September 14, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 9.7.25-9.14.25: Racing in NYC!!

Another race is no surprise… Three weekends in a row!!

This time it was a 10k and on Governor’s Island in NYC. You know how I love NYC.

Last Week –

Sunday – The weather wasn’t that great (and my hubby wanted to watch the US Open men’s final) so we didn’t head up to the lake.

Instead I went to the gym and asked my running friend Deb to teach me how to dead lift… she taught me form and I just worked with free weights (not ready for the big time yet which starts at 65 lbs).

Deb demonstrating what to do

Afterward, I went to a former co-worker’s consignment shop party (where I did some retail therapy).

and finally I met a tennis friend at a restaurant to watch the US Open.

Monday – I started the day with a run with my running friend Deirdre.

in the 40s but felt great

After WFH, I had my first group mentor run with the STEM (Wednesday is my normal volunteer day).

unfortunately there were twice as many mentors as runners… hope we get more!

Tuesday – WFH all week and a run at UAlbany

another tough one… too warm and I prefer morning runs

before I met my BFF for a walk.

Wednesday – I hit the gym before work because in the evening I was going to the movies with a former co-worker.

Downton Abbey 3: A new era dawns in 2025

so good!!! Sad that this is the end!!

Thursday – Always a sad day. I remember that day so vividly…

Too busy in the morning so I squeezed my run in after work with a running friend and then went out for pizza.

lots of signs on the rail trail for this upcoming 5k

Friday – Early train to NYC. After checking into my hotel, I bopped around the city checking off sights on my to-do list.

My first stop was the 9-11 Memorial.

bottom left is the survivor’s tree

Next I wandered over to the Hudson River and discovered the newly renovated Battery City and Rockefeller Parks.

many more metal sculpture pics on IG and FB

It was Feast of San Gennaro so I walked to Little Italy.

had a nice lunch and discovered a new art exhibit…

Time to head uptown and meet Cari at the Met. I had wanted to see the rooftop garden before it closed. I took the subway partially and then walked (30 blocks) down Fifth Avenue.

We wandered around the museum and then walked to the East River and of course, we ended out visit with gelato.

Yes, way too many miles on the legs the day before a race. But it’s NYC!!

Saturday – Squirrel Stampede 10k on Governor’s Island.

An early morning subway ride to get the ferry to Governor’s Island. I arrived a little after 7 and caught the 7:30am ferry. I arrived way too early but walked around, chatted with many runners waiting for the race to begin at 9am.

I loved the course though one loop would have been more fun and if it weren’t so darn sunny and humid.

I finished (even won my age group), grabbed my bagel and headed back on the ferry.

I took the subway and rushed back to my hotel, changed clothes in order to meet some college friends for a quick lunch and then to see a Broadway show.

we became friends when we studied together in France (hence a French show)…

I had cancelled my train ticket and booked a later bus so I could join them for dinner after the show.

Coincidentally, I sat on the bus next to a girl visiting from Paris (she was on her way to Montreal). .. We spoke French the whole ride 🙂

A LONG day but no regrets…

Sunday – After a late night, a gym visit is planned and then up to the lake today (weather permitting)…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – Day Off – hike, pickleball, covid & flu shots
Tuesday – run, hair appt
Wednesday – STEM mentor run
Thursday – run
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – gym, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Squirrel Stampede 10k Race Recap
Friday – Reasons to Run with a Group

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Do you like 10ks? Does it feel like fall where you live? Are you a Downton Abbey fan? 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.

September 6, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8:31.25-9.7.25: Feeling Fall-Like…

Sunrise later in the morning and sunset earlier every day.

Fall is on its way.

You could even feel a chill in the air (Perfect for running.)

Pumpkin everything is on sale and dying flowers could be replaced by fall decorations and mums.

I haven’t started decorating for fall yet but I couldn’t resist buying this blanket!

The week started out poorly but improved…

Last Week –

Sunday – After another poor night of sleep, I dragged myself to the gym… (Last week’s WRD explained my sleep issues.)

The good news was that my legs and body felt no negative after effects from the half marathon the day before.

It was a beautiful day and we should have gone on our boat, but I felt crabby with no recourse.

