February 3, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.28.19-2.2.19 – The Polar Vortex and Taper Time

This is the week all half marathoners look forward to. The Taper. However it was also the week that it was TOO COLD to run outdoors. I did have my first “real” race of the year (the others were just fun free ones) and didn’t freeze to death.

Last week –

Monday – It was cold and windy as usual but the sun was out for at least the beginning of my run. It now stays lighter longer each week. I ran the only place I know with clear paths and then I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

the 3rd day in a row running which I never do…now I know why…after 2 miles, my legs said “enough”

Tuesday – After running 3 days in a row, it was time to rest the old legs. A snow storm was predicted as well and I had to work late.
Wednesday – After a long work day, I planned to run at Ualbany but…

Nope even too cold for me…the wind was brutal.

Thursday – Since I was going into work late, I thought about a before work run. Then I looked at the temps and quickly changed my mind.

no can do. winter 2019, I hate you!

Since I had a hair appointment after work, this almost turned into a rest day for the THIRD day in a row. But I bit the bullet went to UAlbany at night for a run. It was cold. No lie but no wind and I didn’t freeze to death.

I was not the only crazy person running there. 7 degrees when I started and 2 when I finished. Brrrr

Friday – And the polar vortex continues..

actual temps not windchill

I could have run after work since I hadn’t run Tues or Wed. but I didn’t want to run the day before a race so I declared it another rest day. THREE days of NO RUNNING —not sick or injured. I.Hate.Winter. This week turned into a real taper.

At least I can wear the reversible hat I finally finished knitting.

Saturday -Today I ran the Polar Cap Run, one of my favorite 4 mile races. Only one of my Sole Sisters, Barbara, was game enough to accompany me on the 1 hour drive to run this race. In addition to running the race, I was planning to connect with my VT friend, Andrea. The temp was 2 degrees when we started but we survived the cold and the HILLS and both of us even won our age groups.

Andrea kept her streak alive and did the race for the 13th time!

Sunday -Originally I thought that today would be a rest day because I would have, as usual, added more miles on to the Polar Cap Run and call it “long run completed.” But it was too cold!! So I contacted Judy and I accompanied her on 8 of her 12 miles. Win. Win. And it was a balmy 32 degrees!

This Coming Week – Race Week!

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – rest day – pack
Thursday – rest day, early flight to West Palm Beach, FL, drive to Delray Beach
Friday – 4 miles, drive to Hobo Sound
Saturday – rest day, drive to Melbourne (packet pick up), drive to Sebastien
Sunday – Publix Florida Half Marathon

getting excited!!

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

January 27, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.21.19-1.27.19: Finding a place to run…

Well, we finally got snow and it sucked. Really put a damper on my running. I hate to run on the treadmill!!)

Last week –

Monday – Love me a day off from work. I can run in the daylight anywhere I chose. Of course, it would have been nice not to worry about finding a running route without snow. As I mentioned for the Saturday long run, The Crossings is the only place (beside UAlbany) I knew where they shovel the snow on most of the paths. The biggest problem was not the snow, however, but the sub-zero temps. And NO, I did not run outdoors. The wind was horrendous. I cooked and cleaned but got cabin fever so I decided to go to my free gym since I was nearby doing errands. I threw in the towel after 2 miles on the treadmill. I was miserable. I won’t do that again.

Tuesday – An after work run at UAlbany. Both of my Sole Sisters decided to run on the treadmill. I chose UAlbany because it is a college and the paths are always clear and lit. It was cold but nothing compared to the day before. However the paths were far from cleared. Mostly snow-covered and hard to run on. Very disappointing.

Wednesday – Another after work run. It was windy but warmer but it threatened to snow/sleet/rain all day so I was ready to throw in the towel (even though the first run for the STEM program was scheduled for 6:30 pm tonight) However, when I got out of work, it hadn’t started yet…Next was the question on where to run??? Good News. All the paths at UAlbany were clear so off I went (sorry, STEM runners – it was raining hard by the time I finished so I went home.)

