My WFH stint was supposed to end on April 29. Now it has been extended until at least May 15.

Otherwise things are the same. All social activities still cancelled. Missing my friends!! But keeping in touch via ZOOM.

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house). Always looking for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing.

This one is sponsored by our local running group – 3 races and you get the medal.

trying to run one of these each week…

The NYC Mini 10k on June 13,2020 was cancelled – another race that I was REALLY looking forward to!!!

JULY 5, 2020 – CANCELLED

I’ve always had to work and could not participate.  This year the hike was on a Sunday and I signed up with the hubby. 😦

But the good news:

Congrats to Kim and Debbie!!

Thanks to all those who entered.  It’s not too late.  You can still register until May 5 at  https://freihofersrun.com/virtual-5k/.  Use the code AMBSS5 and for $20 you will get:

• 42nd annual virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women t-shirt & bib
• A finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home
• Commemorative finishers’ medal
• Coupons for Freihofer’s products
• Automatic entry into Virtual 5k Sweepstakes with great prizes!

The t-shirts, medals and coupons will be mailed to participants the first week in June.

Last Week –

• Monday – Happy to see the sun shining even if it was only a rest day.

lunch time walk in the park

post work walk at Holly Hock Hollow Sanctuary

• Tuesday – A nasty windy rainy day!! I skipped my lunch walk and crossed my fingers that the rain (and wind) would stop at some point so I could go for a short run.

Yeah, well the rain did stop. So I drove to the Crossings for a quick run. (I wanted to go to Trader Joes which is why I picked this run location and in the evening now I’ve got plenty of time.)

the wind got to me so I quit early

• Wednesday – Earth Day!!  I woke up to SNOW!!  It did melt but again it was windy!! I took my usual lunch time walk… Had to find a location to be protected from the CRAZY wind.

hid under the TALL trees in the park and discovered a new loop

and then after work I drove to Washington Park to complete my Earth Day Virtual 5k. The wind was so strong and cold that I threw in the towel.

Don’t let these pictures fool you. It like like winter.

I stopped on the way home to check out a new trail.

I plan to head back here when it is warmer.

• Thursday – Still cold but at least it was sunny. Rain was in the forecast so I was glad to fit in my lunch walk and planned to try for the 3rd time to run a 5k.

My good friend texted me that she is only working (as a doctor) M,W,F and asked if I wanted to met her for a walk. You know I jumped at the chance to see a friendly face. We shared the view from the trail behind my house

I decided for once to RUN on the trail behind my house. However, I forgot how hilly it was. Still the temps warmed up, the wind died down and I got back in time to cook dinner and ZOOM chat with my running friends. (We did two sessions we were having so much fun.)

belated Earth Day celebration

• Friday – A rainy rest day. I tried to squeeze my lunch walk in between the raindrops.

Not successful.. Got wet but no biggie.

The rain did stop by the time I finished work. I went back to the trail I discovered on Wednesday and walked the full loop.

Then I found another nearby trail. This loop was longer and muddier but still felt great to be outdoors.

• Saturday – I started the day with my favorite yoga teacher’s class – Yoga for Runners – Glute & Piriformis Activation and Healing. Great class. Next month is hips!

After class, I headed out for my long run. Again, later than I would have liked. I had planned to run from 9-11 miles but after last weekend, I just wanted to have a decent run.

Where to go? I decided on Peebles Island.  Although I knew that it would be crowded in the park, I knew the path to Green Island would be pretty empty and then the Erie Canal path in Waterford would have no one on it.

And I was right. There were some walkers but they were courteous and wearing masks. I continued father into Green Island (which was new to me) and then returned to my car for a water stop.  Then I proceeded to the canal path which was deserted (and soft on the feet).

Felt so much better than last week – not as warm or as late in the day and I wore my old shoes with no taping

definitely inspired by all those participating in this virtual race series.

After some laundry and gardening, I realized that since it would be raining the next TWO days, I should continue my quest to visit the local preserves and walk the trails.  They are perfect for social distancing since no one is usually at them.

