weekly run down

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Weekly Run Down for 3.13.22-3.20.22 – Doing it Virtually

A snowy start to the week but at least things warmed up a bit.

It was week of selfcare (haircut and nails) and catching up with friends (two ZOOMs).

Many of my friends ran the NYC Half Marathon on March 20.

I entered the lottery but did not get in so instead I decided to make sure I got in next year… hence, my virtual race.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Since I had only run 5 miles the day before (in a snowstorm)

I drove to the Crossings and ran 5 more windy chilly miles.  5+5= 10 miles, right?  Weekend Long Run complete!

so frustrating that the roads were full of slush, puddles and black ice

Afterward, I did all the errands that could not be done the day before.

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday I ran after work and hoped that the streets in Delmar (where I live) would be clearer than the ones in Colonie (near the Crossings).

a beautiful sunny day and clear roads – so blessed & over-dressed

In the evening I had a ZOOM with a few of the college friends that I had went to France with. We hadn’t talked since we met in August.

  • Tuesday  – Another after work run. I drove to the rail trail and was pleasantly surprised that most of ice/snow had melted.

no layers!  60s – Yay!

Must be a ZOOM week. Had another one tonight. This time with running friends since several are wintering in Florida and others have not been running due to the cold weather or injury.

  • Wednesday –  Rest day! I had an hair appointment after work. And besides I had run four days in a row. But I actually took a lunch time walk for a change… 60s again!!

looking for signs of spring… no ice and running water, daffodils starting

  • Thursday –  Sunrise run… yes me!! It was awesome to start the day that way and then I could relax after work.

a little too cloudy for a great sunrise but at the bottom left, if you look closely you can see the full moon

After work, it was raining (good decision on that run) so I went and got my nails done.

  • Friday – With mild temps and the possibility of rain on Saturday, I was tempted to squeeze in a run before mah jongg.  But instead I went for a walk with friends (70 degree temps – how crazy?)
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday.

Actually my plan for today was to run a Virtual NYC Half Marathon.  13.1 miles in the rain did not appeal to me…. But the forecast was wrong… it did not rain. In fact, it was warm and humid. I walked 3 miles and then ran/walked 10.14 with Sherry.

sweating… can’t get this dressing right.

  • Sunday –  Glad that I got that long run/virtual race over with. This morning I was busy tracking my friends who were in NYC running the race LIVE.

In the afternoon,  I was scheduled to volunteer for the Freihofer 5k at the Adirondack Sports Expo in Saratoga.

I got there early and had some delicious donut holes & spicy mocha while I strolled around Congress Park and downtown.

Then I got to hang out with some and old new friends while promoting this race (you can run it live or virtually for only $22 – that includes a shirt and a medal – AMBDC is the discount code)

I gave out free shirts and free cookies

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
  • Tuesday – lunch run
  • Wednesday – run after work
  • Thursday – rest day, dinner out with tennis friends
  • Friday -lunch run, dinner with family (celebrate S & A’s anniversary)
  • Saturday – rest day, walk
  • Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle (5 mile race) + 6 miles

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –Virtual NYC Half Marathon 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

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Weekly Run Down for 3.6.22-3.13.22 – Springing Ahead

Not Spring yet (two days of snow this week):

but we did gain an hour of daylight. Woo Hoo!

Grateful that Trader Joe‘s can provide me with some joy during weeks like this…

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Re-scheduled Long Run and we actually enjoyed spring-like weather.

and yes I celebrated post run with ice cream and yes, I was over dressed. There were runners shirtless today. Check out that cute snowman on the bottom left.

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday became a rest day and a rainy one.

pre-knitting lunch – tasted as good as it looked

Perfect weather for spending the afternoon knitting with friends.  I worked on this hat in support of Ukraine:

It’s not finished yet and I’m adding some accents with gold yarn.