20 degrees warmer + no ice or snow + still light out= 🙂

Thursday – I planned on a rest day (and a rainy warm one it was) because I had plans for our monthly tennis dinner out. As always, a fun evening out.

weather and vacations made our group a lot smaller tonight

Friday – Another rest day and I played hostess to my mah jongg group.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we met at the Crossings to run again due to the snow/ice. I had 12 miles on my schedule. It was cold again but the sun was shining. I ran my first 7 miles with Barbara, the last 5 with Sherry and there was brunch after. All is good.

the paths were mostly icy so we ventured out into the neighborhoods to get it done (on tired legs)… so grateful for running friends

Sunday – Winter Series #4 Race and I downgraded to the 3m distance from the 15k. I wasn’t feeling great but when I got to the race and saw all my friends, my mood changed instantly. And although it was my worst 3 mile time in 5 tries, I got an age group award. Yes, sometimes it pays just to show up.

the speedy ladies in my AG ran the 15k or the 30k

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – ~~3 miles~~ work set up, rest day
Wednesday – 3 miles (volunteer with STEM)
Thursday – rest day, hair appt.
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Polar Cap Race + 4 miles (Feb. 10 half marathon taper begins)
Sunday -rest day, pack for Fla

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Did you get hit with the BIG snowstorm? If yes, how did you deal? Please share.

January 20, 2019 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.14.19-1.20.19 – Baby, it’s cold outside

I have been saying that we’ve had a mild winter. It’s come back to haunt me. This past week, I’ve woken up to single digits. Thankfully, it warmed up (but still freezing) and I was able to survive the after work run.

Last week –

Monday – My legs felt good despite running 2 days in a row. It was cold again but the hard part was that I had to run alone. But got it done and then met my BFF for a walk around mall.

Tuesday – No running today since I was scheduled to sub in my former tennis group. It was fun catching up with my Tues. tennis pals and of course, at dinner after.
Wednesday – Fleet Feet again offered an after work run as part of their running club at Nine Pin Cider). Yes today was also our 20 year wedding anniversary. No gifts or celebrations (dinner on the weekend and a renovated master bath!) But instead, I decided to do my run right away in town and chill at home with a glass of wine.

Thursday – Another after work run. Usually I run at UAlbany with some of the Sole Sisters. But with illnesses, injuries and work, no one was able to run with me. Solo for the 3rd time this week. At least I got caught up with my podcasts.

Friday – Rest day and still home to play mah jongg. Life is good (except for the snow on the ground.)
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we planned to run on the Delmar Rail Trail but that darn snow covering made us change to The Crossings I started early since I had to run more miles than the others. Unfortunately Barbara got sick at the last moment, Judy was in Florida and Sherry was there as well to run the Key West Half so I had to run my first 5 miles alone. Then I ran a few with Judy & Chris and the final 5 miles with Deidre. Glad to have those miles done and go to brunch before the storm hit.

it actually got colder as the run went on

After I was done, I did some errands including get part B of my shingles vaccine. Believe or not, the the pharmacist was a runner and running the Gasparilla Challenge in a few weeks.

Sunday – Our first snowstorm of the year! Trapped in the house to get some cleaning and de-cluttering done. Looking for a restaurant open so we could go out to dinner. (No luck so far. May have to cook :()

This Coming Week –

Monday – DAY OFF – ~~4 miles~~ (sub zero temps – no way jose)
Tuesday – 3 miles with SS
Wednesday – 3 miles (volunteering with STEM)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS, dinner out with tennis friends
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training peaks)
Sunday –Winter Series #4 Race (3m)

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

January 13, 2019 by Darlene

1.7.19-1.13.19 – Four weeks to go…

Yup, I’ll be running my first half marathon of 2019 in one month….gulp!

Last week –

Monday – My legs felt good despite doing my long run the day before so I took advantage and ran after work in my town …for a change.

Tuesday – No running today since I was scheduled to sub in my former tennis group. I was pretty rusty but it was fun catching up with my Tues. tennis pals and of course, at dinner after.

Wednesday – Fleet Feet again offered an after work run as part of their running club. I thought about it and I may go next Wed (It’s at Nine Pin Cider) but I decided to run locally again instead since I had errands to run. Luckily the rain had stopped but boy was it windy!!!

Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with one of the Sole Sisters. Another windy night!! We froze. But always glad to have someone to run with.

Friday – Another rest day (even colder and still windy) and still home so I could go play mah jongg.

if case you’ve never played, this is what it looks like…just add lots of conversation and laughter…we are competitive and you can win from $.25 to $1.00 a game. High stakes.

Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week, we met to run at the Corning Bike Path. It was VERY cold (teens) but at least the sun was out and the wind had died out. I ran my 10 miles with Judy (8 with Barbara) and I was glad for their company.

This week, our run was followed by a book club. We all read Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor and got together to eat and discuss the book. First knitting, now reading. What will our running group tackle next?

But on a sad note-

no words. just tears

Sunday – Today I ran in the Winters Series #3 Race. Usually I run the 10k distance but because I ran long the day before, I switched to the 3 miler. I’m glad that I did and it’s always a fun time (even though it was 2 with the windchill, my Garmin battery was dead and my shoe was untied for the whole race) since I get to meet up with so many familiar faces.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday – 3 miles (FF Cider run?)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 11 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues), anniversary dinner (20 years on 1/16)
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Please share.

January 6, 2019 by Darlene

12.31.18-1.6.19 – Happy New Year!

Last week –

Monday – For the first time ever, I had to work today. As a result, our NYE plans were last minute. Two of my running friends mentioned an event that they were going to – Eden Cafe celebrating a Brazilian New Year’s Eve (parts of Brazil celebrate midnight at our 10 pm.) with an Improvisational Comedy Troupe along with other comedians and musical entertainers and food. The hubby, his friend and I decided to join them. Definitely something different for us. I won’t go into details but we won’t be repeating this event.

Tuesday – First race of 2019. Winter Series #2. A 3.5 miler or 13.1. I chose the 3.5 miles (really 3.75) which started at noon. A fun race with lots of runner friends.

Wednesday – Our local Fleet Feet offered a Resolution Run so I signed up. I get tired of my after work running route (UAlbany) though I would prefer getting my run done right after work and not waiting 2 hours. I was afraid that I would know no one (Judy was not participating in the run) and that the runners would all be fast. It was not the case. I met a nice lady and we chatted before and after the run. She was much too slow to run with but I did run in the DARK with a nice bunch of ladies. Glad I went. It’s important every now and then to leave your comfort zone.

3.25 miles

Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with 3 Sole Sisters. Always glad to have company on my runs.

dark at the end but at least light at the beginning now

Friday – A well deserved rest day and an evening home to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters got rained out so a rest and errands day.
Sunday – Long run with the Sole Sisters was rescheduled. We chose to run on the Zim Smith Trail. We have been so lucky this winter with no ice or snow and almost perfect weather, Today was no exception. Runners arrived at different times and ran different distances. I ran 7 miles with Barbara, Judy and Sherry and then the last 3 by myself. During that segment, I bumped into my Patrick, my Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach and we ran together for a bit. A nice surprise.

Our run was followed by brunch at Leah’s Cakery where I consumed chocolate milk, quiche and a brownie (well, I did run 10 miles!)

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis sub
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 10-11 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues)
Sunday –Winter Series #3 Race (3M)

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? When’s your first race of 2019? ? Please share.

December 30, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.24.18-12.30.18 – Running with Friends

Last week –

Monday – A little snow but not enough to prevent me from squeezing in a short run before finishing my Christmas shopping (Why yes, it was the last minute.) But when I went to change, I realized that I had forgotten my tights so the shopping won.

kitties + egg nog + Elf on TV = Christmas Eve

Tuesday – A early morning run with Jeri, followed by playing Santa, visiting my MIL for a family dinner and then a movie. One busy Christmas Day.

used my NEW Starbucks Roastery mug and convinced my RBF to do 2 loops instead of one

❤ these kids

great film

Wednesday – Still eating and celebrating. This time my BFF’s birthday (dinner and a movie). I did take a lunch walk.

not even close to the original..oh well

Thursday – An after work run at UAlbany with some Sole Sisters. Always glad to have company on my runs.

an old pic – just take away the leaves on the trees and add darkness and we only ran 3 miles

Friday – Another rest day and finally home to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Nisky Bike Path. We had a big crowd this week. I ran the first 3 miles with Judy & Sherry, the next 5 with just Sherry and the final mile solo.