• Sunday – A ugly raining day. Lots of de-cluttering to done! But first a visit to TWO more preserves:

Just a few raindrops and no one else there. I think I am enjoying these walks more than my runs.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – run
• Tuesday –  rest day, walk
• Wednesday – run (un-canceled 10k)
• Thursday – run, ZOOM running group chat
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
• Saturday – LONG RUN (12?)
• Sunday – rest day, walk, ZOOM tennis book club

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?  How is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having  hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut? Have you run any virtual races? Please share.

Still working at home (now at least until April 30) …

All social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

and it’s over…maybe the first challenge I’ve EVER completed

So bored that I even signed up for one free month of NetFlix (not really a TV addict)

Any watch this? It enjoyed it. Next up is binge watching Schitt’s Creek.

one done…I call them my quarantine socks.

But if there is a silver lining in this, it’s that running solo has motivated me to vary my running routes. I am running in different places each day. It’s easy to get in a rut and run in the old same, same old. Thanks  to IG and FB, I have discovered some new routes to walk or run on. Plus there is usually traffic after work.  Now with everyone working from home, I can drive to places that I normally would not.

Last Week –

• Monday – Hooray for sunshine!!

Lunch walk on the trails near my house:

blue skies!!

Post work run: Trying to avoid crowds but not run on the roads… Decided to drive to The Crossings because they closed the park to cars.

windy and maybe a little early for the skirt but couldn’t wait…I parked at a nearby church and had almost all the trails to myself. 🙂

• Tuesday – Sunshine two days in a row!!

First my lunch time walk:

different route everyday on this nearby trail

I had planned a rest day but rain was predicted for the next two or three days so run I did. Today I picked Washington Park in Albany.

found some signs of spring and not too many people

• Wednesday – Sun has left for a few days. The morning rain had stopped so I was able to get in a walk during lunch

left, right, straight??

and a run after work. Today I decided to drive up to Colonie Town Park. Normally I would not since there would be too much traffic at this time of day. It was refreshing to check out the scenery in a different location (haven’t run here in ages.)

some bikers but not many but bumped into a running friend and we chatted for a long time (from a distance)

A little nostalgic as it was the first night of Passover and in past years I celebrated at a Seder with my mah jongg friends.

• Thursday – A miserable weather day – pouring rain and WIND. Skipped my lunch walk and hoped to rain would end by 4 pm.

Declared it a rest day from running but did get in at least one walk. It was chilly and very windy and I almost bailed but I remembered a place that looked interesting from a friend’s IG post. (Pine Hollow Aboretum) Boy, am I glad I went…it was amazing – 22 acres, 11 ponds, trees from all over the world, trails galore.

can’t wait to go back when the trees are in bloom

And although we don’t currently run together, our running group is chatting virtually once a week:

• Friday – Yes, another unseasonably cold, rainy, windy day. Since there was no rain  at lunch time, I decided to search out a place to walk that would be shielded from that awful wind. (Elm Avenue Park Fit Trails)

the tall trees at the park did the trick & I even discovered a new path. will go back when I have more time to explore

Normally a rest day but no mah jongg this evening and a postponed long run so I decided why not run. I just drove to the Albany rail trail  for a quick one since I needed to be home early for a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends.

holy wind…froze on the way out but warm on the way back

Miss my game night…not the same playing on the computer.

• Saturday – One good thing about doing long runs alone is that if you change you mind, you don’t have to notify everyone else.  The weather looked better for Sunday so today was my catch up day. Errands and boring stuff around the house including some gardening. It was cold and windy but later in the day, the sun came out and the wind calmed don so I decided to again explore a new location (suggested by my an IG friend.)

Tivoli Lake Preserve…what an interesting find. Definitely going back here.