  • Tuesday  – Busy work days mean post-work runs. I try to vary my location each day. Today was on the rail trail (whose snow had finally melted on part of it) But what a windy day!!!

got 1 1/2 miles in before the path turned to ice

  • Wednesday – Another after work run was planned.  The weather did not get the message, Snow/sleet predicted for the evening so I had to run during lunch.  Snow blowing in my eyes… roads getting more slippery by the moment..

the good news was that I stayed upright and it was way worse after work

  • Thursday – Since I planned to meet my BFF for a walk, I ran after work at UAlbany. Fortunately, they do clear and salt the paths.

made a new running friend.. and we planned some more runs together

  • Friday – Rest Day since I had a race scheduled for the next day and mah jongg in the evening.
  • Saturday – Electric City Five Miler – Did I DNS? 

Rain. Snow. Gusty winds. Slippery paths. Oh, my!

I’m not a wimp.  I have run in many a half marathon in the pouring rain.  This was the first local race of 2022. Many runners I know were so anxious to get out there and race.  But I had already run THREE half marathons this year.  And I had a 10 mile training run on my plan.

If the weather were nice, I would not have even hesitated and I would have added on 5 miles afterward.

Yes, I ran it. I convinced my friend Lara to drive. It was lots of fun. The drive home was the worse part.

the finish line!

 After a long hot shower and hot chocolate, finished my hat in front of the fireplace:

  • Sunday – Hooray for an extra hour of daylight each day. This will be greatly appreciated as I do many of my runs after work. (Though I didn’t enjoy losing ONE HOUR of precious sleep last night.)

Since I did not do my long run due to the weather, I planned to run today. It was cold and windy but at least the sun was out.

The problem was that the streets were full of slush, puddles and black ice.  So frustrating. I zigzagged in the roads looking for dry footing but finally quit after 5 miles.  5 miles on Saturday and 5 miles on Sunday = a 10 mile long run, right?

I spent the rest of the day doing errands that did not get done the day before…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run, Zoom w/college friends
  • Tuesday – run, Zoom w/running friends
  • Wednesday – rest day, hair appt
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Runnin of the Green (4 miler) + 7 miles) Virtual NYC Half Marathon (if weather cooperates)
  • Sunday – rest day (unless it is raining on Saturday), volunteer for Freihofer 5k at the Adirondack Sports Expo

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Electric City Five Miler Race Recap
  • Friday – Things I’m Loving Lately

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?  Has your weather warmed up? Ever DNS a race due to weather? Do you ever split up your long runs into two days? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 2.20.22-2.27.22: Another Half Marathon. What else is new?

Yes. Half Marathon #56 or #3 of 2002 is in the books.

Workwise, it was a different kind of week because for two days, I was not at my regular job (so not working from home) and instead providing tech support to those students taking the NYS Bar Exam at a downtown location.

And since I think my calf sleeves may have kept me injury-free, I’m back for year 2:

Isn’t this a cute gift?  (Remember I am succulent-obsessed and our running group is called “Sole Sisters”):

It was a thank you for helping my running friend move

Last Week:

  • Sunday – With my long run done (in the frigid wind) on Saturday, I had time to hit the trails.

It was a longish drive but definitely worth it.. the weather was perfect, the waterfalls breath-taking and I didn’t fall (thanks to nano spikes)

  • Monday – It was President’s Day so I had the day off from work. That meant, I could run ANYTIME.  Is that what it is like for those of you that don’t work? lol

So I waited until it warmed up and drove to a familiar bike path hoping that it was clear enough to run.

such awesome weather.. if only everyday were like this…

The path was absolutely clear… too bad a snowstorm was predicted for Friday. I continued on for a long walk as it got sunnier and warmer as the morning wore on.

  • Tuesday  – Today was very strange. I had to get up very early, put on work clothes (and make up) for the first time since March 16, 2020.  A long day at the Bar Exam (7am-5pm). It was rainy anyway so it worked perfectly as a rest day.

getting out early means a sunrise drive

  • Wednesday – Today I was back at home (working my normal job). As a result, I was able to run at lunch….

jumping for sunshine, no layers and clear rail trail!!

and walk with friends after work.

  • Thursday – Again my normal work day and I had hoped to squeeze in a run before work. Single digits!? WTH?  I waited until lunch but it was still cold:

ran in the opposite direction on the rail trail and ran into some ice.

