weekly run down

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Weekly Run Down for 4.17.22-4.24.22: Racing Close to Home

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

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

Last Week:

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

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

Thumbs up for NO RAIN!!

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

for Italians, dinner usually consists of lasagna and meatballs…

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

you always sweat there..

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

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

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

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

 not amused and neither were my daffodils

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

and a walk after work (in the mall.)

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

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

I stopped at the library on the way home…

what’s wrong with this photo?

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

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

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

actually a nice day… sunny and breezy

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

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

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

cute shirt with a recycled LA half bib

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

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

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

I started running this race back in 2011…

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

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

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

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

This Coming Week on the Run– 

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

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Delmar Dash Race Recap
  • Friday – Runfessions

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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

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Weekly Run Down for 4.10.22-4.17.22: A Week of De-Cluttering and Racing

Yesterday I ran a local half marathon for the third time (but only the 2nd time on its original course). Sherry was my accomplice in each one…

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

2019,                         2021,                             2022

I used to say that I would not repeat a half marathon.  However, money and time interferes with my desire to travel the world and run different  half marathons.

So yes, I will repeat local races and ones in Florida.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – After a step overloaded day on Saturday in NYC…

I ran the first annual Shape 5.8M Loop race (Read the recap here).

I met up with old and new friends and had a really great time. I was so grateful for the cool temps, only one loop of those Central Park hills and the gorgeous scenery.

I had a delicious brunch and stroll with Cari and Elizabeth and then added many more miles walking though the city, Macy’s Flower Show and Bryant Park before heading back on the train home.

I won’t bore you here.  Check out IG for more pix from the weekend.

  • Monday – I took a day off from work to recover from my weekend LOL.

I started with an early morning gym visit…

I got laundry, unpacking and grocery shopping done before I decided to attend the afternoon FTC (rather than the evening one I usually go to.

Unfortunately there was no advanced group so I just ran with my friends who were mentoring the Intermediate group

After a stop at TJ’s, it was still too nice to stay indoors so I went on a hike at the Holly Hock Nature Sanctuary..

it was obvious that we had a lot of rain recently

I ended the day with dinner out to catch up with an old friend.

What a lovely day… I think I need to retire lol

  • Tuesday – Another day off….

I forgot to mention that over the weekend, our sump pump broke and our un-finished basement flooded. (So glad I was not home!!)  It was karma because I have been nagging my hubby for years to clean out the basement…

He finally agreed and 1-800-gotjunk came to clear everything out.

So most of todday was spent sorting through junk that I wanted to keep and tossing all the stuff that we did not need to pay to have removed.

After a rainy start, it turned out to be a beautiful day for a run… I took a drive to the Corning bike path

first tank run of the season

Then I met two friends for a long walk on the trail trail followed by dinner out to celebrate a birthday.

found a sign for my upcoming half on this same path

  • Wednesday –  Back to work and the gym first thing…

got up late… didn’t even have time to put my contacts in…

Spring has sprung and my house has been somewhat de-cluttered.

After two truck loads of junk removed, I now have a cleared basement and roomier rooms (got rid of old bookcases, chairs, desks, dressers, etc. Ahhhh!!)

hooray… spring flowers!!

In the evening I was scheduled to volunteer with STEM again. It started to rain and thunderstorms were predicted  so I left early and did a short run just in case STEM got cancelled.

wearing my newish $7 Topos (from Poshmark)

It apparently only rained at my house.  Dry as a bone at UAlbany for our run.

even though they are doing Couch to 5k, the lady I ran with (as I did last time) likes to run fast and not walk… oy!

  • Thursday – Rest Day!

In the blink of an eye, the weather changed from winter to summer.  80 degrees today!! I did some weeding during lunch and was sweating!!

Then we had a thunderstorm and temps dropped like 30 degrees.

I got my bib for Saturday’s race after work (in between the raindrops).

pick up was at the finish line of the race

  • Friday – Rest Day #2. I went to the gym before work.

Perfect weather for running…. Grrr.

race day forecast. sigh.

My Mah Jongg game got cancelled due to Passover seders. So I took to the trails for a walk.

just a few blossoms… they are coming so I plan to go back here (Pine Hollow Arboretum)

And then I carb loaded and debated my race day outfit.

Plan A: skirt and short sleeves

Plan B: long sleeves, capris and gloves

  • Saturday – Race Day! Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon. And the Weather Gods answered my prayers. No rain. Even sunshine.

So many familiar faces which made it a fun event. A downhill course for the most part which still seemed very hard as I had my usual positive splits (but happy with my overall finish time.)

  • Sunday – Plans for the day include Easter dinner with the family and finishing those taxes!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
  • Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – gym, STEM run
  • Thursday – run, walk with BFF
  • Friday – gym, run, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, walk with running friends, hike
  • Sunday –  Delmar Dash (5m race) + 5 miles

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Race Recap
  • Friday – Racing By the Alphabet

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?  Ever hire a service to de-clutter your house?  Do you wait until the last minute to file your taxes? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 4.4.22-4.10.22: Back in the “Big Apple”

I managed to avoid the rain and get all my runs in.

