April 26, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.20.25-4.27.25: Finally a 5k (in the rain)!

Yesterday I ran a 5k. In.The.Rain.

I think it was the first one since last Fall.

Oct. 5, 2024

Last Week –

Sunday –

Unfortunately the gym was closed.

The hubby & I went out to a lovely dinner with my SIL and then after dinner, we had dessert at my MIL’s with other family members.

Monday – Back to WFH this week so I able to go to the gym before work and get my run done at lunch..

discovered a stable nearby but boy was it windy!!

It was hard to concentrate on work since I was busy tracking the Boston marathon

Congrats to Keep On Running blogger!!

and then I met my BFF for a walk after work.

Tuesday – Another WFH day so I started it again at the gym…

and after work, I had a hair appt.

Wednesday – It is hard to leave when my cats like lap time in the morning…

But I did get to the gym again.

Today was the 5th week of mentoring the Training Challenge group. I always try to arrive a little early to add some running before the group arrives.

actually 4 mentors and 2 runners – crazy but we did 90:60 intervals and almost 3 miles…

Thursday – With a dentist appt. before work and a dinner out with my tennis friends planned for after work, that meant that I had to squeeze in my run sometime during the day. I wound up having time after my dental appt. (which happens to be near the rail trail.)

drizzly at first but then it warmed up when the sun came out and we almost have bathrooms and leaves on the tress!!

We decided on Hibachi and as always, a fun time.

Friday – Trying to frontload in some daily gym visits since I won’t be going for the next two weeks.

I snuck out at lunch and met a running friend for a walk (as she recently retired.)

We walked to that stable that I discovered during my Monday run

In the evening, I played mah jongg.

Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k.

I’ve run this race many times in the past. I love the country atmosphere, the fresh chocolate milk and the pie (as an age group award).

With 3 half marathons in 3 months and zero speed work… I wasn’t confident in a speedy finish time (or a pie) but I was excited to do the race regardless (even though rain was predicted…)

Well, it rained all night and then it was still raining lightly when I got up. It was an hour drive, I seriously thought that it was crazy to drive that distance to get soaked.

But I decided not to wimp out and did it along with many other crazy runners. (At least I only signed up for the 5k, not the 10k).

And it POURED but I DID WIN THAT PIE!

Of course, later in the day, the sun came out… then it rained again but finally it stopped and I was able to get out for a walk

lots of magnolias in bloom at the Pine Hollow Arboretum

Sending positive vibes to Jenny as she was running her first 50 mile race!!! I spotted these pics on FB.

Sunday – I plan on gym time (or the long run that didn’t happen the day before) and packing for two upcoming trips!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – early train to NYC (for work), blogger meet-up, run & other assorted NYC activities
Tuesday – work, run?, dinner with a local friend
Wednesday – work, train home, finish packing
Thursday – early flight to Ft Myers, FL for annual Naples Tennis vacation
Friday – run, tennis
Saturday – walk, tennis
Sunday – Tropicool 5K

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Did you watch the Boston Marathon or track any runners? Please share.

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.

April 19, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.13.25-4.21.25: It was supposed to be a Quiet Week…

No races.

No travel.

Yay!

Then on Tuesday, I was told that I had to get to NYC and sub in Jamaica Queens on Wednesday and Thursday. Oy!

I had to quickly make train and hotel reservations and pack.

Oh and cancel chiro appt and dinner with former colleague on Tuesday, cancel race/mentoring on Wednesday and finally cancel a meetup with running friend up from Florida on Thursday.

On another note, did you all get on the AI Barbie bandwagon?

Last Week –

Sunday – A Rest Day after the half marathon the day before. I was supposed to meet up with a running friend that I hadn’t seen for in a while but she had to cancel. Instead I got a lot done around the house as well as some errands.

Monday – DAY OFF! I started at the gym and then I met the Training Challenge group for a run/walk in the afternoon.

many more runners than in my Wednesday group

Since it was so nice out, I decided to go for a mini hike up at Thacher Park…

many of the trails were closed but the water was flowing…

After because my granddaughter wouldn’t be around for Easter, I stopped by to give her a few gifts.

she loves to color…

Finally, I finished and filed my TAXES! $$$$ 😦

Tuesday – WFH today so after I got ready for my unscheduled work trip, I went for a short run in the neighborhood (before it started to rain.)

just a few signs of spring and warm temps…

Then I took the train to Manhattan, checked into my hotel and hopped on the subway to the upper westside to see some tulips.

just the early blooms but lovely anyway… (more pics on IG& FB)

It was so nice out that I decided to head back by walking through Central Park.

lots of runners so FOMO

As I always do, I contacted Cari and we were able to meet and have dinner together.

