weekly run down

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Weekly Run Down for 7.17.22-7.24.22: Working Five Days

I know most of you do work five days but this is the first week since the beginning of June where I had to work on Monday.

I now have every other Monday off and then there was also Juneteenth and Fourth of July Monday holidays.

So the week was tiring. I guess I’m out of practice.

There are group run opportunities every night of the week if I so choose.. but this week, it was just too hot to wait until the evening to run.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday!

Again we were blessed with another dry warm day. We chose a new site and it may have become my favorite.

shade, lake breeze, beautiful views, good book = paradise

  • Monday – A rainy morning but it had stopped by lunch time but more rain was predicted for later in the day.

I planned to participate in a group run at The Crossings after work but decided not to risk getting rained on and skipped out for a run earlier..

drove to a different neighborhood for this run

Instead of participating in a Peloton run, I listened to a AMR podcast. It made me think of Judy‘s recent posts on HR. This runner talked about spikes in her HR.  She attributed most of the HR spikes to stress. She decided to run listening to music and/or a podcast.  This prevented her mind from going to her stressors: family/work issues, her pace, the weather, etc.  No HR spikes.  Ok, I’m not saying this is the only reason your heart rate goes up but it’s worth trying if you run in silence.

I did go for a walk after work on the rail trail with a friend  We did get rained on but it felt sooo good!!

  • Tuesday – Another scorcher but a Rest Day due to a hair appt!  Self-care is important, right? (I even got my nails done last Saturday.)
  • Wednesday – There was a SOAR run scheduled on the Albany end of the rail trail so I planned to join them. (also an ice cream run scheduled on the same trail, different location. Nice to have choices.)

But because of the predicted 95 degree temps (+humidity), it got cancelled.

So my only choice was to drag myself outta bed (after a poor night’s sleep due to all the thunderstorms) and run.

It was great and I need to do this EVERYDAY!!

Instead of that after work run, I did go for a walk…. even at 8 pm, I sweat.

  • Thursday – As I have done in previous weeks, I planned to do my run right after work and then drive up to the ARE trail run location to join my friends to walk the trails.

Another hot summer day so I wisely decided to run early before work. I woke up to NO INTERNET which would complicate things.  I would have to drive to my office.

talked to the guy fixing the Internet and he assured me that it would fixed by 8am!! Too sweaty again to show you what I looked like after my run lol

And the Internet returned and I was able to work from home. Phew!

It was still very hot and humid in the evening. No lie. But it was great to head to the mountains where it was a little cooler.

great views and lots of shade and that cold drink at a nearby restaurant was amazing!

  • Friday – Rest Day!! HOT HOT but mah jongg night in an air conditioned friend’s home… Ahhh!
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday! There was a local 5k that I thought about running…

But I do enjoy our group LONG runs and it was HOT so I skipped it.

starting early made all the difference and of course, brunch after with friends.

  • Sunday –  Boating Sunday!!

How hot will it get? 100??

The plan is to float in the lake and/or sit under an island tree and read a book (or both).

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  DAY OFF – Day at Emerald Lake (with my running friends)
  • Tuesday – run (after working at the NYS bar exam)
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – working at the NYS bar exam, run before ARE trail walk
  • Friday – working at the NYS bar exam, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run 
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – PlacesI’ve Run (A-I)
  • 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? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 7.3.22-7.10.22: Back to the Big Apple

There was a race and a hike at the beginning of the week and then I traveled to NYC and spent three days there.  This may have been my last time working in NYC (but who knows??) so I tried to make the most of it.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday! 

The weather was absolutely perfect and we invited my stepson, his wife and their two friends out on the lake.

we drove around more than usual to show off our favorite spots…

Unfortunately, the outing got cut short as something was malfunctioning in the boat.  Hopefully it will be a quick fix and we’ll be back out there next weekend.

  • Monday – Race Day – Firecracker 4.  It was 2nd time running this holiday race. And I again had a blast.

I had convinced more of my friends to do the race with me. The weather was great. I also came in 2nd in my age group and we celebrated with brunch and mimosas after.

  • Tuesday – Lake George Hike-a-thon 2022.  I signed up last year with my friend Meg and we had such a good time that I decided to take the day of and do it again.

I signed us up for a longer and more challenging hike (Thomas Mountain).

