July 16, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.9.18-7.15.18: On the Road Again

Yup, I was shuffling off to Buffalo…

Monday – Today I had a long drive for work but after set up, I went for the obligatory run before dinner. Canalside in Buffalo is beautiful in the summertime.

Tuesday – Even though I was exhausted from work, I knew that mentally I need to go for a run. I walked back to the hotel, then ran to Canalside for dinner and then walked back.

Wednesday – Rest day since I had a long drive home.
Thursday – Back home and since I had the morning off from work, I took advantage and went for a run on the waterline behind my house. I wish I had more time… The weather was perfect again.

Friday – Rest day and a big night for mah jongg.
Saturday – Run Day Saturday with my “Sole Sisters.” We actually met close to my home and ran on the Delmar Rail Trail. (and all 9 miles are now paved.) But many were busy with other things so there was only 3 of us and we had different mileage goals. I ended up running 2 with Judy and then 6 solo miles.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. An eventful day on the lake – a surprise meet-up with my mentee and her sons and lots of fun and sun. Hated to see the day end.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3–4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles, dinner out with a former co-worker
Thursday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest day, dinner out and garden tour with the tennis ladies
Saturday – Silk and Satins 5K + more miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

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? Please share.

July 8, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 7.2.18-7.8.18: Help Me! I’m Melting…

Another week at home. Woo Hoo! But it sure was a hot one.

Monday – Third day in a row of this heat wave. And a case of DOMs from Saturday’s downhills. I had planned to run before work and even set my alarm clock but just couldn’t motivate myself to get out of bed. So that meant a slog after work in 100 degree temps. I chose the rail trail near home because of the shade. I found a penny and didn’t die so all was good.

Tuesday – And the heat wave continued. A little cooler. Not 100 but only in the high 90s. While waiting to play tennis, I did a short 2 mile slog and then sweated through 2 sets of doubles before we cried Uncle.

Wednesday – Fourth of July. A Day Off! Another hot one. My friends were running a 4 mile race and normally I would be experiencing FOMO but no, I was happy to be on the lake… swimming, relaxing in the shade

and watching the fireworks at night.

view from the deck at our marina

Thursday – A late night on Wednesday meant being very tired today and it was still hot out. But then the storms came and they continued. It was still thundering when I left work but not raining. So I drove to the Crossings to run with some others. Of course when I arrived, it started to pour. I left and figured I would bag my running for the day. But as I approached home, it had stopped raining. The temps had dropped a little but the humidity has increased to like 99%. I attempted a run even though I could hear thunder in the distance. It never rained but I was dripping wet and wished it had.

I started on the trail but ran in the neighborhoods in case it stormed.

Friday – Another rest day and the temps finally dropped and we got some more rain. I did at least go out to play mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Run Day Saturday with my “Sole Sisters.” I have nothing planned except for a few 5ks until Sept 23 so I was able to run with whomever and for whatever distance. So nice… The group decided to meet at Zim Smith Trail so we could indulge at Leah’s Cakery afterwards. The 9 of us started together but then paired up and ran varying distances (from 5-8 miles). I ran with Judy (not this Judy) for 7 miles (at a much faster pace than I would have if I were running alone).

Sunday – Boating Sunday. My hubby decided to play tennis before we left so I couldn’t sit still so ran in the ‘hood.

I decided to run too late and he can back too soon so 1 mile if all I had time for

The weather was absolutely perfect. And so was the scenery. We hung out in the on the boat in the bay all day.

After stopping on the way home for ice cream, I decided to go for a long walk. There a waterline trail right behind my house. Who knew how awesome it was. I need to run there…

This Coming Week –

Monday – long drive to Buffalo for work, 3–4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles in Buffalo
Wednesday – rest day, long drive home
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

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? Please share.

July 1, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.25.18-7.1.18: Rain, Heat and a New Race

Back on the road for work and the new 15K that I have sorta been training for.

Monday – I ran after work today at UAlbany since I hadn’t run the perimeter and the pond loop in a while.

the weather was perfect

Tuesday – In Rochester for work and after the long drive and set up, I headed to the Erie Canal trail for a run. It was a little warm but nothing like the weather which will be coming this weekend.

