April 22, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.16.18-4.22.18 – Recovery

Recovery in the sense of recovering from the sudden loss of my favorite cat (Still feel like crying All.The.Time).

Last week –

Monday – I drove to Rochester today for work . It was a miserable, cold, windy rainy day (The weather here will not let up !!) My only resort was the hotel treadmill and it was not fun. (I wish that I were as tough as the runners in Boston! Yay Desi!!)

Tuesday – Yes, woke up to snow! Worked all day hoping for a light at the end if the tunnel and not have to run in the treadmill again. It was snowing lightly but not sticking so I headed to the trail along the Erie Canal.

3 miles – not bad on the way out but the wind killed me on the way back. When will spring be here?

Wednesday – Another rainy dreary day. I had to drive home after work but I thought I might stop and squeeze in a quick run followed by Abbott’s Custard like I did last fall:

Well, the bridge to run over to get to the trail along the canal was under construction. I drove around a bit but then parked and tried to find access to the trail but I was on the wrong side. I couldn’t even find Abbott’s Custard. It was COLD so I gave up. I ran maybe a mile and then headed home.

Thursday – The same lousy weather continued and maybe this affected my running mojo but I decided to skip my run and instead I went out to dinner with my tennis friends. We try to get together monthly with whomever is available.

Friday – Still did not feel like running and rested for third day in a row. I did play mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Race Day. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K. I wasn’t sure how it would go since I had a lackluster running week. But racing always helps me get back on track. I woke up, however, with a headache and upset stomach. Thought about a DNS (for about a second LOL) and then drove an hour to the race. My FRW coach was there and asked me if I was going for a PR. I laughed and said “No but it’s all about the pie.” If you win your age group, you get a pie and I have a pie streak going. It was chilly and pretty windy but believe it or not, I RAN A PR! Good thing because if I didn’t, I would not have gotten my pie.

fueled by sunshine and post race chocolate milk

Afterward the race, I still had 7 more miles on my schedule. But I left and drove to the Zim Smith Trail where I thought that I would be more sheltered from the wind.

This was not easy and involved quite a bit of walking but the scenery is pretty and I parked at Leah’s Cakery (enough said)

Sunday – My friends were racing but after 10 miles the previous day, even I decided that it wouldn’t be smart. Instead I went to the gym, then for a walk before I did join the racers for lunch.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles FTC, mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – drive to Liverpool, 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, bridemaid dress shopping trip
Sunday – Cherry Blossom 5k + 8 miles

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

April 15, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.9.18-4.15.18 – Here, There and Everywhere…

Work in NYC and then work in Buffalo and then back home. Another busy travel week and a sad week. We said good-bye to one of our cats.

Last week –

Monday – I was in NYC again for work but no time to run since I had to catch the train to get home.
Tuesday – Today included a LONG drive to Buffalo but at least I was able to squeeze in a short run after I arrived.

4 cold but sunny miles

Wednesday – Another rest day due to having to drive home after work. Besides it was raining.
Thursday – A day off from work but a busy one. In between errands and a hair appt, I did manage to get in a run. In the rain. At least it was 50 degrees.

3.5 wet miles at The Crossings where yes, there is a pine tree decorated for Christmas all year round.

Friday – I was planning on a rest day but it was sunny and 60 degrees.

surprise – an outdoor fitness center LOL

Saturday –Finally a Rest Day. More catch up stuff and a knitting afternoon with friends. But unfortunately, one of cats died suddenly this morning. He was fine and then he wasn’t. We took him to the vet the day before and they could find nothing wrong. We (especially the hubby) will miss him!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday – Race Day – Delmar Dash, a local 5 miler. I really wasn’t in the mood to race and the forecast was for freezing rain but happily although it was chilly, there was no rain. I dedicated the race to my cat and ran it with tears in my eyes. I managed to muster up enough emotional strength for a PR and a 3rd place AG group award (my first for this race).

17 sec PR but still a PR… (Recap coming soon!)

I had planned on running 4 miles after the race. I added warmer clothes but had to cut it short at 3 miles. I had errands, taxes and many things to do.

