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

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.

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?)

Last Week –

Monday – Post race recovery included just a walk along the beach since it was too cloudy to see a sunrise…

those guys were running in socks…

Afterward, we drove to Deerfield Beach to meet a college friend for lunch…

the 3 of us studied in France together our junior year..

In the evening, we went to

the music was good and the crowd was very entertaining...

Tuesday – My last day in Florida and my first Boca Raton sunrise…

awesome…… it never gets old.

I left early for my drive back to West Palm Beach to catch my flight home (via DCA).. my second flight was delayed but I eventually arrived safely.

Wednesday – I started the day at the gym…

my morning view of 11 degrees 😦 I want to go back to Florida!!!!!!!

It was thankfully a WFH day so I could unpack and squeeze my run in at lunchtime.

the sun was nice but the wind froze my face off and my legs were still feeling Sunday’s miles

In the evening, I went out to dinner to celebrate a tennis friend’s birthday.

Thursday – Another WFH day and a post work run.

dirty snow and lots of ice – yuck!

After dinner, I met my BFF for a mall walk.

Friday – Gym before work

as you can see, at this hour I have the machines to myself 🙂

and maj jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

I’m scheduled to run another half marathon in 3 weeks!

Still in recovery mode so I only planned to run/walk 8-9 miles.

The goal was not to fall as there was ICE everywhere.

Deb, Barbara & I ran around parking lots in search of dry turf and then I added a few more miles solo.

Hope to ramp up again next weekend.

Sunday – The gym and ???

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – AM run, tennis dinner
Friday – gym, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – (rescheduled) HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 4.5m.

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

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

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

February 8, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 2.2.25-2.9.25: Counting the Days…

I’m not a fan of winter… and even if it is cold in Florida, it will be warmer than here and I can see the ocean!!

I leave on Tuesday!!!!!!!!

Last Week –

Sunday – It was super cold and although Saturday’s run was a disappointment, I was glad I didn’t wait a day to run.

I went to the gym and used the machines and after even walked around the track (about 20 times).

The rest the day was spent doing laundry and cooking. We may be good for the week.

Oh and I’ve been procrastinating but I finally started a knitting project – a cowl. I will need something to keep busy on the plane and waiting between flights.

Autumn Leaves Knit Cowl with Liz Salazar | Classes | Michaels

of course, I’m using shades of purple

Monday – DAY OFF!

Again I went to the gym first thing.

Since it had snowed the night before (again), I waited until they salted the roads before I headed into town.

it was actually above freezing… though it probably won’t last.

Then I met a friend out for lunch. I hadn’t seen her in ages. We used to teach French together.

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

Tuesday – Looking ahead, the weather didn’t look great so I went out at lunch for a windy run.

finally some sunshine!… and hill repeats!!

After work, I had a long awaited hair appt.

Wednesday – No time to get to the gym before work but again I squeezed in a short run in the ‘hood at lunch since it would be unlikely I that I could run the next two days.

Finally the roads were dry in my ‘hood but it didn’t last…

grateful for the sunshine but back into the teens… brrrr!

After work, I went out to dinner with my stepson (not the one who is married and has a daughter.) We celebrated his upcoming birthday and the recent purchase of his first house.

Thursday – Another WFH day and a nasty one… snow, sleet, rain. I didn’t even want to drive to the gym…

I’m sure kids and teachers were happy..

The snow stopped so I headed to the gym after work.

Friday – Too busy at work for anything before mah jongg in the evening.

Oh but I did squeeze in a granddaughter visit.

her latest pics

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Taper time.

With my half marathon in a week, I was not sure what to do. I planned to play it by ear…. an easy run of somewhere between 8 miles and 12 miles.

The paths at the Crossings were too icy so Deb & I ran around parking lots for 6 miles. Then I ran 3 more before it was time to join the others for brunch (when it’s a choice between running and eating, lately eating wins. LOL)

it was actually not a bad day weather-wise – chilly but some sun and little wind.

Sunday – Maybe gym first (weather dependent) and originally I had planned on and registered for the last HMRRC Winter Series race.

But I forgot and accepted a friend’s invitation to a Galantine’s Day Brunch.

I’m excited as this should be fun and I did my long run the day before.

Due to the snowstorm, the race was re-scheduled for Feb. 16 (and unfortunately, I’ll still be in Fla. then.)

