends.

accidentally added an extra mile to our 3m. walk so we rewarded ourselves with a big dinner

• Friday – Still feeling good so I also cancelled my chiro appointment. A pretty low key evening with some weeding and finally planted my tomato plants.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. 

I was tentatively scheduled to run a 5k with the STEM group (that I had volunteered with.) But the program petered out and most of the participants were walking (not running so instead I chose to join my friends for a 7 mile long run followed by brunch.

intervals and the company helped make this run feel easy. 9 of us were at brunch (only missing one “sole sister”!!)

• Sunday –  Boating Sunday.

The plan was for relaxing and reading on the lake.

The forecast called for rain… NOPE!!  Beautiful day!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – DAY OFF – hiking with a friend.
• Tuesday – run
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – train to NYC, run in CP
• Friday – rest day, work in NYC, train home
• Saturday – Long Run Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k (+ 5 miles)
• Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Freihofer Run for Women Race Recap
• Friday – 5 Reasons to DNS

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned?  Ever have pain just mysteriously disappear?  When you do have pain, do you immediately see a professional or do you do self-care?  Please share.

Bookends!

Big races on both Sundays!

Unfortunately the hottest day of the year so far was last Sunday and then it felt like Fall in the mornings?? By today, the warmer temps (and humidity returned.)

Last Week:

• Sunday –  Race Day!  Steel Rail Half Marathon!!

Well, I didn’t die…

Hottest temps I’ve ever raced in.  With a 9:30 AM start, little shade, not enough water stops, it was tough.  But I just walked often and at least the course was beautiful

It wasn’t a PW and I even won my age group

• Monday – A perfect morning for running. The thunderstorms from the previous day cooled things off.

I actually did not feel sore at all (with that finish time I shouldn’t have. lol) so I went to the gym.

doesn’t everyone wear their new race shirt right away?

It was also my FTC night.  I needed to go to TJ’s anyway so I went. I felt fine and took it easy. I am not really training for that race.  And I had a 10 miler coming up.

I twinned with another runner there… she had run the 8k.

• Tuesday – Rest Day! Though I went to the gym again this morning though it was another perfect day for running…

and then I met a friend for a walk after work.

If you are a Downton Abbey fan, you’ll understand how excited I was.  Yes I went to see the new movie tonight!! It was great!

• Wednesday – After a late night, I skipped the gym this morning.

I had time at lunch to run so I did.

iris season!!

and then the STEM group run after work was schedule.  I’m glad I had decided to run and lunch and walk with STEM since due to a COVID outbreak, it was cancelled.

• Thursday – Yup, it’s become a thing… starting the day at the gym.

When I came home, our power was out!!!

That meant I had to drive to the office to work.

I had planned to squeeze in a run at lunch. But there was not enough time since I was not working at home (can’t be dressed in running clothes lol)

The day ended on a good note. I went out to dinner with friends as a belated b-day celebration.

our friend Meg took the pic

We ate so much that we felt that we needed after dinner walk so we headed to the rail trail.

happy to re-unite with our favorite walking friend (he hangs out on the trail in the evening.

Power finally returned around 9 pm!!!

• Friday – Rest Day. Power back on so I could work from home.

Instead of the gym but since rain was forecast for later, I went for a run.

holy humidity — felt like Florida

After work, before mah jongg, I picked my bib for Sunday’s race.

of course, I have my race outfit picked out…

• Saturday – A rainy morning so I headed to the gym.

oops, forgot the timer lol

Then the rain stopped so I met my running friends on the rail trail.  They ran, I walked and we went out to brunch after.

only walked 4 miles but carb loaded anyway

and we beat the heavy rain!!

• Sunday –  Race Day!  Miles on the Mohawk 10 Miler.  

And the temps were cooler than last Sunday but still warm and very humid.. It’s a popular local race and I’m sure I will have fun. Looking forward to seeing my friends and food/beer afterwards.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – DAY OFF –  HOLIDAY – gym, boating?
• Tuesday – RUN before work
• Wednesday – gym, STEM run, volunteer dinner
• Thursday – ARE trail run
• Friday – gym, rest day, volunteer at packet pick-up, mah jongg
• Saturday – Race Day – Freihofer Run for Women
• Sunday –  rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Steel Rail Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Are you enjoying summer temps yet? Have you seen the Downton Abbey movie? Please share.

After last Sunday’s 5k,

you can see my leg on the right lol

I guess I needed a challenge before I take off on my annual Florida (birthday) tennis vacation.

advertised as “5.67 miles UP 1,601-feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain. It’s just 1 hill – the view is amazing and worth the trip!”

Last Week:

• Sunday – Race Day!  Sasha’s Super Hero 5k – a new race for me and one that raises money for Ukraine.

The weather was perfect, over $30,000 was raised. It wasn’t an easy course but I did win my age group.

After the race, I did a little yard work and then went for a couples of hikes/walks.

First to Pine Hollow Arboretum…

The magnolias were gorgeous but cherry blossoms were a fail

The Annual Albany Tulip Festival was to be held the following weekend so I decided to check on the progress of the tulips in Washington Park…

About 50% have bloomed and I think they may be ready by next weekend

• Monday – Gym first thing today. Woke to a dreary rainy day…glad I spent the weekend outdoors.

and then FTC group run was scheduled after work. No one hates running in the rain more than me but I was already dressed…

and the rain stopped and didn’t start again until we were done!! Woo Hoo!

2 runners twisted my arm into doing some speed work… we ran 800m at 5k pace, then ran slowly 800m and repeated it 3x…

• Tuesday – Another gym day… just because!

Since I ran two days in a row, I called it a “rest day” and just went for a walk after work with friends.

on the rail trail.