After work, I met some tennis friends for dinner.

  • Friday – Day Two at the bar exam. And a snowy one. Another long day so not much activity except for mah jongg in the evening (cancelled due to the storm.)

so much for those cleared paths…

  • Saturday – Today I took an early morning train to NYC, had lunch and then met Cari at the ferry so we could go to Governor’s Island to see the Ice sculptures. (I had planned to see a Broadway show but this sounded like more fun.)

  • Sunday –  The reason I came to NYC again was to run the Central Park Half Marathon. I was very excited because Cari had also signed up for the race.

I know it’s hilly. I know I will hate it struggle until I’m done.  I’m sure that we will both finish and commiserate over brunch.

Update:  We both finished smiling. Mission accomplished.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – rest day, walk
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – run, walk with friends
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Spring Bucket List
  • 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 planned?  How are you dealing with winter running so far? Anyone have a hard time adjusting to normalcy? Please share.

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Weekly Run Downs for 2.6.22-2.13.22 and 2.14.22 -2.20.22: Getting my Vitamin D

I fully recovered (?) from the hilly half marathon in NYC and then I headed off to warmer and sunnier Florida for a few days.

I had lots of ocean views, friend meet-ups and of course, I ran a half marathon.

I then returned to the frigid Northeast and continued training for another hilly NYC half marathon.

Two Weeks Ago:

  • Sunday – I recovered from my Saturday Long Run with a visit to the Ice Castles in Lake George.  They were amazing.

when I bought the tix, I forgot about the extra hour of daylight… next year, I want to go at night when they are lit up in different colors

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday.  No time other than to run in the freezing temps before work.  But that freed me up for walks after work.  One with friends outdoors and the other with my bff in the mall.

lots of ice ad snow in the roads but I remained upright… that’s Champ who was waiting for me when I finished.. he was cold too.

  • Tuesday  – Another busy work day but I ran after work in town followed by some errands to get ready for my vacay.

so nice not to have to rush to get my run done before dark

  • Wednesday – Last day home… I squeezed in a run during lunch in the neighborhood because I had a hair appt after work and I needed to PACK!!!

a gorgeous sunny day… but my driveway is still an icy mess

  • Thursday  – I took a 5:30 am flight to West Palm, Fla, rented a car and drove to my friend’s place in Delray Beach. After lunch and some relaxation at the pool, we did some bird watching at one of my favorite places.

followed by dinner with a view.

  • Friday -I got up early and had planned to drive to the beach to catch the sunrise but decided instead to stay in my friend’s community  for my last run before the race.

Afterward, we visited a turtle sanctuary, had lunch on the beach and soaked up some sun.  Then a quick dinner in town before attending an exhibition tennis tournament.

  • Saturday – Before leaving Delray, I met up with a friend for a bird-watching walk and brunch.

On the way to Palm Bay, I stopped to tour the McKee Gardens in Vero Beach (I had gotten tix ahead of time) followed by a stop at Abbott’s and then on to my hotel to check-in.

coincidently at the gardens, there was an dinosaur exhibit and European car show

Next I headed to Melbourne for race packet pick-up but had extra time after so I visited a nearby nature preserve.

Finally, back to the hotel, pizza for dinner and early to bed .

  • Sunday – The big day! I ran the Publix Florida Half Marathon. 13.1 miles of mostly ocean views that also included a bridge at mile 6.5 and another at 12.5. It was exhausting and fun at the same time.

the only rain of my trip was during the race…

After I checked out of my hotel, I drove back south. On the way, I stopped for lunch to visit with a friend who lives in Jensen Beach.

Last stop of the day was to my college roommate’s where I’d be staying for the next two nights.

she has a cute Yorkie

Last Week on the Blog – 

Last Week:

  • Monday – We got up early as we were driving down to Miami. Our first stop was the Art Deco District and lunch with a view of the ocean. And our last stop was Wynwood Walls and dinner in Little Havana.

The main reason for the trip, however, was to see the Beyond Monet Exhibit… and it was awesome.