Finally I walked all the way back to my hotel.

Phew. What a day!

Wednesday – Today was the 4th week of mentoring the Training Challenge group. Instead of our normal location, we were meeting at Siena College to participate in a free 1.5 mile race.

Unfortunately I was working in NYC.

After a long day on the feet, I took the subway back to my hotel.

I wanted to run but since I visited Central Park the day before, I wasn’t sure where to go. It was chilly again and very windy so I bagged the run and was just going to meet a college friend for dinner.

Well, she had to cancel so I took the subway downtown and walked along the East River with a stop for some “pink” at Pier 15.

Thursday – Day 2 working in Jamaica Queens.

And afterward I headed back to my hotel and then home on the train.

Friday – WFH so I was able to get to the gym at lunch.

After work, I had a quick visit with the running friend that I was supposed to see on Thursday night.

Then I had rush home to clean since it was my turn to host mah jongg that evening.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Fingers crossed that it wouldn’t rain for once on a Saturday.

So all if a sudden it was summer. I think we skipped spring. Warm and HUMID with showers on the way.

I was able to get some miles done with friends and then meet the walkers for brunch/chatting.

2 solo run/walk miles, 3 with Barbara and then 3 speed drill miles…

And it didn’t rain until we were having brunch.

Sunday – Easter Sunday.

The hubby and I plan to out to dinner with my SIL and then have dessert after with the rest of family at my MIL’s.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, walk with BFF
Tuesday – gym, hair appt.
Wednesday – run, mentor the TC
Thursday – run, dinner with tennis friends
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k + more miles
Sunday – gym, pack for NYC and FLORIDA!

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? How’s the weather? Any warm temps yet? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

April 12, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.6.25-4.13.25: Another Half Marathon!!

Yup, half marathon #3 for 2025!

This one is local and I’ve run it several times before.

I did have high hopes for this downhill course but that was until my training got derailed by a stomach virus…

And the WEATHER!!!!!

Last Week –

Sunday – Well, I actually started the week with a 5 mile race.

I had no business running it but I thought I was over that stomach flu.

Well the good news is that it stopped raining just before the race started and I came in 3rd in my age group with a big PW!!

always a treat since it is near where I live…

After a while, I felt better so I decided to add on more miles. I had a half marathon coming up and my mileage was sorely lacking. I managed to run/walk 3 more miles for a total of 8 miles for the day.

yup, this is the route for my upcoming race…

Monday – Since I WFH all week, I hope to get in some gym time most days.

On my way this morning, it was snowing!! WTH.

spring is MIA

The snow didn’t last long and didn’t stick. I was able to meet Deb after work for a short slow recovery run on the rail trail IN THE RAIN.

The rain was supposed to end but it didn’t and so we got WET!

Tuesday – Back to gym but my morning was too busy and so I waited until lunch time to go.

And I took a walk in the mall after work with my BFF.

Wednesday – Another busy work day so no gym time but after work, I went for a short run/walk before mentoring the Training Challenge group.

Today was their 3rd week and I joined the run/walk group.

it was chilly but at least the sun was out

Thursday – Back to the gym before work…

Stalking the forecast for Saturday’s race and it gets worse every day…

Friday Night – Rain likely before 5am, then rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Saturday – Rain and snow, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 42. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday – Another gym morning and rest day with mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon!!

Not adequately trained but it was local, a downhill course with lots of familiar faces present. So why not?

The weather!! Very tempted to bail and run it virtually on a nicer day!

Deb, Barbara and I carpooled and parked at the finish and took the bus to the start.

It was snowing when we started and raining when we finished (and I was FROZEN!)

too cold to take any pictures at the finish

But we all finished (I won 2nd in my AG) and then we met our other running friends for brunch.