This getaway weekend almost did not happen due to work travel.

But happily, the work trip got postponed and I spent the weekend in NYC.

I ran a race, and I got to see  my NYC besties and the Cherry Blossoms at peak!!

photo credit – Cari

Last Week:

  • Sunday – I would have liked to go to the gym, but it is CLOSED on Sundays… Boo!

Instead, I went hiking (after tracking my friends running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler),

found a new place to hike… it was lovely and I got it done before the rain

stopped at Target on my way home and then caught up on Bridgerton…

enjoyed it even if it was not as steamy as season 1.

  • Monday – To make up for Sunday, I started the day at the gym

my shirt was appropriate as I realized that I need to do this not only when I run...

and then I went to my usually scheduled FTC run after work.

quite a workout as I ran with Stan and 2 other speedy women and no, it wasn’t warm enough for ice cream

  • Tuesday – With rain in the forecast for almost everyday this week, I decided to go for a run after work. After doing some errands, I drove to the opposite end of the rail (from last week.

the artwork set up during the Pandemic still displayed and the weather was awesome but it was late and I was hungry…

  • Wednesday –  A rainy day so I was glad to call it a sorta rest day.

I did go to the gym before work.

Today was my first volunteer session with STEM.  The group meets 3x a week at UAlbany at 6:30 pm and uses the Couch to 5k app to prepare these new runners (12 from the Addiction Care Center of Albany) for a 5k (scheduled for June 5.)

women of all abilities… one was super fast and I had to sprint to keep up with her lol

  • Thursday – Another rainy day so I decided on rest day (because yesterday was not exactly as restful as I had planned). But I slept in instead of going to the gym before work and then I had an errand to run during lunch.

But I did go for a walk in the mall after work.

  • Friday – No rest for the weary. I got up early and went to the gym

tempted o use the treadmill? NOPE!!

Rain on and off all day but I managed to get my run done during lunch.

that is not a lake on the bottom left… we had that much rain!!

Then I packed and played mah jongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – I took an early morning train to NYC, checked into my hotel and had my usual NYC lunch:

Then I walked to NYRR to get my race bib

 and spent the rest of the day exploring my favorite city…

even wandered a bit with Cari.

(check out IG for more photos)

I got rained on at the beginning and end of my day but the the cherry blossoms at peak made up for the weather!!

I picked up some pizza and spent the evening getting ready for the big day:

spoiler alert – too cold and changed to capris and long sleeved shirt and added gloves

  • Sunday –  This morning I ran the Shape 5.8M Loop race in Central Park. A great all women’s race (about 3000 runners ran the hall and 3200  the new shorter distance)

It was chilly (even rainy) before the race (and after) but the weather during was perfect and I was so happy to only run ONE loop of the park.

met up with a local friend and her daughter and made some new friends… The views made up for those hills!! My first 5.8 mile race=PR!

Cari met me at the race and after we had brunch and Elizabeth, then wandered around before I had to head back to my hotel to check out..

(check out IG for more photos)

Afterward, I did more exploring – Macy’s Flower Show and Bryant Park before taking the train home. (Came home to a grumpy hubby,- our sum pump had broken and flooded the basement… glad I was away lol).

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC), Athleta event
  • Tuesday – gym, rest day
  • Wednesday – run, STEM volunteering
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday – gym, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
  • Sunday –  rest day, hiking, Easter dinner

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – St? Who me?
  • Friday – Shape 5.8 Mile 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? Has your weather warmed up? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 3.27.22-4.3.22: Just Running… into April

Yes. Just Running.

That means that I had no race this past weekend.

(Spoiler Alert: I will most likely racing on 4/10, 4/16, 4/24, 5/1, 5/7, 5/14, 5/19, 5/22, 5/29, 6/4, 6/5, 6/11, 6/25, 6/26, 7/4, 7/15 … Pretty crazy, right?)

Last Week:

  • Sunday – A 5 mile St Patrick’s Day themed race followed by extra miles.

The race was fun though I was crazy slow due the wind and being tired.

it started with bag pipe entertainment and I hooked with many new and old friends

The miles after the race were torture.. It was even windier and I was even more tired.

even the trees questioned what I was doing out there… lol

But 11 miles got done and that’s all that matters with a half marathon in 3 weeks!!

  • Monday – I started the day at the gym..

After work, I had to skip the FTC run in favor of a night out. But it was worth it!

Dinner first..

 my hubby took the pic

Then lots of laughs… (tix from cancelled 12/31/21 show)

15,000 attended… who knew he was so popular?

  • Tuesday  – Winter has returned along with March winds. I was planning on a lunch run. But the winds were howling and the feels like temp was still in the teens so I waited and drove to UAlbany after work to run.

don’t let the blue skies and sunshine fool you.. it was plenty windy!!