Fingers crossed the predicted big snowstorm does not interfere with driving to the Brunch.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run, pack!!

Thanks to Jenny for the forecast…

Tuesday – very early flight to West Palm Beach, FL, drive rental car to Delray Beach, visit the bird sanctuary with my friend before an early night to bed.
Wednesday – Saturday – some runs, some ocean sunrises, nature walks, beach time, friend meet-ups, attending Delray Open tennis, other fun stuff….
Sunday – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon!! (with Jenny) – check the forecast above – yikes!
Monday – relax & recover
Tuesday – fly home

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – HMRRC Winter Series Race Recaps
Friday – Fitness-Related Activities I LOVE to Do on Vacation

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

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

February 1, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.26.25-2.2.25: Welcome Feburary?

This has been the coldest January that I can remember.

So the real challenge has been to run outdoors (and not freeze to death) but more importantly get those long training runs done.

And I succeeded ever so slowly but ran 10, 11, and I hoped that February would be an improvement.

Nope!!!!!!!

I could NOT will myself to finish my 12 miler!

Last Week –

Sunday – Even though I had done 11 miles the day before, I decided to race in the HMRRC Winter Series.

the sun made all the difference

Race is a very loose term… there are 3 distances and I chose the shortest – 3.5m. This race series is local, free and there great food after. No brainer to go and walk if you can’t run.

So I carpooled with my friend Deb, chatted with many local running friends and slowly ran/walked the distance. The sun was shining but boy was it windy!!

I even won my age group despite my snail’s pace

In the evening, we finally went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary, My SIL joined us.

Monday – I didn’t get up early enough to squeeze in a gym visit before work so I went after work and even met a friend after to walk around the track.

Although Monday is traditionally my run day, after almost 15 miles in two days, I though it best to rest.

Tuesday – Still WFH until Wednesday and I wanted to get my run done at lunch but it was so windy. So I waited until after work…

less windy but much colder than I expected…

Wednesday – I woke up to snow but decided to go to the gym anyway just in case I couldn’t run today…

more annoying snow…

During the rest of the morning, the temps went up to 40 degrees but it alternated between raining, snowing, sunny but always very windy.

should I listen?

I had to go set up this afternoon for my live teaching the next two days.

I stopped off on my way home to see if the Corning bike path was clear enough to get in a few miles.

And it was!

the wind had died down and it wasn’t cold… best day to run this week!

Thursday – No time for the gym or a run. Just work (and not WFH.)

one perk about not WFH

After work, our monthly dinner with the tennis ladies was scheduled.

good food and good conversation

Today was also the day that registration opened for the NYC Mini 10k (my bucket list race). I took a lunch break with my laptop already set up and crossed my fingers that I would get in…

Almost 2 hours later (while my class was completing an online practice):

phew… got in and eventually all the races did sell out!!

Friday – Again no time for anything today fitness-wise. There was work (not WFH) and miserable weather… rain, sleet, snow. Even mah jongg got cancelled.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 12 miles! My longest run!!

Same folks and same location as last week. I was hoping that the weather would cooperate.

As I mentioned above, the weather did not cooperate. It was COLD, blowing SNOW and the roads/paths were slippery.

Most of my friends (the walkers) bailed but the runners decided to change locations and run around UAlbany.

With the snow freezing our faces and our shoes getting soaked, Deb & I ran in the roads around the campus. Deb quit after one loop and so I ran solo for awhile and finally Sherry accompanied me for another loop.

After struggling through 9 miles, I threw in the towel and joined the others for brunch.

Sunday – Most likely I will go to the gym, maybe a walk/hike… thinking of a movie too.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – gym, run, lunch with an old friend
Tuesday – gym, hair appt
Wednesday – run, dinner with stepson
Thursday – gym, run
Friday- mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – Taper 10!
Sunday – gym, Galentine’s Day Brunch

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Worst Running Habits
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

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

January 25, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.19.25-1.26.24: Status Quo and a Cold One

My NYC work is mostly over (unless a trainer retires, gets sick or goes on vacation).

So it’s mostly WFH with the occasional live teaching locally.

And freezing my butt off running after work or at lunch (if time) trying to get ready to tackle 13.1 miles on Feb. 16 in Florida.