So my hubby suggested that I go to the ER.

Fun. Fun.

They ran multiple blood tests (7 of them).

All came out negative and their only suggestion was to see a specialist and use Benadryl cream for the itching at night.

Monday – Day OFF from work – Labor Day.

No relief from the itching but I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go for a walk.

trails at a nearby park

While I was gone, my hubby made plans to spend the day on the lake and invited two friends along.

Initially I was skeptical that I would have fun but actually, it worked out well.

another perfect weather day…

Tuesday – I had planned to run early with Jenny but I just couldn’t get out that early. At least it was a WFH day.

And after work, I finally went for a run.

boy, this felt hard.. even my lower back ached!

Wednesday – Another WRH day. I got up early and went to the gym.

Believe it or not, there was a cancellation and was able to see a dermatologist this afternoon about my mysteriously never ending rash.

He did some scraping and looking under a microscope. Found nothing and guessed perhaps it was some type of insect bites like sand flies. IOW, he had no idea what it was…

His recommendation was to take Allegra twice a day for 2 weeks and come back and see him.

After I set up for tomorrow’s class, I went for a run hoping it would feel better than the day before…

hotter out than I thought and it was still hard but I think I felt a little better than the day before… baby steps.

Thursday – Today I had to teach in-person. That meant Starbucks and no early morning activity.

love their messages..

After work, our monthly tennis ladies meet-up took place. We had dinner along the river and then went to Autumn Glow.

beautiful displays (more pics on IG & FB)… too bad it was raining!

Friday – Same as yesterday… just a different flavor coffee.

It’s been a while but I did play mah jongg in the evening.

Rash update:

Outbreaks have stopped and old rash is disappearing…

But a new bite has appeared and it is red and swollen (may need to repeat the Lyme test) and an itchy rash (not bites) on both sides of my neck. UGH!!!

Saturday – Malta 5k. It’s a race that I’ve done many times in the past. Obviously I registered before all my rash issues so I had no expectations but fun.

And I did have fun, ran faster than expected and even won my age group.

$25 gift card to a wine./liquor store

After the race, I drove to the Zim Smith bike path to add on some more miles and meet friends for brunch.

Got both done before all the rain!!

Sunday – Gym visit is planned (my running friend plans to teach me how to dead lift) and then up to the lake today (weather permitting)…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym, STEM mentor run
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – gym, dinner & movie (Downton Abbey!!)
Thursday – run
Friday – gym, train to NYC
Saturday – Squirrel Stampede 10k, college reunion/Broadway show, train home
Sunday – gym, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Malta 5k Race Recap
Friday – 5 Reasons to Look Forward to Fall

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Do you like 5ks? Does it feel like fall where you live? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

August 30, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.24.25-8.31.25: Unplanned Taper…

I wanted to keep my last WRD upbeat…

But here’s the real scoop:

On Thursday I had what I thought were bug bites…

But they started appearing EVERYWHERE!

So after work on Friday, I headed to Urgent Care.

I was told that the rash was an allergic reaction to something and prescribed Prednisone…

for 5 days (10 mg 2x a day) and NO RUNNING for 7.

Of course, I waited to take my first dose after my 11 mile long run on Saturday morning… (crossed my fingers that the rash would disappear and I would feel ok to run 13.1 miles in 8 days.)

Have you ever read the side effects for Prednisone? Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleeplessness and more.

Plus they recommend no coffee, alcohol or sweets!! What? No coffee! Impossible.

Anyway, here’s how the week went:

Last Week –

Sunday – Unfortunately, the weather looked cloudy, cool and rainy so we decided not to go up to the lake. (I was actually relieved since I wasn’t in the mood to be around others. We had invited 2 friends on the boat.)

So I went to the gym…

Then I tried a new place that advertised NYC bagels and Brooklyn pizza..

I may need to try their pizza next…

I procrastinated on the grocery shopping and laundry and went for a scenic walk instead at Pine Hollow Arboretum…

I would have stayed longer but it started to rain…

Monday – WFH day and my only activity was a walk on the rail trail after work.

this is at the end of the rail trail… I met my running friend and we went out for burgers ($3.50 on Mondays)..

