A very busy work week before I leave for Cape Cod…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I had elaborate plans for the day but I really needed to get a lot of boring errands and stuff around the house done.

finally finished and now onto a new project…

• Monday – Again the  gym was calling and I said that I’d rather stay bed…

cats have the best life..

WFH and afterward, I arrived at my STEM group meeting early so I could run before the new runners arrived.

Week 3.  Their goal 5k is Nov. 24.

• Tuesday – Another busy WFH day… and after work I had a hair appt.

• Wednesday – Today I had to teach live and then afterward, my tennis group’s monthly meet up was scheduled.

No running for the 2nd day in a row 😦

• Thursday – I actually got up early to go to the gym since I was WFH.

After work, I drove to the end of the rail trail to run….

Then I met friends for ice cream..

chilly out!!

Of course, I had to rush home to pack for our weekend race-cation…

fingers crossed this is right…

• Friday – We left early for Cape Cod in 3 cars.  We met for lunch and then checked into our VrBo rental.  After we settled in, we headed out to bib pickup (for the half marathoners) and scouted out the race start location and parking.

• Saturday – Cape Cod Half Marathon. Four brave souls got up early to run 13.1 windy miles along the coast.  The others who were running the 5k the next day had to pickup their bibs and then meet us at the finish line.

• Sunday – Today those who ran the day before spectated and cheered on the 5k racers.

Check out FB and IG for weekend pics.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF – Race-cation ends, Run (in Cape Cod)
• Tuesday – gym, walk
• Wednesday – PM run, STEM mentoring
• Thursday – train to NYC (for work), run, meet a college friend for dinner
• Friday- train home
• Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 20 miles!!!
• Sunday – gym, recovery

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Barn to Bridge 5k Recap
• Friday –  5 Goals for my NYC Third Marathon

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? 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.

New York City!! For 3 days…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym (finally returned after a 4 week lay off).

In the afternoon, we celebrated my mother-in-law turning 99.

• Monday – DAY OFF.  It’s been a while since Heidi and I have been able to coordinate our schedules and go hiking.

I got up early and ran before my friends arrived at our meeting spot.

Then we headed off to Saratoga Spa State Park… between sickness and injuries, we wanted to take it easy.

5.25 miles followed by lunch and ice cream

I rushed home because it was my STEM volunteering night…

• Tuesday – Back on the train to NYC.

After checking into my hotel, I decided that I didn’t feel like running so instead I walked south from my hotel.

I ended up in Freeman Alley where there was some interesting wall art.

Then I walked toward the Financial district because I wanted to check out the 3 new bronze statues at the Oculus.

more pics on FB and IG

I rushed back to the hotel by subway and changed my clothes since I had Broadway tix.

I was lucky to catch Cari for a quick walk from her office to the theater.

someday we may even run or race together…

• Wednesday – A long work day in Jamaica, Queens.

It’s been a while since I’ve run in Central Park so I was tempted to head there.

But the East River was calling me so I took the subway there and ran while checking out the views.

After dinner (with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge), I walked around the Financial District and then took the subway back to the hotel from there.

more pics on FB and IG

• Thursday – Just another long work day in Jamaica Queens and a late train home… later than usual since my hubby was playing tennis and I couldn’t get a ride home until 9:45 pm.

that did me extra time to wander around Hudson Yards… maybe the Vessel will be open by Marathon weekend.

• Friday – Back to work… at least WFH and so I was able get in an early morning  gym visit so I could sleep later.

In the afternoon, I went to my office and the chiropractor. I decided to prehab for my half marathon.

I ended the day with my mah jongg ladies.

• Saturday – Long Run Day.

18 miles on my marathon plan but I had signed up for the Barn to Bridge 5k.

With the race not starting until 11 am… I could be creative in getting it all done. Timing was obviously tricky.

So at 7:30 am, I parked at the end of the rail trail and ran out and back 11 miles. I was lucky for have Deb and Barb’s company for 8 of those miles.