  • Tuesday  – Last day in Florida. Sigh.  I was lucky enough to get to meet and run with fellow blogger Jenny.

she was super sweet and indulged me with a running route near the beach

I ended my vacay with a delicious brunch.

grits with chocolate banana French toast

Happy to report that there was no flight drama and I arrived home safe and sound.

  • Wednesday – A rude awakening… cold temps and WIND. Back on with the layers for a lunchtime run and then an after work walk with friends.

the ice may have melted on my driveway but not on the rail trail.. Boo

  • Thursday – A lot warmer today but still windy. I had hoped to run at lunch but it was raining.  Being a fair weather runner, I waited until after work and headed to UAlbany.

no layers or beanie or gloves but still this was torture…just feeling oh so sluggish

  • Friday – Rest Day (and still windy and colder than the day before… ugh!) but getting to catch up that evening with the mah jongg ladies
  • Saturday –  Long Run Saturday was back!  I guess you’d call it a recovery/taper – 10 miles because next weekend is another half marathon. So glad to have Stan and Sherry as my run companions.

so cold and windy with blowing snow… never could have gotten it done alone…

  • Sunday –  Rest Day… errands and some hiking.

It was a longish drive but definitely worth it.. the weather was perfect, the waterfalls breath-taking and I didn’t fall (thanks to nano spikes)

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF- run
  • Tuesday –rest day, (working at the NYS Bar exam), walk
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, (working at the NYS Bar exam), walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, train to NY, Ice Sculptures on Governor’s Island
  • Sunday – Central Park Half Marathon, brunch with friends, train home

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Publix Florida Half Marathon 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 planned?  How are you dealing with winter running so far? Any warm weather vacations planned? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 1.30.22-2.6.22: Getting Ready for the Next One…

No rest for the weary.

One week until the big half marathon in Florida!!

That meant getting my runs done no matter what the weather is.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – In spite of the frigid weather and icy/snowy roads, I managed to get my long run done.

sunshine always helps with negative wind chill temps

  • Monday – #mevermissamonday. No time to get it done until after work.  Besides I woke up to another sub-zero temps day. Grateful that it now stays light until 5 pm.

this was an interesting new neighborhood.

And January is now over – 96 miles and I completed the Ragnar Challenge (31 days of logging activities with my blogger friends).

  • Tuesday – Today I was able to squeeze my run in during lunch. Again I was in the office for a bit so I stopped off at UAlbany. 30 degrees and sunshine were heavenly.

if you look on the bottom left, you can see the machine that clears and salts the paths

Then I could go for an outdoor walk with friends right after work.

Today also started a one month challenge sponsored by our Fleet Feet store – My goal is 15 miles/week. At the end of the month, if I reach 60 miles, I’ll get a $15 gift card. Win. Win,

  • Wednesday – I thought about a rest day after 3 days in a row of running. But the forecast was for rain on Thursday and snow on Friday.  So I took my running shoes to the roads once again. The sun has left us and added some wind but the temps were in the 40s. No complaints here.

only had time to run in the neighborhood…that was an election sign but her name spoke to me. lol

Lunch runs enable me to walk after work with friends.  (Eventually this will end when I go back to the office. Sigh.)

  • Thursday – A busy work day and a rainy/snowy one. I was right to have run the day before.

I couldn’t get out of work early enough to join my friends on their Ice Castles visit (I got tix instead for Sunday) but planned make the long drive to have dinner with them. Due to the inclement weather, the ice castles got cancelled.  Instead I decided to join my hubby and his friend for dinner. Much to my surprise, we picked a restaurant where some of my friends were having a birthday dinner.  Sorry hubby, “I see you everyday.”

  • Friday – Rest day because of the miserable weather – rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain….even mah jongg was cancelled.. And because of a possible long run the next day.
  • Saturday – Finally the weather allowed us to run on a Saturday!! It was very cold and windy but sunny. IOW, it could have and has been worse. Another 8 miles this weekend and so happy to do it with a friend. The hay is in the barn as they say.

We had planned on 10 but it seemed to get colder and windier so we quit… (still below zero with the wind chill)

Then I did quite a few errands to get ready to go on vacation next week, including getting my nails done.

