weekly run down

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Weekly Run Down for 12.5.21-12.12.21: The Last Last Run

One of my favorite races has always been the Albany Last Run where we run 3.1 miles through the holiday lights in Washington Park.  This race happened for the last time on Saturday night.

There will no longer be lights during the holidays in this park.  (Complaints about traffic…) I am assuming that this 5k race will no longer be held as a result.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – A beautiful fall day. Perfect for a hike at Thunder Mountain in Greenwich, NY.

  • Monday – A rainy morning and afternoon. Luckily it was not raining during lunchtime so I could get in my run. It wasn’t cold but the wind sure made it feel that way.

the wind even blew off the skeleton’s hat (bottom left)

  • Tuesday  – Another run through the lights in the park. This week, I had company and it was so much more fun than doing it alone.

2 miles solo and 3 with Alyssa

  • Wednesday – A rest day and an ugly weather day. Even snow was predicted.

I woke up to snow on the ground but luckily the sun came out mid-day and it all melted.

Anyway it was a busy work day.

After work, I went to pick up my race packet for Saturday’s race.  I also picked up packets for my friends (like 9).

Then I went for a walk nearby with friends and it started to snow again.

It was also the NYC Half Marathon Lottery day.  They had recently announced that if you were not double vaccinated, you could not run the race. I was hoping selfishly that it made my chances better (judging from the angry FB posts.)

boo! maybe next year…

  • Thursday – Again I woke up to snow but this time several inches.  Fingers crossed that I would be able to run later.

I had a dentist appointment today and when I was done, I had enough time to get my run done on the rail rail before darkness.  Always a treat not to have a mid-week run done at Ualbany (or in my boring neighborhood.)

mostly clear but slippery in parts – combined this route with some new neighborhoods

  • Friday – Another rest day (due the next day’s race).  The evening was spent with the mah jongg ladies.

Hmmm…60 degrees and rain predicted…do I change to a skirt?

  • Saturday – A rainy day!! And Race Night. Albany Last Run.  This is always a good time (not referring to finish time lol) because all my friends run it. And it never rained until later that night!!!

Afterward, we all gathered for a pot luck dinner and a farewell to one of our friends who is moving away.

  • Sunday – The first local (free) Winter Series Race was held today.  Always a hard decision. Do I run it? Or do I do my 8 mile long run? Or skip both options and just go for a hike.

Well, the sun was shining and I looked at the list of those signed up and they had all run the night before too…so why not?

I did not run the 15k which was another option in this race but I did come in 3rd in the 10 year AG (though they only gave out prizes for 1 & 2)

It was so much fun since it was smaller (150 vs 1500) and I was able to chat with so many runners.

After some soup, cookies and hot chocolate, I set out to compete more miles so I could count it as a long run.

my legs were more tired than I thought and the wind picked up so I called it at 7 for the day.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –   run at lunch, volunteering
  • Tuesday – run at lunch, after work BBF birthday dinner
  • Wednesday – rest day,  after work dinner out with walking friends
  • Thursday – run before work, tennis holiday party
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg or full moon hike
  • Saturday – Long Run, Holiday dinner with family
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking, anniversary mah jongg sinner

and a few of us bloggers are offering a fitness challenge starting next week.  Please join us!

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2021 in Bling
  • Friday – Big Hairy Goal for 2022

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?  Did you run a Turkey Trot? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 11.28.21-12.5.21: The countdown is on…

Countdown to 2022.

Countdown to meeting my 1000 mile goal for the year.

Countdown to the holidays and those holiday parties.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Still unseasonably cold but not as windy as the previous day.  Glad to have been able to get a Sunday hike done.

I got a late start as it was snowing and I was tracking my friend who was running her first marathon (in Florida.)

I had been here before but not in a while… a little muddy and the leaves were slippery but still happy to be out in nature.

  • Monday – #nevermissamonday Squeezed in a lunchtime run on the rail trail.

channeling my inner NYC…still not acclimated to this cold weather… cold hands, cold feet, cold face. but found a cute rock

Then I volunteered after work followed by a walk with my BFF.

  • Tuesday  – After work, I went for a run through the holiday lights in the park (a prelude to our upcoming 5k).

was supposed to do this with a friend but she had to work so I ran first before the lights went on and then did a second picture loop

  • Wednesday – I had a hair appt after work so used today as a rest day. (I wished that I had checked the weather for Thursday because today was a nice day to run.)
  • Thursday – I had planned to run during the lunch. But just about the time I was to leave the house, it started to rain.   Many of you would have just run in the rain. Not this fair weather runner.  That meant I had to hope there’d be a break in the rain after 4 pm.

