April 29, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down – 4.22.19-4.28.19 – Chocolate and NYC

This was planned forever ago but our girls weekend to NYC happened and it was a blast. And then next week, I’m off to Florida for a 8 day vacation with my tennis friends.

Last week –

Monday – So today was week 6 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. I had planned on doing my long run on Saturday so I could tackle the “advanced” drills today. Well, the weather did not cooperate and I ran 4 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday. That meant, my legs would protest if I encouraged them to run fast. Once more, I wimped out and ran with the “Beginner” group – Better safe than sorry is my philosophy (esp. with a 15k and a half marathon coming up.)

twinning

Tuesday – Rest day finally. I hadn’t played tennis in forever so I decided to sub in my old group. It was fun playing and catching up over dinner. I have resumed my short lunch time walks too.

greenery = flowers & Starbucks

Wednesday – I had planned to run with the FTC group at 6 pm near where I live. Then, there was this fun event:

But after standing for 8 hours in uncomfortable shoes, I was too pooped to do either. Instead, I stopped off on my way home at the Corning Bike Path. The run sucked but the scenery was good.

Thursday – One more run before the race. I decided on a quick one at UAlbany and then home to pack. A little bit more energy than the day before but not much.

jumping in excitement for my weekend away

Friday – Off to my girls weekend away. After checking into our hotel in Brooklyn, we headed to the expo and then to carb load with pizza to prepare for the next morning’s race.

Saturday – Today a group of the Sole Sisters ran the Hot Chocolate 15k in Brooklyn. Not an easy race but a fun one. We all met our goals and ate lots of chocolate.

not a PR but negative splits, 2nd in my AG and NO PAIN!!

After the race, we spent the rest of the day in Manhattan. This included a Broadway show (Avenue Q), and dinner near Times Square.

If you are wondering who is that guy. One runner in our group got injured so my friend Stan subbed for her (in the ALL of our planned activities).

Sunday – Another full day planned for our group. Lunch in the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival there, then back to Manhattan.

We checked our luggage in Macys (for free) and then climbed to the top of the Vessel at Hudson Yards before heading home that night.

Such a fun weekend away. We are already trying to figure out what to do for our next one.

This Coming Week and Next –

Monday – FRW Training Challenge Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, hair appt
Wednesday – 3 miles (S.O.A.R – Sisterhood Of Athletes and Runners)
Thursday – rest day, fly to Florida
Friday – 3 miles, tennis, beach and fun in the sun
Saturday – rest day, tennis, beach, theatre in town
Sunday – 5K race, beach

Monday – 3 miles, tennis, beach
Tuesday – 3 miles, tennis, beach, book club night
Wednesday – rest day, road trip
Thursday – 6.6km, fly home *MY BIRTHDAY*
Friday – rest day, chiro, mah jongg
Saturday – Summer Smith 5k race, Tulip Fest, birthday dinner
Sunday – Long Run (8-10 m) – ONE WEEK UNTIL HALF #37, Mother’s Day family celebration

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? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any spring races coming up? Are you enjoying spring temps where you live? Please share.

April 21, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.15.19-4.21.19 – Recovery and Return to Training

I survived Half Marathon #36 but I still have 2 15ks and another half marathon in the next few months to train for.

Last week –

Monday – So today was week 5 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. Finally a session where I had not run the day before. However, I did run 13.1 miles two days before and my uninjured leg seemed sore. It rained most of the day and the temps really dropped from the weekend. It was also VERY windy. (out came the winter running gear.) Hopefully next Monday, I’ll do some Advanced drills but not today.

Tuesday – My leg felt better today so I met Christina for a short after work run. We decided on the Corning Bike Path since it was close to where I was working. Even had a little sun to combat the wind.

Wednesday – Rest day after a long work day. A fun evening at my monthly tennis meet-up.

Thursday – Another after work run. With Christina again at the same location as Tuesday. No sun today but less wind.