This Coming Week –

Monday – drive to Rochester, 3 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis friends
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k + 7 miles
Sunday – rest day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

April 8, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.2.18-4.8.18: A New York State of Mind

Yes, Work took me back to NYC (Tues-Fri and then Sun)… so it’s pretty much routine these days – Trains, Work, Run, Sleep (with coffee, food and wine mixed in LOL)

Last week –

Monday – I was actually working in my office today and was able to attend my FIRST Freihofer Training Challenge run. It was so much fun to see my old friends. The run was tough but needed. (Thanks Patrick for making me run fast…at least for a minute.)

Tuesday – Off to NYC again by train. I was tired from the previous day’s hard workout but with the upcoming forecast, I wanted to get out there and run. It was raining when I arrived but there promised to be a break in the rain so I headed to the High Line since it was the closest of my running routes to my hotel. Well, the run was miserable. I was cold and wet. But nothing that a nice dinner and a glass of wine couldn’t fix.

Wednesday – Another rainy day but the sun did come out after work so I hopped the subway to Central Park. It was super windy and my legs very tired but the park never disappoints.

Thursday – Finally a day without rain but it was time for rest (and besides it was windy and freezing). Instead I met fellow Skirt Sports ambassador for a dinner.

Elizabeth is injured but we chatted about races and planned to run together the next time I am in town.

I said “rest day” but I actually put almost 8 miles on my feet walking.

Friday – Another rest day since I had to get the train to head home and there was no time to run.
Saturday –No race planned for day so I participated in the FTC group run followed by extra miles and brunch with three of the Wine Glass ladies.

I ran 5 miles with the BOTPers of the Advanced group and then 3 miles solo. Yes, it had snowed and was cold and windy. But I was very glad to have the company for part of my long run.

Sunday – Believe it or not, I had to take the train back to NYC for work. And the temps keep getting colder. When is spring coming??? I hoped to run once I arrived. I hadn’t been to the East River is awhile because it takes a long time to run there so I hopped the bus this time to get there and back. The sun was nice but running into the wind was brutal. Still loved the views and it was worth freezing my ears off.

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day in NYC, train home
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, 3 miles?
Wednesday – rest day, drive home
Thursday – DAY OFF, 4 miles?, hair appt
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race) + 4 more miles

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

April 2, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.26.18-4.1.18 – My Home is on the Road

I survived an extremely busy week- travel upstate for work, travel to NYC for work, Passover, Easter. And a race squeezed in there too. OY!!

Last week –

Monday – Today I drove to Liverpool for work. The weather was almost perfect for running (just a little windy) so I headed to my favorite running route.

After dinner, I returned for a sunset walk.

Tuesday – I might have run before my long drive home but it was raining and I was anxious to get home.
Wednesday – Back on the train to NYC. With rain predicted for the next two days, I knew I needed to run and I did. I took the subway to Riverside Park and ran along the Hudson River and then finished my run in Central Park.

Thursday – It was supposed to rain so I didn’t plan to run but then it didn’t so I decided to head to the High Line after work. It is crowded and hard to run on but always great views so worth it.

Friday – Another work day (and a rainy one) with no time to run since I had to catch a train home.
Saturday – Race Day. Ice Breaker Challenge, a local 5k. Several of my Wineglass friends had FOMO and signed up too. It was fun and afterward I ran some more miles with Barbara (and Alyssa for a bit). We also met some of the others at our favorite spot for brunch.

sunny skies, course PR and age group winner = happy morning!

In the evening, I celebrated Passover at a Seder with my mah jongg friends.

Sunday – Rest day and Easter dinner with the family.

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles with FTC group
Tuesday – train to NYC, 3 miles
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – 3 miles in NYC
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day, train to NYC

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Has spring arrived where you live? Please share.

March 26, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.19.18-3.25.18 – Back to Reality

Yes, I returned from Florida to cold temps and snow just like the weather was before I left. And I headed to NYC for work. Some things never change.