Sunday – Rest Day!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF, gym, run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – gym
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – Easter dinner with the fam

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Delmar Dash Race Recap
Friday – Why I’m Not Running the NYCM

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Ever been to DC? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

April 5, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run for 3.30.25-4.6.25: Well, at least the week improved…

I am rarely sick but this one was a doozy…

Last Week –

Sunday – I had talked my hubby into a NYC trip. The purpose was to see Riverdance at Radio City.

You know me, I try to pack as many things into a day as possible.

We had planned to take the train to Manhattan, then the subway to Union Square to see the Tulips!

170,000 tulips in Union Square: How to get free flower bouquet | FOX 5 New York

After checking into our hotel and grabbing some lunch and we then planned to head to Radio City.

Riverdance Tickets | Radio City Music Hall

We’ve seen this show numerous times but not in recent years and always loved it.

After the show, we had dinner reservations at my favorite (post race) Italian restaurant.

La Masseria | Manhattan | Restaurants

Well, if you read last week’s WRD, you know that on Saturday morning, I came down with a nasty stomach bug. I had miss my last long run and some other fun planned things.

I was hoping that it was short-lived but on Sunday morning, I felt even worse.

Luckily, my running friends Stan & Sherry were going to NYC as well and they we able to use our tix.

Monday – This morning, of course, I had hoped to run in NYC and do some sight seeing with my hubby before we headed home on the train.

Instead I was home still feeling miserable!!!!!!!!

And it got up to 75 degrees!! Can you believe it? Finally a beautiful day in the NE!!

we only get one nice day a week it seems…

Tuesday – Day 4 of the stomach bug. And it left as mysteriously as it came.

I woke up feeling fine. I even had my first cup of coffee since Friday.

Happily I was working from home just in case but I felt well enough to go set up for class in the afternoon and then go see my granddaughter.

she loves books!

Wednesday – Teaching live today so I started with Starbucks and ended with a run.

Today was the 2nd week of mentors the Training Challenge group. I was glad that it was only week 2 and there was a lot of walking involved (which I could barely handle.)

As soon as I arrived, it started to rain… as we were running, it started to sleet… oh fun but at least today it was not windy.

the beginner group did 1:30/2:00 run walk intervals

Thursday – Back to Manhattan but this time for work. As I’ve mentioned, my work trips to NYC may be ending so I planned to squeeze as much activity in the days that I’m here.

After checking into my hotel, I hopped the subway to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – Cherry Blossom time, right?

But actually there were very few cherry blossoms but boy were the Magnolia trees gorgeous. And it was a lovely day to stroll the gardens.

After, I met Elizabeth back in Manhattan to see the Impressionist exhibit. It was actually VR and my first experience. It was so cool. I highly recommend if you get the chance.

And finally there was dinner with Cari. Always fun to hang out with my NYC friends.

Friday – Just working in Jamaica Queens and the train home in the evening.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

One week until my next half marathon and a race the next day so it was supposed to be a relaxed taper run.

With the threat of heavy rain, we cancelled.

The “old” me night have run anyway since I had a big race on the horizon. But at the current time, my running mojo has left. (I’m sure it will return when the weather gets better…)

Instead, I dragged myself to the gym since I hadn’t been there what seemed like forever. I even did 15 laps on the track (alternating running & walking).

Then I went to pick up my race bib/shirt, get my nails done and do some retail therapy (at the dollar store, 5 below & Marshalls).

yes. white. blech!

Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race). In the rain? And I may even add on some more miles…weather permitting.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – gym
Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
Sunday – gym

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Happy Blogoversary (belatedly)
Friday – Things I Look for in a Running Shoe

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Would you race in the rain? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 30, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.23.25-3.30.25: On to the next one…

Two half marathons completed for 2025 and another in a few weeks.

Let the training continue.

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym and then my friend & I decided to go to Mass. to explore some consignment shops and have lunch.

there were 2 catwalk boutiques and we got quite a few bargains… hey, all the $$ goes to charity.

Monday – Still pretty chilly here which is typical for spring in the NE.

Today was cloudy, windy and rainy… UGH!!

I did my run after work and at least it was dry…

I drove to the other end of the rail trail for a change

Tuesday – I went to the gym before work and then after work, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

Wednesday – Today was the first day of the Training Challenge group that I am mentoring.