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day off at the gym (which has become my weekly routine) and then I met a friend to go out to lunch and to a flower show at a local cathedral.

Then the snowstorm arrived…

Monday – HOLIDAY DAY OFF and I woke up to this:

our first snowstorm

I went to the gym, did some errands and procrastinated in getting out to run…

Single digits with the wind chill… but the sidewalks were shoveled in town and so I survived…

I was even inspired (by FB) on a day off to cook something different: Chick peas, spinach, and rosemary pasta in a cream sauce (I added chicken).

: NY Times version

: mine

Tuesday – WFH day and I didn’t want to leave the house:

I decided to go into the office in the afternoon which meant that I could run after work at UAlbany…

they were right…. it was soooooooo cold!

but at least it wasn’t as windy as the day before

After I thawed out, I had to go out again to a mini party at a Chinese restaurant.

Wednesday – WFH day and back to the gym first thing…

actually my car read -13 degrees!!

That called for a rest day from running outside…

After work, I stopped by to visit my granddaughter…

sooo big…

and after I met my BFF for a walk around the mall (where it was warm. LOL)

Thursday – Continued with my morning gym visit on a WFH day.

I postponed my run until after work hoping that it would be warmer than the previous day…

I had to run in the road since the sidewalk’s were pretty icy…

yes, it was warmer but it still felt very cold!!

Friday – Rest Day – Nothing but WFH today with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 11 miles!! We retuned to the Crossings where the paths were mostly clear.

Again, I was fortunate to have company for 8 of my 11 miles…

no wind and bright sunshine made all the difference…

After brunch, I had to rush home because I signed up to volunteer at the NY Fitness Expo

New York Fitness Expo

representing this race

Sunday – I plan to run/walk slowly 3.5 mi. at the HMRRC Winter Series #4:

In the evening, finally getting out to celebrate our anniversary.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – gym, run
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – dinner out w/tennis ladies
Friday- mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 12 miles!
Sunday – gym, ??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Word
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Are you still able to run outdoors? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 18, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.12.25-1.19.25: New York, New York (again)

Yes, 5 days in NYC…

I tried to make the most of my time there since I’m not sure when or if I’ll be back there…

Last Week –

Sunday – I had originally planned to start the day with a free informal race.

But I decided the day before that it would be too rushed to run/walk the race and probably not smart to do it as a race the day after a 9 mile long run (in the snow).

Instead I went to the gym and I even walked a mile on the track afterward (that’s 15 loops).

Wouldn’t you know it, it was a beautiful day, blue skies, no wind… big FOMO when I viewed the race pics and comments.

After I checked into my NYC hotel, I walked along the High Line..

always new things to see on the High Line (FB has more pics.)

in order to end up in the Meatpacking District since holiday lights were still there. Then I walked back, grabbed dinner and finally ended up back at my hotel for the night.

believe it or not, I had dinner and a drink at Starbucks

Monday – Today my training was in the Financial District.

If time, I try to arrive early and stroll around the area.

After returning uptown to my hotel, I changed into running clothes and headed off to Central Park. And I caught the full moon as I was leaving to walk back to my hotel with a stop for dinner.

Tuesday – Again my training was in the Financial District.

After work, I wanted to get in a short run so I ran to the Hudson River and back (so cold and windy)

and then changed my clothes and headed to Broadway to see a show.

very cute and thought-provoking

Wednesday – After work in Jamaica, Queens, I had dinner plans with a college friend but I also had to switch hotels.

I decided against another cold and windy run and hopped the subway to her apt.

we ordered in, had drinks and chatted the evening away

Thursday – Working in Jamaica again and after had to take the train back home …
Friday – Recovering, unpacking and WFH with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 10 miles.

First double digit run since Nov. 3 (Marathon Day.)

With ice and snow on all the paths, it was a challenge to find a place to run. But we parked at The Crossings and ran around the neighborhoods. I was grateful to have Barbara’s company for 6 of my miles… and then we joined the others at brunch.

temps were warmer than they have been and than they are going to be this week, but the wind was torture...

Sunday – Most likely hit the gym in the morning and meet a friend to see the Cathedral in Bloom followed by lunch

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – DAY OFF – run
Tuesday – gym, walk w/my BFF
Wednesday – run
Thursday – gym, run
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 11 miles, volunteer at NY Fitness Expo
Sunday – gym, HMRRC Winter Series #4?