Last week –

Monday – Today was my last day in Florida and I decided to make the most of it. I drove to the Hutchinson Island Bridge and ran over it and then to the beach and back over the bridge. Then I met an old friend for brunch and a long chat before I had to head to the airport. After a long delay in Philly, I arrived home…to winter.

Tuesday – With more snow predicted, I decided that I best squeeze in another run. And I did.

Wednesday – The storm was mild where I lived but not where I was headed. I took the train to NYC for work. I had hoped to run but…not in a blizzard. Instead I grabbed cheap tix to a Broadway show.

Thursday – A long work day but I was determined despite the snow to run. So I hopped a subway to Central Park and ran my usual loop and then added a loop around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir.

Friday – Another work day with no time to run since I had to catch a train home.
Saturday – I had planned to join my Freihofer’s training group for their first Sat. run and then go the the March but changed my mind. I decided to stay home (haven’t been there in quite awhile lol) to spend the day with the hubby, unpack, do laundry, etc. before heading out for dinner with my tennis buds.
Sunday – Race Day. Shamrock Shuffle, a 5 mile race. I was happy that the race began at 11 am since I had to drive an hour. And as usual I enjoyed racing and meeting up with friends. Winning my age group and having a course PR was just icing on the cake.

according to my Garmin, it was a ONE second PR!!

This Coming Week –

Monday – drive to Liverpool, NY for work, 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, drive home
Wednesday – train to NYC, 4 miles
Thursday – 4 miles in NYC
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – Ice Breaker Challenge 5K race, 4-5 more miles, Passover seder with friends
Sunday – rest day, Easter dinner with the fam.

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Please share.

March 19, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.12.18-3.18.17: Leaving on a Jet Plane

Yes, I packed my bags and flew to Florida to visit friends and run a half marathon.

Last week –

Monday – With more snow predicted, I decided that I best squeeze in another run. And I did.

just one UAlbany loop – it was the therapy that I needed after getting some bad news about a friend

Tuesday – Yes, we got snow …AGAIN!!!!!. So I had to resort to the treadmill for a short run before tennis. I love being in town on a Tuesday to catch up with my tennis friends.
Wednesday – I was worried that due to the weather, my flight would be cancelled. Luckily, it was not. So I took an early morning flight to West Palm Beach, FL and then I drove to Delray Beach to stay with a friend (who coincidentally just had knee replacement surgery.) We had a nice day at the pool, at a bird sanctuary and then dinner out.

Thursday – Another day in paradise. Started the day with a run, followed by the pool. Then spent the afternoon at the beach. I had dinner with an old friend and ended the day watching the sunset.

Friday – I decided to be smart today and rest. I took a leisurely walk and then met my college roommate for brunch. After a few errands, I drove to Vero Beach to pick up my race packet and then to Sebastian where my sister-in-law and her husband live. I carb loaded at an Italian restaurant and then relaxed at their home.

Saturday – Race Day!! An early wake up and drive to Vero Beach. No problems and perfect weather. More about the race in my recap but the highlight was meeting a lady who was nervously running her first half marathon and running the whole race chatting and encouraging her.

Afterward I celebrated with drinks and lunch on the water, seeing the sights of Sebastian before heading off to Hobe Sound where I would be spending my final two nights.

Sunday – I felt very fresh so started the day with an easy run. Then we spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

I celebrated my last night in Florida with an awesome seafood dinner

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles in Stuart, brunch with a friend, fly home
Tuesday – rest day, tennis?
Wednesday – train to NYC, 4 miles?
Thursday – 4 miles in NYC
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 4 slow miles
Sunday – Shamrock Shuffle 5M Race

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Please share.

March 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.5.18-3.11.18: Back in the Big Apple

New York, New York. It’s my kind of town…

Lots of lights and places to run…

Last week –

Monday – Again I was scheduled to work in Queens. So after I set up and got back to Manhattan, I went for a short run. I decided to run on the High Line because I actually had enough daylight before it closed.

A short run because I had tickets for a pro tennis tournament in Madison Square Garden.

8 players played 10 pt tie breakers and the winner took all in the end. Pretty fun.

Tuesday – Today after work, I wanted to get one more run in before the storm so I ran along the Hudson River until it got dark and then through the city.