  • Sunday –  Rest day but a lot of walking around in Lake George at the Ice Castles.  So fun. Glad they built them (for the first time) here.

I wish we could have stayed until it got dark… they are lit up in different colors

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run  before work. walk with BFF
  • Tuesday – run after work, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – run at lunch, hair appt after work, PACK!
  • Thursday – rest day, 5:30 am flight to West Palm, pick up rental car, friend meet-up in Delray
  • Friday -sunrise run, various activities with friends
  • Saturday – rest day, another friend meet-up in Delray, garden visit in Vero Beach on the way to Palm Bay hotel, packet pick-up in Melbourne
  • Sunday – PUBLIX FLORIDA HALF MARATHON, friend meet-up in Jensen Beach after, then drive to former roomie’s place in Boca Raton.

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Six Favorites from 2021
  • Friday – Benefits of Coffee

Next Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – drive to Miami to see Monet exhibit among other things
  • Tuesday – sunrise run with fellow blogger in Boca, return car, flight home
  • Wednesday – run at lunch
  • Thursday – run after work. walk with friends
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (8 mi. taper)
  • Sunday – rest day

Next Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Winter Bucket List
  • Friday – What I’m Looking for in a Coach

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? Did run a lot of miles in January? Any in-person races planned?  How are you dealing with winter running so far? Have you ever visited ice Castles?  Any warm weather destination vacations planned? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 1.23.22-1.30.21: Recovery Week

Recovering from my recent HILLY half marathon.

But not too much recovery since I have another one in two weeks.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – An exhausting but fun day in NYC.  I ran the Fred Lebow Half Marathon In Central Park.

It was harder than expected so didn’t do as well as hoped. Still I met my goal.

After the race, I walked with my friends (who came to the race) through the park and to brunch.

Then I walked back to my hotel. (The race ended on E102nd… my hotel was on W 39th.)  40,000 steps for the day.

  • Monday – Though I was quite stiff the night before, I felt good today. I was even tempted to do a recovery run but decided that I should just go for a walk.
  • Tuesday  – Anxious to get back out running especially before the temps dropped. I had to go to the office for a little while so I decided to run at nearby UAlbany.

I usually run here at night so I varied my route since it was daylight… took it slow but the legs felt great.

After work, it was warm enough for an outdoor walk with friends.

  • Wednesday – Frigid but at least sunny. So I snuck out before work and as usual, it was such a nice way to start the day.

10 degrees, feels like 0 didn’t even feel bad since it hadn’t started to get windy yet.

  • Thursday – Another cold day. Even colder in the morning than the day before (-6). I decided to wait until after work to run. I dropped off a book at the library and ran in those neighborhoods for a change.

the wind made this one feel colder than I’d hoped but it was nice to have daylight until 5 pm.

Then I met my BFF to walk around the mall.

  • Friday – After running three days in a row, I decided that I should take a rest day. Just didn’t feel like layering up after work.  So off to mah jongg I went. (Brain workout).
  • Saturday – Today was my normal LONG RUN day but due to possible snow, low temps and the wind gusts, we decided to wait until Sunday. Another rest day instead.  

We made the right decision… woke up to -11 wind chill and snow falling and blowing!!

And when you work all week, there’s lots of chores to do around the house anyway. Sigh.

I did get out later in the afternoon for a walk. Brr.

  • Sunday –  One of our running friends was running a half marathon in Fla so we planned to run with her virtually. Our routes for long runs are limited due to snow/ice so it would be the neighborhoods around The Crossings (again). I woke up to -7 wind chill so we’re waiting before we head out.  My plan is 12 miles but I’ll see how many I get in (before hypothermia sets it lol).

Update, I waited awhile and the sun helped get me through the miles.  But without any company other than my podcasts (due cold temps & injuries), I only ran 10 miles.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run after work
  • Tuesday – run at lunch. walk after work with friends
  • Wednesday – rest day, walk, dinner w/tennis friends
  • Thursday – run after work
  • Friday -rest day, walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (taper)
  • Sunday – rest day, visit the Ice Castles in Lake George, dinner out

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Fred LeBow 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 planned?  How are you dealing with winter running so far? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 1.16.22-1.23.22 – Race Week!!

