February 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 2.5.18-2.11.18 – Decision Time

Do I continue training for a March 17 Half Marathon (check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) in case I find a substitute one in Florida on the same date or do I just run whatever until spring (when I will start training for my May 19 Half Marathon)?

Last week –

Monday – Snow returned. Wind and cold temps, as well. We can’t catch a break this winter. Not knowing what the busy week would bring, I forced myself to run in town (and I froze!)

Afterward I met a former coworker at the gym. You heard that right. I went to the gym.

Tuesday – Off to Buffalo for work. I arrived early in hopes that I could find somewhere to run especially with a snowstorm on the way. It was cold and windy but I got it done.

I squeezed in 3 miles but the most interesting part of the run was when a lady stopped me whom I thought wanted money but she really just wanted to know how to start running. I told her about the couch to 5k app and she was so grateful.

Wednesday – A long day at work. Too dark, too cold, and too much snow to run on the streets. I could not bear to run on the hotel treadmill so nada for today.

Thursday – Another day similar to the day before. But I decided to take on the cold, wind and snowy-covered pavement.

3.5 miles and I didn’t fall. At least there was no ice. Accidentally found the Shark Girl statue that I had heard about.

Friday -I was planning on a rest day because of the long drive but another snowstorm kept me in Buffalo for an extra night. Out of boredom I took to the treadmill before dinner.

3 boring slow miles

Saturday – Almost 30 degrees!!! Of course not even the snowy sidewalks could not stop me from running before checking out of my hotel and driving 5 hours home.

so no long run today but throughly enjoyed my run even if the pace was 15 mm.

Sunday – My original plan called for Hot Yoga. But since I didn’t get home Friday as expected, there was too much to do. Instead, a rest day to catch up before I take off for 5 days of work in Queens. (It rained all day so I wasn’t even tempted to pound the pavement.) But at least I went out with the hubby for an early Valentine’s Day dinner.

This Coming Week –

Monday – train to NYC for work, 4 miles??
Tuesday – work in Queens, 3 miles?
Wednesday – work in Queens, 3 miles?
Thursday – work in Queens, rest day, evening webinar
Friday – rest day, train home from NYC
Saturday – 10 mile run?
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #5 (4.5 m)

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.

February 5, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.29.18-2.4.18: Let the training begin

When I first started running half marathons, I used to start “training” 12 weeks before the race. My next one is my 30th half marathon and it is in 6 weeks (I think – check out my Ultimate Coffee Date post for an update on my situation) so I guess I need to start increasing my long run distance. (That is what I now call “training.”)

Last week –

Monday – Another day in the high 30s with no snow or rain. I decided to check out my favorite path to see if the ice had melted and I was very excited that it had. I even had enough time before it got dark to squeeze in a run.

love the extra hour of daylight

Tuesday – Since I was not travelling, I was able to play in my tennis group. As in previous weeks, I took advantage of the fact that there is a treadmill there and ~~ran~~ struggled through a few miles on it.

only 2 miles but I did sweat…why do they keep these rooms so hot?

Wednesday – We can’t get a break with the weather … cold and windy again but I did get in a run before meeting my BFF for a walk around the mall.

campus + pond loop

Thursday – Finally a deserved rest day. Instead did some errands after work and then went out to dinner with a friend.
Friday – Rest day #2 and mah jongg at my house.
Saturday – Today my third race of 2018 (and my first serious one), the Polar Cap Run, a 4-miler. And a cold one it was. Though it was not a fast one for me, I still managed to snag 2nd in my age group. (Recap will be coming soon…)

Afterward I ran 4 more miles (2 while waiting for AJH to finish and 2 around town).

Sunday – Another rest day and my first visit to Hot Yoga. I have been meaning to start back at yoga and with these cold temps, hot yoga seemed perfect.

Afterward, we went out to lunch to celebrate my stepson’s engagement!!

an April wedding is planned 🙂

I’m not a big football fan but wasn’t that a great game?

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – drive to Buffalo, rest day
Wednesday – 3-4 miles?
Thursday – 3-4 miles?
Friday – rest day, drive home
Saturday – 9 mile run
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 dealing with winter? Please share.

January 29, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.22.18-1.28.18: On the road again

Last week –

Monday – I was hoping the rain would hold off until I was done with my run. It did not.

I wanted to run 4 miles but it started raining too hard. Still being cold and wet felt better than hot & sweaty on the treadmill.

Tuesday – Another rainy day and a drive to Liverpool for work. It poured during the entire drive and then when I arrived, the sun came out. The temps had dropped and it was windy but I didn’t care. I ran along the lake on a clear path. It was a heavenly 4 miles.