I completely forgot about meeting people to play pickleball. Steroid brain fog.

Tuesday – I met my early morning running friend Jenny at the track. After she had finished her workout, we walked together.

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

Wednesday – Today I had to teach in-person. That meant Starbucks and no early morning activity.

first pumpkin drink of the season…

Again, after work, I did go for a walk. In the mall.

Thursday – Back to WFH.

Rash Update: Many sleepless nights. Rash has mostly calmed down with only a few new outbreaks. I finished my Prednisone.

I took the day off from work and went for a short walk-run-walk to see how it felt to run again.

I drove to the Crossings for more different scenery…

I still have a rash and it itches in places but otherwise everything felt fine.

90:30 intervals including photo stops

In the evening, the last ARE trail night (& BBQ) was scheduled and I had missed most of them (for various reasons.) At the same time, I was supposed to attend a ZOOM STEM board meeting. Which one to choose??

Too tired to decide and so I skipped BOTH and went to bed early!!

Friday – WFH again but I took another day off again – The never ending rash and more poor sleep.

I managed to get up enough energy to hit the gym…

pick up up my bib (and Barbara’s) for Saturday race…

and walk on the trail (where the run was last night).

so peaceful and just what I needed to take my mind of the itching…

Then in the afternoon I went back to Urgent Care for the rash that keeps on giving.

Well since it didn’t disappear with Prednisone, they think that it’s not an allergic reaction. Who knows what it is but did you ever try to get an appt with a dermatologist? I guess skin issues are not urgent. My appt is Oct. 7! Until then I have steroid cream for the next 2 weeks to control the itching.

Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon.

I definitely was nervous about this race as I had the worst training cycle ever: heat, humidity, sore ankle, rash….)

But Barbara was doing it with me and my other friends would be cheering at the finish line after their long runs.

And what I said to Barbara was that I wanted to replace one pain with another and I thought the running one would be more temporary.

At least the weather was in my favor… it was perfect.

So we carpooled to the start and both made it to the finish… barely as we both struggled through the last 6 miles (Sometimes it’s just not your day!).

Afterward we partied with the other runners and our running friends.

Sunday – Gym visit is planned and then up to the lake today or tomorrow (weather and rash permitting)…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY Off – Labor Day- gym, walk
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – run
Thursday – dinner & Autumn Glow Festival w/tennis friends
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – Malta 5k, run
Sunday – gym, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Do anything special on Labor Day? Ever take steroids? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

August 23, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.10.25-8.16.25 & 8.17.25-8:24.25: Looking forward to Vacation Time & Sunflowers…

I hadn’t been on a vacation since last May.

So I was obviously looking forward to this trip to visit my college roommate.

And sunflowers are my favorites…

Two Weeks Ago –

Sunday – Run for the Roses 5k.

I’ve done this small local race before and enjoyed it. This year I recruited my Heidi to join me. You get a shirt, a library book and a rose… and it raises money for the library. Oh but I did forget that it was hilly!!

Although I was 3 minutes slower than last time, my ankle didn’t feel any worse and I won my age group (though I didn’t stay for the awards.)

Afterward, I jetted up to the lake and joined my hubby who was patiently waiting.

We spent the afternoon on an island and of course, I read a whole book.

My hubby drove home and I hung around town for a few more hours exploring the shops and listening to music (and having my evening ice cream).

Monday – I went to the gym before work and had my last pickleball lesson in the evening. Some folks mentioned that they may show up each week here to play… So I did buy a racquet and balls (just in case).
Tuesday – I met my friend Jenny again for an early morning run. She invited our friend Linda and chose a track workout…

and then I had to rush home because I was teaching live today and tomorrow.

Wednesday – Same as the day before….

except that Jenny and I met early to run 60:60 intervals

and I chose a different flavor at Starbucks…

and we finally got some rain after work…

Thursday – I went to the gym and then left work early for a PT appt.

I told her that I was still sore and stiff but no worse. She did her stuff and proclaimed that it seemed a lot better. I was told to continue my exercises and return in three weeks.

Afterward, I was supposed to take the train to NYC. I had decided to stay overnight so I wouldn’t have to make the long trek to the Hamptons in one day.