I also met up with a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador which is always fun.

Wednesday – After work, although I had a long drive home, I planned to stop for my ice cream and a short run. Unfortunately it was pouring so I had to settle for just ice cream.

got a milkshake – so yummy

Thursday – A rest day because after work, I had plans to get together with my tennis friends. We try to do this once a month. It was another rainy day as well.

Friday – Another rest day (third rest day in a row) in preparation for my race the next day.
Saturday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k. It was a new race on the hottest day of the summer so far. I didn’t know what to expect and the hills were the worst (or maybe it was the humidity). But I just walked a lot and survived. The ice cream at the end as well as the cold lake to soak your feet helped. And I placed 2nd in my AG.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. 100 degree day and so happy to be able to spend it on the lake.

all I needed was some shade, cool water and a good book

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3 miles or rest due to the heat wave
Tuesday – 2-3 miles, tennis (maybe more rest due to the heat)
Wednesday – DAY OFF – rest day or 3 miles in the am, Boating
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

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? Please share.

June 24, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.18.18-6.24.18: Home Sweet Home

I did only local travel so I slept in my own bed ALL WEEK. And I didn’t run a race!!!

Monday – After set up for my training the next day, I went for a run at the Crossings. With the heat index over 100, it was more like a slog. It rained a little but after the rain, it was cooler but more humid Ugh!

Tuesday – After work, I played tennis. It’s been awhile but as usual so fun to catch up with my friends.

time to kill before tennis so this happened

Afterwards, I met my BFF at the mall to walk and chat.

Wednesday – After work, I hadn’t planned to run but I realized that I wouldn’t be able to run the next two days and rain was forecast for both Saturday and Sunday so I did go for a run.

on my local rail trail

Thursday – Rest day due to an after work hair appointment. Afterward, I went to a Women’s Wellness Retreat with two friends. The grounds were beautiful but otherwise the event was disappointing since it seemed to be a way to convince you to sign up for their classes (meditation, etc.) Speakers, some breathing ex, speakers, some seated yoga, more speakers.

the gardens were beautiful also

Friday – Another rest day. Hosted mah jongg at my home. Does cleaning count as a workout?
Saturday – I was hoping that the rain would hold off so I could squeeze in a long run. I met up with 4 friends and we all had different mileage plans so although we started out together, I ended up only running with Judy (not this Judy). It was a GREAT run (she pushes me to not walk and I push her to run faster) and then we all went out to brunch.

Sunday – ~~Boating Sunday~~. Boating rained out. But it was a very productive day. I went to the gym, went for a long walk on a new trail, got my nails done, went grocery shopping and did ;laundry.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 3-4 miles
Tuesday – travel to Rochester for work, 3-4 miles
Wednesday – 2 miles, drive home
Thursday – rest day, monthly tennis friends night out
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k
Sunday – rest day, boating

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? Please share.

June 18, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.11.18-6.17.18 – Running for Ice Cream

In NYC again but only for 3 days….

Monday – Back to traveling to NYC for work. Instead of a run since I had 5k the next day, I went for a walk. I wanted to find all the Grown Up Flowers and I stumbled upon many other interesting sights too.

I also saw another Broadway show which is now on my favorites list.

loved this show!!!!!!!

Tuesday – Another Brooklyn 5k. This was not one of the cheap ones sponsored by the PPTC. It was the inaugural Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k. You know that I couldn’t pass up a race that included ice cream. So I did the race, got my soft ice cream and even ran a course PR.

No age group awards. They will be announced by email and mailed (and I did win – yay!)

Wednesday – Rest day because I had to rush to catch my train to get home. (It was rainy anyway.)
Thursday – Back home. I had dinner with a former co-worker but did squeeze in a short run in the morning after a dentist appt.

my favorite local route – the rail trail – great on the way out but windy and uphill on the way back – still can’t complain about a sunny day

Before dinner, I actually (don’t faint) spent a few minutes in the gym and then we went for a walk (on the same route as my morning run.)