• Sunday – Long Run Saturday postponed to Sunday. Today was my taper for my unofficial virtual H2H Half Marathon. I decided on the Nisky Bike Path for this run. When I woke up, it was in the 20s.. and so I waited until it warmed up a bit (50s) Still a little breezy but warm enough for a skirt 🙂

I was a worried when I saw a lot of cars in the parking lot but they must have gone in the other direction since I saw very few people during my run.

I have run on this bike path many many times but have never ventured off the path and I today I did twice. Once to explore a 1 mile trail and again for a short time to take in the views.

another trail that I want to go back to when I am not running.

Unfortunately the restaurant where we usually have brunch was closed since it was Easter Sunday so I had to settle for a post run chocolate milkshake.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – rest day, walk
• Tuesday –  run
• Wednesday – run or rest day, walk
• Thursday – run 
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
• Saturday – VIRTUAL HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HALF MARATHON
• Sunday – rest day, walk

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?  How is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having  hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut?  Did you use ZOOM to celebrate Passover or Easter with your family? Please share.

Still working at home (at least until April 15) … all social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

I am grateful for having a full time job, paycheck and being healthy.

That being said, I have be sensitive to the fact that even if the above is true, many of you are struggling with:

• homeschooling your children
• not seeing your family and friends
• working from home
• not going out to restaurants, movies, shows, sporting events…
• running alone
• cancelled races
• closed gyms
• unhealthy snacking

Your friends may say they are ok but make sure that they are and give them support (even if nothing has changed much for YOU!!)

We are in this together!

everyone participating? of course I have lost track of what day we are on…

Last Week –

• Monday – A dreary day with rain forecast. I decided to mix things up and run during lunch and hopefully walk after work.  It’s easier now when you can dress for work in your running clothes and stay that way for the rest of the day (I’m alone, right?) But that meant I had to run in my neighborhood which I never do (boring!!) In between raindrops (almost made it back dry), I ran looking for signs of spring (and positivity).

not my daffodils, yet

The right call since it poured the rest of the day. So I got out my raincoat and umbrella and went for my post work (breakout) walk. The rain stopped almost immediately as I drove in search of a new place to walk.

• Tuesday – .Another dreary day although the sun did come out for a minute during my lunch walk.

back on the trail behind my house (for lack of time to drive anywhere)…if only the mud would dry up…

This was supposed to be a rest day but work was stressful so I decided to drive to UAlbany (where when I was NOT working from home, I used to run most of time)

and I bumped into a running friend.  We chatted for awhile (from a distance).

• Wednesday – Hard to figure out when to rest and when to run…

Modeling mittens that I got in the mail from a friend who knit them. The sun actually appeared at the end of my lunch walk on the (muddy) park trails.

Working from home has me sitting all day.  I always feel antsy at the end of the day. So I drove to Washington Park and went for an easy run.

warmed up quite a bit from my lunch walk…made a new cat friend

• Thursday – Decided on a rest day after 3 days in a row of easy runs. Of course that meant 2 walks.

One during lunch:

clouds and wind but grateful for a trail behind my house that seems to go on forever…

And one after work:

drove to Five Rivers and explored some new trails… unfortunately chillier than at lunch…where is spring?

And although we don’t currently run together, we are chatting virtually once a week:

Can you believe we talked for TWO hours!!

• Friday – Since I was planning on a long run the next day, I took a second rest day in a row. Perfect planning since it was rainy and chilly (Spring…I am waiting…).

I still went for my lunch walk with an umbrella…not on the trail but in a new neighborhood. Trail was too muddy!

oops my cat sign is backwards. My first daffodil hates the weather too

Fortunately, the rain had mostly stopped by the end of my work day so I drove into town for another walk.  Nasty, raw and it even started to rain again. Ugh!

bunnies chasing each other was the highlight of this weather-shortened walk

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday…alone but with perfect weather. I decided to run an unofficial virtual Cherry Blossom 10 miler. I debated on where to run (and where to get take out after).  I decided on the Corning Bike Path so at least I would have a water view. For many reasons, this was hard (tired, hot, hungry, lonely, etc.) But I got it done and rewarded myself afterwards.

the only cherry blossoms to be seen were on my shirt (so over dressed – could have worn a skirt & tank). Not pictured was the French toast that I took out for lunch later)

Thanks to Zoom, I participated in a live Coffee Date with other bloggers later in the day.

so fun…recognize everyone?

• Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day.

Started the day with a ZOOM chat with my tennis friends. Sadly, we had to cancel our 16th annual trip to Naples, Fla.

20019

2010

After errands and laundry we done, the hubby and I decided to go for a long ride up to Lake George.  Just needed new surroundings.

unfortunately too rainy and damp to do much

Of course when we came home, the weather cleared and even the sun came out.

got some ice cream and walked it off on some trails.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – run
• Tuesday –  run 
• Wednesday – rest day, walk
• Thursday – run 
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
• Saturday – LONG  RUN
• Sunday – rest day, walk

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?  How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

Still working at home…all social activities cancelled. (Even introverts enjoy adult conversation lol)

Grateful that I was pro-active and got my eyes examined, new supply of contacts, ordered new glasses, got my hair cut and colored and my nails done…all before lock down.

Only things left to do are run, walk, hike and bike.

I will survive!!!

everyone participating?

Last Week –

• Monday – That nice weather we had last week was gone.  Snow/rain mix all day. I did not let that stop me from my lunch walk in the snow.

not too bad but then afterward, it started snowing harder!!

But my after work walk… snowing too hard out. sigh.

• Tuesday – My new normal continued…. lunch walk…

Unfortunately, work was too busy to even take a lunch break. 😦

Followed by an after work run or walk.

I plan to run every other day depending on the weather.  So today was a run day. It was chilly but at least it was dry on the trail trail (in spite of the recent snowstorm) and since I didn’t do my lunch walk, I ran 4 instead of my normal 3 miles.

• Wednesday – Back to our new normally scheduled program…

Lunch walk

After work walk

bumped into an old friend and we chatted a long time (from 6ft apart)

• Thursday – Sorry if you are getting bored with my life. I am too.

A muddy lunch walk

the exercise equipment were unused but the tennis courts were FULL

A post work run (done virtually with my NYC pal, Cari)

drove to the Crossings – perfect weather and so many people outdoors (so many that the next day, they decided to close the park)

First ZOOM video chat (with some of the Freihofer Run Ambassadors):

Second ZOOM chat with my running friends:

Gotta love technology!! Miss them!!!

• Friday – Same old, same old.

Lunch walk on a rest day:

beautiful weather, still exploring part of the fit trail at a nearby park

Then walk number 2 after work on the rail trail:

same direction as Wed but for a longer distance…hey, what else was there to do?

Then when I got home, I did a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends (we normally play on Friday nights) and we planned to play online together. (realmahjongg.com)

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday but for the second week in a row without my running friends. I decided to drive to the Zim Smith rail which I hadn’t run on since fall.

love all the carvings on the trees.

I ran 3.5 miles in one direction and turned around and then 2.5 in the other direction (with a detour on a new path) and turned around.  It wasn’t easy and as usual, a lot of walking photo stops but got it done (as I train for my April 18 unofficial virtual half marathon).

I made sure to order my (take-out) post run treats before the run.  The chocolate milk at Leah’s Cakery is one of the reasons that I love this trail.

• Sunday – A rainy rest day…hopefully the rain will stop so I get in a walk…otherwise my non-working, non-running time is filled with knitting, laundry, cooking and housework. Miss my friends!!!

Update: The rain did stop and I got in a long walk.

the rail trail again but in the opposite direction from Wed & Fri

and de-cluttered many drawers:

only the beginning…

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – run
• Tuesday –  rest day, walk
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run 
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
• Saturday – 5k race. LONG  RUN
• Sunday – rest day, walk

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? Anyone running virtual races? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

I guess I’m tapering for my next half marathon but it don’t feel like I have been training. It was a very busy work week.

I continued to experience only minor foot discomfort. Hooray!!