I ran in the opposite direction (uptown)

Wednesday – My new Skirt Sports ambassador buddy, Elizabeth, recommended that I attend this event with her.

the author is a runner herself.

But the event got cancelled due the snowstorm. I was totally bummed. So I made the best of the evening and took on a Broadway show.

I bought last row tix but because of the weather, there were a lot of no-shows so I was able to move down to the 3rd row. I even got a beach ball souvenir.

Thursday – Finally Elizabeth and I were supposed to run together. But the weather again messed up our plans. Her Tuesday running class got rescheduled for today. So we planned to meet up the next I am here. and I took the subway to Central Park and ran solo.

More daylight and more runners in the park (many guys in shorts!?) I was more adventuresome and ran some different paths.

Afterward, I stumbled upon the Underground Market – amazing eateries near the Columbus Circle subway station.

Friday – No time to run since I had to take the time home after work. I needed a rest anyway.
Saturday – Last long run before the big one. Because the paths at the Crossings were plowed last week, I encouraged the Wineglass ladies to join me for a run there. Jeri & Heidi ran/walked together and Christian & Sherry ran together. Barbara was a good sport and ran 8 miles with me. Then we all met up for brunch.

cold and WINDY! I am so ready to leave this climate.

Sunday – Rest and time to pack for my upcoming vacation!!!

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 2 miles before tennis
Wednesday – rest day, fly to West Palm Beach, FL, drive to Delray Beach
Thursday – 3 miles in Delray and visiting 3 different friends
Friday – rest day, drive to Vero Beach, packet pick up and meet up with some more friends
Saturday – Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon, drive to Sebastian (to visit my sister-in-law) and then Hobe Sound
Sunday – rest day in Hobe Sound visiting friends

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Did you run or are you training for any races? Please share.

March 5, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.26.18-3.4.18: Job #2

Again the second week in a row that I did not travel for work. Because I took time off from Job #1 to work Job #2. Hey, I gotta pay for those race-cations!

Last week –

Monday – After a rainy cold Sunday, the sun came out. It was very windy and felt colder than the actual temps. But glad to get a run in at one of my favorite stops – The Crossings.

in the bottom left pic, you can see a decorated Xmas tree

Tuesday – for Job #2 I worked at my old job’s locale. It was so nostalgic to get to run in nearby Washington Park. There was no wind today so more pleasant but I had to rush to beat the sunset.

in the pic on the bottom right, a runner is taking a photo of her dog.

Wednesday – Back at Job #1 and almost 60 degrees motivated me to run for the 3rd day in a row. Got a late start and had to run a speedy 2 miles in the dark back to my car.

used the flashlight on my iphone…wish I had my knuckle lights

Thursday – Back at Job #2. Finally a rest day and dinner out with a former colleague whom I had seen in awhile.
Friday – Rest Day #2 in a row due to the lousy weather. Yes, we had a SNOWSTORM!!! Even my evening of mah jongg was cancelled 😦

pretty unless you have drive or run in it.

Saturday – Long Run Saturday. I had 12 on the schedule and was hoping for some company for at least part of the run. Always a challenge to figure out where to run and if the road/path is clear from ice and snow. Barbara offered to run with me but that before we had all that snow on Friday. So I ended running up with some other friends at the Crossings for 3.5 miles. The roads were all clear but not the paths so after my friends left, I ran 4 miles in a nearby neighborhood but when I returned to the park, the paths had been cleared so I finished up there. Probably my slowest long run ever. But happy that I didn’t give up.

Afterward I had a hair and nails appt.

Sunday – Rest Day Sunday – a weekly tradition especially with upcoming my 5 day work trip to NYC.

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC, 3 miles in NYC, tennis tournament at MSG
Tuesday – 4 miles in NYC
Wednesday – 3 miles in NYC, NYRR book signing event
Thursday – 3 miles in NYC with SSA
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – 8-10 tapering miles
Sunday – rest day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? have you had spring temps yet? Please share.

February 26, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.19.18-2.25.18: Home Sweet Home

I felt like I was on vacation. Day off. No travel for work. No races. Woo Hoo!