Friday – Rest day and the first night of Passover. I celebrated it at our annual Mah Jongg seder.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Lots of options. FTC run or Rabbit Ramble 4m race or just a long run. But it was raining, I am a weather wimp and almost bailed on the whole thing. But I did go to FTC, even ran 4 very speedy miles with the Advanced group. Because the skies opened up, instead of continuing our miles, we went out to brunch.

Sunday – Since I only ran 4 on Saturday, this morning I did my long run. The weather was absolutely perfect. I met Deidre & Christina at the Nisky bike trail (where we have not run since fall). We did 8 miles together with varying intervals and it was almost painless.

Easter Sunday and dinner with the fam…yes, I celebrate all.the.holidays. It’s all about the food. LOL

: I got his flag last year…fortuitous, right?

This Coming Week –

Monday – FRW Training Challenge Run (2 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday – 4 miles (FTC) or FF East egg hunt
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train to NYC, expo, carb loading dinner
Saturday – Hot Chocolate 15K, Broadway show, Manhattan fun
Sunday – rest day, brunch, Cherry Blossom Festival, Hudson Yards, train home

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any spring races? Do you run any half marathons or marathons just for FUN. Please share.

April 14, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.8.19-4.14.19 – Race Week…Again

Race Week…Half Marathon #36.

Last week –

Monday – So today was week 4 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. As it always happens, it was the day after a race or long run. Still it’s fun to see all my “advanced group” friends. And for once the weather was not freezing or windy. I joined the Intermediate group (to avoid the nasty speed drills) and ran with no walk breaks. Some in that group are pretty speedy too so it was a good workout.

Tuesday – A rest day finally and I met up with injured Barbara to walk, eat and catch up.

Champ says keep those Brooks running shoes…I think I may

Wednesday – As I did last week, I decided to join another FTC group to run near where I live. The Advanced group was smaller than last week (just 4) and I ran an easy 2 mile loop with them (and one more solo rather than repeating the loop).

Thursday – .It’s taper time (not that I really needed one). I visited my chiro one last time (for some taping), picked up my bib for Saturday’s race, used the arm machines at the free gym and met my BFF at the mall to get in some steps (and chat.)

Friday – More rest time scheduled, stop at the library, carb loading and mah jongg.
Saturday -. Today I ran my 36th Half Marathon – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon, an inaugural, downhill, local race. Who knew a downhill race could be so hard? Holy aching quads. And the temps went from winter to summer (humid and almost 70). Still I had fun and enjoyed seeing so many running friends – old and new.

no calf pain (everything else hurt lol) and my time was almost 5 min faster than NYC 3 weeks ago.

Sunday – Rest day, of course but I was plenty busy…decluttering my closets, getting the hubby’s phone fixed, grocery shopping, yard work, cooking, cleaning, and finally my taxes.

trying my hand at succulents – any advice?

This Coming Week –

Monday – FRW Training Challenge Run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – rest day, dinner with tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, Passover seder with the mah jongg cladies
Saturday – Long Run (8-10m) or Rabbit Ramble (4m) Race + 4-6m
Sunday – rest day, Easter dinner with the family

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Is your weather looking spring-like yet? Please share.

April 7, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.1.19-4.7.19: Back to Normal

No work travel. No funerals. No weddings. Just the normal runs and a race.

One week to go…Half Marathon #36.

Last week –

Monday – So today was week 3 of the Freihofer Challenge Training (FTC) group. Again, I was tired from running both Sat (6.5 miles) and Sunday (5 mile race). There was no way, I wanted to participate in the Advanced group’s speed drills. So I just ran with the Beginner Group and chatted with a friend Denise.

still cold and windy!! No sign of spring yet.

Tuesday – After three days in a row of running, I took a rest day. I also had a follow-up appt with my Chiro. I had been going to her 2x a week for a month. Now I skipped 2 weeks and I was interested to see how my leg reacted. She said it looked good, do some more ART and we discussed just maintenance from now on (monthly/before a big race). I did stop off at the gym on my way home and used some of the arm machines (that I have been neglecting).
Wednesday – I took my first lunch time walk in forever.