And the rain did stop for awhile. Rather than running at UAlbany, I decided to run in town (on streets that were lit.)

Believe it not, we had a thunderstorm that evening. Crazy weather!

  • Friday -Rest Day.  Not much activity. However, this week instead of playing mah jongg, I went out to dinner out with a old friend.
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday. This was re-scheduled from last weekend. Some met to run on the Nisky bike path (others walked) and then we all went to a new place for brunch.

not a bad day for a run – no wind, no ice and brunch was great!!

Time to start decorating for the holidays. (Yes I celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas!!) Twice as much work fun.

my little “real” tree

  • Sunday – Sunday continues to be a hiking day, I went for a longish drive to a new place.  Unfortunately I left late and was not able to do both trails. That just means a return trip.

Thunder Mountain

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –   run at lunch, volunteering after work
  • Tuesday – run after work with a friend
  • Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Thursday – run at lunch, walk after work with friends
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Albany Last Run 5k and pot luck dinner dinner
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking or Winter Series #1 (3 miler)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Holiday Gift Guide for Runners
  • Friday – What I cannot race without

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 you decorated for the holidays yet?  Any goals to meet by the end of the year? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 11.21.21-11.28.21: Turkey Trotting

Recovering from the half marathon with a Thanksgiving 10k, followed by a huge dinner with the family.

No Black Friday shopping as I had to work.

Winter arrived here on the weekend. 😦

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Upstate Classic Half Marathon. The 2nd time for this race and the 3rd time running this hilly course in Altamont, NY. As usual, 13.1 miles of hills were a challenge but a fun event.

age group award Woo Hoo!!

  • Monday – #nevremissamonday again was a recovery day.  Happy to report that the legs felt fine. I took a walk at lunch and then volunteered after work.

I have had a string of good luck lately: found $20 during a run, won 4x at Mah jongg, and….

I WON!!!! And I chose Amazon… Thanks so much Zenaida ❤

  • Tuesday  – I was able to squeeze in a chilly lunch run so I could meet friends for an after work walk.

although it was sunny, the wind made it seem colder than the temps and my legs reminded me that I had just run 13 miles of hills

  • Wednesday – Another rest day in preparation for the 10k the next day.

try to be as festive as possible…

  • Thursday – Race Day! Troy Turkey Trot 10k (and only one race today this year!). Always feels great to run on Thanksgiving Day and then eat back all the calories you burned off and more.

tired legs = a course PW (yet I won an age group award) 

Obviously I was not the only blogger to be trotting:

great minds…

  • Friday – Back to work.  No shopping for me! A nasty cold rainy weather day so just mah jongg in the evening.
  • Saturday – Long Run Day! Glad to return to Saturday runs with the gang. But the weather decided not to cooperate.

woke up to snow on the ground, 15 degree wind chill temps and an IG post alerting us that the trail where we planned to run was a sheet of ice.

Most of my friends decided either to wait until tomorrow or run on the treadmill.  I decided to go out on my own and run on the rail trail.

Nope! Way too icy. Plan C: run a few loops of the UAlbany campus.

I was able to run around most of the icy spots but the wind was unbearable.  Luckily my friend Heidi came to the rescue and got me through he 2nd loop (and the pond loop) before we headed to Starbucks so I could thaw out my face and hands!!

I hate winter already!! Not the LONG run I had planned. 6.5 miles will have to suffice.

  • Sunday – Hiking Sunday lately has become Racing Sunday. I was excited to not have a race or run to do and to head out for a hike.

I got a late start as it was snowing and I was tracking my friend who was running her first marathon (in Florida.)

I had been here before but not in a while… a little muddy and the leaves were slippery but still happy to be out in nature.

to all those who celebrate!!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  run at lunch, volunteering after work, walk with BFF
  • Tuesday – run after work with a friend
  • Wednesday – rest day, hair appt.
  • Thursday – run at lunch, walk after work with  friends
  • Friday -rest day, dinner with a friend
  • Saturday – Long Run
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Troy Turkey Trot 10k 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?  Did you run a Turkey Trot?  Any Black Friday purchases? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 11.14.21-11.21.21: 5th Half Marathon of 2021

Race Week!  Half Marathon #53 and my last one (and 5th) for 2021.

