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.

I was semi excited to get into a routine and start training for my Nov. marathon.

Then there was my work trip to NYC with excessive heat.

After which I came down with a cold.

Hoping things are looking up from this point on…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I woke up with a nasty cold.

I dragged myself to the gym and then decided that sneezing and sniffling with a lake view and a good book would be preferable to staying home.

the sun came out and it was a beautiful day.. Achoo!

• Monday – I had the day off from work and felt a lot better than the day before.

The plan was to go hiking with two friends.. but things didn’t work out so instead, I got some errands done and then ventured out for a run…

too late… too sunny= not fun but done

Then my friend decided that we needed an ice cream adventure

our favorite flavor was back!!

I planned to stop off to see my granddaughter but it was too early so I took a short stroll (to work off those ice cream calories)…

pretty but buggy at the arboretum

Almost walking!!

• Tuesday – WFH and a trip to the gym before work…

No run as it rained most of the day… Rest Day!

The rain had stopped by the time I got out of work so I went for a walk with a friend.

new addition to our rail trail

• Wednesday – I dragged myself out of bed in order to get some miles done before the predicted rain.

it was cloudy so I thought it would feel better than it did and then I checked the humidity… 😦

The rain did not arrive until overnight and so I was able to meet my BFF for a walk after work.

• Thursday – Another early morning run…

I had thought the humidity would have left with the rain overnight… I was wrong!!

and then after work, I participated in our weekly ARE trail run/walk.

This week, there was a BBQ/Pot Luck dinner after which was fun.

• Friday – DAY OFF.  For my annual summer visit to the Saratoga race track with a former co-worker. We started going in 1984!!

2013

This year, we took a backstretch tour. Then we had breakfast and stayed for the day watching the races and betting. I won a lot of the races but since I don’t bet a lot of money, I didn’t win much but it was fun.

• Saturday – Long Run Day and Brunch.

I had to rush through my run and skip brunch because lake time had to be re-scheduled to today.

I ran 4 miles with Barbara and then the last 5 miles solo (I prefer a slower pace for my long runs).

I relaxed the rest of the day with a book …

• Sunday – Keep MOO’ving 5k (in Lee, MA)… not sure after yesterday’s long run that I will have enough energy to run but there will be ice cream even if I walk!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – GYM
• Tuesday – AM run
• Wednesday – PM run
• Thursday – AM run, trail walk
• Friday – DAY OFF, train to NYC, meet up with Cari
• Saturday – Ice Cream Social 10k. train to LI
• Sunday – visit with roommate on LI

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday –  Keep MOO’ving 5k Race Recap
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? 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.

And I thought it was hot last week…

I was in NYC and the heat index was over 100 everyday!!!!

So Marathon training was on hold…

Last Week –

• Sunday – Today I started my work week in NYC.

I got up early and was able to squeeze in a run (glad I did since it was the coolest day of the week).

a little in the ‘hood and a little on the water line

Then I took the train down to NYC and after checking into my hotel, I headed to Madison Ave (with several subway snafus) to check out the Bastille Day celebration.

very hot and very crowded but fun checking out all the exhibits and food vendors

I continued walking to MOMA but both the fashion exhibit and rooftop were closed so I crossed through Central Park to the west side and took the subway to the Financial District.

They had added some bronze statues that I wanted to check out..

My last stop was to cool off along the East River…

• Monday – Long work day in Jamaica Queens but I thought I might try a run along the Hudson River…

lots of water fountains in NYC!!

Too hot to run but I managed to walk/run to where a free outdoor concert was being held..

it was sooo hot but Eden Espinosa was great as was the sunset on the river.

Then I walked back to my hotel.

• Tuesday – Another long work day in Jamaica Queens…

It was hotter than the day before.. so I attempted to run on the treadmill…

Nope, it was even hot in the hotel gym and I had forgotten my headphones…

Instead I walked to the theater to see a Broadway show…

it was air conditioned at least but I didn’t really like the show… oh well.

and after I walked back to my hotel.

• Wednesday – Still hot and working Jamaica Queens.

I try to run this race each summer when I’m working the city

but this year I didn’t sign up in advance..

Boy, am I glad I didn’t.

Instead I met up with Cari for ice cream.

• Thursday – Just a work day as it was still too hot to run even before work…

And after work, I headed home on the train.

• Friday – A WFH day. I briefly considered going to the gym before work but I was pooped.

So not much activity today… just mahjongg in the evening.

• Saturday – Long Run Day and Brunch.

I felt like I hadn’t run in years but luckily I had friends to drag me through the 8 miles.

Stan insisted we do 45:90 intervals… and it was hard!! 45 sec. running at 8:xx min. pace

• Sunday – GYM, Lake George

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF, run, hike w/friends
• Tuesday – GYM, walk w/friends
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run, trail walk
• Friday – DAY OFF, Saratoga Racetrack for brunch & betting
• Saturday – Long Run (9 miles), boating
• Sunday – High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K

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 summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? 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.