Wednesday – A long work day and drive home. I was tired and it was getting dark but I headed to the lake and ran a quick 2 miles. Quick because I froze. 8 degrees with windchill and it was soooo windy.

The problem was that I wore the same running clothes as the day before – 40 degrees, sunny vs 18 degrees, cloudy & very windy

Thursday – A scheduled dinner with my ladies buds left no time to run. The frigid temps and wind returned so I didn’t feel too bad.

we went out for Japanese and as usual, it was loads of fun.

Friday – My re-scheduled hair appt. turned this day into a second rest day in a row. Afterwards, I rushed off to my weekly mah jongg game.
Saturday – I feel lucky to have friends to run with on the weekend. Today we took a chance that the Corning Bike Path would be clear enough to run on. And it was mostly and the sunshine and breakfast after made for a pleasant run.

I ran a mile to meet up with Barbara and then we ran 6 miles together.

Sunday – My second race of the year was today – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3M, 15K or 30K). Since I ran 7 miles the day before, I used the race as a recovery run and only ran the 3 miler. The weather was perfect and I even won my age group.

got to hang with Barbara and some other running friends

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 2 miles on the treadmill, tennis
Wednesday – 3.5 miles, mall walk with BFF
Thursday – rest day
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Polar Cap Race (4m) + 4 miles more, Lake George Winter Carnival
Sunday – rest day, HOT YOGA

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

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Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

January 22, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.15.18-1.21.18: A no-travel work week. Woo Hoo!

Last week –

Monday – A day off from work. Woo Hoo! Even though I had run 7 miles the day before, who wastes an opportunity to run during the daylight hours. Not moi! It was still in the teens, but having sunshine and Judy to keep me company made this run easy peasy.

Tuesday – A rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening. Since there is now a treadmill where I play tennis, I just had to use it, right?

3 more miles

It was torture as usual. At least tennis was fun as well as dinner out after.

Today was also my 19th wedding anniversary (to be celebrated over the weekend) and 7th anniversary of my FIRST half marathon!!

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day due to a hair appointment. You know how important those are.

only pretty when you don’t have to run in it (or shovel it)

And also due to all the snow. But my hairdresser got sick and cancelled. Messed up my schedule. Don’t you hate when that happens?

Thursday – Roads clear so I went for a run after work.

It was in the 20s which feel colder when there is snow and it is dark… in other words, I was under-dressed!

Friday – Another scheduled rest. I actually went for a walk at lunch for the first time in forever. Mah jongg was my evening activity.
Saturday – The Wineglass ladies organized an early morning run. We decided on UAlbany since we could run in the road if the path was snow-covered and slippery. There were 6 of us. I ran 2 + loops or 6 miles with Barbara and we ran at a decent pace with some good conversation which always makes the run more enjoyable. Afterwards, we went out to brunch, of course.

no wind and in the 30s – it’s the little things

It was a little rushed since I planned to attend the Women’s March downtown in the afternoon.

so inspiring and the signs were so creative…glad I went

Sunday – The weather was great and I was tempted to go for a run but I had stuff to do around the house and errands to run. My visit was short and sweet but I stopped off at the free gym on the way to the grocery store. I bet you didn’t expect that from me.

arm machines, leg machines and the bike .. not so painful

Finally celebrated our wedding anniversary with a great steak dinner!

Next Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – work travel, 3 miles ??
Wednesday – rest day, work travel
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner out with tennis ladies
Friday – rest day, re-scheduled hair appt., mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run and/or
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3m or 15K)

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? Any snow yet?? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

January 15, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.8.18-1.14.18: Back Outdoors

Last week –

Monday – Well, the temps warmed up a bit but then there was snow. It never ends. I was itching to get in an outside run. So I headed to the town (since it was windy as well as snowy.)

I was actually over-dressed!

Tuesday – It was supposed to be a rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening. But I also had to set up for work so I had to forfeit on the tennis 😦 But when temps reached almost 40, I had to try to find a dry path to run. So I ran 1.5 miles around parking lots and after set up, my usual campus loop.

Wednesday – After a long day at work, I needed to squeeze in one more day of running before I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

I was rushed but got in a short one even though I forgot my gloves. Good news is that I didn’t need them!!

Thursday – Finally, I decided to take a rest day. I met a former co-worker at our free gym. I went for a short run before she arrived. We used the machines and then ate back the calories we burned off at an Indian restaurant.

50 degrees = capris and no jacket!!