It was local and one of the few half marathons that was a repeat performance. At least this time, the hills were no surprise.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

my Christmas Cacti have bloomed and I had my first red cup.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Today I ran the Stockade-athon 15k for the 8th time. Who doesn’t love a challenging race?

  • Monday – A rest day to recover from the previous day’s hills. A chilly cloudy one (with periods of rain) but I did have to go to the office so I got in a rainy lunch/Starbucks walk there.

After work, I did my first volunteer assignment with a 12 yr old girl from the Congo who only speaks French.

the classrooms are behind this building in an old church

  • Tuesday  – I was able to squeeze in a lunch run and the legs felt fine.

pretty in pink? chose to run on the water line trail for a change of pace…

After work, I met my friends for a walk and then met my BFF for another walk.

  • Wednesday – Too busy to run at lunch so I drove to UAlbany to run there after work. I was hoping to have Heidi as company.

dark, chilly, windy…glad to have company

  • Thursday – I had planned to squeeze in a run during lunchtime since I was busy after work.

Then at the last minute, I decided against running three days in a row and skipped it.

I did not qualify so I have to wait until Dec 8 to see if I got in. I had to work so didn’t get to apply until 3:30 pm (and it’s first come first serve)

My monthly tennis gathering tonight was a visit to a museum exhibit and then dinner after.

the exhibit was on women’s clothes from the 1920’s (Downton Abbey style)

Friday – Resting up for the big race. But I decided to take a quick run at lunch. It was windy, chilly and I even got rained on.  It was a profitable run. lol

After work, I picked up my bib for Sunday’s race and then played mah jongg in the evening,

  • Saturday – Long Run Day again this week was a walk in preparation for the next day’s race. We chose the Corning bike path followed by brunch, of course.

beautiful morning…hoping more of the same for the next day.

Afterward, I picked up my bib for Thursday’s Turkey Trot.

I spent the evening organizing my #flatme and carb loading on pizza.

  • Sunday – Race Day! Upstate Classic Half Marathon. The 2nd time for this race and the 3rd time running this hilly course in Altamont, NY.

boy, this was HARD!!!!

No rest for the weary. I plan to go out to dinner with a bunch of wonderful ladies to celebrate 13 years of playing mah jongg together.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – rest day, volunteering
  • Tuesday –  run, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Thursday – Troy Turkey Trot 10K Race, dinner with the fam
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (8 miles)
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Upstate Classic 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? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 11.7.21-11.14.21: A Taper 15k Race

One week until my half marathon!  That meant that I was in taper mode.

What not run 9.3 miles in a race??

Yes, that’s what I did.

Happy to report that the temps last week were not as cold as the previous week. But turning back the clocks was a real downer!! I am one of those runners that usually runs and walks after work. 😦

Last Week:

  • Sunday – While nervously tracking my friends running the NYC Marathon, I went on two hikes (Falling Waters Preserve and Opus40).  The weather was absolutely perfect for us all.
  • Monday – #nevermissamonday.  I was able to get my run done on the rail tail during my lunch break.

yes, the weather was as beautiful as it looked… I could have worn a skirt and short sleeves

After work, I had an appt to see if I could volunteer my time helping immigrant kids with their homework (I know I complain that I have no time to work out but it’s important for me to help others besides myself)

  • Tuesday  – Another opportunity to run in my ‘hood during lunch. I wanted to be able to walk after work with two friends. Unfortunately with the lack of light, we have to walk around the outdoor mall.

warmer but not as sunny as the day before…still a nice day for a run

  • Wednesday – Rest day. It rained early but it was a busy work day and I was only able to get outside for a walk after work with a friend.
  • Thursday – Day off from work for Veteran’s Day.  It was so nice to be able to linger over breakfast and then drive somewhere for my weekday run. I decided on the Colonie Town Park Bike Path since I hadn’t been there in awhile.

some cute kids were giving away their books for free and if you took one, you got candy…so cute. I couldn’t carry the book but got a kit kat anyway lol

I hung around after and did some exploring on the trails…

it clouded up up but the fall colors were still so pretty

  • Friday – Another rest day.  And a miserable rainy day it was. I walked at lunch and then played mah jongg (at my house) in the evening.
  • Saturday – Normally this is my long run day but instead I walked with my friends and then went out for brunch.

it was a beautiful morning but as soon as we were done with brunch, it started to rain and it rained ALL day.