Friday – Truly a rest day. Just work. I even skipped mah jongg.
Saturday – Got up early to meet some friends to run. Many runners were racing today (yes, I was tempted) so we combined two groups and met in a new locale. Although the route was completely flat, the run felt harder than last week. But I think it was not carrying any food or water with more humid temps could have factored in. Of course, we went out to brunch afterwards.

at Peebles State Park with lots of bridges

Sunday – Boating Sunday. This could become a habit and a nice one. Since my hubby had gone up the night before, I had some unrushed time in the morning to go for a run.

we were asked to run today for Megan, a SS ambassador who was shot and her son killed. #skirtsportsrunformegan

It finally felt like a real summer day. 80 degrees!! (If only the water would warm up…)

so relaxed that I read a whole book and we stopped for dinner after (view in the top pic)

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles at the Crossings (if I don’t die from the heat)
Tuesday – rest day, tennis, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – 3 miles at UAlbany
Thursday – rest day, hair appt, wellness night event
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 9 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating

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? Please share.

June 10, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 6.4.18-6.10.18 – Back you know where and another 5k

Returned to my favorite city. Too bad it was not for a vacation.

Monday – Back in NYC for work with a travel snafu for the next 3 mos. I arrive at Grand Central Sta. now and then have to get to Penn Sta. where my hotel is and vice versa on the way home on Friday. PITA. It was raining when I left home. But not in NYC. It was perfect running weather. After set up in Queens and checking into my hotel, I decided to run along the Hudson River and end up in Greenwich Village to have dinner. Then I walked all the way back to my hotel. No problem getting in steps when in NYC. My legs covered over 11 miles for the day.

3.5 miles with walking and photo stops

Tuesday – Tempted to run everyday when in NYC but decided that I best take a day off since I had a 5k scheduled for the next night. So I got some inexpensive tix to a Broadway show.

Wednesday – Global Running Day. As I did two weeks ago, I signed up for a cheap 5k in Brooklyn (Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #2). I wasn’t feeling great and so the run was tough. But I felt better when it was over. (Isn’t that always the case?)

not a course PR but faster than 2 weeks ago and won my age group

Thursday – Last day to run in the city this week so of course, I did. I took the subway to Central Park and ran my usual path and a new one (the bridal path) and then walked home.

my legs weren’t feeling it but the scenery was worth the 3 mile struggle

Friday – Rest day because I had to rush to catch my train to get home.
Saturday – Finally reunited with my running friends for a Saturday run ( we now call ourselves “sole sisters” instead of “wineglass ladies.”) and brunch after.

1 mile solo and 7 with Chris & Sherry. (4 others just joined for brunch) We even got to cross the finish line of another race on our route lol

Sunday – Boating Sunday. But first I got in a short run to the grocery store in town (with a detour along the lake.)

the hubby was impatient so only got in 1.5 mi.

A perfect day to hang out on the lake with the hubby and friends.

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC, rest day
Tuesday – Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k
Wednesday – rest day, train home
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating? or maybe a 5K?

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? How did you celebrate Global Running Day?

June 3, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 5.28.18-6.3.18. Summer arrived.

Back on the road this week…driving this time and summer temps and another race, of course.

Monday – Memorial Day and a day off from work. Normally we’d be at the lake but we were there for the past two days in less than ideal weather. I had a few opportunities to run with friends but I chose to run with Alyssa and some of her friends who were running a “monument run”. One runner had mapped out a 10k course that went from war monument to war monument. I thought that was cool. The only issue was that I wanted to run an easy pace. Their pace was much faster than mine. It was hilly and I was dragging behind. Alyssa nicely hung back with me and the other two runners stopped to walk when we got very far behind. Still it was fun and it’s good to push yourself (since solo I would have run much slower.) The funny thing is that the runner who organized this lives in my neighborhood. (small world) I could have a new running partner except that she runs 5-7 runs at 5:15 am (No thanks!)

6.2 to honor those that served our country.

The rest of the day was spent gardening (which was more strenuous and tiring than the run.)