Afterward, I met my BFF for a long walk in the mall.

  • Wednesday –  Believe it or not, I again dragged myself to the gym before work.

Then I went to the FTC run after work.  It wasn’t my normal group (but actually closer to my home) but I had my missed my group run on Monday evening.  I really didn’t feel like waiting until 6 pm to run but it is so much more fun running with others.  I am glad that I waited.

ran with two really nice ladies… faster and longer than I would have if I had run solo.

  • Thursday – With rain in the forecast and an appt after work, I squeezed in my run before work. And it was actually a nice day to run… if only I had more time (and energy).

no leaves on the trees yet but I found Easter decorations…

  • Friday – Morning 3 at the gym. And finally a rest day (after three days in a row of running.)

Instead of mah jongg, after work, I went out to dinner to celebrate two friends’ job promotions. Too much food and drink but we had a great time.

  • Saturday – Saturday Long Run returned!! 12 miles was on the plan.  Glad to have company on the Zim Smith bike path followed by a lovely brunch at Leah’s.

so grateful for the sunshine and Leah’s chocolate milk

Then I got my second booster shot!! Very happy to have this option (even if I get a reaction, I want to protect my loved ones.)  Feel ok so far…

  • Sunday – I would have liked to go to the gym, but it is CLOSED on Sundays… Boo!

Instead, my plan was to go hiking (after tracking my friends running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler)

found a new place to hike… it was lovely and I got it done before the rain

and then catch up on Bridgerton…

what do think of season 2?

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – gym, Freihofer Training Challenge Run (FTC)
  • Tuesday – gym, rest day
  • Wednesday – run, volunteering with STEM
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday – gym, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day – train to NYC
  • Sunday –  Shape 5.8m Race (in NYC)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Embracing Old Age
  • Friday – Reasons to 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 run or planned? Have you gotten the second COVID booster (those of you who are over 50)? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 3.20.22-3.27.22: Let Them Eat Cake…

A 5 mile race belatedly to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

There was a dinner to celebrate my stepson’s and his wife’s anniversary and also a farewell dinner for a tennis friend (who’s moving). I did NOT run enough miles this week to burn off all those extra calories…

The pics above explain the title of this post. LOL

Last Week:

  • Sunday – A relaxing day (post virtual half marathon)

the day before…

After tracking all my friends who were in NYC running the live NYC Half Marathon, I drove to Saratoga Springs

 I was scheduled to volunteer for the Freihofer 5k at the Adirondack Sports Expo.

Expo REGISTRATION OPEN — Adirondack Sports

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

  • Monday – I actually worked at an in-person training today (yup wore real clothes and make-up).  Then after work, I participated in the first of 11 Freihofer Training Challenge (FTC) runs.  As a Ambassador for the race, I was just there to support and to have some friends to run with. (Admittedly it is a pain to drive there and wait until 6 pm to run).

lots of familiar faces – ran with the “advanced” group – so so windy!!!

  • Tuesday  – I was able to squeeze in a run at lunch

don’t let the sun fool you, it was windy!!

Well, I went to the gym … to pick up my membership card.

Bethlehem YMCA - Capital District YMCA

I have FREE 12-week membership at the local YMCA as part of the FTC.  Now I just need to go…

  • Wednesday –  I waited until after work to run.  I wanted some different scenery so I drove to the Albany end of the rail trail.

It was awesome which meant I kept stopping to take pics lol

  • Thursday – I started the day (6:30 am) with an orientation at Y. A perfect activity for a rainy rest day.

Now I need to commit to 6:30 am workouts here on non-running days… 3x week!!

After work, I went out to dinner for a farewell party. One of my tennis friends is moving to NC.

  • Friday – A busy work day but I managed to squeeze in a short run at lunch.

50s – perfect weather for a run… wish I had more time

After work, another dinner.  This time at my MIL’s to celebrate my stepson and his wife’s 3rd wedding anniversary.

  • Saturday – Started the day at the gym!

My plan was to work out at 6 am, then meet friends at 8 am followed by brunch.

Only the Y opens at 8 am on Saturdays not 5:30 am (as it does on weekdays).  D’uh.

Since I had a race the next day, I only walked 3 miles and obviously not as far as planned. Still met at 10:30 for brunch.

  • Sunday –  Race Day. Shamrock Shuffle 5 Miler. 

 during a rainy 2019 Shamrock Shuffle

This is a race that I’ve done many times in the past but not since 2019.  The plan is to have fun and have enough energy left to stop on my way home at the Zim Smith bike path and run 6 more miles…

windy but fun

not fun!! but done…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday – Freihofer Training Challenge Run, gym, dinner out and tix to a comedy act with friends & hubby
Sebastian Maniscalco Coming To The UBS Arena - The Wave

re-scheduled from 12/31/21

  • Tuesday – rest day, run
  • Wednesday – run, dinner out with friends
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday – rest day, gym,  mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day, gym, hiking

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –Shamrock Shuffle 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

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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

by

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.