And just like that… It’s over. First big race of the year.

And appropriately it was held in my favorite city – New York!

Fred Lebow Manhattan Half-Marathon - NY, USA - Jan 23 2022 -

Last Week:

  • Sunday – I celebrated two anniversaries today:

with a frigid long taper run:

-3 but the lack of, the sunshine and the company of friends made it a good one

and a hike along a creek:

Vromankill trail @ Five Rivers

  • Monday – I t was Martin Luther King Day so I had the day off from work but the weather didn’t get the message. I woke up to this:

pretty, right?

But when I looked at the temps and the salt truck had gone by twice, I strapped on my yaktrax and off I ran.

It was 32 degrees and lovely. I only needed my yak trax to get down my snowy driveway.

I spent the rest the day baking, cooking, cleaning… much more tiring than the run…

pumpkin spice super hero muffins this time

  • Tuesday  – Just a few snowflakes today but very windy.  I had some time so I drove to get my lunch time run done.

it was in the 20s but with the wind it felt a lot colder… glad the sun was in and out.

  • Wednesday –  Holy Wind!! But too busy with work to run at lunch anyway.

But it was almost 40 degrees so I rushed over to UAlbany after work to run a loop before meeting friends for an outdoor mall mall.

It’s been a while since I’ve run after work… so glad I switched things up… Look at that sky!

  • Thursday – Colder temps were headed our way so I decided to get one last run in before the race. And a before work one at that…

no sunrise – totally overcast but it felt great to be out there before the temps dropped…

  • Friday – Brrr… the single digits were back.  (0 zero when I got up!!) Rest day. The first one this week. It was well deserved.

I packed, stalked the NYC weather one last time and then played mah jongg.

hoping that the forecast for Sunday doesn’t change too much

this will have to do… hidden is a skirt w/tights attached

  • Saturday – I got up bright and early and took the train to NYC. Of course, I like to stay busy while I’m there so after I checked into my hotel, I went out to lunch and then a Broadway show.  I had tickets for To Kill a Mockingbird (which I really wanted to see) but the show closed and I had to switch my tickets.

when in NYC, you ha top have bagel & lox and go to Broadway, right?

After the show, I went for a walk, had dinner and called it an early night.

The Vessel (@Hudson Yards), lemon sculptures @ Manhattan West, pizza, course

  • Sunday –  Race Day!  Fred LeBow Half Marathon!

I ran it and finished smiling… in between, there was a lot of grimacing on all those big HILLS!!

Even better than a race in NYC was a meet-up with friends Cari and Elizabeth.

They came to the race and then we had brunch afterwards.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – rest day, walk
  • Tuesday – run, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run, walk with BFF
  • Friday -rest day, walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run  (training for another half marathon on 2/13)
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Hiking 2021 Update
  • 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 planned for 2022?  Have you ever raced in NYC?  What is your favorite city to run in? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 1.9.22-1.16.22: Getting it done…

With my first half marathon in one week, I needed to get out there and run… no matter what.

And there were several very cold days and the bike paths were still covered with ice/snow.

I sometimes wonder WHY I signed up for so many half marathons that require me to train during the winters of upstate NY?

Last Week:

  • Sunday – After a successful frigid 12 miler the day before, I was hoping to continue to get some fresh air on the trails.

Nope, freezing rain and sleet… I did some stuff around the house (including laundry and repotting my plants) and then hit the mall for some exercise.

a work in progress…they grow so fast, I can’t keep up

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday. Of course, I had to run.  Another chilly day but after last Saturday, it seemed balmy lol.

although it was only in the 20s, it felt warm.. unfortunately I’m stuck in my neighborhood since the rail trail and bike paths are still icy

  • Tuesday  – Normally I would have run today but it was supposed to be warmer on Wednesday so I just switched today to a rest day.

even too cold for me!!

I did venture out after work since we now have some extra hours of daylight..

ok I admit it… I FROZE at Holly Hock Preserve!!!