Friday – A rest day and an evening playing mah jongg. It worked out perfectly because although it was in the 60s. (Yeah. Crazy temps), it rained most of the day.

temporarily, the snow had been washed away but it was to return the next day

Saturday – Another rest day due to snow, ice, wind and freezing temps. The winter warm up ended. Grateful for time to de-clutter, do laundry, cook, watch TV and knit.

just got the cuff on a sock done

Sunday – Today was the re-scheduled New Year’s Day race (Winter Series #2) There were two options and I chose the 3.5 miler. It was cold. I mean very cold (-8 wind chill) and I was tempted to stay home. But I got to see many running friends and in the end, I was glad that I went.

3.5 mile race that is actually 3.75 miles

After re-fueling and thawing out, I went back out and ran a loop to get in 7 miles for the day.

My reward – a new place for appetizers and wine – Le Bistro

Next Week –

Monday – DAY OFF!! 4-6 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles on the treadmill, tennis and my anniversary
Wednesday – rest day, hair appt.
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run, Women’s March
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? Any snow yet?? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

January 8, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 1.1.18-1.7.18 – Baby, it’s cold outside…

Last week –

Monday – New Year’s Day. I was supposed to race but it was cancelled due to the cold temps. It got up to -8 and that’s not wind chill. So I waited until it warmed up. It was sunny and warmer but the wind chill just made it unbearable. Not the 6-7 miles I was hoping for but at least I didn’t resort to the treadmill.

Tuesday – A rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening. If you remember from last week’s post, the gym there was closed due to renovations. Well, it opened early and there was an available treadmill. Enough said.

the longest slowest 3 miles ever!!!

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day due to a long drive to Buffalo for work. After set up, I decided to give the treadmill another go. No improvement!!

This was at the hotel.

Thursday – A rest day and yes, I am adapting to my new go with the flow running schedule. No running and a long drive home after work. 5 hour drive became a 7 hour drive due to a mid-drive snowstorm.
Friday – I planned on a short run before Mah jongg but it didn’t happen. It was too cold and snowy outside and I couldn’t face the treadmill for the 3rd time in one week.
Saturday – I’m hardcore but it was even too cold for me (-25 windchill) to brave our arctic temps. One of the Wineglass ladies offered me a guest pass to the Y where I ran on the indoor track. Not a fan but at least I got in some miles. Afterward four of us met for brunch.

it was even more delicious than it lloks

Sunday – An exciting day in NYC with a friend. In addition to the holiday windows (displayed for the last day), a delicious lunch, we had tickets to see the Downton Abbey Exhibit and it was amazing!!

We bundled up appropriately and din’t mind walking around the city.

Next Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 4 miles, mall walk with BFF
Thursday – 3 miles, dinner with a former co-worker
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #2 (3.5M) 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? Any snow yet?? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

January 1, 2018 by Darlene

Running Update:12.25.17-12.31.17

Last week –

Monday – Christmas Day and snow had fallen. A lot of snow and it was windy. No running for me. Instead it was off to my mentee to exchange gifts with her and her two sons.

Amanda’s BF, Amanda, Richard (11), Matthew (6)

Of course, later in the day, it was time to celebrate with the family.

Tuesday – Another rest day because I was scheduled to play tennis in the evening.

that’s me in the far court

Besides it was freezing! I almost bit the bullet and used the treadmill where I play tennis. But the gym there was closed due to renovations. Guess it wasn’t meant to be.

they could renovate it in the summer when no one plays tennis indoors….

Wednesday – Single digits or not, I had to get outside for some miles. But my hands were so cold even with two pairs of gloves that I had to cut the run short.

Thursday – Well, it was even colder today!! Didn’t let it stop me. “I will survive!!”

again I cut my run short for fear of frost bite or hyperthermia

Friday – The cold weather continued but it was a rest day and an evening out for mah jongg (finally)
Saturday – Although it was cold, there was little wind and it was lightly snowing. So it felt rather nice to be out there.

I could have run longer but didn’t want to be late for brunch and it turned out I was early. Mittens helped keep my hands warm today.

I tried to convince the Wineglass ladies to brave our arctic temps and run with me. Nope, they stayed local or indoors to run but we did meet after for brunch.

Sunday – A rest day but celebrated New Year’s Eve with the hubby, tennis friends, good food, music and dancing.

Next Week –

Monday – ~~HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M race~~ cancelled due to the cold temps, 4 miles?
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – drive to Buffalo, rest day
Thursday – drive home from Buffalo, rest day
Friday – 3 mile run?, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run
Sunday – rest day, day in NYC

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How did you celebrate New Year’s Eve? How are dealing with the frigid temps? Please share.

December 25, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 12.18.17-12.24.17

Last week –

Monday – I see a lot of my running being limited to the Ualbany campus due to ice and snow so I decided for a change to run in my town.

love these new projected light displays that are the rage.