Unfortunately it rained… well, it poured.

not much of a view and we got very wet… still had fun!

After our 3 mile hike in the rain, we had lunch at our marina and then decided to head home rather than hiking more.

  • Wednesday – Early morning train to NYC, hotel check-in and then off by subway to Queens.  It was still early enough when I returned to Manhattan to venture somewhere for a run.  The question was where to?  So many options in NYC…

You know me. It’s hard to resist a race and there was a 5k in Brooklyn at 7:10 pm.

90 degrees (and 450 runners finished) so lots of walking but when you are the only one in your AG, you win!

  • Thursday – A long day of work but the reward at the end of the day was running with friends.

and ice cream!!

  • Friday – Another long work day and train home!! Rest Day! And no race scheduled for the next day!!

After work, it was raining but I took a leisurely stroll anyway

always something interesting to see in Manhattan

And then took the train home!

the perks of the late train home

  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday!

Six miles was on my plan but Sherry wanted to run 9 so I ran intervals with her and then met all my other running friends for brunch.

some friends ran longer, some shorter and some even walked…

  • Sunday –  Boating Sunday!!

Fingers crossed that the boat is fixed…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – hike, run
  • Tuesday – rest day
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run, ARE trail walk
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Firecracker 4 Race Recap
  • Friday – Five Ways to Get Faster

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? Do anything fun for July 4th? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.26.22-7.3.22: Heading into the 2nd Half of 2022

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.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.19.22-6.26.22: Weather Whiplash and a 15k

This week was less hectic than last.

We started out with fall-like weather and then as the week progressed, the temps started rising.

Just in time for my 15k race..

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday! Chilly and windy but always better than staying home.

picture perfect day in the bay. lots of reading and relaxing accomplished!!

  • Monday – Juneteenth celebrated so a day off from work.

I could get used to this… Doing things on my own schedule!! FOMO on you non-working runners!!

Got my weeding, trimming bushes, laundry, grocery shopping done.. all in this cool fall-like morning.

I met a friend for a walk in the afternoon (and the temps had warmed up significantly)

Then in the evening, a group was running in the Crossings so I joined them followed by a Trader Joe’s stop.

  • Tuesday – Back to reality. With rain in the forecast, I squeezed in a run before work.

the cool temp was overshadowed by the humidity but glad that I got it done early.

It rained on and off in the afternoon but my friend was still game for 5 mile walk after work… and we didn’t get too wet.

  • Wednesday – Again rain in the forecast.  So I decided to play it by ear on whether to run or not.  There was a SOAR (Sisterhood Of Athletes & Runners) run scheduled after work at UAlbany.  It’s always nice to have options.

It was a small group but it was fun to chat and not to run alone…

Afterwards, I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

  • Thursday – Rest day finally!  And rain on and off all day.

After work, I met my friends for the ARE weekly trail run walk. As usual, we had a good time.

There was yoga before (but I didn’t join)

  • Friday – Rest Day #2. Getting ready for the race the next day.

bib for Sunday’s race (just in case)

And the evening with the mah jongg ladies.

  • Saturday – Race Day – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k.

A very early morning wake-up since I had to leave by 5:45am to get to the race. I’d like to report that I was prepared for those hills… but I wasn’t.  Still I enjoyed the last two miles and the post-race dip in the lake especially since the summer HEAT and HUMIDITY had returned.

medal recycled from 2020 for my age group award

  • Sunday – Race Day and/or Boating Sunday!

Before Saturday’s race was announced, I had signed up for a fun trail 5k (see bib above). After having run a HILLY 15k the day before and temps in the 90s today… I decided I’d rather be floating in the lake!!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – hiking with friends, run
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – rest day, Van Gogh exhibit, dinner out with tennis friends
  • Thursday – run, ARE trail run walk
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k 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? Any fun plans for the summer? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.12.22-6.19.22: NYC Bound

This week was rather hectic and it included a quick trip NYC for work.

I am always excited when I get to visit NYC but I wish it were for pleasure.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday! And grateful that the rain in the forecast never materialized.

my favorite place to read and relax!!

  • Monday – I had the day off from work.  The original plan was to meet a college friend in NYC. She had to cancel.

Plan B – meet a tennis friend to go hiking in the Adirondacks.  She had to cancel.