Our run (of all distances and paces) was followed by brunch, of course.

Sunday – Was supposed to be a rest day but I decided to take it on NYE instead and run locally followed by a visit to my MIL’s, then catch up day around the house.

chose the Crossings since my MIL lives not far – my only solo run of the week (I tried to get Judy to run with me but she chose the movies instead LOL)

This Coming Week –

Monday -rest day, NYE dinner out & movie
Tuesday – Day OFF, Winter Series #2 race (3.75m)
Wednesday – 3 miles (FF Resolution Run)
Thursday – 3 miles with SS
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 9 miles with my Sole Sisters (Feb. 10 half marathon training continues)
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Please share.

December 23, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.17.18-12.23.18

Last week –

Monday – A long work day but I was close to a place where I like to run so I planned to run. there before it got too dark. But it was drizzling and a coworker invited me out to dinner so I caved. Rest day.
Tuesday – Another long work day and originally I thought it would be a rest day since I was going to a holiday tennis dinner. But I had enough time to squeeze in a run (in freezing temps) and Christmas shopping before dinner.

Wednesday – Back to NYC for the last time this year. I got there early enough to get my run done (on the High Line) and a visit to the new Starbucks Roastery

before going to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. I love him!!!!!!! And the concert did not disappoint.

Thursday – Tired after a late night but it was my last night in NYC (until Feb 2019) so I planned to go to Central Park to meet Cari for a run. Rain got in the way of our run but not our evening together.

We got plenty of steps and conversation in on the High Line, the Standard Hotel, Starbucks Roastery and Chelsea Market.

not your average Starbucks

Friday – Another rest day. The third this week. But no time to run since I had to take the train home after work. (Beside it rained ALL DAY.)
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Delmar Rail Trail. It was followed by brunch, of course.

Sherry & Jeri missing from the photo – I ran with Barbara (on the right)

Then in the evening I celebrated Christmas with a dinner out with my hubby, my stepson and his fiancee.

the happy couple – 3 mos till the wedding

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day around the house including errands. ~~and finishing my Christmas shopping.~~ Nope, my laptop died so I drowned my sorrows on wine with a friend.

This Coming Week –

Monday –3 miles
Tuesday – Day OFF, 3 miles, visit to my mentee & sons, Christmas dinner and movie
Wednesday – rest day, after work birthday dinner and movie with my BFF
Thursday – ~~rest day, hair appt.~~ 3 miles
Friday – ~~3 miles~~, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles with my Sole Sisters (time to start training for the Feb. 10 half marathon), hair appt.
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? What are your plans for Christmas? Please share.

December 16, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.10.18-12.16.18 – New York, New York…

Last week –

Monday -I wasn’t planning on running today. I had to take the train to NYC and then to Queens to set up. I rushed back to my hotel to change just in case the High Line was still open. I had tickets to see the Warhol exhibit at the Whitney museum (which is near the High Line.) The entrance to the High Line was closed so I ran along the Hudson to the museum. I really enjoyed the Warhol paintings and walked home on the High Line. (It was open if you entered a different way.)

Tuesday – After work, I took the subway to Central Park, my preferred running location.

I ran a shorter version of my usual loop and walked back to my hotel (so I could see the tree at Bryant Park.)

Wednesday – A good dilemma is where to run in NYC when it is dark. I decided on Central Park again but entering around 81st rather than 59th. I ended my run with a trip to Knitty City and a very long back to my hotel.

Thursday – I signed up with SS sister Elizabeth for the ASICS run and holiday party. So I immediately headed to my hotel after work to change and rushed to the store. Well, Elizabeth had to work late but now I have a new running BFF, Anne and we had a great time.

