July 25, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: July Report Card

Image result for goodbye july hello august

Summer has arrived. But actually it hasn’t been a hot one so far – just a few humid days and lots of rain!!

Here’s how July turned out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC and in Rochester for work. My weekday runs are usually 3-4 miles.

: 4 miles in the park

: 3 miles in NYC

: along the Erie Canal in Rochester

: 3.5 miles downtown

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. I also ran once with Judy. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

I can’t wait until my Turkey Trot running group starts up again in September.

Long Runs:

No half marathons to train for yet (but soon) so my weekend runs were not very long or very productive.

Total Mileage:

I have run 67 miles this month so far (with a goal of 84 by the end of the month.) Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage. Still healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month but only ran 2 – both 5ks. The Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series was an evening 5K in Brooklyn, a unique experience where I won my age group. I also ran the Silks & Satins 5k for the 6th time, set a course PR and placed 3rd in my age group.

: Al Goldstein 5k – 27:52

: Silks & Satins 5k -27:37

Cross Training:

I can play tennis outdoors on Tuesdays. And this month, work got in the way EVERY week!!!! But I got to play two days in a row during a weekend on the Schroon River. (This made me realize how much I love playing tennis.)

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week but barely made it once.

I did walk occasionally at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk.

Other News:

I went to NYC for work once. Of course I ran twice and saw another Broadway show (Bandstand). With friends, I went to NYC (Bronx) to see the Chihuly exhibit at the NY Botanical Gardens.

: running along the East River

: NYBG

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. I also convinced a friend to accompany me hiking on my day off.

: on the water

: on an island

: Pinnacle Pt & Thomas Mt.

If you remember from last summer’s blog posts, I have a good friend who has a house on the Schroon River. She has several gatherings there to play tennis, hike and play mah jongg. Of course, I did take advantage of the scenery while I was there to squeeze in a run.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

: mah jongg

: day trips

: dining out

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY. (But you never know…)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear. I am even planning another race in NYC!!

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

8-05-17 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
~~8-12-17 – Camp Chingachgook 10k~~ working instead
8-14-17 – Monday Night Mile??
8-20-17 – Paris Run 8K (in NYC)
9-09-17 – Malta 5k or 9-10-17 – Surftown Half Marathon (in RI) – still undecided
9-17-17 – Palio 5k
9-23-17 – Helper’s Fund 10k

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her July Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, fewer weekly miles, sporadic gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, easy lackluster weekday runs. I know I can do better.

As for my social life, I’d give myself an A. LOL

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

April 17, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update: 4.10.17-4.16.17

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was week 4 of the Freihofer Challenge Group run. The plan tonight was 10 minute warm-up, then run 4-6 400m @ 5k pace w/200 m rest, then cool-down. It was tough especially since the temps hit 80 degrees today. Though I was one of the slowest of the group, I did 5 repeats each in 1:53 (That’s fast for me).

3 sweaty miles with some needed speed work

Afterwards, I rushed off (without stretching and sweaty) to our mah jongg seder to celebrate the first night of Passover.

Tuesday – After setting up for Wednesday’s training, I planned to stop at the Crossings (since I was nearby) to run. But had to go back to work so I ran at Ualbany instead. Another very warm day but I’m not complaining.

Wednesday – A scheduled rest day after a long tough day at work. It was also my first day volunteering with the STEM runners. They are doing the Couch to 5k and being week 1 and day 2, we only ran for 1 minute and walked for 1.5 minutes. It was fun and great to meet the new group. I hope they stick with it.

week 1, day 2

Thursday – Today Alyssa and I decided to run in Washington Park since neither of us had been there in ages. Even though Alyssa didn’t feel great, it was still a decent effort. Better than running alone.

cloudy and chilly…spring is fickle here

Friday – Another scheduled rest day due to an after work hair appointment. (I’ve got my priorities.)

Saturday – Today I ran the Code Blue 8k. It was a new race for me and I knew that it would be hilly (and it was.) But it was sunny and that made all the difference and I loved the course.

4th in my AG but happy with 46:26 (GT) 46:01 (garmin)

After chatting with my friend Judith for awhile, I decided to continue my run at Saratoga Spa State Park. It had warmed to the 60s and it made for a perfect running day except for a fall about 2 miles in on a trail. With the help of some strangers (tissues & band-aids) and the spring water, I was able to continue my run but settled for 6 more miles rather than the planned 7.

I even washed my blood soaked socks in the spring LOL

This helped forget about my wounds.

Sunday – Rest day again but a busy day around the house.

Then we went to my mother-in-law’s for Easter dinner with the family.

Gym was closed so went for a walk instead. Can’t beat the views.

2 more weeks to go!!