My FTC group also runs together at various locations on Wed. I have never joined them but I decided to go to the one near my home. Holy wind!!!! I ran a mile searching for the group and then followed the Advanced group fro 4 miles around the neighborhood. I was the slowest by far but one runner slowed down to run with me. We chatted and it is good to sometimes get out of your comfort zone.

Thursday – Met up after work with a few the Sole Sisters, It was nice catching up since I hadn’t seen them in a while. The run was a painful one…my lower back ached with every step. (It’s always something.)

om our usual UAlbany route

Friday – A rest day because I was hosting mah jongg (and had to clean the house & shop LOL)
Saturday -. I originally thought that I may do a long run today but a young friend from Russia contacted me to say she was in NYC for a week. You can guess what happened. Two of my friends (who had gone to Russia with me) and I headed down to NYC to see her. We spent the day walking and eating around the city. First to Madison Sq Park, then to Chelsea for lunch, after lunch, Washington Sq Park & Village for ice cream, followed by a walk along the High Line, a visit to Hudson Yards.

10 miles on the feet the day before a race but worth every step

Sunday – Race Day – Delmar Dash. This 5 mile race is annual for me since it is the closest to where I live. I was tired from traipsing around the city all day the day before but I do have a half marathon in ONE WEEK. So I ran it and as usual, I was glad I did. No PR or AG award but time connecting with friends, free food and a massage 🙂

actually a Garmin PR but the race was only gun timed

After the race, I dragged my tired quad to the rail trail for 4 more miles.

Then later in the day I rested at the movies.

This Coming Week –

Monday – FRW Training Challenge 9FTC) Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, gym?
Wednesday – 4 miles (FTC)
Thursday – rest day, Chiro appt, bib pick-up, gym?
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
Sunday – rest day, TAX Prep!!!! (When you have to pay, you wait until the last minute)

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any spring races? Do you run any half marathons or marathons just for FUN. Please share.

March 31, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.25.19-3.31.19 – Countdown is on

Two weeks until my next half marathon!!

I’m not as nervous about this one. It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed. It’s a downhill course that I am familiar with. I will know so many runners there.

What I’m saying is that it’ll be another fun race. With no time goals.

I’m not giving up on PRs…or am I?

Maybe next year, it can be a goal race – with a training plan and no sore calf. We’ll see.

Last week –

Monday – So today was the second meeting of the Freihofer Challenge Training group. At least it was a little warmer than last week but still cold and windy. Again I hesitated to run with the Advanced group since I had done my long run the day before (Also the slower advanced runners joined another running group this year). So I started out with them, slowed down and quit after their first loop.

Tuesday – After two days in a row of running, I took a rest day. I met my BFF for dinner and a walk around the mall.
Wednesday – Off to LI for work. I arrived early enough to get in a run, set up for the next day

still chilly but a little more springy than upstate

and then had dinner with 2 high school classmates.

yes, they are twins…friends since junior high

Thursday – Another post work run in the same park as the day before.

I thought it was going to be warmer when I left in the am…brrrr

Friday – A rest day because I had to drive home from LI after work.
Saturday -. I originally thought that I may do a long run today but after a long drive and late arrival home last night, I decided to sleep in. However when the temps went up to 60 degrees with a forecast of rain for Sunday, I changed my mind and went out for run. Not the 12 on my schedule just in case I would race the next day.

last weekend, I ran the first half of my upcoming half course and today I did the 2nd half… holy uphill on the way back to my car (so I had to have ice cream)

in case you’re wondering…tiramisu

Sunday – I decided (maybe stupidly) to test my leg in an actual race so I signed up for the Shamrock Shuffle, a 5 mile race about an hour north of where I live. I almost bailed because it was pouring and very windy. No course PR or AG award but still wet fun.