Well, my train had so many delays that I decided to take the bus and arrived with no snafus. I checked into my hotel and then met Cari for dinner and conversation.

After we parted I continued my evening with a walk around NOMAD and had some gelato.

blogger meet ups are always a joy

Friday – I got up early to do my long run. I had thought of trying for 12 miles. I ran from my hotel toward the East River. Unfortunately I didn’t leave until 7 am and it was already hot and humid. I did my best but with construction, I kept hitting detours.

Eventually I arrived in the Financial District. My run was only about 8 interrupted miles but I was done.

pretty views but I won’t return until the construction is finished…

I walked around the area a bit and then took the subway back to my hotel to check out.

I had lunch and took the train to the Hampton Bays where my college roommate, Barbara, lives.

We went out for a drink at a restaurant on the water and we took a boat to another place for a drink. Finally we relaxed with a dinner also with a water view.

Saturday – I got up late and we just spent the day relaxing in her pool and reading.

I loved that book (though I cried through the end…)

Since I was running a race the next day, we went out for pizza for dinner (on the river this time).

We ended the evening with homemade ice cream.

Students from that school were the outdoor entertainment

Last Week –

Sunday – Ellen’s Run.

Early wake up because even though the race started at 9 am, Barbara was volunteering at 6:30 am.

I brought my breakfast and coffee and hung out until it was time to pick up my bib and shirt.

The race raised money for breast cancer research and many of the runners were either survivors or relatives of those who had the disease.

I decided to run in memory of my friend Ava who died back in November.

Although it was sunny, hot and humid, I did my best (and walked a lot) but still won my age group.

The plan for the afternoon was visiting a winery.

The one we chose even had live music. We brought along charcuterie and did flight tasting (5 different wines). All were good.

There were even sunflowers there.

For dinner, we stayed in and barbecued steaks and had home grown corn.

Monday – Unfortunately it was looking not to be a beach day. Cloudy, cool and breezy. Barbara also had work being done on her house.

I thought that I do a run but my legs wanted a walk and so I just ran to the water (which was nearby) and walked along the shore in both directions.

We went out for Mexican for our last dinner and then to a movie. It was an Italian movie and so good!!

Tuesday – Last day of vacay and I needed to run. This morning I chose to go to a nearby nature sanctuary. My legs felt like lead. Too much relaxing I guess.

Since the weather was perfect for the beach, that’s where we headed.

high rip tide but perfect for surfers… I just did some reading

Then I took the LIRR train back to NYC and eventually Amtrak home. I arrived home late but no travel snafus… phew!

Wednesday – Back to the real world. Early wake up planned to run with Jenny. Then WFH.

Nope, it was pouring!! So I just went to the gym instead. And it rained ALL DAY!

In the evening, I had dinner with my tennis friends.

good and good company (though our group was smaller than usual)

Thursday – WFH again and I had no time to run with Jenny in the morning so I instead of the trails, I ran after work on the rail trail.

too hot and too tired = struggle bus

I decided to end my day on a happy note – visit to a sunflower field.

🙂

Friday – Back to gym before work and another WFH day. I skipped mah jongg so I could wrap presents for the party the next day.

Saturday – Last long run before my half marathon

This would normally be a taper but I skipped my 12 miler and my friends are marathon training so I’d have company.

I met Sherry and Stan for some miles and then I joined Deb for the rest.

close to 11 run/walk miles done… good enough! FYI those stones in a circle around the tree had a nest of turtles eggs

I had to skip brunch because there was a noon birthday party for my granddaughter who will be turning two.

with a Taco Twosday theme…

Since I do have a sunflower obsession, I drove up to another sunflower farm (one that also had colored sunflowers…

Sunday – Gym is planned and then up to the lake (if the weather forecast is wrong.)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – walk, pickleball?
Tuesday – walk
Wednesday – walk
Thursday – run, STEM zoom
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon
Sunday – gym, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Ellen’s Run Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Any fun beach vacations? Is your weather cooling down? What is your favorite flower? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

August 9, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.3.25-8.10.25: Can’t Believe it’s August already…

I do love those long summer days… I get sad when they get shorter.