24 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – FRW Training Group Run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – 3 miles
Wednesday – STEM group run (week 2 day 2 of Couch to 5k)
Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, gym
Sunday – Lake George 5K + 5-7 more miles

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather?

February 20, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.13.17-2.19.17

Last Week:

Monday – still feeling meh but dragged myself out for an after work run. It was very windy and cold. Plus the campus path that is usually cleared was icy and snow covered.

snow blew back on the path and froze

Tuesday – still trying to get back into my routine. Got in a short walk at lunch and went to play tennis after work. Wouldn’t you know it, one of the four ladies didn’t show so we just hit for awhile and then chatted over popcorn and wine.
Wednesday – Had to rush my run to get home in time for a Bar Exam webinar but at least I got some exercise. My legs still weren’t feeling it and I walked a lot.

just ran/walked around work instead of driving to campus

Thursday– still spent most of my day in a brain fog and counting the hours until I could go to sleep. So I decided to take a rest day and not drag myself in a run.
Friday – I decided today that no matter how bad I felt, I was going for a run. The campus path was clear again. Believe it or not, I listened to a podcast for the first time. It was awesome. I’ve always loved Ali from Ali on the Run and she was interviewing Emily from Sweat Once a Day, another favorite (and the daughter of my VT friend, AJH.) I actually ran (with a lot of walking) 6 miles! I’m hooked and will be looking for more podcasts to listen to.

Saturday – A beautiful sunny day. Of course, it was my rest day and although tempted, I didn’t cheat. I actually went to gym and then walked a bit. I was so exhausted that I came home and took a nap (which I never do).

Sunday – I was pretty doubtful about my stamina to complete my long run. The weather was perfect – sunny and it even warmed up to 55 degrees. But my body had other ideas. I struggled with breathing and coughing and could only muster running for a few minutes at a time and then walking. I considered quitting after 2.5 miles. Again after 5 miles. But just decided to walk more and more. I got 10 miles done rather than the 12 normally on the plan. All was not lost. I enjoyed listening to more podcasts and had a great post run treat. I’m glad that I ran alone and didn’t push myself. Two weeks to get it together for half marathon #24.

went to one of my favorite routes – Corning Bike Path which was clear for at least 3 miles. Got to wear a skirt for the first time in months 🙂

22 miles done with 4 runs (and that’s a loose term) and 3 rest days

Best part of being sick:

Finished knitting these socks. I started them in July LOL

This Week:

Monday – day off from work – visit to the new casino with a friend, 4 miles??
Tuesday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Wednesday –6 miles??
Thursday – rest day (working at the bar exam)
Friday – (working at the bar exam), 3 miles, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Winter Series 10 mile race?

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather? Do you walk when you are too sick to run? Do they still count as miles?

February 13, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 2.6.17-2.12.17

Last Week:

Monday – After a relaxing Sunday (for the first time in weeks), I needed to get out for a run after work. And I did. The good news- it was light out for the whole run. The bad news – it sucked. My legs were so tired. (Little did I know that my legs were telling that I was getting sick…)

Tuesday – After setting up a work training, I found myself in a different neighborhood and I was tempted to see if there was any ice-free routes. But it was raining and I felt like crap. 😦 So I called it a rest day.
Wednesday – After a long day at work, I needed to run but I was sick. Another rest day. Two in a row. Say what?
Thursday– Today was my scheduled run day with Alyssa. We were going to run two loops of the campus or six. But we got our first BIG snowstorm in 2 years. And I had stayed home from work since I was still sick. Normally I wouldn’t waste PTO being sick but on this job, vacation time is separate from sick time. So rest day #3. Sometimes you just gotta listen to your body. And mine said – no way should you run today. I think the last sick day, I took was 10 years ago. Now I know what our 4 cats do all day long…NOTHING!!!
Friday – Another sick day home with the cats. Rest day #4 – a new record.

Jerry & Slater – I thought they hated each other?

Saturday – Back to my Saturday catch-up day and rest day. But I decided to also venture out after no running for four days. I got in 4.5 miles but they were mixed with walking, talking, eating.

no running on my trail – too much snow so took to the roads. Bumped into my runner friend Barbara and we chatted for while. Also stopped off near the end for a delicious hot cocoa and scone.

Sunday – Today I was supposed to run the last Winter Series Race – a 10 miler. I was planning on skipping the race due to the weather and my health but Mother Nature saved the day. The race was postponed until Feb. 26. Instead I spent the day cooking, reading, knitting, etc. Looking forward to my regular routine next week.

8.5 miles done with 2 runs and 5 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 miles, work webinar
Thursday – 4 miles
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – rest

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather? How do you deal when illness gets in the way of your training?

Don’t forget my giveaway – enter it here!!

