March 7, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I actually took a 15 min walk with a co-worker during the day.

on the track since it was warmer there

After work, I took a run in the park. My legs were still tired from Saturday but the weather was nice so… I just dragged myself through it.

still light enough to run in the park

Tuesday – Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (and wine & pizza, of course)

another 15 min. walk on the track

Wednesday – It appears that winter is back. The cold accompanied by 40 mph wind gusts. No walking outside at work besides back and forth between buildings. This was not a fun after work run but I survived. Afterward, I had dinner with two co-workers and that was fun.

Thursday – Our 15 min walk in the morning has become a routine (2 days in a row) at work. Otherwise it was just work and hair appointment after work.

Friday – Another normal work day (morning 15 min walk & afternoon walk to Starbucks). A quick run after work followed by an evening of mah jongg.

It was very cold but wearing white shoes & flowered capris made me think of spring

Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking…fun, fun, NOT!

Then I went to an expo. Signed up for 2 5ks and 1 half. Saved $22, got 3 shirts and met a running friend. Now that was fun.

Sunday – My last long run before the big one. I met Judy & Barbara on the bike path but actually only ran with Barbara (when she wasn’t too fast for me.)

Afterwards, the three of us went out for High Tea (tea sandwiches, scone & pastries).

The day ended with a Downton Abbey viewing Party.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #18 – Taper Time )

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races? How are you coping with winter weather?

February 29, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I worked all day at the NYS Bar Exam but managed to squeeze in a short run afterwards. The good news was that I ran on a new route. The bad news was that my legs were pretty tired.

around a college and a country club

Tuesday – Second day at the Bar Exam and a long one it was. My only exercise was walking up and down the halls.

Wednesday – Rain forced me onto the treadmill.

4 miles…hated every minute.

Thursday – Another run after work. It rained all day but luckily it stopped at 6 pm so I didn’t have to get on the treadmill. Afterward walked the mall with my bff.

around the UAlbany campus

Friday – A normal work day followed by an evening of mah jongg. Rest Day!!

Saturday – My 12 mile run was split with running the first 6 with Barbara (who tired me out) and the last 6 with Judy. It was harder than last week but I guess some runs are like that.

Went to a Chinese New Year’s party in the evening – lots of food and drink – well deserved.

quick clean up after my run

Sunday – A picnic at the marina with our boating friends. We celebrated it being only 3 months until Memorial Day.

Mimosas on the lake…anxiously awaiting boating season

On the way home, I dropped my hubby off at tennis and squeezed in a couple of miles before the sun set. It was 55 degrees. I had to do it!!

24 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga?
Thursday – rest, hair appt
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 8-10 mile run, tea w/Judy

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races? How are you coping with winter weather?

February 22, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Had the day off from work and had no excuse not to do my long run. It was 14 degrees, cloudy and I really didn’t enjoy it. But I got it done. In the evening I dragged my weary legs out to play tennis.

Tuesday – Rainy warm day but only had work and tennis on my schedule. Dinner out after tennis, of course.

Wednesday – Squeezed in a run before dinner out with my tennis friends (to celebrate a birthday.)

Thursday – I’ve been coming down with a cold and it finally reared its ugly head so I skipped my run today.

Friday – Still feeling under the weather but managed a slow easy run after work but bailed on a evening of mah jongg (Decided to keep my germs at home.)

Saturday – Rain was predicted and I was trying to get rid of my cold so I postponed my long run until Sunday. I did some housework and a lot of cooking. But the day turned out to be so gorgeous that I took my tissues and went for a long walk.

Sunday – I really just felt like staying in bed and recuperating but that half in 3 weeks was in my thoughts. Judy was nice enough to accompany me on 8 of my 12 miles today. I survived. In fact, I had planned on only 11 and felt good enough to run 12.

loving this warm winter weather

28 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #18 )

Monday – work at the NYS bar exam, 3 mile run?
Tuesday – rest day, work at the NYS bar exam again
Wednesday – 3 mile run, yoga
Thursday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday –12 mile run, Chinese New Year’s party
Sunday – rest

I am participating in week 2 of the 2 Week Hop. If you’ve never participated and are interested in not only growing your blog but making new friends, I highly recommend that you join the next time.

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races? How are you coping with winter weather?

February 1, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – It was a beautiful night for a run. It actually felt balmy compared to Saturday (high 30s and no wind).

Tuesday – Today was just normal work day with tennis afterward. I finished my scarf and started a new one. But I think the lace pattern is too complicated to do while on the exercise bike. (Third World Problem LOL)

Wednesday – A short run after work before my monthly dinner out with the tennis ladies. I wanted run during the day in the sunshine but it was so windy that I waited.

Look! It’s still light outside.

These dinners out wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t order dessert but I did!!