I slowly ran/walked the 5k race. (no awards and no reason to race it…). Deirdre, Judy and Heidi came to the race too.

my college BFF surprised me at the finish line.

Then we checked out the festival exhibits and had some refreshments (free root beer float!)

Finally I ran 4 miles back to my car.

Not pretty but 18 miles done!!!!!!

I drove back to the festival and cashed in on my free food ticket.

a long wait but worth it

• Sunday – I plan on a gym visit and ???

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – PM run, STEM mentoring
• Tuesday –  Hair appt.
• Wednesday – dinner with tennis friends
• Thursday – PM run
• Friday- Girls Race-cation begins – drive to Cape Cod, lunch, check into VRBO, bib pick up, carb load…
• Saturday – Cape Cod Half Marathon!!
• Sunday – Cheering on the 5k runners, recovering and sightseeing

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – HMRRC Anniversary Run Recap
• Friday – 5 Goals to Accomplish Before the End of the Year

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Are the leaves changing yet? 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.

Some weeks are like that: friends, family, work, volunteering and running!! Rain!

You just do what you can…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I ran 13 miles the day before so my plan was to walk a local free race today.

When I arrived, I bumped into a friend who was running it…. She said she would be going slowly so I thought… why not?

it was a 3.3m anniversary race for this running club and an distinguished service award 10k… the award winner was a family friend of my hubby

We went very slowly but we ran the whole thing… I was so happy!!

I quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to meet knitting (and running) friends to go to a sheep and wool expo.

we accidentally matched and the wool that I wanted is sold by someone that lives a block from my home (no need to have driven 1 hr. lol)

There was lots to see and we spent several hours there and then drove 1/2 hr south to meet others for a beer.

The weather was perfect and I was was so grateful to be feeling healthy enough to enjoy it.

• Monday – My ribs continue to be sore and so I postponed the gym visit.

After work today was the first meeting for the STEM participants.  I again agreed to volunteer on Mondays.

It’s Couch 2 5k so in the beginning, it’s mostly walking.

we had quite a large group and it was so exciting!

• Tuesday – A busy work day but I was able to get in a short run and walk with my BFF after work.

• Wednesday – I actually got up early to run because that was my only free time. It was RAINING!!

So I waited until lunch and squeezed in a short one.

Halloween decorations are starting to appear…

After work, I had to go set up for my live class the next day and then attend our monthly tennis friends meet-up.

• Thursday – Yup, live class and so today I had run after work.

Boo! RAINED OUT!!

• Friday –  Day 2 of live teaching so nothing but mah jongg in the evening.  And it was at my house.

• Saturday – Long Run Day (and brunch).

Many of my friends were away so I was lucky to have company for at least some of the miles… I ran/walked 8 solo and then met Deb for the last 8 and then met Deirdre for brunch.

those last 4 miles were a killer but 16 miles in the books (I earned those tiramisu waffles)

But there was FOMO on a race I usually run..

I will run it next year when I am not training for a marathon!!

• Sunday – Plan to finally go to the gym and then in the afternoon  go out to a restaurant to celebrate my MIL’s birthday. 99!!!!!!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF! – run, hike, STEM mentoring
• Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run in NYC, show tix
• Wednesday – PM run
• Thursday – train home
• Friday- gym, chiro appt, mah jongg
• Saturday – Run, Fall Fest 5k, run
• Sunday – gym, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – 3rd Quarter Update
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Update

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Anyone else struggling to fit it all in? Are the Halloween decorations up? 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.

…to recovery and training for my fall races

and to NYC for work.

Last Week –

• Sunday – With boating out of the picture, I went back to where I walked last Sunday.

I parked in a different location so I had different views of the Mohawk R. and again the weather was delightful.

Afterward I went back to that nearby country store…

free cider donuts!!

And then later I met a running friend  for dinner and drinks…

a lakeview…

• Monday – More great weather… so I took a short run during my lunch break.

