Will I ever cook again?

I went out to dinner every evening except Sunday and Saturday.

Just so happened that all dinner invitations were squeezed into one week and there was also a work trip to NYC.

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym. And finally the rain stopped and they started work on our new deck.

getting a smaller Trex deck

Lots of outdoor home maintenance today…

• Monday – My new routine is to run before work and I did today!

Roses and horses…

After work, I had dinner with my stepson, his GF and my sister-in-law. After dinner, we stopped the house that he had bought (to see the improvements.)

• Tuesday – Another morning at the gym. Of course it was raining!!! (Poor deck workers.)

progress…

Tonight was my monthly dinner with my tennis friends. I had to miss the last month’s so it was nice to see everyone again.

• Wednesday – More rain overnight and when I woke up but it stopped so I  crossed my fingers that it would stay dry long enough to squeeze in my run.

My new AM running friend was away so I also had to motivate myself to do this run/walk workout alone.  I did it but it wasn’t as fast or as much fun.

After work, I went out to celebrate my friend’s (who I used to teach with) last day of school.

lobster roll & a beer

It was an early dinner so I had time to meet my BFF after for a walk.

• Thursday – Juneteenth and a Day OFF but I had to take an early train to NYC to work in Jamaica, Queens the next day.

No surprise that thunderstorms were predicted as well as high temps (yup, summer has arrived.)

So after I dropped off my bag at the hotel, I hopped the subway downtown. I was wearing my running clothes but had a jacket and umbrella so my running plans got scrapped and I just walked  along the East River and then over the Brooklyn Bridge..

best plan ever since it was raining in Manhattan and and blue skies in Brooklyn..

I had never really spent much time in DUMBO and I enjoyed it esp since I could see rain across the river and I stumbled along a awesome outdoor photography exhibit.

Eventually I took the subway back to my hotel because I had dinner plans with a college friend.

Well, the rain had temporarily stopped so I walked to her apt….

We had drinks there and then went out to an Indian restaurant for dinner.

• Friday –  Just a long work day returning home late by train.

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Of course I was tempted to race since there was a 7 miler that I have done several times in the past

But actually I had signed up for a 5k today but it got re-scheduled to July 5. I was relieved since I had gotten home late from NYC the night before.

With all the races I’ve been running, I was happy to meet up with my local friends again and just run for fun and meet them after for brunch..

our first dry Saturday but it was quite warm…

I spent the rest of the day doing errands and yard work…

and our deck is done…

• Sunday – gym, more home projects or maybe boating (weather dependent).

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF –TENNIS, hike, run?
• Tuesday –  run
• Wednesday – Teacher Reunion Dinner
• Thursday – run, STEM board meeting ZOOM
• Friday – mah jongg
• Saturday – Long run and Brunch
• Sunday – gym. boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Summer Racing Plans
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do eat out often? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

I am rarely sick but this one was a doozy…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I had talked my hubby into a NYC trip. The purpose was to see Riverdance at Radio City.

You know me, I try to pack as many things into a day as possible.

We had planned to take the train to Manhattan, then the subway to Union Square to see the Tulips!

After checking into our hotel and grabbing some lunch and we then planned to head to Radio City.

We’ve seen this show numerous times but not in recent years and always loved it.

After the show, we had dinner reservations at my favorite (post race) Italian restaurant.

Well, if you read last week’s WRD, you know that on Saturday morning, I came down with a nasty stomach bug.  I had miss my last long run and some other fun planned things.

I was hoping that it was short-lived but on Sunday morning, I felt even worse.

Luckily, my running friends Stan & Sherry were going to NYC as well and they we able to use our tix.

• Monday – This morning, of course, I had hoped to run in NYC and do some sight seeing with my hubby before we headed home on the train.

Instead I was home still feeling miserable!!!!!!!!

And it got up to 75 degrees!! Can you believe it? Finally a beautiful day in the NE!!

we only get one nice day a week it seems…

• Tuesday – Day 4 of the stomach bug. And it left as mysteriously as it came.

I woke up feeling fine.  I even had my first cup of coffee since Friday.

Happily I was working from home just in case but I felt well enough to go set up for class in the afternoon and then go see my granddaughter.

she loves books!

• Wednesday – Teaching live today so I started with Starbucks and ended with a run.

Today was the 2nd week of mentors the Training Challenge group. I was glad that it was only week 2 and there was a lot of walking involved (which I could barely handle.)

As soon as I arrived, it started to rain… as we were running, it started to sleet… oh fun but at least today it was not windy.

the beginner group did 1:30/2:00 run walk intervals

• Thursday – Back to Manhattan but this time for work. As I’ve mentioned, my work trips to NYC may be ending so I planned to squeeze as much activity in the days that I’m here.

After checking into my hotel, I hopped the subway to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens – Cherry Blossom time, right?

But actually there were very few cherry blossoms but boy were the Magnolia trees gorgeous. And it was a lovely day to stroll the gardens.

After, I met Elizabeth back in Manhattan  to see the Impressionist exhibit. It was actually VR and my first experience.  It was so cool.  I highly recommend if you get the chance.