I also picked up my bib for the next day’s race at our local Fleet Feet store and did some errands (in the rain).

Then I relaxed and carb loaded with pizza and tried to figure out what to wear for the race the next day.

30s – would I be too cold in a skirt an no jacket???

  • Sunday – Race Day! Stockade-athon 15K. It was my 8th time running this race, I always enjoy the varied course scenery, downhill finish and all the familiar faces.  It was harder than I remembered but the weather was great. Now that’s it’s over, I’m glad that I ran it. lol

positive splits per usual… not my worst 15k time but close

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  rest day, volunteering
  • Tuesday –  run at lunch, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – run after work, walk with BFF
  • Thursday – run at lunch, museum and dinner out with tennis friends
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Sunday – Upstate Classic Half Marathon, pick up Turkey Trot bib, anniversary mah jongg dinner

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Stockade-athon 15k Race Recap
  • Friday – Why I am Thankful for Running

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 is the time change affecting your running? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 10:31.21-11.7.21: Bye Bye Peloton!

So my trial membership ended. I really like Peloton and the instructors. I think it offers a great variety of workouts. But I used it 9 times in 3 months!!! And I only used it for outdoor runs.  It just doesn’t fit into my schedule. Well, actually I prioritize running and time with my family and friends over Peloton workouts. I won’t say that I won’t try it again (if it’s free)  But there are just so many hours in the day when you work full-time.  And then the $$$ thing. I choose to spend it on racing and brunches.

After a week of rainy weather, I’m happy to report that although it was cold, it was dry.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – With #boatingsunday over for the year, #hikingsunday continued with Taconic Sculpture Park and Chittendens Falls before handing out candy to the neighborhood trick or treaters.
  • Monday – #nevermissamonday. I got my run in at lunchtime so I could walk with friends after work.

the wind made it feel chilly at first but then the sun warmed me up and I found my favorite candy. (another new neighborhood and even had a short trail)

  • Tuesday  – I had originally planned to either run at lunch and then walk with friends after work…or even go to my first Track workout.

My running friend asked me to run with her after work and so I walked at lunch… (And voted, of course.)

and then ran at UAlbany after work with her followed by a chilly outdoor walk with my BFF.

I ran Heidi’s 2:1 intervals and it was nice to company on the run

  • Wednesday – Today I did squeeze in my run during lunch and then met my friends after work for our rail trail walk.

leaves leaves everywhere…soon there will be Christmas decorations – though it was in the 40s, the sun sure made it pleasant out there

  • Thursday – Rest day finally so after work, I could help a running friend move. We worked hard unloading their truck.  Strength training, I say.

how convenient that they moved across the street from the cookie truck. We had ice cream sandwiches for dessert.

  • Friday – Another rest day because I don’t run the day before a long run.  I did walk at lunch time and played mahjongg in the evening.
  • Saturday – Long Run Day!  My 12 miler! Happy to report that it was sunnier than my runs during the week and that I had my friends to run with on most of the miles. Since I wanted to run 12, I ran 3 solo and then carpooled to Zim Smith with Barbara and ran the 9 remaining mile with Sherry.  Due to the cold temps, we decided that we may be done with outdoor brunching for this year and instead I ate inside at a new place with the rest of the Sole Sisters.

I froze on my solo foggy 3 miles but then was overdressed for sunny 9 miles…for some reason this run felt harder than most…

  • Sunday –  NYC Marathon... tracking not running. FOMO. lol  Good Luck to all those running it.  You are all so lucky to have perfect weather.

#tbt 2019.

A hike or two planned, of course.

I had wanted to go to Overlook Fire Tower but somehow my directions took me to Falling Water Preserve.  it was a beautiful day with nice view of the Hudson.

wearing my NYCM beanie & jacket lol

On my way home, I stopped at Opus40 which someone had recommended. It was kinda meh. But again a beautiful day to be outdoors.

it was interesting … just not what I expected

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –   run at lunch, volunteer mtg after work
  • Tuesday – run at lunch, walk after work with friends
  • Wednesday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Thursday – DAY OFF, run, hike
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Sunday – Stockade-athon 15k Race

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I learned from my worst race
  • Friday – How to pick your next big race

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? What you like about Peloton?  How often do you use it? Are you watching or tracking the NYCM today? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 10.24.21-10.31.21: Training and Raining

No weekend 5k last week so I could concentrate on the 11 mile Long Run.