Thursday – I took a short work in the morning at work because the sun was out (but it didn’t last though.) Again my social life interfered with my running. I had to squeeze in my after work run because I was having dinner out with a co-worker.

Blue sky! Sun, I caught you.

so pretty

Friday – Besides a quick walk to Starbucks, it was a true rest day followed by an evening of mah jongg at my house.

snow!!!!

Saturday – Second rest day in a row. I filled my time with an hair appt, nail appt and lots of errands.

Sunday – Today I participated in HMRRC’s Winter Series #5’s 10 mile race. I really only wanted to run 8 miles but the other choices were to race 4 miles or 20 miles. So it was fast but I got it done and had fun.

21 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon #17 – TAPER TIME)

Monday – rest, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – run?, pack!
Thursday – Fly to Florida
Friday – rest, run??
Saturday -rest, packet pick up
Sunday – Sarasota Music Half Marathon

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

January 25, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Had the day off from work so it would have been nice to go for a run but it was so windy and COLD!! Instead, I went to the dentist, did some errands and played tennis in the evening.

Tuesday – Took my morning walk around work. I intended to run outside but the wind turned me into a wuss. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill instead and then met my BFF for a movie (Carol).

2 episodes of Modern Family

Wednesday – A short run after work before yoga. Cold but not as windy as Monday & Tuesday.

photos when Lisa was the teacher. Now I have Maria.

Thursday – Another after work run. It was cold and windier than Wednesday but I just couldn’t face the treadmill.
Friday – Rest day and an evening of mah jongg.
Saturday – The dreaded 12 mile long run. Today was the day! And the snowstorm hit south and missed us. YAY!!! I like to pick a new location for each of my runs so I chose Colonie Town Park. Judy was again nice enough to keep me company on my last 6 miles. And it was freezing but we survived.

Challenge Yourself Virtual 10K race

Sunday – Rest Day. Did a whole bunch of cooking!! Finished my scarf. Finished my puzzle. Watched ice skating on TV. Yes, I stayed home which I NEVER do.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon #17 )

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run, dinner out with tennis ladies
Thursday – 4 mile run, dinner out with a co-worker
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday -rest, hair appt
Sunday – HMRRC #5 – 10 mile race

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

January 18, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Took my morning walk around work and then knit on the exercise bike. After work, it was cold and windy but still ventured out for a run before visiting a friend (the one who just had a mastectomy.)

Tuesday – We had a huge holiday brunch for the whole school. Took my afternoon walk around work. After work, I played tennis and went out to dinner after.

Wednesday – Today we had another holiday lunch with my dept at work. The weather was even colder and windy. I still got out to run after work but my hands were frozen and I stopped after 3 miles.

Thursday – Just work today – truly a rest day.

Friday – Warmed up to the 30’s (heat wave!) so did my after work run followed by an evening of mah jongg games.

Saturday – Rain & sleet in the am so glad to be enjoying a rest day. After lots of housework, got bored so went out to do some retail therapy – bought stuff that I didn’t really need but got GREAT deals.

I have a sock obsession – notice that the $40 socks cost a penny and I saved $73.63.

Sunday – Another free race – I ran the 15K and followed it with a few more miles.

course PR for the race

Celebrated our anniversary (which was Saturday) with a dinner at our favorite restaurant.

22.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – DAY OFF – dentist, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run, movie with BFF
Wednesday – rest, yoga
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 12 mile run
Sunday – rest

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

January 11, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – First day back at work after 11 days off. And it was freezing!! No running for me, just 1 1/2 hours of doubles tennis after work

Tuesday – Another freezing day (the coldest of the winter so far) but I bundled up and ran outside after work.

Wednesday – A lot warmer today (30 vs 10). I took a quick run after work before going to a yoga class.

my legs felt great yesterday but today, very sluggish!!

lheartspaceogo

Thursday – Rode the exercise bike at work during lunch. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it (and I was able to KNIT while on it 🙂 ). Went out to dinner with an old friend.

Friday – I had planned to run today but the iffy weekend weather made me skip it. I actually walked for 15 min in the morning and rode the exercise bike for 1/2 hr (while knitting) at lunch.

just walked in circle around the lst floor with a co-worker

Saturday – I had hoped for a relaxing day but since rain was forecast for Sunday, I needed to do my long run instead. I ran 5 by myself and then Judy arrived to run the last 6. Thanks Judy.

The rest of the day was filled with housework and taking doing those holiday decorations finally.

Sunday – Another free race – I had planned to run the 10K and follow it with 3.8 more miles to complete my 10 mile long run. But I had done my long run on Saturday and since it was pouring, I DNSed.

cross-training??