Boy was it hot!!!

Now that my face looked normal, I stopped off after work to visit my granddaughter.

even with a fever, she was happy and active

• Tuesday – A day off from work for a doctor’s visit and to prepare for my work trip the next day.

Since I didn’t know if I would have time to run in NYC (and rain was in the forecast), I ran a few miles in the morning.

feathers from a …?

Later in the day, I went for a long walk with a former co-worker.

• Wednesday – I took an early train to NYC for work. After checking into my hotel, my plan was to take the tram to Roosevelt Island to view some murals and run (provided that it wasn’t raining.)

The weather turned out to be beautiful and the island had so many interesting sights.

murals, woman puzzle, cat sanctuary, lighthouse, FDR memorial (more pics on FB)

Afterward I had enough time to take the subway to the meatpacking district… to see 100 elephants!!

all sizes, all different, cost from $8k to $22k… to raise money for Africa. (more pics on FB)

• Thursday – My usual long work day starting with a subway ride at 6:45 am and returning at 5pm.

I several plans for after work: run in Central Park, see 3 new bronze statues at the Occulus Plaza or see the wall art in Freeman Alley.

Nope. Too pooped from standing all day… instead:

great decision .. it was really good!

• Friday – Another long work and the train back home in the evening.

train ride along the Hudson R. at sunset.

• Saturday – Long Run Day. Today’s brunch plans included a party hosted by one of the runners (who will soon be wintering in Florida.)

16 miles was on my marathon training plan.  However, there was no way that would happen after a difficult 10 mile run the week before.

I arrived early and parked about 2.5 miles away and ran with Barb. Then I met up with Deb, ran/walked 8 more miles and finally continued solo back to my car.

13 miles followed by a mimosa or two and delicious homemade food!!

• Sunday – I plan to walk this FREE race (3.3 miles)

and then join some friends at:

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  AM run, STEM mentoring
• Tuesday – PM run, walk with BFF
• Wednesday – gym, dinner with tennis friends
• Thursday – PM run
• Friday- mah jongg chez moi
• Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
• Sunday – gym, MIL b-day party (she turns 99)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – How to walk a race
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? 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.

Just a bump in the road, right?

4 weeks until the Cape Cod Half Marathon and 7 weeks until the NYC Marathon…

After a head injury and bruised ribs 2 weeks ago, can I get myself back into shape????

Last Week –

• Sunday – After a rainy Saturday afternoon, the sun came out today.

NO BOATING!!

So I opted to again go for a walk and take advantage of having a free day.

a crisp fallish day…

I visited a place that I haven’t been to in awhile… I definitely plan to go back to run there once the leaves change.

that’s chocolate chai at the nearby country store- very yummy!

I got back in time to watch the finals of the US Tennis Open.  Neither American (Pegula or Fritz) won this year but they played their hearts out in the finals… maybe next year!

• Monday –I decided after 6 days to return to work… especially since I was working from home this week.

After work, I went to get my stitches out. And then I went for a RUN!!!

still had some discomfort in my ribs but otherwise it felt great and my racoon eyes are improving.

• Tuesday – Feeling stronger each day 🙂

I went for another short run after work.

and they’re building restrooms along the rail trail… yay!

Yesterday running felt great… today things felt awful.  Painful ribs, labored breathing. Boo!

• Wednesday – Continuing to ease back into running with short run/walk intervals.

After work, I drove to UAlbany since I was meeting my BFF for a walk nearby.

not great on the energy front but my ribs felt less painful than the day before… progress

• Thursday – After work I met my running friend for a walk and ice cream sandwiches after.

Since it was on the rail trail, I went a little early to get in a few miles.

no better but no worse… as before it was hard to run more than a minute… but I did run!!

• Friday – Finally I returned to the gym. Obviously an abbreviated workout since almost all of the machines bothered my ribs.