We had previously been blessed with such great weather.  Well, that ended.  Many runners don’t mind running in the rain. I am not one of them. lol.

Fortunately I always have flowers in my kitchen (that I buy for myself at Trader Joes) which brighten my day (even when it cloudy and rainy).  And they last for weeks too (although I hope we have more sunshine this coming week.)

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Since I had only run a 5k on Saturday instead of the planned 10 miler, I decided to explore a new route, run 7 miles there  and then go for two nearby hikes afterwards.
  • Monday – I had not planned to run after running on both Saturday and Sunday, But Sunday’s run was easy and the pouring ran had stopped by lunchtime and threatened to start again.  So off I ran.

I get very bored in my neighborhood so I took a drive… I think the colors are prettier on a cloudy day.

I met a friend with my umbrella for an after work walk (and of course, it never rained until we were finished.)

  • Tuesday  – Another rainy day. I had no plans on joining the TTTC group. I did think about joining ARE’s Track workout (for the first time) if the rain stopped.

The rain never stopped ALL DAY. My first track workout will have to wait until next Tuesday. And I had to get my walk in at the mall.

  • Wednesday –  A scheduled rest day due to a hair appt.  Of course, it was a nice weather day.  I hate when that happens. So I decided to squeeze in a run.

it was very windy (but dry) and I did not have a lot of time… a short run is better than no run, right?

During my hair appt, I got a text that our power was out.  So I headed to the mall and walked around until the power came back on.

  • Thursday – Back to trying to fit runs in during lunch or waiting to run or walk after work with friends. I decided to wait until after work and walk at lunch.

I walked on the water line behind my house since I hadn’t been there in ages.

chilly, damp and muddy but still glad to be outdoors.

I drove to the end of the rail trail and ran solo

still working on fall running attire – always cold at first and then too hot

and then met friends nearby for cookies (since they were not able to meet me to run.)

the good news: it was too cold to order ice cream and I only ate ONE warm cookie and my hubby finished off the bag.

  • Friday -Another rest day and an evening playing mah jongg.
  • Saturday – Long Run Day! Of course, rain was predicted. But then the forecast changed to rain after 11 am.  So we all decided to give it a go.  I arrived early on the rail trail and ran 2 (in the rain… Boo).  By the time everyone else arrived the rain had stopped.  9 more miles with Sherry while the others did their own thing.  We met after at a new breakfast spot (which did not get rave reviews but my pumpkin waffles were delish).

I dressed for the occasion and like the others got warm while running (3 other runners not pictured)

The hubby wanted to go out for dinner so I had to indulge him.

the pumpkin cannoli was the highlight

  • Sunday – I had originally planned to volunteer at a local trail race. I changed my mind when my friends were not running it and the forecast was for rain (and just in case I needed to change my long from from Saturday to Sunday.) And it did rain in the am. So I continued my d-cluttering obsession…

and then took off to go hiking

First I stopped off at a Sculpture Park

unfortunately it was closed but that didn’t stop me from taking pix

and then to see some nearby falls and stroll on the Electric Trail.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!! Champ and I are looking forward to giving out candy tonight!

This Coming Week on the Run:

  • Monday –   run, walk with friends
  • Tuesday – TTTC group run, ARE track workout
  • Wednesday – run, walk with friends
  • Thursday – rest day, help friend move
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I learned from my best race
  • 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? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 10.18.21-10.24.21: Fall Temps, more Hikes and a 5K

Last week, I complained that although it looked like Fall, it felt like summer.

This week, thanks to weekend rain, the temps cooled down.  That didn’t make me happy but I am savoring the last minutes of afternoon daylight. And I did get some fall hiking in.

Though, I’m in the meddle of training for a half marathon, I participated in a 5k (for charity reasons).  Always feels good when you give back.

Last Week:

  • Monday – No time to run but after work, it’s still light enough and I decided on UAlbany (post rain shower). I did not realize how cold and windy it had gotten.

brrr! run shortened due to frozen ears and hands. (the purple line was from a recent race.)

And then after dinner, I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

  • Tuesday  – My 3rd meeting with the TTTC group was scheduled for tonight.  I am debating about leaving the group. It involves waiting until 6 pm to run and running around a college campus and/or track in the dark. And not much coaching (which used to be the highlight for me) and fewer and different participants each week.