I got there early to get in a few miles before the newbie runners arrived.

first time on the water line since fall..

I ran with a few beginners and we did 60:90 run/walk intervals. (Sorry, I forgot to take a pic.)

Thursday – Teaching live today and then I met my friend Deb after work for a run on the Corning bike path

I was really dragging and Deb was understanding…

I was supposed to go to our monthly tennis dinner but instead I had to attend a ZOOM meeting to be on the board for STEM.

Friday – Another live teaching day so no time for the gym or a run but I did play mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Will I get in my 12 miler? Will the rain hold off?

The rain did hold off but I did not get in my long run. 😦

I woke up with all awful stomach virus (which might have explained why I was not feeling well the past two days.)

I spent the day instead in the bathroom and in bed…

Sunday – TBD (depending on how quickly I recover)

The plan was for the hubby and I to head to NYC for some fun activities:

170,000 tulips in Union Square: How to get free flower bouquet | FOX 5 New York

Riverdance Tickets | Radio City Music Hall

La Masseria | Manhattan | Restaurants

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF, AM run in NYC? train home
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – PM run, week 2 of the TC
Thursday – train to NYC, run in NYC
Friday – work, train home
Saturday – Run and Brunch, dinner @ my SIL’s
Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 1st Quarter Update
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Does it feel like spring yet? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 22, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.16.25-3.23.25: Travel Week…

I started the week in Washington, DC and then toward the end of the week, I had to go to NYC for work.

Last Weekend & Week –

Friday – Sue & I had an uneventful plane ride to DC. Once we arrived, since it was very early, we took an uber to meet up with Coco at her office, had a delicious brunch with her and then walked around the Georgetown area.

yes, some the cherry blossom trees had bloomed already

Next, we took the metro to the expo, got our bib/shirt and walked to our hotel (which was nearby), checked in and then had some lunch.

The weather forecast was iffy for the rest of our stay so we decided to see as much of DC as we could even if that meant 12 miles on our legs the day before a big race. LOL.

Martin Luther King monument, Washington Monument, site of first Cherry tree, Park Police Horse stables, Lincoln Monument and much more…

We ended the day with dinner with Sue’s nephews. (Mexican, not our pre-race choice. LOL.)

Saturday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon.

The weather was great, I loved the course, and nothing hurt during or afterward. What else could you ask for in a race?

I started the race with my 4 friends and then after about 3 miles, I made the decision not to race it but enjoy the scenery and stick with my (slower) friend Sue.

And that’s exactly what I did though it meant stopping and waiting for her often. Then I lost her at mile 11 and just finished the course by myself.

After the race, we walked back to our hotel and met up with Jenn (one of my local running friends who had moved to the DC area) & her fiancé. We all had lunch together.

Sue & I spent the rest of the afternoon touring more of the sights of DC.

Capitol, Tidal Basin, cherry blossoms, National Sculpture Garden…

And eventually we met for dinner (and gelato) with the rest of our friends.

Sunday – We had breakfast in the hotel with everyone and then they left (since they had taken the train.) Sue & I decided (with umbrella in hand) to continue touring DC.

After checking out of our hotel, we went to have lunch with Coco and Deborah and then visited more of DC until it was time to head to the airport. (It never rained.)

eastern market, botanical gardens, national portrait gallery, national galley of art and more…

We arrived at the airport early so we had dinner and then found out that our flight was cancelled!!

Since we were told that there were no flights to Albany the next day until 10pm, we decided to get train tix for the next day and make reservations to stay in a hotel near the train station.

(Unfortunately, I found out on my own that I could have taken one of several flights back to Albany but it was too late to change our plans.)

Monday – DAY OFF.

Instead of a relaxing day at home, unpacking, doing laundry, running and meeting up with a friend, we got up early, took an uber to the train station and more than 7 hours later we arrived safely home. (The train ride was nice but just not expected and $$$).

Tuesday – WFH today and after work, I got out for a run.

starting to feel like spring…

Wednesday – I started the day at the gym and in the afternoon went to the office.

After work, I met up with Deb and we ran a loop around UAlbany.

so warm out but so windy!

Thursday – Today I took an early train to NYC (for work).

After checking into my hotel, I planned on visiting the Historical Society Museum. I had never been there and it was so interesting that I could have spent hours.