Last Week –

• Monday – I started the day with a PT appointment. She worked on BOTH feet and calves…. I hope to be done with PT next week!!

A little tired because I stayed up until midnight to register for this:

It’s July 5 and I’ve already wanted to do this but had to work… the good hikes sell out fast… Excited to hike Pinnacle Peak.

And one of my favorite author’s special day:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too! You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!”

So he inspired me after work to go for a run. I was solo since my friends were busy 😦 Warm temps but windy and no rain!!!

I ran on the rail trail and was over dressed…this crazy weather!

• Tuesday – Another after work run…again hoping for no rain. It was really dark when I finished work so I made the decision to run right away instead of waiting for Chris to get out of work.  And it was a good call as it started to pour as soon I finished my run.

I ran on the Corning Bike Path since it was closer than UAlbany and I overdressed again.

• Wednesday – I would normally call it a rest day but I would not be able to run the next two days and I was anxious to try out my Hokas. Today I did run with Chris at UAlbany. Neither one of us felt peppy but we got it done.

I was too tired from standing all day to give a verdict on the Hokas.

• Thursday – Finally a rest day due to an after work eye appt.  I ordered new glasses. I normally wear contacts but my glasses were old. Maybe now I’ll wear my new cool expensive glasses (or not?)
• Friday – Another rest day and my weekly mah jongg night (and going to bed too late.)

• Saturday – My last long run before the NYC Half. I ran on the Corning Bike Path with some of the Sole Sisters ( and Stan.) Since I skipped my 11 mile long run and shortened my 12 miler to 11, I had decided to run 10 miles rather than 8 but then I wound up with 11.5. One mile solo, 5.5 with Stan and then 5 with Chris and Deb. The miles with Stan were way too fast so I left him to run the rest of his miles with Sherry. It was colder than previous days but when the wind was at our back and the sun in our faces, it was quite comfortable. Afterward we joined the others for brunch.

Stan & I twinned with our Lebow beanies. Hokas felt great on the bottoms of my feet but gave me blisters on the sides (too wide??)

In the evening (after errands, laundry), the hubby and I went out to dinner with my stepson and his wife. Yes, more food (but I did run 11.5 miles!!)

• Sunday – Lost an hour of sleep but gained an hour of daylight. Started the day with mega cooking for the week. Then decided to celebrate International Women’s Day with another run with some of the Sole Sisters.  We returned to Corning and got accompanied by some dogs!

50 degrees…overdressed AGAIN!!

.After my run, I met some friends to go to the movies.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  am PT appt, rest day, pm Dr appt, FRW ambassador meeting
• Tuesday –  run
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – rest day, chiro appt.
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – rest day, bus to NYC, bib pick up, carb loading
• Sunday – Race DAY – NYC Half Marathon, refueling, bus home

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? Anyone training yet for a big 2020 race? Who’s running the NYC Half Marathon? Are you a Dr. Seuss fan? Have you seen any good movies lately?  Please share.

Last week, I went to a new doctor who prescribed wrapping and padding my foot. She also gave me a B12/cortisone shot. This week was my chance to test the foot…weather permitting.

AND IT PASSED!! Woo Hoo!

Last Week –

• Monday – I started the day with a PT appointment. I told her that I walked over 8 miles a day in Montreal with little pain.  She was very encouraged…maybe I will be graduating soon?

After work, I went for a run with Jeri. 60 degrees in Feb!! So awesome. In spite the great weather, my run was so sluggish. At least, my foot did NOT hurt.

the usual UAlbany loop.  I was so hungry that I couldn’t wait to eat after my run lol

• Tuesday – Long Day (starting at 7 am) working tech support at the Bar Exam. I was hoping that the rain would hold off so I could run. And it did!  Although the weather was cooler and drearier, I felt a lot peppier.  Go figure! Still no pain!!! Yeah!

when I worked here, this was the route I ran after work most days

• Wednesday – A well deserved rest day and after work trip to bike at the gym.
• Thursday – Had to take the hubby to the airport at 4:30 am (He’s playing in a tennis tournament in Fla). It was a nasty rainy/snowy windy day but the rain stopped so Chris and I were able to get our run in. Cold and very windy!!