Plan C – meet a running friend to go hiking in Lenox, MA.  She did not cancel and we had a lovely time.

First we hiked in Pleasant Valley Nature Sanctuary.

Then after lunch, we went to Kennedy Park.

When I got home, I met two friends for a walk on the rail trail (with wine and snacks after).

Got my steps in today!!!

  • Tuesday – After two days off from running, I knew I needed to get out there (in order to get my 4 days in) so I squeezed in a short one before work.

another Broadway run 🙂

After work, again I walked on the rail trail (but a different section) with friends.

  • Wednesday – A busy work day and a dentist appt.

But Wednesday evenings there are several scheduled group runs.  Tonight there was an ice cream run.  You know I couldn’t resist that.

Not wanting to run late and drive far, I met up with a friend to run closer to home … and have ice cream.

and we twinned in SS skirts

  • Thursday – First day traveling to NYC for work since January 2020.  I was subbing for another trainer. After taking Amtrak to Manhattan, I checked into my hotel, had lunch and then took the subway to Queens.  Eventually I returned to Manhattan.

I couldn’t let a day in NYC go by without a run in Central Park.

loved every minute there!!

Unfortunately it is hard to coordinate a meet-up with my NYC buds. I didn’t see Elizabeth but Cari and I did have a late dinner together.

  • Friday – Another trip from Manhattan to Queens to work and back and then Amtrak home that night.  LONG DAY!! And a hot one… 90 degrees!!! (Glad I was minimally outside.)

time to kill before my evening train… so why not?

  • Saturday – Race Day – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k – I was NOT planning to run a race today but a running friend asked me to… that’s what friends are for…

It was fun!! And talk about weather whiplash… it was windy and in the 50s!!

I felt like I was sleep walking and was surprised to come in 2nd in my age group

and afterward, I talked her into accompanying me on 5 more miles (followed my brunch) and then errands.

Brrrr…. but we warmed up as we re-traced the race route

  • Sunday –  Supposed to be sunny and warmer so the plans are to spend Father’s Day on the boat.

pic from last FD

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF (Juneteenth) – run
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – rest day
  • Thursday – ARE trail run
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k 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? What is your favorite post run treat? How are you celebrating Father’s Day? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.5.22-6.12.22: Down Time

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:

shin-splints - FBR

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.

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Weekly Run Down for 5.29.22-6.5.22: That time of year..

Still racing every weekend.

And my favorite race of the year was held yesterday!!

from 2019 but I liked the pic

Last Week:

  • Sunday –  Race Day!  Miles on the Mohawk!! A local 10 miler that I ran for the second time.  This year, it didn’t rain. Instead it was HOT and humid.  As a result, it was a hard race but I enjoyed the course and all the familiar faces.

  • Monday – Holiday – DAY OFF!!

So I planned to start the holiday at the gym.  I got there and it was closed. BOO!

That just meant the hubby and I could leave earlier for the lake.  It was a beautiful day and all I did was read, relax and enjoy the scenery.

a perfect first day of boating

We picnicked on an island and then stopped for ice cream on the way home!

  • Tuesday – I planned to run before work but my knee has been feeling wonky (since gardening on Friday). Luckily it didn’t bother me at all during the race.  I decided instead to go to the gym.

  • Wednesday –  Global Running Day!  That means a run no matter what!  With rain and thunderstorms predicted for later, I drove to the rail trail to run before work.

I made the right decision since it rained on and off the rest of the day

It seems that all my blogging friends joined me on a run virtually.

Thanks to Cari for the collage

After work, I skipped my STEM run in favor of a dinner given for the FRW volunteers. (STEM run was cancelled due to the weather anyway.)

met many new people all excited about volunteering… there were many raffles (although I didn’t win anything.)

  • Thursday – Back to the gym before work.

I squeezed in a run at lunch. (on my way home from the office)

a short one due to the humidity and the time factor

I thought that I would stop off to pick up my race bib/shirt/cookies but the expo didn’t open until 4 pm.  No worries… my friend said she would pick it up for me on her way to the trail run tonight.

swag = shirt, bread, cookies

Once my knee felt off, I immediately made an appt for today with my chiro.  I haven’t seen her in ages and she is leaving soon on maternity leave. Of course, nothing hurt anymore but I thought it a good idea to get all aligned so I didn’t cancel the appt.  She painfully worked on a tight leg muscle and my lower back… feeling great now!!