I did all my runs before work this week and it was DARK when I started. 😦

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym.

Although my MIL’s birthday is not until the end of September, a big party was planned for today.

Yup, she is turning 100!!!!

It was fun to see relatives that I hadn’t seen in years.

And according to Dr. Google, my Achilles issue could be due to my low heel drop running shoes… so I bought a new pair – Brooks Ghost Max 2. Lots of cushion and 9mm heel drop.

Brooks Ghost Max 2

Monday – Day Off!

My foot was feeling better so I played tennis first thing.

My running friend Heidi also had the day off so we drove to Stockbridge, Mass and had lunch. Then we went on a pretty hike in Lenox (we got a little lost so it ended up being 4 miles.) Before heading home, we stopped for ice cream at our favorite place in Lee (where we supposed to race last Sunday.)

I had to rush home because I was scheduled to play pickleball in the evening.

Foot felt fine after all that activity. 🙂

Tuesday – My friend Jenny is training for Marine Corps so she recruited me to run with her early (5:30 am). I was iffy on whether I wanted to run all her miles so she asked another friend to come along.

We all ran separately. I wore my new shoes and ran 4 miles of run/walk intervals. Then we walked a few more miles as a cool down.

still hazy here due to the Canadian wild fires..

My foot felt ok but the real test will be a LONG run.

Wednesday – I met Jenny again for some more early miles. This morning, she invited 2 other runners. It was a new route for me and hillier than I would have liked but it was fun. They ran straight and I did my 60:60 intervals (and was the first one done!) Then Jenny & I walked for 3 more miles.

In the afternoon, I went for my first PT visit. I told her my story and she assessed and examined my foot.

She concluded that I wasn’t injured and ankle stiffness was the issue. She prescribed a series of exercises to do daily and then come back next week. Hopefully there will be more mobility in my ankle and less stiffness/soreness in my Achilles.

And after dinner, I met my BFF for a walk.

Thursday – ~~Just some trails in the evening~~. I skipped the trails and got my nails done. I felt that I needed to be rested for the next day.
Friday – I was nervous about this week’s long run because of my Achilles issue (after the 10 miler last weekend).

I was happy that Sherry and Stan agreed to move up our long runs to today. I started at 5:30 am and they joined me at 6:00 am.

I wanted to run 8 miles (run/walk) and if things felt ok, do 11 miles.

I did 11!!!! No problems!!

saw a doe and her two babies

In the afternoon, I spent some time at the office.

my reward!!

After dinner, I played mah jongg… at my house.

Saturday – ~~Long Run and Brunch.~~ I skipped the group run/walk since I had done my long run the day before. I went to the gym instead.

Today instead of our usual diner brunch, one of our running friends hosted a pot luck brunch.

lots of good food and good conversation

Sunday – Run for the Roses 5k and then heading up to the lake.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym, last pickleball lesson
Tuesday – run?, walk
Wednesday – run?
Thursday – gym or Long RUN, PT, train to NYC
Friday – run?, train to LI.
Saturday – beach time!!
Sunday -Ellen’s Run (5k)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Run for the Roses 5k Race Recap
Friday – Overcoming the Running Plateau

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Do you run alone or with others? Which do you prefer? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

July 27, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.20.25-7.27.25: Am I injured?

Not a very exciting week and although my chiro said that I was NOT injured, I continued to doubt her… and tried to baby my foot and re-visited her. I even scheduled a few PT appts.

Last Week –

Sunday – I was hoping to go on our boat but rain and thunderstorms were predicted.

So I limped my way to the gym and then decided to get my car inspected. It needed 2 new tires so I made an appt and when I got there, they told me the wait was 4-5 hours! What?

I called my hubby to pick me up and left the cat there. We did some errands and BBQ’ed on our “new” deck.

In the evening, I met a friend for a drink and then finally tested out the hot tub.

Monday – My Achilles was still sore so I hesitated to play tennis. However I couldn’t get a sub last minute.

It was on clay and I didn’t play hard… I had fun and hopefully no damage was done.

In the evening (against my better judgment), I went for my pickleball lesson. Foot felt fine (but there wasn’t a lot of running since the court is so small.)