31 degrees with feels like 18 temps due to the wind!!!

• Friday – Another day at the Bar Exam and a rest day since I was hosting mah jongg at my house.
• Saturday – A long run with the Sole Sisters. Since I skipped my long run last weekend but I have a half marathon in TWO WEEKS, I wasn’t sure how many to run. But I was very interested to see if my foot could give me some pain-free miles. I can’t say it was pain-free or uneventful.  I ran one solo mile and then 7 with Deb & Chris. It started to snow and it got icy. I almost fell several times. Chris did fall. We turned around and ran 2 more miles running into Heidi and Angie.  The sun came out and then it got windy.  11 miles done (I had hoped to do 12.) and my foot was a little sore but so much better than before.  Unfortunately the other foot (bunion area) hurt.  Always something.  A tough run however, a delicious brunch with friends made it feel better.

ran 4:1 intervals but it was still hard…glad to not have to do my runs alone 🙂

Of course I watched the Olympic Trials. So sorry for Des!

And I returned my Ghost 12s and got these:

Hoka Cliftons…

spent some alone with the kitty

• Sunday – Recovery day at the gym,

surprised? Yeah, me too.

Then did some errands, cooking, laundry, cleaning and the hubby came home late that night.

waiting for my car inspection.. McD’s Shamrock Shake is my weakness

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – AM PT, run
• Tuesday –  run
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – rest day, eye appt
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – rest day

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? Anyone training yet for a big 2020 race? Who’s running the NYC Half Marathon? Please share.

Quite a busy two weeks. First, I went to Bermuda with Cari for a vacation and a race or two. Then I ended the next week with a trip to Montreal with a friend.

Good thing, I had a passport already.

Last Two Weeks –

• Monday – Lunch time chair yoga (the last one). I wish these classes would continue weekly.

yeah…I could do these on my own…but I won’t… I’m a NEED A CLASS kind of person

An after work run was planned…the weather did not cooperate all day (snow/rain/sleet) but stopped by time I went out to run. My friend Chris had to work late so I ran one loop and she joined me for the second.

drizzled for my first painful loop…felt better on the 2nd. Fairly comfortable temps (almost 40) so that is a win. 

• Tuesday –  A before work PT visit. My last one before my next half marathon. More scraping, prodding and listening to me whine and complain.

A rest day due to a hair appointment and needing to pack for my trip.

• Wednesday – Early morning train to NYC.  I got there very early so took a stroll around Manhattan.

FYI: free bag check in Macys across from Penn Sta.

Then I took the LIRR from Penn Sta. to Jamaica where I took the air train to meet Cari at JFK for our evening flight to Bermuda.

We eventually arrived late that evening and took a shuttle to our hotel.

We discovered on that long shuttle ride that Bermuda is indeed hilly and that there are NO straight roads.

• Thursday – I hadn’t run in a few days and I was anxious to get out there…and run in a skirt!!

But finding a place to run was no easy task. First we headed to Horseshoe Beach.

skirt weather..woo hoo!

Then along a railway trail that eventually led to Gibbs Lighthouse where we climbed to the top.

only 192 steps to the top

All that walking exhausted us so we spent the afternoon relaxing at the hotel pool

breezy and 70 degrees…warm enough for the heated pool and hot tub

before we took a bus to the Royal Naval Dockyard for dinner.

strolled the area and then ate at the Frog & Onion Pub

• Friday – Since there was very little running the day before, we decided to attempt a run on the hotel golf course. Nope, hillier than the winding roads. But there was little time for exploring so we squeezed in a short one around the hotel grounds.

views were awesome …not the hills

After our run, we took the ferry (with some other runners) to spend the day in Hamilton. We explored the shops, streets and had a lovely lunch.

even found ibuprofen gel in a pharmacy (not sold in the US)

Then we took the bus back to the hotel. There was just enough time for a brief visit to the pool and meet up with friend and fellow blogger Marcia.