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Mental Benefits for Running (in January)
Friday – 5 Favorite Running-Related Books

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Are you able to get it done outdoors? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

January 11, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 1.5.25-1.12.25: Home Sweet Home

I’m home all week!!

Well, until today.

Last Week –

Sunday – I re-joined the gym!!

I got a lot of errands done and then met a friend for lunch…

no snow where I live and obviously some just north…

Monday – DAY OFF!!

Another day to get stuff accomplished including de-holidaying the house..

It was freezing and I waited until it warmed up to go for a run…

brr.. I never warmed up on this one…

I also fit in a visit with my granddaughter… (sorry no pics.)

Tuesday – I started my day at the gym…

WFH but I went into the office in the afternoon and after work, I met a former co-worker for many laps (walking) around the track at the gym and then I met my BFF for a walk (around the mall).

No running miles today but many walking miles (indoors)!

Wednesday – WFH again and it was freezing and windy.. so windy that the temps were in negative single digits with the wind chill.

I waited until after work and headed to the rail trail to gut it out…

good news- it was still light out!! bad news – my face almost froze off…

Thursday – I went back to the gym first thing and then crossed my fingers that it would be less windy than the day before.

Nope. Worse!

I waited until after work and again went to the rail but to a different section of it,

soooooo cold!!!!!!!!! I hate winter!!

Friday – Again I started the day at the gym and then stayed indoors working all day.

Since it was a rest day, of course, it was warmer (in the 20s) and the wind had calmed down…

But I was hosting mah jongg tonight so that meant cleaning and preparing…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 9 miles on the plan… It had to be better than my frigid weekday runs although snow had been predicted…

Yup, it snowed and no one wanted to venture outside. But I convinced Deb to join me for 5 miles. And it turned out to be the best running weather of the week.

no wind and the snow was light and fluffy and easy to run on…

Sunday – I had planned to run/walk the HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 3.5m

and then take the train to NYC. Since I’d be there until Thursday night, there would be no reason to rush and take an early train.

But in hindsight with slippery conditions, not a lot of time to spare (plus I had run 9 miles the day before), I decided that instead of the race I will go to the gym before I head to the train station…

After I check into my hotel, I hope to take a long walk and in the evening check out the light displays in the Meatpacking District.

Snowpeople & Holliday Lights Make a Festive Return to The Meatpacking District - GothamToGo

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run? dinner with friends?
Tuesday – run? Broadway show
Wednesday – run? dinner with college friend
Thursday – train home (our 26th anniversary)
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 10 miles!
Sunday – gym

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Setting Realistic Fitness Goals
Friday – New Races in 2025

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

January 4, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.29.24-1.5.25: A New Year and Getting Back on Track

Time to stop slacking off and get back out there and RUN!

Next race is in 6 weeks!!

Last Week –

Sunday – I had skipped my long run the day before due to ICE.

Today I woke up to fog followed by rain… but warmer temps.

I waited and waited but finally got out there…

foggy and drizzly but warmer than it has been in awhile…

and followed it with a early dinner out with my hubby, stepson, DIL and granddaughter.

Monday – WFH day and another dinner out planned.

Yup, I wanted to squeeze in a run… (with all the food and drink I’ve been consuming.)

I woke up to 55 degrees but then it started to rain… The temps dropped but eventually the rain ended.

thumbs up to no gloves, jacket or beanie… but it was breezy

Tuesday – It was another WFH day and a rest day.

To celebrate NYE, the hubby and I went out to dinner with my SIL.

So 2024 is over and well, I tried:

Dec 15-31, 2024

Wednesday – DAY OFF! – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I started off the year with a race: HMRRC Winter Series #2 Race.

This is always a fun one…It’s free, starts at noon and there are two distances to choose from (3.5 and 13.1).

I chose the shorter distance… and prayed that it wouldn’t rain as predicted…

And it didn’t and it was in the 40’s. So much fun (even though I took a wrong turn and ran 4.1 miles instead of 3.5. LOL)

so many familiar faces… love these races!!

Thursday – Back to NYC for work.

I took an early train, checked into my hotel and took the subway uptown to 5th Avenue to catch some holiday decorations that I missed on my last visit and headed to Central Park to get in some miles.