Tuesday – Back at work. Instead of running, I went out to dinner and a movie with my BFF. A late celebration for my b-day. We saw Tully which was pretty meh but dinner was great as was the conversation.
Wednesday – Off to Rochester for work. After set up and checking into my hotel, I took off for a run. It was late and HOT but I got in some miles along the Erie Canal.

90 degrees at 7 pm? Say what? 3 sweaty miles…

Thursday – I had hoped to get in a short run before my long drive home but it was raining lightly and very HUMID.. I changed into my running clothes anyway. I stopped at my favorite ice cream shop and found a new trail (last time I couldn’t run there because the bridge to the Erie Canal trail was under construction.) on the opposite side of the canal. It was buggy and only high grass but it worth it for my savory reward.

2 miles probably didn’t justify that custard root beer float but who cares?

Friday – Another rest day since I don’t usually run the day before a race.
Saturday – Race Day. Freihofer Run for Women, my 11th time running it. I was hoping for a dry local race. And I got one. Unfortunately it was very humid but you can’t have everything. Again it was a great local race.. I loved seeing all my friends and sharing in the excitement of 3,000 women crossing the finish line. I even had a surprise course PR.

With a 15k in a few weeks, I dragged myself out for a few more miles (inside of going out to brunch).

Don’t worry, I went out to dinner later to celebrate and re-fuel.

Sunday – Boating Sunday. My preferred weekend activity. Still it isn’t super warm and sunny but still a relaxing day with friends & the hubby. No complaints.

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC, 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – PPTC Summer Series #2 5k (in Brooklyn)
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 7 – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating? or maybe a 5K?

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? How did you celebrate Memorial Day? Please share.

May 27, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 5.21.16-5.27.18 – Recovering in the Big Apple

Last week I slept in my own bed all week. Not so this week.

Monday – After a train ride to the city and set up in Queens, I took the subway to Central Park to see if I was recovered enough to run. Mentally yes but my foot still protested so I ran a little, walked a lot and enjoyed a beautiful evening in the park. Then walked back to the hotel.

2.5 miles while my medal was being engraved

Tuesday – it was a rainy day so I was not tempted to run. Instead I spent the evening with a former coworker.
Wednesday – Racing? Who me? I ran one of these summer 5ks in Brooklyn last July so I signed up again. I was a little nervous about the foot but it turned out fine. It was warm and humid and I was slow but still won my first award in my new age group. Win Win.

Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series 5k #1

Thursday – Tired from work all day and another warm humid day but with the upcoming weekend forecast, I figured I should drag myself out. So I took the bus to the East River (after a1/2 hour wait for the bus) and then ran/walked a few miles. Afterward, I had a lovely (one hour) walk back to the hotel.

3 slow run walked scenic miles

Friday – Rest Day!! Worked all day then headed home on the train.
Saturday – I wanted to run with the FRW group (and go out to brunch with the wineglass ladies) but we still haven’t gone boating yet. And though the weather did not look promising for the afternoon, the hubby and I headed up anyway. And we had a nice day. Not perfect weather but no rain. After a dinner in town with friends, we drove home.

Sunday – Since it was raining at home, we decided to drive back to the lake. It was cool and cloudy but we had fun BBQing at the marina. Yup three days in a row without running. Sometimes life gets in the way and you have to take a break.

This Coming Week –

Monday – Memorial Day, DAY OFF, 5 miles
Tuesday – rest day, movie and dinner with Bff
Wednesday – drive to Rochester, 4 miles
Thursday – drive home, 3 miles
Friday – rest day, expo, mah jongg
Saturday – Race Day. Freihofer Run for Women 5k + 4 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating?

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? Do anything fun during your Memorial Day weekend? Please share.

May 20, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 5.14.18-5.20.18: Race Week

Monday – I was supposed to have jury duty but I didn’t have to appear today. So I was able to attend Week 9 of the Freihofer Training Challenge group run. Being a taper week for me and having run 12 miles in the previous two days, I hesitated going and definitely about doing the Advanced speed workout. So I went and ran with the beginner group. A slow easy 3.5 miles. Just perfect. And I got to run and chat with a friend Denise who has been injured and I haven’t seen in ages.