Tuesday – I cancelled my morning run with Jenny and went to the gym instead and then after work, I visited my chiro and told her to work some magic.

This week, she worked on the tightness in my foot and told me to roll it on a golf ball.

Wednesday – An in-person teaching day (wearing sneakers).

great start to my day (chocolate cold brew)

I survived and ended the day with dinner out with my tennis friends..

always a fun evening

Thursday – Annual Track Day. My former co-worker and I have gone each summer for over 40 years!!

We had brunch while watching the horses warm up, bet some, had lunch, bet some more…All in all a fun day (even though I bet so little than I didn’t win more than I spent…)

Friday – My chiro told to skip my runs for a week.

But two of my running friends were doing their long runs early and my foot felt much better so…

I did a slow run/walk and completed 9 miles…

yeah, it was sore but no worse after than before. Maybe this is my new normal?

After dinner, I played mah jongg..

Saturday – ~~Long Run and Brunch.~~ We decided to take the boat out so I skipped brunch with my running friends..

air quality wasn’t great but otherwise a lovely day and a whole book was read…

Sunday – Keep Moo’ving 5k but I plan to walk most of it (w/4 friends) and eat ice cream. As we speak, it is POURING with thunderstorms predicted….. (yes, again!!!)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, pickleball lesson
Tuesday – walk
Wednesday – run?
Thursday – ~~trails~~, chiro appt, ZOOM STEM Bd mtg
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run ~~and Brunch~~, boating
Sunday – gym, MIL’s 100th b-day party

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – ~~Keep Moo’ving 5k Race Recap~~ Tennis & Pickleball
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Even go through injury denial? Do you race in the rain? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

July 19, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.13.25-7.20.25: Taking a Break…

Plenty of activities but not fitness-related…

Not much running or walking or even gym visits.

No race!

Last Week –

Sunday – The friends whom I studied in France with during college planned a reunion in NYC to celebrate Bastille Day.

First we met at a French restaurant for lunch.

the food and company were great but the service was meh…

Then we headed to the Met to see an art exhibit: Sargent and Paris.

it was interesting to note how risque the painting of the black dress was because one strap was hanging down…

After the museum, we walked down Madison Avenue to take in some more of the holiday activities.

4 blocks of entertainment and food booths

Our final stop was Central Park where there was a huge French concert.

who knew how popular this would be…

Monday – Still in NYC celebrating Bastille Day.

One of my college friends, Valerie, stayed over in the hotel with me. So we started the day with a French breakfast.

loved this place!!

Valerie left to visit friends on LI and I took the subway to meet up with two friends in Brooklyn (you may recognize them from my Feb. Florida visits.)

My one Florida friend was staying with her brother who has a car and he offered to give us a grand tour of Brooklyn. We visited Bay Ridge, Coney Island, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO. (Brooklyn is a huge borough!!)

yes I ate a Nathan’s hot dog…

Unfortunately there were torrential rains in Manhattan that evening and my train was delayed in getting me home.

I would have missed my 3rd pickleball lesson but it got cancelled due to the rain.

Tuesday – After a technical snafu at work last week, I had to go into the office early. Long story short, all my files since 2022 were lost. 😦

I am also taking of my friend’s two cats while she’s on vacation… no time for the gym and I cancelled my run with Jenny.

Too hot and humid to run at lunch or after work… My walking friends were busy, as well.

Wednesday – Similar to Tuesday except that I also had an appt with my chiro. I haven’t gone in ages and during my 5k last Saturday my calf/ankle/achilles felt off so I went to see her today.

She said that I am not injured (phew) and that my ankle was locked up and my hips out of alignment. She worked her magic and told me to come back next week if it still bothers me.

I was tempted to run after work but again it was too HOT!!!!!!!!

Thursday – I decided to test out my leg with a short run before work. I woke up early to rain but that was short-lived… it was as humid as ever outside..

did my leg feel normal? not sure what that is… lol but I think it’s fine.

After work, I went out to dinner with friends.

We also had tickets to a play: Once. I had seen it twice years ago on Broadway and it was just as good as I remembered.