Afterward, I set out for a run in Central Park. I had wanted to do the interactive Gates run but not enough time.

On my way back to my hotel, I was able to grab a hug from Cari who was working and busy that evening.

I headed back to my hotel to change clothes and then to the Shed to see the Gates exhibit,

I had seen the original in Central Park 20 years ago!!

dinner with a friend.

REVIEW: Come to Miriam for Its Israeli Brunch, Stay for Dinner - Apple Eats

Miriam’s

and finally a quick visit to Hudson Yards.

Yes, I like to pack as much as possible into my work trips to NYC.

Friday – Work today was in the Financial District (instead of Jamaica Queens.)

I took the subway there early, walked around

too much construction to view the Statue of Liberty.

and at lunch checked out the newly opened Printemps (Parisian dept. store).

I only had to wait 15 min nd got a free bunch of tulips but others later had to wait 2 hours.

After work, I rushed back to my hotel, grabbed my bag and took the train home.

sunset from the train

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

A combination of recovery and training. 3 weeks until my next half marathon!! So 11 on my training schedule… I ran most with Deb and barely got through 9-10 miles and tried a new place for brunch.

chilly but the lack of wind and bright sunshine made it feel so much warmer

After brunch, I changed my clothes and headed up to Saratoga where I was volunteering at the Adirondack Sports Expo.

Sunday – Gym in the am and then I plan to spend the day in Great Barrington, MA with a friend.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run, TC mentoring (Week 1)
Thursday – ~~dinner with tennis friends~~, run, ZOOM with STEM board
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – NYC trip with the hubby

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Ever been to DC? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 16, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.9.25-3.15.25: DC Bound…

Not a long race-cation but a fun one in Washington, DC.

Of course, there was a race but I was mostly looking forward to warmer temps, seeing the sights, and meet-ups with friends.

Last Week –

Sunday – Not a very exciting day but I did get to the gym.

And I purged a lot of clothes from my closet. (However, it’s still a work in progress…)

I did some cooking for week. laundry and errands.

Still made time for my weekly wine date with a friend.

wine-meme-99probs

Monday – WFH all week!!

After work , I got in a run on the rail trail with Deb

what a difference from Saturday… the trail was mostly clear (only icy in spots)

before joining my stepson for dinner. (I also got a tour of his new new house.)

Tuesday – I went to the gym visit first thing and then to the office.

The weather was perfect for a run or outdoor walk (70 degrees!!) but after work, I had a hair appt.

Wednesday – Another run after work. Rather than running solo, I joined the SOAR group at UAlbany. Of course, the temps had dropped and even snow flurries were predicted. But it was nice to have company and meet some new peeps.

Thursday – Last run today before the big race. Deb agreed to join me after work. We ran on the rail trail again but in a different direction. Then I rushed home to pack.
Friday – Sue and I flew to DC together on a very early flight. From the airport, we ubered to have breakfast with Coco at:

and explore the Georgetown area before heading into the city.

Next we checked into our hotel, went to the expo, did some exploring, carb loaded with my roommate’s niece & nephew and got ready for the race the next morning…

(Pics on FB and IG.)

Saturday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon. (Details will be my recap.)

It wasn’t easy (are they ever?) but we all finished and I spent the rest of day meeting up with a friend, sightseeing and celebrating here:

(Pics from the day on FB and IG.)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Sunday – Still in DC but plan to continue seeing the city, meet Deborah & Coco for lunch and fly home late. (rain rain, stay away!!)
Monday – DAY OFF, run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – train to NYC, run in NYC among other things
Friday – work in NYC, train home
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, volunteer at Adirondack Sport Expo
Sunday – gym, visit to Great Barrington MA with a friend

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Spring!
Friday – Post Race Recovery Tips

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Any signs of spring where you live? Ever been to DC? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 8, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.2.25-3.9.25: Race Week

Not a big race but a fun local race.

I had done it when it was a 5 miler but it was the first time for a 10k.

2025 Electric City 10K Race Reviews | Schenectady, NY

Last Week –

Sunday – Just a fun run with Deb and other racing friends.

Unfortunately I woke up to temps 30 degrees colder than the day before. I really was tempted to bail.