• Wednesday – I am front loading my gym mornings because I know I will not be going next week at all.

Another dreary rainy day but luckily the rain stopped so the STEM group run did take place and it didn’t start raining until we were done!!

I ran a mile before the group arrived..

• Thursday – More before work gym time!!

Sunshine means I could change into shorts (tired of those black capris!)

Sunshine rather than rain also allowed me to squeeze in a lunch neighborhood run.  I haven’t done that in a while.

It’s tulip time!..

Then I was free to meet a friend for an after work walk.  I suggested meeting her where she works and walking to Washington Park.  And she agreed.

Still many tulips have not bloomed but enough to enjoy our walk there

I would have like to do more walking in the park but I had to rush home to meet another friend for dinner and drinks.

• Friday – Yes… FIVE days in a row at the gym before work.

day off on Saturday, I promise

It was a cloudy day but at least no threat of rain. Many of my friends were away so mah jongg got cancelled.  Too busy at lunch to get in a walk so I was able to do a short hike before dinner.

• Saturday – Race Day! Prospect Mountain Road Race! I carpooled with my friend Jenny up to Lake George (about 1 hr drive) to the start of the race. Running up a mountain is hard!! But it’s also fun to be able to do hard things.

It was not a big race so all three of us won age group awards.  The swag included a shirt and coupon for a free ice cream cone. Jenny and I decided to run/walk down the mountain too.

we deserved every calorie

• Sunday – Mother’s Day! 

As I mentioned previously, the Y is now open on weekends (not at 5:30 am but 8 am). So I started my day that way.

sporting a Mother’s Day race shirt (from 2013)

Then I decided to take one last peak at the tulips in the park before the crowds arrived for the festival.

Later we plan to visit my MIL’s.

I also need to pack!!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – rest day, flight to Florida and MY BIRTHDAY!!
• Tuesday – Saturday – run, tennis, beach, walk, dinner out, REPEAT!
• Sunday –  Tropicool 5k

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Prospect Mountain Road Race Recap
• Friday – What I Talk About When I Talk About Running Quotes

Next Week on the Run– 

• Monday – run, flight home
• Tuesday – gym, run
• Wednesday – gym, walk w/STEM group
• Thursday – Workforce Challenge Race
• Friday – gym, rest day, dinner out with family to celebrate my B-day.
• Saturday – gym, walk with running friends, boating? hubby’s B-day
• Sunday –  Steel Rail Half Marathon

Next Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Racing By the Alphabet (Non-Half Marathon Version) 
• Friday – Tips for Running During Vacation

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Did you experience summer-like weather this week?  How did you celebrate Mothers’ Day? Please share.

It is rare when you can run to the race start. But that was the case for today’s 5 mile race.

the last time this race was held was in 2019 (and even Judy ran it)

Last Week:

• Sunday – A cold blustery day where we even had snow flurries on and off all day. WTH?

(Boy, did I get lucky with the weather for Saturday’s Half Marathon)

Thumbs up for NO RAIN!!

I rested my achy quads, filed our taxes and then we went to my MIL’s for a family Easter Dinner.

for Italians, dinner usually consists of lasagna and meatballs…

• Monday – In the 20s when I woke up!!  So I went to gym…

you always sweat there..

Though I did have to work, I kept sneaking peeks at the Boston Marathon while tracking a few friends.

I debated whether or not, my quads would be ok running at the FTC group run that evening.  In the end, I did go…

I ran with the intermediate group and NO foot pain. We pushed through those nasty wind gusts and finished before the rain arrived!! Win. Win.

• Tuesday – A snowy morning (yes, snow!!!!) but all I had planned today was the gym before work..

 not amused and neither were my daffodils

nasty driving so I waited until lunchtime… and I do use the machines (not just stand there and smile. LOL

and a walk after work (in the mall.)

• Wednesday – I slept in today but ran a short distance after work before volunteering with the STEM training group at UAlbany.

slower than usual since the (fast) girl I usual run with had oral surgery … phew!.

I stopped at the library on the way home…

what’s wrong with this photo?

• Thursday – A busy work day and it was insanely WINDY so all I did today was walk in the mall with my BFF.

• Friday – Another before work gym workout

my last gym selfie… they converted this room to a spin room

and then a neighborhood run after work before the evening with the mah jongg ladies.

actually a nice day… sunny and breezy

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday got changed to a walk with my running friends since I had a race the next day.

great to be together again – there were 7 of us for brunch!!

After brunch, I stopped off and got my race bib/shirt.

cute shirt with a recycled LA half bib

I had thought of hiking but instead did the usual stuff that doesn’t get done when you work all week (laundry, cleaning, shopping, etc.)

may be too cold for a skirt but so tired of tights and capris that I’ll chance it…

• Sunday –  Race Day!  Delmar Dash – a neighborhood 5 mile race.

I started running this race back in 2011…

Unfortunately not a lot of runners ran the race but it was still fun and the weather was perfect.

I even won my age group (may have been the only one lol)

After the race, I ran 5 more miles so I could count it as my 10 mile long run.  That run was miserable but it’s done.

lots of walking but listening to a podcast interview with Adrianne Haslet (who lost a leg in Boston bombing & hit by a car in 2019) made me forgot about my blisters…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
• Tuesday – rest day, walk
• Wednesday – gym, STEM run
• Thursday – gym, rest day, hair appt.
• Friday – LONG RUN (11 miles), mah jongg
• Saturday – rest day, walk/brunch with running friends
• Sunday –  Sasha’s Super Hero 5k 

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Delmar Dash Race Recap
• Friday – Runfessions

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Did you experience spring-like weather this week?  Ever race too much and have the races mess up your training plan?  Please share.