So back to the mall for a walk. Ours still close early (7 pm) so if you go after dinner, it’s pretty empty.

  • Wednesday – Still cold but what can you do?  Winter in the NE!! (and you know how I feel about treadmills.) So I scheduled a late lunch and took to roads hoping that the wind had died down.

not bad at all.. glad I waited until today

  • Thursday – Temps were gradually getting higher but again not what you would call “unseasonably warm.”  I keep trying to vary my running routes (which is not easy when the normal paths are still dicey).

the sun didn’t come out until I was done so it felt colder than the 30 degree temps

Oops. I double-booked myself so I walked at 5 pm with a friend at the outside mall and then at 6:45 back to the indoor mall for a walk (a different mall than Tues) with my BFF.

  • Friday – Rest Day Friday due to possible long run Saturday and freezing temps.

Mah jongg night to exercise the brain (instead of the legs).

  • Saturday – Sub zero wind chill temps forced us to postpone the run until Sunday (when it would be a little warmer and sunnier.)

nope, not happening!!

But my running friend, who was recovering from an injury, asked me to do a slow 3 mile loop at UAlbany in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, she chickened out and crazy me decided to instead bundle up and take to the trails. First I headed to one with an amazing waterfall but the trail was way too icy (even with nano spikes & poles).

walked on the ridge trail instead (@Barbersville Falls)

Then I drove to one closer to my house.

Five Rivers on a sunny but cold winter day

It was great to get some fresh air after being cooped up on Friday.

And in the evening the hubby & I went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary (which was the next day.)

  • Sunday –  Last long run before the big day.  Only 8 miles on my “plan.” Plan in parentheses because after 53 half marathons, I don’t have a plan lol. My running group has shrunk for various reasons (snowbirds, illness, injury) but Karen and Stan agreed to tackle the freezing temps with me.

the thermometer read -3 but no wind and sunshine made all the difference… nice run!!

Today (January 16th) was also an important day in my life:

and in my running life:

2011 vs 2021

I also celebrated the calm before the storm with a hike:

a different trail at Five Rivers… the frozen creek was so fascinating (more pix on IG)

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – rest day – rain/snow? – hike?
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, NYC bound (Train, Broadway show…)
  • Sunday – Fred LeBow Half Marathon

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2021 Goals Update and 2022 Goals
  • Friday –  Super Hero Muffins

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 planned?  Have the cold temps forced you indoors or do you run outside anyway? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 12.26.21 – 1.2.22: Welcome 2022!

Did you have fun ringing in the new year? I did and even stayed up until midnight!!!!

I’m re-posting Kim G‘s meme:

unfortunately, this is so true

Thanks to Jenn, I’ll be moving everyday in January:

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Icy but sunny and I was fortunate to have company on most of the miles and for brunch after.

I skipped my planned Sunday hike in favor of a nail appt and errands.

In the evening, I had the last of my holiday dinners out at a new Japanese restaurant with a friend.  Very yummy!

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday so I had to do a short one at lunch

a little chilly at first but no wind helped… so far I have not had to wear a jacket this winter (2 shirts, vest, arm sleeves = perfect running attire)

and then a walk after work.

  • Tuesday  – A slow week at work so I was able to run at lunch again

thumbs up for warmer temps and sunshine… and a couple of spins around the track

followed by a walk with my BFF after work.

  • Wednesday – A rest day from running cause I know I should. And a snowy one.  Love looking at the snow and walking  in it so that’s all I did at lunch:

unfortunately, the snow had turned to freezing rain and the trail was mostly mud…

The good and sometimes bad thing about FB are the memories. Today FB reminded that it was the TEN year anniversary of breaking my ankle in 2 places and having surgery.

Grateful to my surgeon, my PT and that they were wrong when they said “I may not be able to run again and definitely not long races.”

  • Thursday – I decided to end the year on a high note. A sunrise run… without the sunrise

cloudy, foggy but holiday lights were still glowing and it felt GREAT to start the day this way.

and a late lunch run.