This Coming Week –

Monday – FRW Training Challenge Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, Chiro appt
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day, NYC trip with friends??
Sunday – Delmar Dash Race (5m) + 5m, movie with friends

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any spring races? Do you run any half marathons or marathons just for FUN. Would you run a race if it were pouring? Please share.

March 24, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.18.19-3.24.19: Recovering & a Wedding

Normally I feel good after a half marathon but apparently the hills and my lack of training made my quads feel like I had been run over by a mack truck LOL

However, running was the last thing on my mind. My stepson’s wedding was this week!!

Last week –

Monday – So today was the first meeting of the Freihofer Challenge Training group. I had signed up for the advanced group long before I got injured. I now planned to show up and just say “hi” to my friends.

There was FOMO, of course, so I compromised and started a run/walk with the Intermediate group. My legs felt like lead and I quit halfway and ran back with another friend (not part of the group). Listening to my body…a new thing.

another reason, I quit…I was FREEZING!!

Tuesday – Still resting and had my post race appt with my chiro. She was very happy and we will just continue with maintenance appts before my big races.
Wednesday – Resting was over. Could not skip running with friends and warmish temps.

it was sluggish and the calf appeared to be sore again…still glad to be outside

Thursday – No time to run. Today I had to go to the wedding rehearsal and then to dinner after.

love our cool gifts

Friday – I had planned to run before my hair appt. but it was raining/snowing so decided to sleep in instead.

Wedding Day. It was beautiful. Everything worked out perfectly and we all had a blast.

Saturday – I thought about running this morning…for about a minute. Too much fun the night before. Instead I went to a birthday party/knitting/coloring gathering with my tennis friends.

Followed by the last of the Wedding functions – a family lunch at the newlyweds’ home. (Yes I can eat two lunches in one day!!)

Sunday – Too much eating the last three days so I needed to run. Unsure of how many miles my leg could take. 11 miles was on my schedule and Jen offered to run with me. She is super fast and training for a sub-2 half. So we met at the rail trail and ran together for a while. I let her go and I ran solo. Then we met for brunch afterward.

the weather was absolutely perfect (I was over-dressed)

This Coming Week –

Monday – FRW Training Challenge Run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest day, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – drive to LI (for work), 3 miles, dinner with HS classmates
Thursday – 4 miles in LI
Friday – rest day, drive home from LI
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle Race (5m) + 6-7m

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Any signs of spring in your area? Post race DOMS anyone?

March 10, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.4.19-3.10.19

Lots of ups and downs. Most of them unrelated to running.

Last week –

Monday – Today I took the train to NYC for work. Some snow and ice but not too much to be able to meet Cari and go for a long walk. (Yes being good about NOT running.)

great Hudson River sunset, conversation & pizza!

Tuesday – A long work day but hoping that the roads in Central Park were clear enough to go running. And they were. The run was not without discomfort but still grateful to be doing it and having company. Thanks Cari.

Wednesday – As promised I did not run but it was hard to hold back. Instead I took a walk to Times Square and back to see a Broadway show.

great cast and entertaining show

Thursday – Another long work day. I had planned to either run along the East River or meet Cari in the park but decided to give the leg another day of rest. Went to the movies instead. (This not running is getting expensive.)

very creepy movie

Friday – Rest day because I had to take the train back home after work.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Last one before my race. Normally it would be a taper but I was still building up mileage on the legs after the injury runbbatical. I ran alone for a few miles and then had company for the rest. Leg felt better the longer I ran. Still not healed and I followed brunch with a painful ART session. (appt #6)

perfect weather for one day!

My chiro agreed that it is a strange injury and should maybe see an ortho after the race. Lots of standing, walking and stairs in NYC seemed to irritate my calf and it appeared as tight as my first visit. Yet when I run (and don’t walk), the discomfort seems to disappear the longer I run. She thinks I should run the half marathon. So that’s what I’ll do.