So instead I ran during lunch

chilly at first but with the sun, I warmed up quickly

and then was able to meet friends to walk after work.

chose a different place – Pine hollow arboretum

  • Wednesday – Rest Day!  I did take a walk at lunch but then met my tennis friends to visit a local museum and then out to dinner (at a restaurant on the Mohawk river).  Always a fun time getting together with these ladies.

3 left before the group photo

  • Thursday – A run squeezed in at lunch (in case my friend was unavailable after work).

crazy weather. it seemed that summer was back. the top left house has the skeletons in a different pose each week – beer pong, fencing, riding a tractor and today painting

It was the right move since my friend was indeed unable to run so instead I went for a hike,

Five Rivers was lovely and nearby.

  • Friday – Rest Day!  Not much activity…just mah jongg in the evening and getting ready my #flatme.

fingers crossed that it is not as chilly as predicted.

  • Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k. This race used to be in May but due to COVID, it got changed to today.  Poor timing since I had a 10 mile long run planned for the day. As soon as I arrived, I didn’t regret my choice to run it one bit.

changed my outfit and sweat but connected with a lot of familiar faces and even won my age group.

I had the choice of running 7 more miles after the race or joining others for  brunch.

Yup, I chose brunch with my running friends and then did some errands.

  • Sunday – Plans are made to be broken. I decided to only run 7 miles and on a new path…

a great path to run on and the weather was perfect…but I HATE running alone!

and then go hiking after (in that area).

Hike #1: many trails…I could have stayed forever…

Hike #2: loved being outdoors on this beautiful day

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –   run, walk with friends
  • Tuesday – TTTC group run, track workout
  • Wednesday – rest day, hair appt.
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday – rest day, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Summer Smith Memorial 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 planned? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 10.11.21-10.17.21: Celebrating Fall

Leaves are falling and the colors are changing…but at times, the temps still feel like summer (70’s).  That’s ok with me. I like to wear my tanks and skirts as long as possible.

Things seem to happen in spurts… But this week was packed with celebrations (Healthy eating starts next week lol).

Last Week:

  • Monday – I had the day off from work.  I wanted to go hiking but it was the last day of boating season so my hubby took the day off from work too.  We got to the marina early so I could go for a run.

I used to run here all the time when I slept on the boat…but it’s been awhile and yes, I dressed for the season.

Rather than bringing lunch to eat on the lake (as we usually do), we decided to eat at a restaurant on the lake.

We got very lucky. The weather was picture perfect. Though this summer, we did not spend spend as much time on the boat as usual, it is always sad to put it away for the season.

  • Tuesday  – Back to work. A lunch walk in the park…

I forgot how much I enjoyed these walks esp. in the Fall

and the 2nd in-person session of the TTTC group run. Again I ran with the advanced group which included different runners than last week.

2 loops of the campus and 2 loops of the track… with 2 minute speed intervals in the mix

  • Wednesday – Rest day and a quick walk during lunch at a nearby nature preserve…

a little muddy but worth it…

And then after work, we went to my stepson’s for dinner.

  • Thursday – Squeezed in a lunch run on the rail trail so I could again walk after work with friends.

  • Friday – Another rest day. A college friend (who lives in NJ) was passing through on her way home from a biking trip.  I was able to get together with her and a local college friend. I thought we’d hike in the afternoon (I got out of work early) but they arrived later than planned so I did a short one on my own …

this was a brand new trail and it overlooked the rail trail that I run on often.

then a longer one

I’ve been coming here since the 70s and still enjoy the view

before we eventually met for a walk in a park.

It was also my stepson’s birthday so we went out to dinner with the fam.

  • Saturday – Long Run time. This week we chose the rail trail.  I started early and then ran 8 miles with others (followed by brunch, of course.)

that’s an ugly turkey vulture

In the evening, it was dress up time as I went out to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

  • Sunday – Hiking has returned. I had plans to hike with a running friend.  And we visited three different trails between the rain showers.

Vroman’s Nose

We met two running friends for lunch after the first trail.

Christman Nature Sanctuary and the bottom right is from Winn Nature Preserve

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –   run. walk with BFF
  • Tuesday – TTTC group run
  • Wednesday – rest day, museum/dinner with tennis friends
  • Thursday – run, walk with friends
  • Friday -rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Summer Smith Memorial 5k (+ 7 more miles)
  • Sunday – long run (if miles not added on Sat) or hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – National Savings Day
  • Friday – Running Without Training

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? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down (x2) for 9.27.21-10.10.21: Race-cation!!