Friday – Finally a rest day. No time (or energy) to run since I had to return home after work.
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Crossings and we had perfect running weather (no coat or gloves needed..woo hoo!!). Having skipped my long run last weekend in favor of 2 5k races, I decided to shorten my 8 miler to 6. It was followed by brunch, of course.

Then in the evening I celebrated my mentee, Amanda’s birthday with our annual Canvas Corks and Forks painting extravaganza.

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day around the house including errands.

This Coming Week –

Monday –3 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis dinner out
Wednesday – train to NYC, 3 miles, Billy Joel concert
Thursday -NYC, 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Long run with my Sole Sisters, dinner out with stepson & fiancee
Sunday -rest day, Christmas shopping!!

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Are you ready for Christmas? Please share.

December 9, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 12.3.18-12.9.18 – Races and Parties

Monday – The reason I was not traveling was because I might be called for jury duty. And I today I was called to report. However, the case was dismissed and so was I. Back to work for the rest of the week. I decided for my run to preview the Last Run course. That meant running around the park which is decorated for the holidays with lights. It was raining on and off but still worth the trip.

Tuesday – Rest Day because I was scheduled to sub for tennis and also wanted to get some shopping done.
Wednesday – My running dilemma has been where to run that is light enough. I get tired of UAlbany so I ran in my town under the lights when possible. (After first picking up my bib (and 9 of my running friends’ bibs) for Saturday’s race.)

Thursday – I was happy to be working locally so I could run at UAlbany after work with some of the Sole Sisters. This is a biweekly thing because the paths are lit there and shoveled if it snows.

we all decided to use some some type of lights – I even used my knuckle lights

Friday – Rest day and hosting Mah Jongg.
Saturday – Race Day. But actually Race Night. The annual Last Run, a 5k through the lights in the park. Always a fun time and even more fun when it’s not icy or snowing and you’re running surrounded by all your friends. It was my slowest 5k of the year but maybe the one I enjoyed the most.

Afterwards the Sole Sisters gathered for a potluck dinner. We ate, chatted, laughed and even knit!

Sunday – This morning was the first of five (free) Winter Series races. Having raced the night before, I can’t say I actually raced it but did complete the 3 miles and ate as if I raced 10.

In the evening, my holiday parties continued. This time it was my annual tennis party complete with gifts, food, entertainment and laughs.

This Coming Week –

Monday -train to NYC, rest day, Warhol exhibit at Whitney
Tuesday – NYC, 3 miles
Wednesday – NYC, 3 miles (Asics Run & Holiday Party)
Thursday -NYC, 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Long run with my Sole Sisters, Birthday celebration with my mentee (Canvas Corks & Forks)
Sunday -rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

WWSki-Orange

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? Do you run any Christmas-themed races? Please share.

December 2, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 11.26.18-12.2.18: Taking a Break

Not from working in NYC but from training for a big race. The next one is not until February 10 so I can have a few weeks of short weekend runs.

Monday – Only two days after my hilly half. My legs felt ok so I planned to take them on an easy run through the lights in the park. But it was raining hard. Obviously someone was telling me to rest one more day. Instead I met a friend for a drink.
Tuesday –Today it snowed. Not a lot but just enough to wreck havoc on the drive to work. Luckily it stopped by the time I got out of work. I never turn down a chance to run with my “Sole Sisters” so I met two of them to a run around the UAlbany campus. Of course as soon as we started to run, it started to rain. (At least just a steady drizzle.) Afterward I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Wednesday – Off to NYC (again) by train. I got there earlier than usual and of course I had to go for a run. I took the crosstown bus and took a chance that the East River route would be lit up. (It was the night that they lit the tree at Rockefeller Center so I wanted to steer clear of that area.) It was and there were other runners too. Afterward I ran/walked back to my hotel and watched the tree lighting on the TV at the bar.

Thursday – Back after work to my trusted Central Park running route. I surprisingly ran into Cari and we ran for a while and then walked and chatted.

I continued my walk back to my hotel so I could see the lighted tree at Rockefeller Center.

Friday – Rest day and an uneventful train ride home.
Saturday – I was up in the air on whether or not to run a local 5k or an easy run with friends. I decided on the run followed by brunch and errands.