February 6, 2017 by Darlene

The Running Update – 1.30.17-2.5.17

Last Week:

Monday – It was a cold one. But got my run done before grocery shopping and meeting my bff for a walk around the mall.

Feels like 15 degrees brrr

Tuesday – A rest day with snow predicted for the evening. Played tennis as usual on Tuesday.
Wednesday – A busy week prompted me to do two loops of the campus. Thanks to Alyssa keeping me sane.

Same shirt for the 2nd week in a row

Thursday– I was planning a rest day due to a needed hair appointment after work. But I was able to squeeze in a quick one during lunch.

Clouds, sun, and snow all during this short run

Friday – Rest day today except for a walk at lunch (after the pizza they fed us.). Did some cooking for tomorrow’s party and then played mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – I ran the Polar Cap Race in Lake George. It was very cold 4 miles and the course was hilly but I had a great race and love racing with a friend.

surprise. surprise. won my age group and had a PR!!!!

After the post-race refreshments and awards, I decided to add some more miles so I could loosely call it a “long” run. I ran around Lake George and then Bolton Landing. It was even colder than during the race but loved the scenery.

I then had to rush home to go to a very fun Chinese New Years party.

Sunday – A much needed rest day. Did my Saturday weekend home stuff and spent the afternoon knitting with friends (and eating).

still working on that sock. also started a hat.

LOVED LADY GAGA!!!!! She’s the best!

22 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 3 miles (if no snow)
Wednesday -rest day unless the rain stops
Thursday – 6 miles ? with Alyssa
Friday – 3 miles?, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – Winter Series #5 10 Mile Race

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How is your running weather? Did you watch the Super Bowl?

January 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.9.17-1.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another frigid day. But I sucked it up and went for a run.

brrrr – it was 20 not 15 (like Sunday) but felt colder

I decided to get a sub for tennis since I was scheduled to play the next night (Don’t want to overwork this “old” body.)

Tuesday – A rest day for me. A quick lunchtime walk and tennis after work (followed by dinner out.)
Wednesday – Things started warming up so I gladly took a neighborhood run.

It was 52 degrees at lunch time?! Love this weather!

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. 50 degrees with rain. Crazy weather.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. Cold windy weather was back. Not a fan!

the good news – more daylight, no ice, no snow

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. The hubby and I did go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary.
Sunday – Today I ran the Winter Series #3 10K race. No Garmin! No mile markers! Truly a naked race. Not a fast one, obviously, but still had fun.

Judy also ran this race and I waited for her at the finish line

Of course, I had to run .8 miles to make it 7 miles for the day.

After the race, Judy hosted a brunch at her house. There were 8 of us – all runners for good food and great conversation.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Day off from work, 5 mile run with Judy
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, mall walk with bff
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, March
Sunday – 8 mile run

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

January 9, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 1.2.17-1.8.17

Last Week:

Monday – I decided to squeeze in an evening run since Tuesday had rain in the forecast

getting bored with the Ualbany loop so ran through the streets of Delmar

Tuesday – Glad that I planned a rest day since it rained most of the day. I did play tennis in the evening instead.
Wednesday – Finally dragged myself out for a short lunchtime walk.

picked up my race prize

I went for a run after work with Alyssa. The day started out warm but by the time we ran, it had gotten much colder and then during our run, it started to sleet. Fun. Fun. Well, we just ran faster.

3 wet miles

After the run, I met my running buddy, Barbara, for a drink & a bite to eat. I haven’t seen her in a while since she has been out of commission with an injury. It was fun catching up. I hope she is able to run again soon.

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. I finally met up with my BFF for her postponed birthday dinner and a movie.

A man and a woman dancing beside a streetlight, a city view stretches out behind them. The woman is wearing a bright yellow dress, her partner is wearing a with shirt and tie with dark pants.

Enjoyable but left wondering what hype is about.

Friday – I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game. I decided that I would try to run on the rail trail if it were clear and it was. But I had a mental lapse – darkness and no lights. What was I thinking? I ran fast and only had to run the last mile in the dark.

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house.
Sunday – A very chilly day but I got some miles in. I ran with Judy who suggested the Nisky Bike Path. When I saw the coating of snow, I almost bailed on the run (Judy wore Yak Trax; I did not.) But it wasn’t slippery at all and even though it was 15 degrees, I didn’t feel cold at all. It was very pleasant and slow and Judy & I got to chat until the last mile when I decided to need to get some in some speed. Afterwards, we went out to lunch. (I was starving as I didn’t bring any fuel on the run.)

After I got home, I rushed out to the movies with a few friends.

Great movie. Highly recommend it!

17 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run with Alyssa, tennis
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 10K race

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

October 24, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The weather really warmed up. It felt like summer not fall.