Last week –

Monday – Presidents Day. Boy did I need a day off!! I procrastinated on my run and missed the sunshine. But I did get in a short windy run before the rain.

after all my weekend miles, my legs were feeling it so 2.5 miles was all I could muster

Tuesday – 60 degrees! Woo Hoo! Another quick run after work. And I finally got to play tennis. It had been weeks and it was fun getting out there.

only had time for 2.5 miles but couldn’t resist running in capris and short sleeves

Wednesday – 70 degrees in February!!! It was supposed to be a rest day but with snow predicted for Thursday and rain for Friday, what’s a runner to do? So I went for a run after my dentist appt. In a tank and a skirt!!!

3 miles, an ice cream cone and a mall walk with my BFF

Thursday – Well, winter returned. It snowed today!! Good thing it was finally a rest day! I did have to celebrate National Margarita Day!!

Friday – Rest day #2. Rain, rain. rain. Needed the rest anyway and finally got to play mah jongg.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Not excited about the distance nor trying to find a clear road but always look forward to bonding with the Wineglass ladies. Our group was smaller than usual and we all ran or walked different distances. Barbara, this week, was nice enough to run slower and keep me company for 9 miles (I ran 2 before we met.)

we all met up for breakfast where we planned our next girls weekend adventure – in Montreal – in September!!

Sunday – Rest Day Sunday. Don’t worry I wasn’t stuck in the hose all day. Had dinner out with my tennis friends (we do this monthly).

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – 4 miles
Thursday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 miles, haircut, nails, errands
Sunday – rest day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Has your weather been psycho too? Please share.

February 19, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.12.18-2.24.18 – New York, New York….

Another travel work week but at least, I didn’t have to drive and it wasn’t as cold and snowy as Buffalo. And the best part, there are lighted paths to run.

Yes, “New York, New York. It’s a wonderful town…”

Last week –

Monday – Off to NYC for work and set up in Queens. As soon as I was done and back in Manhattan, I headed to the East River to do some running.

5.5 miles – 4 of which were to and from the river on the crowded streets of the city

Tuesday – As soon as I got back to Manhattan after work in Queens, I changed my clothes and took off to run. This time it was along the Hudson River. I got a late start and missed the sunset but still a decent run away from home.

4 miles (2 miles to and from the river). Chillier than Monday so I added gloves, vest & beanie but not complaining – warmer than last week.

Wednesday – Of course, I could not be in NYC and not run in Central Park. To save time (and my legs), I took the subway to Columbus Circle and ran around the park. I was really dragging but got in my steps by walking back to my hotel.

so tired but got 2.5 miles in (barely)

sights along my walk (the top pic is Rockefeller Center)

Thursday – Unfortunately, I had to stay in the hotel to do a webinar and could not get out to run or walk. Instead, I met with a Skirt Sports ambassador. We chatted and had drinks. Hopefully the next time I come to NYC, we can meet in Central Park to run together.

after almost 2 hours, we felt like we had know each other for years…or maybe it was the 2 glasses of wine

Friday – Another scheduled rest day since I had to take the train home after work. Totally exhausted because I get up every morning at 5:30 am and stay up late watching the Olympics. Plus even if I don’t run, I walk 5 miles (train, subway, work, lunch) each day.
Saturday – Finally reunited with my running friends for an early morning run. I really didn’t feel like getting up to run but as usual, I was glad that I did. I ran 2 miles at home and then drove with Barbara to meet the others. I ran with Barbara for about 3 miles but decided to let her go ahead because she was running faster than I wanted to. So I ran the remaining 5ish by myself. Afterwards, we all met for breakfast.

lots of sunshine, clear path in one direction on the Nisky Bike Path

Sunday – The last Winter Series race was scheduled for today. Even though, I ran yesterday, I couldn’t turn down a free race. I woke up to snow which did make me nervous but Barbara and I decided to go anyway. I didn’t plan to race and the wind was insane. The good news – I met a fellow Skirt Sports ambassador and won my age group. Yup, another good day for this runner.