And finally there was dinner with Cari. Always fun to hang out with my NYC friends.

• Friday – Just working in Jamaica Queens and the train home in the evening.

• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

One week until my next half marathon and a race the next day so it was supposed to be a relaxed taper run.

With the threat of heavy rain, we cancelled.

The “old” me night have run anyway since I had a big race on the horizon. But at the current time, my running mojo has left. (I’m sure it will return when the weather gets better…)

Instead, I dragged myself to the gym since I hadn’t been there what seemed like forever. I even did 15 laps on the track (alternating running & walking).

Then I went to pick up my race bib/shirt, get my nails done and do some retail therapy (at the dollar store, 5 below & Marshalls).

yes. white. blech!

• Sunday – Delmar Dash (5 mile race). In the rain? And I may even add on some more miles…weather permitting.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run 
• Tuesday – gym
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday – run
• Friday – gym
• Saturday – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
• Sunday – gym

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Happy Blogoversary (belatedly)
• Friday – Things I Look for in a Running Shoe

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Would you race in the rain? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

Yes, 5 days in NYC…

I tried to make the most of my time there since I’m not sure when or if I’ll be back there…

Last Week –

• Sunday – I had originally planned to start the day with a free informal race.

But I decided the day before that it would be too rushed to run/walk the race and probably not smart to do it as a race the day after a 9 mile long run (in the snow).

Instead I went to the gym and I even walked a mile on the track afterward (that’s 15 loops).

Wouldn’t you know it, it was a beautiful day, blue skies, no wind… big FOMO when I viewed the race pics and comments.

After I checked into my NYC hotel, I walked along the High Line..

always new things to see on the High Line (FB has more pics.)

in order to end up in the Meatpacking District since holiday lights were still there. Then I walked back, grabbed dinner and finally ended up back at my hotel for the night.

believe it or not, I had dinner and a drink at Starbucks

• Monday – Today my training was in the Financial District.

If time, I try to arrive early and stroll around the area.

After returning uptown to my hotel, I changed into running clothes and headed off to Central Park. And I caught the full moon as I was leaving to walk back to my hotel with a stop for dinner.

• Tuesday – Again my training was in the Financial District.

After work, I wanted to get in a short run so I ran to the Hudson River and back (so cold and windy)

and then changed my clothes and headed to Broadway to see a show.

very cute and thought-provoking

• Wednesday – After work in Jamaica, Queens, I had dinner plans with a college friend but I also had to switch hotels.

I decided against another cold and windy run and hopped the subway to her apt.

we ordered in, had drinks and chatted the evening away

• Thursday – Working in Jamaica again and after had to take the train back home …
• Friday – Recovering, unpacking and WFH with mah jongg in the evening.
• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 10 miles. 

First double digit run since Nov. 3 (Marathon Day.)

With ice and snow on all the paths, it was a challenge to find a place to run. But we parked at The Crossings and ran around the neighborhoods.  I was grateful to have Barbara’s company for 6 of my miles… and then we joined the others at brunch.

temps were warmer than they have been and than they are going to be this week, but the wind was torture...

• Sunday – Most likely hit the gym in the morning and meet a friend to see the Cathedral in Bloom followed by lunch

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday – DAY OFF – run 
• Tuesday – gym, walk w/my BFF
• Wednesday – run
• Thursday –  gym, run
• Friday- gym, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 11 miles, volunteer at NY Fitness Expo
• Sunday – gym, HMRRC Winter Series #4?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Mental Benefits for Running (in January)
• Friday – 5 Favorite Running-Related Books

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Are you able to get it done outdoors? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

my kind of town…”

My work travel to NYC has returned.  Luckily I do love NYC. There’s always lots to see and do.

Working there is, of course, tiring and my schedule makes it tricky to get any runs done.

Last Week –

• Sunday – Snowmageddon and no power for more than 24 hours.

My planned long run never happened the day before

even my gym was closed 😦

and today the roads were too icy/snowy to get it done so I gladly left town and headed to NYC by train.

After I checked into my hotel, I took the subway to Central Park where I intended to get a run in.

But it was spring here and I was way overdressed and there was too much nature to photograph. I did run some but not as much as planned.

I walked back to my hotel and stopped at nearby Macy’s.

annual flower show!!

• Monday – Early morning subway to the Wall Street area of Manhattan. I did take a walk at lunch…

After work, I took the subway back to my hotel and then headed off by subway to meet two running friends for dinner.

even made a new friend

• Tuesday – Again, an early morning subway to Wall Street.  I got there early so I took a walk before work.

Hamilton fans – did you know Eliza and Alexander were buried here? (Trinity Church)

After work, I took the subway back to my hotel..

Even though I had tickets for a Broadway show,  I was able to squeeze in a run along the Hudson beforehand.

nicely adapted to a musical from the book/movie.

• Wednesday –  Last day in the Wall Street area. I got there early so I could take a different route.

The forecast was for rain so I planned to meet a college friend for dinner (We met during my junior of college in France and she travels a lot so it’s been hard to coordinate a time to meet.).