Then I returned to the office… and that meant a stop at Starbucks!!

just as good as the last time!

In the evening, I played mah jongg.

• Saturday – Long Run Day… I ran 13 miles two weeks prior and nothing last weekend. Big Dilemma!!  How far should I or can I run?

I decided to play it by ear and see how I felt..

Most of my friends were not running today but Deb agreed to run/walk 8 miles with me and then I continued on for 2 more.

it was a beautiful day and I may have run more if I had company and everyone else wasn’t already eating

So it wasn’t 14 miles as I had hoped but I was happy that I could run and the pain was minimal.

• Sunday – I plan to get together with a running friend and go for a walk.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – OFF – gym, DR. appt, run
• Wednesday – train to NYC (for work), run in NYC?
• Thursday – run in NYC?
• Friday- train home
• Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
• Sunday – gym, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Fall Racing Plans
• Friday –  Tips for a New Runner

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are you a tennis fan? Any advice for me as I try to play catch up in my marathon training? 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.

When I first started this post, I thought I’d be writing about how I completed  a 14 mile run as per my training plan for the NYC Marathon.

How quickly things changed…

Last Week –

• Sunday – As usual, I started the day at the gym…

I remember that I recover better from a hard race if I walk the next day.  I had the choice of the treadmill or the gym track.  Neither seemed appealing.

A few walking loops around the high school track was perfect.

Today we celebrated my granddaughter’s first birthday with a party.

she is the cutest … can’t believe it’s been a year!!

I’m not a TV football fan but I am a tennis fan. So far the Americans are doing so well at the US Open.

• Monday – We left late enough for the lake so I had time to do a short run.

new shoes + new insoles = happy Darlene!

We had a lovely day on the lake…

finished a great book and a beer!! ❤

Then things got ugly…on the way back to the marina, I lost my balance and fell, hitting my head…HARD!

To keep along story short: lots of blood, ambulance, hospital, stitches, concussion, bruised ribs!!

• Tuesday – I decided obviously to take the rest of the week off from work (even though I was WFH).

Besides my ribs, I felt fine.  I even went to get my COVID & flu shots (zero reaction!!)

Then I walked around the mall to get some exercise.

• Wednesday – I woke up to black swollen eyes and so I went to Urgent Care. They sent me back to the hospital for a CT scan in case I had a brain bleed.

7 hours later, CT scan was normal!! (Blood from my wound was draining downward and that was normal…) Phew.

• Thursday – Other than looking like a prize fighter who had lost his match, I felt ok.

I donned some BIG sunglasses, cap and went for a walk.

ribs hurt but it felt great to be outside

Then I went to the movies (theaters are dark. LOL)

the movie was meh but again it was nice to get out of the house

• Friday –  Another day off from work… Again I decided to go for a walk…

a beautiful day at the Arboretum

Although my ribs were still very sore, today they didn’t seem to bother me at all when I walked. I even ran a few steps. No pain. So tempting. But I tried to be good.

• Saturday – Long Run (and brunch) Obviously I couldn’t meet my friends for a long run. Those running the Cape Cod half in a few weeks were running 9 miles and those running the marathon with me even more miles!  The others were walking and then everyone met for brunch and hours of conversation.

These runners have kept going in all times of adversity. I am so grateful to have them in my life.

I was sad to miss today… Hopefully my face will be presentable by next Saturday!

Instead, I walked by myself… for 4 miles!!

Very little discomfort. My ribs hurt a lot more when I would sit or try to sleep than when I walked or run. Yes, I did run on and off just to see if I could.

I promised not to run until the stitches were out. IOW, running was still at 0.0.

• Sunday – Boating (weather dependent.)

Another walk most likely.  If my face isn’t too scary, I may go to the gym.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – walk, dr’s appt, run?
• Tuesday – gym, walk
• Wednesday – run?
• Thursday – run?
• Friday- gym, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)?
• Sunday – gym, walk

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday –  5 Things a runner should never do

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall?  How did you spend your Labor Day? Any advice for me as I try to play catch up in my marathon training? 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.