Tuesday -Again I didn’t have to report for jury duty. So I was able to play tennis after work. Rest day for running (after running 3 days in a row and besides it was raining. My tennis lessons over vacation must have helped but we won both sets.
Wednesday – Finally reported for jury duty. I did take a long walk to the court instead of paying for parking or taking the bus. Not selected as a juror because I asked to be dismissed (chose to report again in Dec.) But no running again due to a hair appointment.

I missed Tulip Fest due to rain and these are past prime but still beautiful

Thursday – Back at work and because I was in town, I had signed up with my co-workers (as I did last year) to participate in the Workforce Challenge. Ten thousand runners in a 3.5 mile race downtown. Crazy, right with a half marathon in two days!? So to make sure that I didn’t race, I didn’t wear my watch. And I met someday who works upstairs from me who wanted a running partner to get her through the race. She’s much slower than me so it was perfect. We chatted and chatted and dodged the walkers. I may have finished 10 minutes slower than last year but who cares?
Friday – Took the bus to NYC with my running buddy Sue and subwayed to Brooklyn to check into our hotel, go to the expo and get ready for race day. That included a delicious pasta dinner in Coney Island.
Saturday – Race Day. Brooklyn Half Marathon. I had been looking forward to this race for years. Not as a goal race but for the experience. Running around Prospect Park and finishing at Coney Island. What was not in the plan was the RAIN!! Cold pouring rain and wind. It was so bad that Sue quit after mile 5 and took the train home. I persevered and finished. The last 4 miles were painful but I didn’t succumb to hyperthermia.

not my best nor my worst but at least fast enough to qualify for 2019 NYC Half.

Alone in the city on a rainy day so I opted to have a nice lunch and go to the movies.

Image result for book club movie

Sunday – Rest Day. We were hoping for boating weather but the nope, rainy Instead we did go out to a nice brunch to celebrate both of our May birthdays (and both qualifying for Medicare.)

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC for work, 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – 3 miles or Al Goldstein 5k (in Brooklyn)
Thursday – 3 miles
Friday – rest day. train home
Saturday – 6 miles
Sunday – rest day, boating?

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? Anyone ever have jury duty? What about running a big race in the rain?

April 29, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap Up for 4.23.18-4.29.18 – Another Week , Another Race

Last week –

Monday – No travel today so I was able to attend the Freihofer Training Challenge run (for the 2nd time although they are on week 6.) As usual, it’s a workout that you love to hate. We did do six 800m repeats at 5k pace. My splits ranged from 4:24 to 4:15 and got progressively faster so I was pleased (even though I lagged behind my friends LOL).

Afterwards, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

Tuesday – Off to Liverpool for work. I was able to get a run done before dinner and the predicted rain. Who knew it would be 75 degrees. Thank God for clouds and lake breezes.

I went back for a walk after dinner but no sunset due to the clouds.

Wednesday – Another rest day due to having to drive home after work. It was another rainy April day anyway.
Thursday – Back home and hoping for no rain and an outdoor run. No rain but clouds and WIND!!!

Friday – Another cool rainy day. Hopefully April showers will bring May flowers. I wanted to run but my backup plans were to pick up my race bibs, go to the Spring Run Off pasta dinner and then play mah jongg.

: awesome pasta dinner that included salad, wine and dessert – wish I could run this race

Saturday – Rest Day. I had signed up for a race (Spring Run Off 10k) but family comes first. My stepson is getting married and my daughter-in-law to be asked me to help her bridemaids pick out dresses (Her mother had knee replacement surgery and could not come.)

: 2 of the 4 Bridesmaids -Say YES to the Dress

: the wedding colors are plum and grey

Sunday – Race Day. Cherry Blossom 5K. Of course Saturday was a beautiful morning for a race. Today, it was COLD, windy and RAINY. A miserable day to run, Many of my friends did run it so I am glad that I didn’t bail and I had course PR and won my age group.

I was cold and grumpy so I went home after the race. The rain stopped and it wasn’t as cold and windy so I sucked it up and went back out to finish my “long” run for the day.