Tuesday – Off to Liverpool for work. I was hoping to find a way to squeeze in a run along the lake. It was insanely windy but I got it done.

The lights go on at 5 pm and I was lucky to get it done before they kicked me out of the park.

After dinner, I went back to catch the lights.

Unlike where I live, they don’t let you walk in park when the lights are on. You have to drive and pay $10. So I walked along the street parallel to the park.

Wednesday – Working all day. Too late, too dark and too snowy to run anywhere. So it was a rest day.
Thursday – Again working all day. No time to run. Had to drive home. Another rest day.
Friday – Snow, sleet and freezing rain. When and where will I get to run? Even mah jongg was cancelled.
Saturday – Yup, another crappy weather day. Rain today! The Wineglass ladies group run was postponed.
Sunday – Finally a dry day after four days of zero running. I ran 6 miles with our group. It was a challenge avoiding the icy spots but no one fell and we enjoyed bagels and coffee afterwards. A win win.

I alternated running with Judy Ly, Barbara & Alyssa/Karen (not pictured). Judy & Jan ran/walked behind us.

I am happy to say that my nails and Christmas shopping were done and the hubby and I enjoyed a relaxing evening at the movies (Three Billboards…)

Next Week –

Monday – rest day, Christmas celebration with my mentee and then with the family
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run,
Sunday – rest day, New Year’s Eve

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow yet?? Cold temps? Please share.

December 18, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 12.11.17-12.17.17

Last week –

Monday – It was cold and there was snow/slush/ice on the ground in most places so I opted to run at UAlbany because it is always cleared…and it was.

2 two loops done and no slipping and sliding

Tuesday – A rest day because it was snowing and I was scheduled to play tennis anyway.
Wednesday – I took the train (which left an hour late) to Manhattan for work. After I went to and from Queens, I ran to the East River to run along the bike path in the evening.

2.5 mi to and from my hotel to the river…lights and bikers but not a lot of runners so I only ran a mile

Then I ran back to the hotel via Madison Square Park with a stop at rooftop bar for something warm to drink.

a view, heated igloos, fleece bathrobes – I had hot cider with fireball, whipped cream & cinnamon 🙂

Thursday – I worked all day in Queens but when I returned to Manhattan, I took the subway to Central Park. I ran the same route as last week and then ran through the city back to my hotel.

lots of lights, lots of runners make this the best place to run in Manhattan – don’t like getting lost so just run a 2 mile loop

Friday – Again I worked all day in Queens and then took the train home…no time to run today.
Saturday – Back to my morning run with the Wineglass ladies. This week we chose to run on the Nisky Bike Path. Alyssa, Barbara and I ran 6 miles. It was cold and icy but we slowly got it done. Afterwards the three of us went out to breakfast with Jeri.

this was the only dry patch on our route 😦

Later I celebrated my BFF’s birthday with a movie (Lady Bird) and dinner.

Sunday – Tonight was an annual tennis holiday party complete with food, drink, entertainment, games and gift exchanging.

Next Week –

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – drive to Liverpool, NY for work, 4 mile run thru the Lights of Onondaga Lake State Park?
Wednesday – 3 mile run?
Thursday – 2 mile run?, drive home from Liverpool
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 6-8 mile run
Sunday – rest day

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any snow yet?? Cold temps? Please share.

December 11, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 12.4.17-12.10.17 & Giveaway Winner

Last week –

Monday – I was nearby for work so decided to run at The Crossings. I felt great but had to cut it short because it got too dark (and I didn’t have my knuckle lights with me.)

Tuesday – A long work day and a rest day after running 3 days in a row. Besides it was raining!!!
Wednesday – I took the train to Manhattan for work. After I went to and from Queens, I took the subway to Central Park to run in the evening. It was great to run with lights and others runners around.

about 2 miles through the park and 3 other stop & run miles around the city

I continued my run through the streets of NY looking at all the holiday lights. (Pictured below are Rockefeller Center, Saks & Fox News)

you can’t beat the sights and sounds of NYC at Christmastime

Thursday – I worked all day in Queens but still squeezed in a run along the Hudson in the evening.

again I combined a run (2 miles) and a stop & run tour of the city (1 mile)

Then I ran back to the hotel via Bryant Park.

Friday – Again I worked all day in Queens and then took the train home…no time to run today.
Saturday – No morning run with the Wineglass ladies. Instead I had a hair appointment and in the evening we all ran the Albany Last Run, a 5k race through the lights in the park. As usual, it was a fun time even though it snowed before and during the race and we could barely run without slipping. (In fact I did fall crossing the finish line LOL)