17 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days. (9 miles less than last weeks. Oops)

This Week: (3 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 4 mile run after work
Tuesday – rest, holiday brunch at work, tennis
Wednesday – holiday lunch at work, 4 mile run after work
Thursday – rest
Friday – 3 mile run, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – rest
Sunday – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K race + 1.7 more miles

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

January 3, 2016 by Darlene

My Stay-cation – Part II

In a previous post, I mentioned that I was busier on vacation than when I worked.

Well, eventually things calmed down. I was determined to relax a bit before returning to work.

Day 5:

The day started with a cold 5 mile run with Barbara (who motivated to up my pace) on the paved rail trail.

Afterward, I went shopping and bought myself some toys: wool, a puzzle and some coloring books and stayed home for the evening.

Day 6:

Since the weather was nasty, I stayed home and cleaned out the refrigerator, started knitting a lace infinity scarf, started my puzzle and did some coloring. In fact, I didn’t get dressed until it was time to leave to play tennis. Staying home to me is very strange but it felt therapeutic.

Day 7:

I did a lot more knitting while waiting for my car to be done and then ran 5 miles on a surprisingly clear bike path. Afterwards, I walked around the mall and bought things that I didn’t really need but bought cause they were on sale. (Does anyone else do that?) I was planning on either yoga or a movie but decided to stay home for the 2nd night this week. (Am I becoming a homebody?)

didn’t go this way

phew -they cleared it this direction

ducks hanging out in the cold river

Day 8:

Another day of cleaning and playing with my new toys.

But since it was New Year’s Eve, my hubby & I went out to dinner and then to a movie (Spotlight). I stayed up until midnight (cause I always do) watching TV and drinking eggnog.

Day 9:

I spent a lazy morning and then ran a (free) 3.5 mile race which started at noon. I saw a lot of runners that I knew and it was fun.

After the race, I decided to run some more… it was Friday and I was on vacation. What else would I do?

I ran around campus and even discovered a new trail.

Even saw my first snowflakes.

Afterwards, I did some errands and then went out to play mah jongg.

Ok, so this day was not so restful.

Day 10:

Lot’s of cooking then errands and then yes, relaxing!!! But in the evening, my hubby wanted to go see a movie and so we did. I wouldn’t recommend The Hateful Eight unless you like lots of blood and gore!!

Day 11:

My last day of vacation and a long run. I decided to go to the Corning Bike Trail since I hadn’t run there in a while. Unfortunately, the weather turned colder but it was still bearable considering what is predicted for the next few days.

a cloudy day but not as windy or cold as I had feared.

I had planned on 5.5 miles before meeting Judy but I was early so I ran 6 miles,

got work on the timer thing

Then I ran 3.5 miles with Judy starting in the opposite direction.

It’s great to have company on those boring long runs

Then ran another .5 miles for a whopping total of 10 miles.

And so it was over.

This is my only stay-cation of the year.

I take days off during the year but it’s always to go somewhere or do something.

Happy Running! Do you take stay-cations? Or do you take off work to go away?

December 21, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Ran 3 miles after work and went out to dinner with a co-worker. (We have been planning this for ages.)

just 3 miles this time

Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – A quick run followed by a yoga class which I thoroughly enjoyed and must do it more often.

Thursday – It was raining so I had to resort the dreaded treadmill and then I drove to pick up my race packet.

4 torturous miles. Thank God for a new episode of Nashville

Friday – Just a work day and then mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – Spend Saturday at home for the first time in weeks. Ran a fun but COLD 5k in the evening. (Recap here) Went out to dinner after the race with friends.

not a fast one but a fun one

Sunday – Cooked (yes, me!), did errands and ran 7 miles on the rail trail (because I didn’t get my long run in yesterday.) Then went to dinner and a movie to celebrate my BFF’s birthday.

great film

20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 3 miles, shopping
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 miles before or during work, hair appt after
Thursday – OFF, 4 miles
Friday – OFF, holiday dinner, movie
Saturday – 8 miles, celebrate my mentee’s b-day
Sunday – tennis holiday party

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

DON’T FORGET TO ENTER MY MEALENDERS GIVEWAY!!!

Click HERE.

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

November 23, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 9th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We met at our new meeting spot, the State Office Campus. We had no coach tonite so the 4 of us did our speed drills (8 1 minute sprints) on our own. After the run, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

3 miles with 8 -1 minute interval at the State Office Campus

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Tonite was my last run with Kelly as she prepares for Saturday, her FIRST 5K. After the run, I rushed off to my hair appointment.

around the UAlbany campus

Thursday – Had a busy work day but it was raining & windy after work so I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. UGH!! Hated it!

Friday – Rest day so only a walk at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I participated in a 5k race. It was so exciting to see all the young girls from the GOTR program run their first 5k and the clients from the STEM program do the same. After the race, I dragged myself through 10 more miles (4 or which were with Barbara. Thanks Barbara!!)