I drove to the rail trail for this one

There was a method to my madness: rain was predicted for both Saturday and Sunday (who knows when and if I will run) and I wanted to finish the year with 1,018 miles (because in 2020, I ran 1,017 miles.)

There was also Mah jongg on Thursday night so everyone could celebrate on Friday night.

  • Friday – Another rest day and a work day. Besides it rained on and off.

I was very excited to go hear the comedian Sebastian Maniscalco with some friends.  Due to COVID, the show got canceled. Plan B was a small dinner party with some (vaccinated, boosted) friends.

so nice not to be stuck at home and be able to be with some friends (that I used to work with)

  • Saturday – Race Day- first race of 2022. Luckily it did not start until  noon. Cloudy but 50 degrees on Jan 1! I’ll take it.

free+ food + friends = fun race!

Since I needed a long run of 11 miles, I planned to run around campus for more painful boring miles.

to be honest… this run was HARD!! what slogfest…

  • Sunday –  Today’s activity is weather dependent.  Hope to get out and explore some trails (I may have to get out those micro spikes). If it rains, I got plenty to do around the house.

Update: Too rainy.  Cleaned, took down ALL the holiday decorations, did some errands and

I hold off on a review until I taste one. I got the recipe off Shalane’s blog (I don’t have the book)

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday – run, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – rest day, walk. hair appt.
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (12m)
  • Sunday – WS Series #3 (3m)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – My Word
  • 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 planned?  How did you celebrate New Year’ Eve? Did you run or race on New Year’s Day? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 12.19.21 – 12.26.21: Merry Christmas Y’all

If you celebrate, hope you had a nice holiday.

I did a lot of celebrating the previous week so Christmas for us was sorta lowkey. No gift exchange just time with the family.

Did you enjoy this fitness challenge? I admit I had to google most of them and then adapt them for me.

And lastly, I am blessed to have support and inspiration from my blogging friends:

Last Week:

  • Sunday – A early impromptu afternoon hike with a friend to work off some calories.

muddy in spots but we stayed upright – 3.5 miles in the books

because in the evening I attended my mah jongg book club followed by our re-scheduled anniversary dinner – 13 years and counting!!

ate all those calories back and then some but a fun evening nevertheless

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday so I had to squeeze my run in during lunch since I volunteer after work. I loved my before work run last week but it was 15 degrees!! Nope not today.

feels like 23 but at least it was sunny…lots of decorations with a menorah in the window & a Hanukkah flag?

  • Tuesday  – I was going to squeeze in another lunch run but a friend agreed to run with me after work.  Our last run through the lights in the park… so much fun!

A nice surprise came in the mail – my age group award from the Troy Turkey Trot

portable charger

  • Wednesday – Today was a rest day. But I did meet friends after work for a walk.
  • Thursday – I got up early and planned my sunrise run but feels like 10 degrees sent me back indoors for a cup of coffee.

I did get it done at lunch when it was a little warmer.

brrr!! froze my face off with that cold wind!

After work, we met to play mah jongg since Christmas Eve was on Friday night.

  • Friday -Iffy weekend weather prompted me to get out there for at least a short run. Not in the morning…surprise snowfall!!

Eventually it did stop snowing and I ran on the roads in town during lunch.

It was the same temps as the day before but without the wind, it almost felt balmy lol

  • Saturday – Christmas Day!! And a rainy one!! Long run postponed until Sunday!

My hubby and I agreed not to get each other gifts.

My hubby did not keep his end of the bargain… I have wanted one for years!!!!!

  • Sunday – Re-scheduled Long Run. Location TBA depending the state of the bike paths.  I also begged for company. I HATE to run alone for 11 miles. And my friend Sherry accepted to share 8 of them.

slow going as first due to the icy roads but the sun came out and things improved

4 MILES to go to meet my 1000 MILE goal for the year.  And so I did it!!!!!!!!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run, walk with BFF
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – rest day
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, New Year’s Eve out with friends (but Sebastian Maniscalco show cancelled 😦 )
  • Saturday – Winter Series #2 race (+more miles)
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Albany Last Run 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 planned?  How did you celebrate on Christmas Eve and Day? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? Please share.