Then afterward, our first weekly trail run was held.  It was so fun to run with a group.  Although in my case, it’s more of a walk.

such a fun evening!!! and such beautiful scenery. Food/beer after wasn’t bad either.

  • Friday – Rest Day. LAST DAY for the gym.

and last gym selfie!!

In the evening, I volunteered at the expo for FRW race which would be held the next day before I headed to play mah jongg.

  • Saturday – Race Day – Freihofer Run for Women (FRW) – It was my 15th time running the race and it was just as much fun as the first time.

all women of all speeds and ages… so inspiring.

  • Sunday –  I started the day with a run since I went to brunch yesterday instead of running more miles.

great running weather and yes, that’s my shirt from the race the day before and a cardinal in the bird bath (upper right)

Then back up to the lake with my hubby and a friend.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – run, belated B-day dinner
  • Tuesday – run, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – rest day, STEM run, hair appt.
  • Thursday – ARE trail run
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – Race Day (for STEM). Long Run
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Miles on the Mohawk 10  Mile Race Recap
  • Friday – CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge Race Recap

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? Do you see your chiropractor regularly?  Is there a race that you run EVERY year? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down: 5.22.22-5.29.22: Summer has arrived?

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.

by

Weekly Run Down for 5.1.22-5.8.22: Racing Up That Mountain and Getting Ready for a Vacation

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.

April 2019 - RUNNING & WALKING — Adirondack Sports

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.

by

Weekly Run Down for 4.24.22-5.1.22: Just More Races

Another week, another race. LOL.

Last Sunday I ran a local 5 miler

and today I ran a local 5k.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Delmar Dash 5 mile Race. Unfortunately not a lot of runners ran the race but it was still fun and the weather was perfect. (You can read the recap here.)

I even won my age group (my competition did not show up 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 (lost a leg in Boston bombing & hit by a car in 2019) made me forgot about my blisters…

  • Monday – #neveramonday. First the gym…

Then I joined the FTC group run after work…

I left the Advanced  group and ran on my own… too pooped for a fast 4 mile loop tonight

  • Tuesday – Rest Day.  Busy work day and a rainy one so just a walk after work…
  • Wednesday – Another gym morning.

and no, I do NOT use the treadmill… just the machines

After work, I again volunteered with the STEM runners. I arrived early to run a little… It was insanely WINDY!!! And cold!!

Back in the winter garb -beanie, gloves etc

  • Thursday – Back to the gym for day #3 but no running or walking today since I had a hair appointment after work.

I saw snow flurries!!!!

Winter has made a return…

This was around 9:30 am. It was colder when I went to gym but did warm up a little later in the day and again the WIND was insane.

  • Friday – Believe it or not, I took the morning off from work so I could do my 11 mile long run. I had planned to meet up with Stan but he had to leave early for NYC. (I am training for a half on 5/22 and he is training for one on 5/21). So I was left to run alone.

I chose a different route and started earlier..  I ran from the 11m point of my last half marathon uphill 5.5m and then back again.  I was overdressed (due to the sunshine) and it didn’t feel downhill this time.  Thanks to Ali’s podcast for keeping me sane.

it was in the 30’s but somehow felt a lot warmer…

But since I was able to finish my run earlier, I had time for a bucket list trip to Stockbridge, MA.

at Naumkeag

I wish I could have stayed longer but work was calling…

It was a beautiful weather day for tiptoeing through the daffodils (More pics on FB and IG)

In the evening, as usual, I played mah jongg.

  • Saturday – Instead of running, I met my running friends for a walk followed by brunch.

I took advantage of the new hours at the gym and worked out first…

I spent the rest of the day gardening… weeding and trimming bushes were more tiring than my long run.

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

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

After the race, I plan to do some hiking or more gardening.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
  • Tuesday – rest day, walk
  • Wednesday – gym, STEM run
  • Thursday – run, walk
  • Friday – gym, rest day, mah jongg chez moi.
  • Saturday – Prospect Mountain Road Race + 6 miles running down
  • Sunday –  Mother’s Day – Tulip Fest, dinner with fam, packing

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Sasha’s Super Hero 5k 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? Have you had any spring temps yet? Please share.