My legs were tired from the 10 miles on the previous day and I had cut my leg tripping on a car trailer in a diner parking lot (well, I stayed upright at least.)

Anyway, I met Deb to carpool and I connected with 2 runners (among others) that I would be doing the DC half with in 2 weeks.

I thought I would walk it with some friends that were walking but it was freezing (10 degrees)

Then I thought maybe I run it slow with two other friends.

In the end, I did run/walk intervals the WHOLE race with Deb. This was first for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My legs felt great and I was happy with my time since the cold wind was insane.

And I won my age group (with a PW for this race.)

All is good but hoping for a warm-up in temps.

Monday – I started the day at the gym. After work, I got my 2nd COVID vaccine and then stopped off to see my granddaughter.

reading at 18 mos?

Tuesday – I felt ok (after the vaccine) so I went to the gym and then for a run at lunch (since rain had been predicted for Wed & Thurs.)

my legs felt really dead so I rewarded myself with ice cream

After work, I met a friend to walk around the mall.

Wednesday – This afternoon I had to set up for my in-person class. That meant I had to squeeze in my run at lunch and I got it done before the rain started. (barely).

very dreary and muggy… I was overdressed. 50 degrees!

After work I was tired but a friend asked me to walk with her at the gym. I couldn’t say “No.”

Thursday –Today I had to teach that in-person class. That meant Starbucks before work

tried something new and it was yummy

and a run after work. Deb agreed to share the fun.

pretty breezy but not as cold as I thought

Friday – Same as yesterday but no run after work.
Saturday – Electric City 10k.

of course I signed up for all 3!

Barb, Deb and I decided to do this race. So we carpooled.

With a half marathon in one week, this would be my taper run which is usually 8-10 miles. I had thought of maybe adding on a few more after the race but… you know how that goes…

It was cold!! And when we arrived, there was a snow squall. The snow stopped but there was 60 mph wind gusts during the whole race in addition to slippery footing (from the snow.)

We joined 1200 other crazy runners and all of us stayed upright. As they say “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

After the race, we joined the others, who didn’t run the race, for our traditional Saturday diner brunch.

Sunday – Most likely the gym and maybe start packing for DC.

We lost an hour of sleep but at least it will be lighter after work each day.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, hair appt.
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – early flight to DC, expo
Saturday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
Sunday – visit some DC sights, late flight home

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Electric City 10k Race Recap
Friday – Luck on the Run

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

March 1, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 2.23.25-3.2.25: Heat Wave?

Unless you live in the Northeast, you wouldn’t call it a heat wave.

Above freezing everyday!!!!

Woo Hoo!!

Unfortunately next week, the frigid weather returns.

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym and the rest of the day I spent getting things done so I could have a relaxing week: grocery shopping, laundry, cooking but there was also some TV, Knitting and wine date with a friend (while the hubby was out playing tennis)..

cuz I haven’t shared a cat pic in awhile

Monday – I went to the office in the afternoon so there was Starbucks (lol)

and then I met my friend Deb after work to run the UAlbany loop.

yes, she was overdressed

On the way home, I was planning to stop off to visit my granddaughter (but her mom was sick.)

Instead, there was a ZOOM call for Training Challenge Mentors.

Tuesday – WFH but no time for the gym so after work, I met a friend at the gym and we walked around the track (after I used the machines.)

Wednesday – Today I had to teach an in-person class. That meant Starbucks again and a run after work. Deb agreed to join me again and we met at the Corning Bike Path. It was nice to run on a different route.

not too cold and no wind!!

Thursday – Back to WFH so I was able to go to the gym first thing

what a weird pose?

and then to squeeze in a run after work (since it was raining most of the day)

very damp and dreary

before our monthly tennis dinner.

Friday – WFH again and I had time to hit the gym again before work

and then maj jongg in the evening (at my house!)

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Two weeks until my half marathon. I had hoped to ramp up my miles and do 10-12.

Poor Deb, I ‘ve recruited her to be my running partner 3x this week. We ran/walked 8 together and then I added 2 more miles before we met the others for brunch.

The weather cooperated and I was even warm but after we finished, the temps dropped and it started to rain/snow.