Friday – ~~I finally went to the gym before work~~… After a late night, I slept in. Finally the humidity had lifted and it was noticeably cooler. But it was a rest day.

So I just played mah jongg in the evening,.

But the good news:

our new hot tub arrived!!

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

I haven’t run on Saturday with my running friends in weeks. I was a little worried that my last long run was THREE weeks and there has been little running lately due to the heat and my ankle/achilles.

I met up early with Deb, Barb, Deidre, Stan and Sherry who were all wanting to run 8 miles. But I decided to run my own 90:45 intervals so I could go slower and add or subtract miles.

Finally we had perfect weather for running…

I wound up switching to 1:1 for the last 4 miles to complete the distance but I can’t say I was pain-fee 😦

Sunday – A visit to the gym is planned and maybe a boat ride (weather dependent)

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – tennis, pickleball lesson
Tuesday – run, walk
Wednesday – dinner out with tennis friends
Thursday – DAY OFF, Saratoga Race Track day, trails?
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – Keep Moo’ving 5k (and Ice Cream)

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Silks and Satins 5k Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do you take a break in the summer? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

July 13, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.6.25-7.13.25: As So It Continues…

An active summer week, it seems…

Tennis, Hiking, Pickleball, Track, Trails, and a 5k Race.

Last Week –

Sunday – Finally we took our boat. All the stars were aligned with the weather and our schedules. And it was so relaxing…

Monday – Becuse I worked on Juneteenth, they gave me an extra day off and today was that day.

I started off playing tennis.

Then I met a running friend for lunch.

Afterward, we went on two nearby hikes to see some waterfalls

Unfortunately, the 2nd one was shortened because we were getting attacked by bugs.

I ended the day with my second pickleball lesson. I have to say that I improved a lot from last week.

Tuesday – I had plans to run at 5:30 am but my friend Jenny cancelled. I was relieved because I had slept so poorly.

I dragged myself out to run at lunch which was a bad idea due to the heat and humidity. I didn’t get very far.

there is a gnome scavenger hunt on this trail…

In the evening, our STEM Board accepted a grant (at a local brewery) so I attended

Grant Application – Common Roots Brewing Company

provides grants to support local organizations in northeastern New York that focus on community wellness, environmental stewardship, and assisting those in need.

we’re the ones in purple

Wednesday – This morning I ran my re-scheduled 5;30 am run with Jenny. I got there early and there were already some people running on the track. We did some speedwork, some running, some walking and lots of chatting.

a great idea to get out early in this warm humid weather…

Thursday – WFH work day which due to computer issues ended up as an office day.

It was also ARE trail night and so I joined Barb & Heidi for a walk.

even bumped into a former co-worker

Friday – Day Off.

I got invited to accompany the STEM board president to to a lunch and then the ballet sponsored by the lawyer who provide legal services to STEM.

The lunch was delicious. I met some interesting women and the ballet amazing.

Then in the evening, I went to a birthday party.

Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k Race – Yup, another 5k that I’ve done many times in the past, It takes place during the first weekend of horse racing season.

I didn’t pay attention to the weather and it was warm and humid where I love. As soon as I started to head north, it started to rain.

Not only did it rain the entire race but it was torrential, plus thunder and lightning… and the puddles in the street became lakes!!!

that umbrellas is becoming a staple in my pre-race pics…

I came in 2nd in my AG but I didn’t stay for awards.

Afterward I planned to add 4 more miles to my day (with a friend) and then have brunch but I was TOO WET so I just drove home.

Finally a hair appt and then home to pack for a short stay in NYC.

Sunday – I’m taking an early train to NYC to meet up with college friends. We have planned a French lunch, visit to the Sargent & Paris exhibit at the Met, a stroll along Madison Ave for the Bastille Day activities and finally a French concert in Central Park…

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – NYC activities, train home
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – gym, dinner and a show
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday – gym, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k Race Recap
- Friday – Tracking Your Running Progress

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do you race a lot in the summer or is this your off season? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

July 6, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 6.29.25-7.6.25: A Two Race Week

TWO races!! Crazy, right?

Well, one was Friday, July 4th, a 4 miler that I do each year.

The other was yesterday. A new fun one that I planned to run on June 21. Date changed…

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym.