Some days I feel like neither.

10 weeks to go!!

ONE week to go!

13 miles was on my marathon training plan so I figured a race would be a good idea (spectators, water stops, etc.)

My long runs have felt torturous so I am not optimistic about it.

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day out at the gym and then

no boating today!!

The rain did stop but it was just too wet and nasty.

Instead I was able to attend a consignment shop party hosted by a friend.

I didn’t spent too much money but I was tempted.

Diamond liked this plate (it has a picture of a tuxedo cat on it.

• Monday – DAY OFF!!

I got a late start but I did go for a run on the upper end of the rail trail

My hiking buddy was busy so I hit the trail solo.

water was flowing at Thacher Park due to the recent rains…

I managed to get home before the thunderstorms hit.

• Tuesday – Back to WFH so I was able to get to the gym first thing.

After work, I first went for a walk with two former co-workers.

Then I met my BFF for a second walk.

7 miles for the day!

• Wednesday – Nice cool down in the temps for this early morning run.

felt fall-like except for all the flowers

Finally I had time to spend with my granddaughter after work.

her latest photo – she turns one soon

• Thursday – I planned on running before work but I just couldn’t get going.  Instead I waited until lunchtime since I was WFH and those fall like temps had already slipped away.

And after work our weekly trail evening was scheduled… and it didn’t rain on us!!

perfect weather, scenery and dinner on the lake after!

• Friday – Back to the gym before work and mah jongg in the evening.

• Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch). 

10 miles on my schedule… (a cut back/taper week).

I ran the first 2 miles with Barb and then the rest on my own… (everyone else was doing a different distance and/or pace)

yes, that’s 24 yr old parrot and we lucked out with perfect temps for a run …finally

I had to rush through bunch since I had a re-scheduled hair appt.

Since the sunflower fields were closing this weekend, I had to stop by and tame one last look.

• Sunday – Back to the gym and up to the lake!! Weather dependent.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – Run
• Tuesday –  Run, walk w/friends
• Wednesday – dinner with tennis friends
• Thursday – Run, ARE trail night (last one)
• Friday – GYM, maj jongg
• Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon
• Sunday – GYM, Granddaughter’s birthday Party

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – NYC Marathon Take 3
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Ever run a race as training for a bigger race? 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.

11 weeks to go!!

This week, I signed up for my expo time, my poncho/bag check and the ferry time. (It’s getting real!!)

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day out at the gym and then we spent the rest of the day on the lake.

a windy day but very calm in the bays ( a beer and a book=happy me)

• Monday – An early morning run before work…

a combo of the rail trail and the neighborhood

• Tuesday – I started the day with another gym visit and after work I went to the movies and out to dinner with a friend.

a perfect chick flick

• Wednesday – After late a night, I pooped out on my before work run…

Instead, I dragged myself out after work.

• Thursday – No time for a  run this morning since I was not WFH but I was able to sneak in a few miles

before our weekly ARE trail event.

Nope.  Storms for the second week in a row.

And so I stayed home and binge watched:

• Friday – Again nada in the morning due to work and then house clean-up after work since I was hosting mah jongg.

• Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch). 

12 miles on my schedule.. Good news, it didn’t rain.  Bad news, it didn’t rain = VERY HUMID!!

We all run different paces so I ran intervals with Deb for 7 miles and then ran/walked the rest solo

It was hard but glad meet up with everyone at brunch after.

• Sunday – Back to the gym and back up to the lake!! Weather dependent.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF – Run, hike
• Tuesday –  GYM, walk w/friends
• Wednesday – Run, walk w/BFF
• Thursday – AM run, ARE trail night
• Friday – GYM, maj jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (10 miles), hair appt.
• Sunday – GYM, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Cross Training
• Friday –  Bucket List Races

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Emily in Paris 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.