Usual lunch walk

I returned to the Troy Turkey Training group after a week off.

The hills made this workout tough but I know that these speed drills are important.

Tuesday – It was even warmer today – a record high 85 degrees. I had to spend the day inside observing a training.

My view for 7 hours

At least I got in a walk at lunch.

I also played tennis that evening and went out to dinner after, as usual (shared a pizza).

Wednesday – We were still enjoying our abnormally warm weather. I was alone today for my run. Alyssa and Natalie were unavailable and Barbara ran in the am. So I dragged myself through two laps of the campus or 6 miles before my STEM volunteer run. Since I would be busy on the weekend and next week, this could count as my long run.

Thursday – A rainy day. No lunch walk. But miraculously the rain stopped and I was able to run with Alyssa.

Alyssa is that little orange dot. She continued for another UAlbany loop.

Unfortunately I have lost one of my running partners. Barbara fell and chipped a bone in her ankle and is out for 6 weeks. 😦

Friday – A well earned rest day. At least today I remember to bring an umbrella so I could take a walk at lunch.

I even skipped mah jongg to stay home and pack and relax.

Saturday – Today I had a planned day at Ellms Family Farms with my mentee and her two sons. But the weather did not cooperate. We postponed it until next Saturday. Instead I went to the movies with friends. This is one of my all time favorite books and I was very excited when they made it into a movie.

Loved it!!!

Then after the movie, I had to rush off to run a 5K race. (Luckily I picked up my bib earlier in the day since it was at a different place than the race.) I came sooo close to bailing on this race. 38 degrees. Windy. Pouring rain. But I ran it. And it was not fun!!

At least I won my age group. $25 LL Bean gift card

Sunday – Definitely a busy day. I took the train with my 9 tennis friends to NYC. We separated because I was having lunch with college friends, the ones whom I spent my junior year in France with. We have reunions every few years to reminisce.

Where else would a bunch of French majors have brunch?

Then I met my tennis friends because we had tickets to a Broadway show.

It was terrific!

2 people missing from the top pic and one on the bottom – ❤ my friends

17.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – travel to NYC for work, squeeze in a run after arriving
Tuesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Wednesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work?? or maybe a show??
Thursday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Friday – NYC for work, travel home
Saturday – day at Ellms Family Farms with mentee
Sunday – 9 mile run

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

September 5, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Completed my postponed long run today. I started later than I should have. I drove to run on the Zim Smith Bike Path because I love to have a post run treat at Leah’s Cakery. Well, it is closed on Mondays. 😦 So it was hot, I was tired from the weekend and the run was pretty awful.

But I got it done and found a great place to eat afterwards only 3.5 miles away.

best apple pie!

YAY! Done!

I went to a STEM (training domestic violence survivors for a 5k) training/meeting in the evening at FleetFeet and I am excited that my volunteering starts Sept 12.

Tuesday – Decided to rest and skip my AM tennis. Got my nails done, played tennis in the evening and then went out to dinner (to celebrate the end of our summer Tuesday tennis).

Wednesday -The tennis round robin got cancelled so I went to the gym.

Ran with Alyssa in the evening. She had to get home so we had to rush. It meant that we were done before the rain (But boy was it humid!!)

Thursday – I played tennis in the am. Met Barbara for a run at UAlbany. Another friend was supposed to come along but we confused the times. It was a decent run since the temps have cooled down.

Afterwards I met my BFF for a walk around the mall.

Friday – I went to the gym in the am and then mah jongg in the evening. Enjoyed my last day of leisure!!

Saturday – My second long run this week and I really didn’t want to do it. So I took a new route … The unpaved part of the rail trail. It was a nice route and I can’t wait until they pave it.

Then my friend and I decided to go up to the Saratoga track for a few races (It closes this weekend) and then go to the casino.

showing my $40 winning ticket – won 4 out of 5 races so a very good day!! was not lucky at the casino

Sunday – I got up very early to head up to the lake. It’s the annual Christmas party and the bay gets crowded early. Lots of boats, food, entertainment and FUN!! The weather was absolutely perfect.

The day ended with dinner out and fireworks over the lake.

30 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 5K race
Tuesday – NYC!!
Wednesday – First day of my new job, 4 mile run with a friend
Thursday – Work, 3 mile run with a friend, hubby’s tennis party?
Friday – Work, rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 5-7 more miles
Sunday – boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

September 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: August Recap

Image result for august

Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain. I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster . Win-Win.

I re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

: with Judy

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!. I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

aug

Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

: Aug 20

: Aug 13

: 2016

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster. I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k. We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

lheartspaceogo

I did workout at the gym at least three times. I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked. I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend. We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.