It was only raining lightly when I got back to the hotel so I went for a very short run before I met her.

selfie fail so this is a pic from 10 years ago (when we met in NYC)

• Thursday – This morning I had to take a long subway ride to Jamaica, Queens. And it rained all day.

What I really wanted to do tonight was go see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden… but I hesitated because the tickets were so expensive and then it was sold out.

Instead I had decided to do something different…

coincidentally it was her birthday… this was basically a 95-minute long show/walking tour covering about 14 blocks throughout downtown Manhattan highlighting those places related to Lady Gaga’s life there…

but due to the rain, it got cancelled.

What to do on a rainy night in NYC?

A museum. And Fotografiska was open late and it turned to be a fun one with wine, jazz group and cool art.

Afterward,  l walked back to hotel (in the pouring rain.)

• Friday – Back working in Jamaica, Queens and home on the train after work.
• Saturday – Long Run and Brunch Day.

Last weekend, 11 miles was on my training plan but I skipped it (due to the weather conditions). This week called for 12 miles. Cloudy, chilly and very windy and so I called it after 9 miles and met my friends for brunch.

I stopped at TJs afterward and by the time I was done, it was still windy but much warmer and sunny.

• Sunday –  It will be a gym visit… and then Easter dinner with the family.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  DAY OFF, run, hiking, STEM mentoring
• Tuesday – GYM
• Wednesday – run, FTC mentoring
• Thursday – run
• Friday – GYM, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – United NYC Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter?  How’s the weather where you live? Do you travel for work? If you do, how do you get your runs done? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

A trip to NYC!!

My excuse was a visit to the Van Gogh exhibit at the Met and so I arranged a reunion with some college friends (those I spent a year in France with).

And of course, I also wanted to run in Central Park so I stayed overnight so I could accomplish that.

And another race yesterday … (you knew that was coming).

Last Week —

• Sunday – I went to the gym (after a few days off) first thing…

Last Sunday was a bust but we lucked out on the weather today… and so a relaxing day on the lake.

read Kara’s book… read it if you haven’t!!

• Monday – I took an early morning train to NYC and met my college roommate, Barbara, and then we checked into my hotel. We had tix to a Broadway show that night so I offered to share my hotel room with her.

Next we headed to meet the other 5 for a lunch at a French restaurant.

Afterward we spent the afternoon visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

It was so fun catching up and in addition to the Van Gogh paintings, we visited the amazing Karl Langerfeld exhibit.

When the others left, my roommate, Roger and I had dinner and then Barbara and I went off to our show.

and yes, there were Brittany Spears songs in this show about fairy tales

• Tuesday – While Barbara was sleeping, I put on my running clothes in order to meet up with Cari at Starbucks before she went to work.

I ran from my hotel to Central Park (35th-59th) and ran around a little before meeting Cari and then we walked through the park back toward her apt.

always enjoy our meetups

I took the subway part of the way to my hotel and then ran the rest (57th-35th) and was back by 10 am.

My roommate and I then made plans for the afternoon… After checking out of our hotel, we took the subway to the lower East Side, walked around until our 1 pm Tenement Museum walking tour and after the tour, we went out for a late lunch at the famous Katz Deli.

gardens, old buildings, newer buildings and pastrami (plus new French friends)

Eventually it was time for me to get my train home…. after a fun-filled two days in NYC.

• Wednesday – Back home and a busy work day…

I started the day with a quick visit to the gym.  I also squeezed in a run at lunch because the forecast was for thunderstorms after work.

my goal was red, white, blue on this muggy “Flag Day” and beat the rain

After work, I planned to meetup with a friend to walk but instead we had to settle for chatting over coffee at Starbucks.

• Thursday –  Another busy work day.  My only time to run was before our weekly trail run at Peebles Island State Park..

quite warm but nice to run in different scenery

Instead dinner after, we went out for ice cream.

Jan & I happily brought up the rear

• Friday – Finally had time to get to the gym before work and I declared it a rest day after 3 days in a row running.

I was hoping to at least get in a walk at lunch… RAIN!! So I went back to gym and walked on their indoor track (Boring!!!)

Back after a few weeks off to evening mah jongg.

• Saturday –  Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k.  

Just a fun 5k with friends. And we got so lucky that the rain stopped before the race started.

won my new age group even though I was not speedy

I briefly considered running more miles since it was not raining but it was muggy and my feet were very wet so Heidi and I joined our other friends at brunch.

In the evening, the hubby and I celebrated Father’s Day early with dinner out with my stepson and his wife.

• Sunday – Father’s Day on the lake?  Unless it rains or is too chilly…

This Coming Week on the Run– 

• Monday – DAY OFF (Juneteenth holiday) – Long run, walk w/BFF
• Tuesday – rest day, dinner out with tennis friends
• Wednesday – run, Tivoli Nature Preserve tour/walk
• Thursday – run, trail run/walk
• Friday –  rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lake, dinner out with friends
• Sunday – rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5K Race Recap
• Friday –  Half Year Check In

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Any NYC or big city addicts? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.