It’s catch up time.  I skipped last week’s Run Down since I was away for four days in NH.

  • So Half Marathon #52 is in the books. A great time away with my running friends was had by each one of us.
  • The kitchen is DONE!!! The washing machine and the car are fixed.
  • And I got my COVID booster shot!!! (I hope you all can soon, as well. Let’s all protect ourselves and others!!!!)

Two Weeks Ago:

  • Monday – Fall temps were in the air.  But I had no time to run except after work. Besides it rained much of the day.

After my run, I met friends to walk on the rail trail and then got my nails down.

BTW: The countertops were installed (still no water though…)

  • Tuesday – After work today was the first scheduled Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge (TTTC) group run. However, it got changed to “Virtual” this week.

So I reverted back to my usual rest day and met my two friends for a walk instead.

And the sink, faucet and dishwasher were connected. Hooray for normalcy (Of course, now I have to put everything back in the cabinets…)

  • Wednesday –  I ran a few miles at lunch…

shocker…I used the Peleton App

because I had to drop my car off at the repair shop after work and then go to my MIL’s to celebrate her 96th birthday.

pizza and ice cream cake…glad we love the same foods

  • Thursday – Last run before the “big day.”  Again I squeezed in a run at lunch so I could pick up my car after work and then met my BFF to walk… and finally pack!

starting to look like fall

Plenty of time to run because the car needed more work than anticipated.

  • Friday – And we were off early to our NH race-cation. We carpooled in two cars and stopped off on the way for a delicious lunch.

After getting situated in our 7 bedroom AirBnB house, we walked to the beach and then had dinner nearby with an ocean view.

the house was built in 1826 (pictured below) and before dinner, we practiced our beach jumping…many laughs were had by all.

  • Saturday – As an early riser, I was able walk down to the beach and catch the sunrise on the ocean.  A longer walk than from our house last year but it was nice to get in some steps.

We then set out to spend the day in Kennebunkport, ME where we had lunch and toured the shops. Afterward we returned to Hampton Beach, NH to pick up our race packets and spend the evening carb loading on pizza by an outdoor fire.

we scored some $5 matching shirts for more jumping pix on the beach.

did we get any better?

  • Sunday – Rockfast Snuttynose Half Marathon!! Perfect running weather for those running 13.1 miles, 3.1 miles or just spectating.

we even watched the sunrise on the ocean before our races began. And everyone had a good race!!

Post race refreshments consisted of clam chowder and a lobster roll so no need to lunch. We relaxed the rest of the day and went out for celebratory dinner.

Last Week:

  • Monday – I planned to get up early to watch the sunrise again but it was raining.  So I waited and when it stopped, I took a long walk to the beach and along the ocean before we left for home.

so sad to say good bye to the ocean….

Since it started to rain again, we decided to leave early. Glad this was a rest day as it poured the rest of the day.

  • Tuesday  – Back to work…sigh! Rained ALL day.

Week #2 of the TTTC had its first in-person meeting. The rain stopped just in time and I met some new people.

I joined the advanced group but we just ran…no drills.

  • Wednesday – I met my friend Deirdre for a run after work on the rail trail.

It was fun catching up since she was unable to go to NH with us.

  • Thursday – I was able to squeeze in a short run in my neighborhood during lunch so I could meet two friends to walk after work.

beginning to look like Halloween in the ‘hood

I also learned today that a local tennis friend who moved to Naples, FL died suddenly…. (Yes, she was a runner also.) She was only 46!!!

  • Friday – Rest day after running three days in a row. Got my COVID booster shot.  Fingers crossed for no adverse reaction that would spoil my 3-day weekend.
  • Saturday – Back to our Saturday Long Runs. 8 miles was on my schedule. The good news was that I felt perfectly fine!! Phew. I ran intervals with Heid, Sherry & Deb and then met Chris, Judy and Jan after for brunch.

this was part of the route for the marathon that was being held the next day…

  • Sunday – I signed up today to volunteer at the Mohawk-Hudson Half Marathon/Marathon. I was there early to set up for the refreshments and then stayed to cheer on some runners. What a great day.  I enjoyed it almost as much as racing.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

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

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Smuttynose Half Marathon Race Recap
  • Friday – Big Hairy Goals (pt 2)

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? Please share.