Sunday – Re-scheduled HMRRC Winter Series #5. I had signed up and then I thought I couldn’t run it. But it got cancelled and now it’s today. I won’t race it since I did a long run yesterday (and tripped in the diner parking lot on a car trailer and cut my ankle) but I’ll go to catch up with friends and for the post-race refreshments.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, COVID vaccine #2
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday –gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Electric City 10k race
Sunday – gym & ….?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – DST & Running
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Did it warm up this week for you? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

February 22, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 2.9.25-2.16.25 and 2.16.25-2.23.25: To Florida and Back Again

Well, that went fast!

My long awaited warm weather vacation came and went and now I’m back in the frigid Northeast.

Two Weeks Ago –

Sunday – Another snowstorm and this was our biggest. It wasn’t huge just annoying.

grateful for my hubby and the snowblower

No FOMO on racing since they cancelled the local race that I had registered for.

I wasn’t planning on going anyway since my friend and I had signed for a Galentine’s Day Brunch.

The roads were ok and it was a fun event – delicious food, drinks…

With warm weather predicted, it made packing a little easier… still I brought too much.

forecast: great beach weather…

Monday – I didn’t get up early enough for the gym but at lunch, I went for my last cold weather neighborhood run.

took a different route than last week…

Tuesday – A very early morning flight (5:30 am) with a ~~long~~ short layover in CTL but everything went smoothly and I picked up my rental car in West Palm and then drove to my friend’s place in Delray Beach.

I met her at the pool and after, per our annual tradition, we walked around a bird sanctuary at dusk and then out to a lovely dinner with an ocean view.

Wednesday – I dragged myself out of bed and drove to the ocean to see my first ocean sunrise (and it was so worth it).

Since I had free parking until 9 am, I went for a run followed by a walk (along the ocean.)

had to break in my race shoes and get acclimated to the heat…

My next stop was to Gumbo Limbo to see the turtles…

and Cari‘s mom.

she volunteers here

My host was finished with her tennis game so we headed to the beach where we met up with two other friends from home.

the heat felt wonderful…

We ate dinner at the pool watching the sun set.

Thursday – Another early morning sunrise breakfast

coffee & oatmeal with a view

followed by a run/walk…

I ran in the opposite direction from the day before…

and then a meet-up (another tradition) with a former co-worker for a stroll at another bird sanctuary followed by a delicious brunch.

we taught French together many moons ago…

My host and I spent a relaxing afternoon at the pool.

In the evening, we met my friends from home to watch some awesome tennis at the Delray Open tournament.

Friday – Today was my final Delray Beach sunrise breakfast..

Valentine’s Day! wearing my 2021 Ft Lauderdale HM shirt to commemorate the day!

I ran around the neighborhoods instead of along the water but after walked along the water. I bumped into a runner (her photo is below) that I had met on my first run here…. we had chatted and apparently I had convinced her to sign up for the half on Sunday… LOL.

After a farewell lunch with my host, I moved to my former college roommate’s home in Boca Raton.

We decided to head to Lauderdale-by-the Sea for an early dinner… where we met up with friends who had lunch at the same restaurant.

Saturday – Since it was the day before my race, I opted to rest and only walked my new host’s dog in the morning.

Today’s plans included a 3-hour water taxi ride around Fort Lauderdale (the yachting capital of the world).

the views & the breeze made this a perfect way to spend the day and we learned a lot from the tour guide…

And we ended (by my request) with a pizza dinner.

Since it was still early, we stopped by a exhibition open house at a museum in Delray.

Italian made mosaics of famous people – fascinating

Sunday – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon race day.

I met Jenny at an ungodly hour and happily she agreed to drive to Ft. Lauderdale (and I paid for VIP parking).

Still it was advised to arrive at 4:30 am for a 5:50 am race start.

We had no problems and easily parked the car, used the hotel restrooms and took the shuttle to the start.

I should mention that it was very warm, very humid and a breeze (that turned in wind gusts in our faces for the last few miles).

It wasn’t easy. Each half (this was #71) seems to be harder (or I prepare less?) but I loved the course which included running along the ocean, around a park and along the city streets.

Jenny & I didn’t run together (though she did pass by me at mile 11) but I really enjoyed her company before and after the race.

I recovered later at the beach…

And in the evening (can’t believe I was still awake), we celebrated at a nearby happy hour and then attended a Herman’s Hermits concert (ever hear of them?)