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

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

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

Last Week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

even too cold for me!!

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

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

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

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

not bad at all.. glad I waited until today

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

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

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

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

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

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

nope, not happening!!

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

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

walked on the ridge trail instead (@Barbersville Falls)

Then I drove to one closer to my house.

Five Rivers on a sunny but cold winter day

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

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

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

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

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

and in my running life:

2011 vs 2021

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

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

This Coming Week on the Run– 

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

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

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

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned?  Have the cold temps forced you indoors or do you run outside anyway? Please share.

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

I’m re-posting Kim G‘s meme:

unfortunately, this is so true

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

Last Week:

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

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

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

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

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

and then a walk after work.

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

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

followed by a walk with my BFF after work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

and a late lunch run.

I drove to the rail trail for this one

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

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

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

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

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

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

free+ food + friends = fun race!

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

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

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

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

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

This Coming Week on the Run– 

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

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – My Word
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned?  How did you celebrate New Year’ Eve? Did you run or race on New Year’s Day? Please share.

If you celebrate, hope you had a nice holiday.

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

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

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

Last Week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

portable charger

• Wednesday – Today was a rest day. But I did meet friends after work for a walk.

• Thursday – I got up early and planned my sunrise run but feels like 10 degrees sent me back indoors for a cup of coffee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Coming Week on the Run– 

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

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Albany Last Run Race Recap
• Friday – Runfessions

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned?  How did you celebrate on Christmas Eve and Day? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? Please share.

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.

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.

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.

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.