Sunday – Rest Day, errands and some bridal stuff with my daughter-in-law to be.

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day, ART appt #7
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, wake
Thursday – DAY OFF – my brother-in-law’s funeral, ART appt #8
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, bus to NYC, expo
Sunday – NYC Half Marathon!!

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Is it still winter where you live? Please share.

March 3, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Rundown for 2.25.19-3.3.19: ART, Running & Cats. Oh my…

Tuesday – A long day because I was working as tech support for NYS Bar Exam. I had planned to run after but my chiro forbid it so I went to the gym instead. 30 min on the bike, 30 min on the TM (slow walking) and some arm machines. Iced my leg after. Yes, I’m being good but not a happy camper. Good thing it as a COLD blustery day!

Wednesday – After work, I went to my 4th ART appt. It seems that in addition to a sore calf, I have a tight ankle and extremely tight fascia. I guess I’m getting my money’s worth from my chiro. I had hoped to go to a Fleet Feet event where runners/walkers took the brand new Cloud Swift running shoe out for a test run while searching for ON-Running Balloons that were placed not too far from the store. But the run got cancelled due to a snowstorm and my chiro wouldn’t allow it anyway.
Thursday – Day #2 at the Bar Exam and I was hopeful that I would finish in time to go to Cat Yoga. I don’t do yoga anymore but I couldn’t resist something with the word “cat” in it.

I got out of work early. So tempted to run but I was good and stopped at the gym to walk on the tm then headed to yoga. I can’t remember the last time I did yoga. It’s been years. But not running much does have advantages, more time for things like this. (Who am I kidding, the old me ran 3 miles before yoga class.) Anyway, it was loads of fun. The cats walked around, on your mat, stopping for pets. It was hard not taking one home.

Friday – Last day at the Bar Exam. I had time for a chiro approved short run before my evening mah jongg game. And my Sole Sisters we’re able to join me. Win win.

Saturday – ART Appt. #5 (due to being away all of next week.) Still little improvement on the calf front. She tried some new tricks and looked at my tight IT band and hips this time, as well. Unfortunately it interfered with my Long Run day. But according to the weather forecast, it was supposed to be lousy out but it was not. Instead, I went to the local running store and bought a new pair of running shoes. I decided that I should wear a shoe with more support …so Mizuno Inspires it is. We’ll see.
Sunday – Postponed long run. I was lucky and Sole Sister Barbara agreed to run 5 miles with me. Since it was just the two of us, we stayed local and ran around the neighborhoods where we live. My calf still felt annoying but less tight the longer I ran. It was actually my quads that were screaming when I added 3 more miles after Barbara left. They are not used to this low mileage. Anyway, I was psyched in the improvement of my leg (the shoes??)

2 weeks to go until NYC!!

Blue skies, sunshine, 30s…perfect weather warranted an ice cream cone.

This Coming Week –

As you can see, my running plans are up in the air….I want to be trained for the NYC Half Marathon but I also do not want to worsen my leg pain. However, I will be in NYC!!! See my dilemma. There are some family stuff going on as well which may impact my trip to NYC or my half marathon.

Monday – ?? miles, train to NYC for work (probably a rest day and a walk on the High line)
Tuesday – 3 miles in NYC (hopefully in CP with Cari)
Wednesday – ?? miles in NYC (probably another rest day and a walk)
Thursday – 3 miles in NYC (hopefully a run along the Hudson)
Friday – rest day , train home
Saturday – ~~Running of the Green race~~, ART appt #6
Sunday – Long Run (10 miles??) – 1 week to Go!!

As they said “All good things must come to an end.” So thank you to Tricia, then Wendy and Holly for the Weekly Wrap. It was awesome and will be missed.

and from now on, every week, I will be linking up with Kim and Deborah for

And also linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbain for #RIOTS(running is our therapy)

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Anyone nursing a sore something? Anyone run in Mizuno Inspires? Please share.