The rest of the day was filled with stuff that needed to get done like grocery shopping, nails, helping my SIL with a computer project, etc.

Boating has slipped off our radar.

We did have our first BBQ on our new deck using our new grill – STEAK!!

Monday – A WFH week. Yay!

I got up early and went for a short run… in the ‘hood. School’s out so no buses and less traffic.

always time for flower pics…

In the evening, I had my first of 7 pickleball lessons. I can’t say that I have any talent but I had fun…

forgot my phone so no selfie. It was harder than I thought and I’m a slow learner

Tuesday – Before work today, I met up my new running friend to work on speed…

I got up at 5;45 to meet her at 6:00am. Yikes. So coffee. No breakfast = No speed.

Actually it was soooooo humid that we walked to and from the track. Then I sorta got in 2 miles of speed drills although I doubt there was much speed.

Then I actually went into the office today and picked up bibs/shirts for Friday’s race.

I am running the race and 4 friends are walking it…

Wednesday – I decided to run after work today… and go to the gym before work.

Too hot! Too sunny! I Quit…

and then I met up with my BFF after dinner for a walk…

Thursday – REST day but finally available to participate in the ARE Summer Trail series… but I decided to skip it and do some errands and have pizza at home.

Friday – Firecracker 4 Race. I’ve run this race several times and I love it. This year as I mentioned above, my friends came to walk it. We carpooled.

It is a very popular race and I connected with many runners that I knew. That made it fun and the hill on mile 4 was just as torturous as I remember.

After I was done, I waited for my friends and then we went out to brunch.

I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out on our new deck with my hubby and his sister.

And it’s not July 4th without fireworks, right?

at a park just a mile from my home

Saturday – Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k Race – except that being the day after a 4 mile race, I only considered it a fun run so I could enjoy the donuts and the cider.

And that was exactly what happened.

It was advertised as a 2 lap course through the farm & vineyards with both grassy and paved surfaces. Though I race often, I only recognized one person! And the course was very confusing and 3.6 miles (LONG!). Mostly on grass and some dirt… and you got the medal before the race!?

The donut was delish as well as the cider and I won my age group (but I was the only one. LOL).

In the late afternoon, I had my first babysitting assignment.

3 hours and no meltdowns= success!!

Sunday – gym, house stuff, boating??

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – tennis, hike, pickleball lesson
Tuesday – run. walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – trails
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Silks & Satins 5k race
Sunday – train to NYC, Bastille Day events w/college friends

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Firecracker 4 Race Recap
Friday – Favorite Running Movies

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do anything exciting on July 4th? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

June 28, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 6.22.25-6.29.25: Welcome Summer…

I think we skipped spring and went right into summer: heat, humidity and bugs!!

Last Week –

Sunday – It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday but my hubby was sick so no boating. Today of course, rain on and off and very muggy and warm.

I started the day at the gym and worked (sweat) in the yard and did lots of retail therapy ordering deck stuff.

empty!

Monday – DAY OFF – I actually played tennis this morning. First time since May 8 (in Fla.)

a hot but fun match…

And I finally met up with my running friend to go hiking. But since it was predicted to be close to 100 degrees we decided to hang out at her house (since she lives on a lake.)

On my way home, I stopped off to see my granddaughter.

enjoying her dinner

Tuesday – My new morning running friend returned from vacation but it was so hot and humid that she bailed on me. So I got up early, drove to the rail trail since at least there was shade there.

did longer walk intervals so I didn’t die…

A busy day but I was able to get in a walk after work (in the mall).

Wednesday – No WFH. Three days in a row teaching face to face. No gym and no run today.

I went for a short walk after work and then I had a teacher reunion. My first one since I left my teaching job (where I taught French for over 20 years). It was great to catch up with everyone.

Thursday – Back teaching live. Rain in the forecast.

I did get in a run after work at the Corning bike path (near where I worked)

no rain, cooler temps but lots of humidity

And then in the evening, I attended my monthly STEM board meeting ZOOM call.

Friday – Day 3 of live teaching…

Only mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.. Rain again originally predicted for our Saturday but it didn’t rain so I met up with Barbara to run and have brunch after with the others.