That evening was packet pick up and ZOOMA welcome party. Swag, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and new friends. So fun.

• Saturday – A busy day planned and our only miserable cold, windy, rainy day. ZOOMA organized a trip to explore Crystal and Fantasy Caves. They were amazing. And so was lunch at the Swizzle Inn.

these pics don’t do it justice…you have to see them in person.

In the evening, we had our first race.  The ZOOMA Lighthouse Run.  It was still cold, windy and raining. Marcia, Cari and I decided to walk the 1.5 miles. We were soaked but arrived at Horseshoe Beach smiling.

yup, Cari & I accidentally twinned.

• Sunday – The big day!!  An early bus ride to the start and then the ZOOMA Bermuda Half Marathon.  Both Cari and I were just running it to enjoy the scenery and collect our medal at the finish line.  I knew that my foot would hurt but I knew I could do it in pain. The course was breathtaking with hills and curvy roads open to traffic. It rained for one of the early miles and then the sun came out and the humidity rose. It was tough. No lie. But such a well run race. Everyone had a great time and we made so many new friends. The Pacers from OnPace rocked!

no race is complete without goofy medal pix on the beach

After the race, we had thought of visiting the town of St. Georges. Our legs and feet thought the pool and hot tub were a better idea.

In the evening we walked (ouch) to Henry VIII for a celebration dinner and thankfully took a taxi back to the hotel.

• Monday – An early wake up to catch the shuttle to the airport to fly home to JFK and then I had to take the air train to the LIRR and a train back home!!

Exhausted but happy with my decision to race in Bermuda (even if it was off season.) Definitely would love to go back sometime.

• Tuesday – Back to normal.  Work. Grey skies, cold temps, snow/rain. I decided to skip the after work run and ride the bike at the gym.

It was also National Drink Wine Day so of course, I had to…I met a friend for a glass of red.

• Wednesday – Early morning visit to PT.  I complained that my foot hurt just as much during my race as before I started seeing her. She recommended that I see another foot doctor.  Luckily I got an appt for that same afternoon. She gave me B12/cortisone shot, added a metatarsal pad and wrapped my feet. We talked about all the options (most of which are NOT covered by insurance.)

not my foot lol

Afterward, I wanted to go for a run. My friend Chris was sick so I had to run solo. Boo!!

windy but sunny…not much pain…but too soon to tell…

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

• Thursday – Back to running after work in my usual location – UAlbany with Chris. Teens with the windchill…brrrrr!

Chris was ok but I forgot my hat, gloves, jacket…had to make due with what I had in my trunk

• Friday – Lunchtime walk and after work gym biking before mah jongg.
• Saturday – Montreal trip instead of my long run with the Sole Sisters. Yes, my friend and I decided to drive there because I wanted to see the interactive Van Gogh exhibit.

We left at 6:30 am and after a 3.5 hour drive, we checked into our hotel and walked to the exhibit. A much longer walk than I thought but the weather was beautiful and the exhibit amazing. 200 paintings on moving screens choreographed to music. So worth the drive!!!

No running today but 8.5 miles on the feet as we also walked to the Old City to have a delicious French dinner.

• Sunday – I got up early to do my run…supposed to be 11 miles. The weather was even better than the day before. I ran to the river and along it. I could have run forever but my friend was waiting in the hotel. Only got in 4.5 miles.

Afterward we walked around town and went to the Barbie Expo (yes over 1000 Barbies in costume). Then we had another delicious French meal before we checked out of our hotel.

On the way out of the city, we drove up to Mont Royal to catch the views.

So lucky that the weather cooperated. Might have been the nicest we’ve had this winter.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – AM PT, run
• Tuesday –  run
• Wednesday – rest day, gym
• Thursday – run 
• Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – rest day

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/racing going? Have you been to Bermuda? Have you run a ZOOMA race? What’s new with you? Please share.