January 2, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap & Ultimate Coffee Date December

Since today is the first Saturday in January, I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that December just flew by. It seems like I was just writing my goals and now it’s January.

Over coffee…

As I have done every month, I would tell you how I did on my December Goals.

December Goals:

Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.) YES!

I continue to run 3-4 miles during the week trying to vary my running courses.

near work

Walk while at work especially on rest days. NOT REALLY.

I got lazy! And we had a warm December too.

Continue long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon #17 on February 7. YES!

12-13

12-20

12-26

Complete a 5k race under 29 minutes. One YES and one NO.

28:16

29:54 😦

Complete a half marathon under 2:20. NOPE!

2:29:14 (heat, wind & humidity – UGH!)

Run at least 85 miles. YES!

dec15

Continue going to yoga. YES!

I went to Heartspace twice.

Avoid gaining weight (while attending holiday parties) ??? Doubtful.
Spend time with my mentee. YES!

I saw her & the kids on Christmas Day and we also went to Canvas, Corks & Forks to celebrate her birthday.

Start knitting again. YES!

I started knitting a lace infinity scarf.

Over coffee…

I would update you on all the other things that I have done this past month (that don’t relate to running.)

I had a great time in Florida visiting my friends as part of my race-cation. I spend time in both Delray Beach and Jupiter seeing the sites (despite the awful weather.)

I went to NYC with my friends We saw all the store windows decorated for the holidays and did walking tour of the best food in Greenwich Village.

Over coffee…

I normally would now outline my January goals.

~~January Goals:~~

None.

I’ll write about my NO GOALS 2016 in a later post.

Happy Running! How was your December? Anything exciting planned for January? What would you share with me over coffee?

January 1, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five & HMRRC Winter Series #2 Race Recap

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

My “fitness” topic for this Friday is Five Reasons I decided to start the year off with a race

I ate too many holiday treats. Didn’t you?
My New Year’s Eve was not that exciting. No partying this year. Barely stayed awake til midnight.
The race was free. It is for all HMRRC members.
I needed to get in a weekday run anyway.
I haven’t run a 3.5 mile race since 2010. This race could potentially be a PR?

That being said, I did race today… and here’s my recap:

January 1, 2016

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2.

Last year, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

This year, I wasn’t that crazy.

I decided to run only 3.5 miles.

For New Year’s Eve, my hubby and I had a quiet evening – just dinner out and a movie. We usually go Lake George on New Year’s Day and to a party but my hubby didn’t want to and I was fine with it (cuz I secretly wanted to do this race.)

We had been enjoying unseasonably warm winter weather. Well, that ended. But it still wasn’t that cold today. (I just wore a shirt, vest and NO jacket.)

I arrived at UAlbany early and was surprised at how many people were running on New Year’s Day. It helped that the race didn’t start until noon so even if you did party for New Year’s Eve, you could still race this one.

There were over 300 running the half marathon and a little less running the 3.5 miler.

I bumped into many runners that I knew from racing and my running friends, Judy & Barbara.

We hung out inside and chatted until the race began.

Judy went out to warm up and Barbara & I started the race together.

We wound up chatting with another runner that was doing her first half marathon. Not paying any attention, we started way in the back (and the race was not chip timed.)

at the beginning

I weaved in and out to get past the slower runners. I left Barbara behind (but not for long.)

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout.

I did pass Judy (who started in front) but she wasn’t paying attention to me when I waved at her.

I kept up a decent pace for the first 2 miles.

Barbara quickly passed me and got farther and farther ahead as the race progressed. But I did try to keep her in my sight.

There were no mile markers but I could hear my Garmin beep. I really didn’t pay attention to my pace or time.

By mile 3, I was losing steam. So I started to walk in order to maintain some kind of decent pace. I walked several times including up the last hill.

near the end

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that I only barely beat 35 minutes. (My PR was 33:08 on a flat course in May 2010.)

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:10
mile 2: 9:05
mile 3: 9:25
.75 – 9:42

Yes, the course was long!! 3.75 not 3.5 miles. My time according to my Garmin was 34:44.

I waited at the finish line for Judy.

I think she had a PR!! As you can see, they hand you a piece of paper and you write down your time.

Then we went inside where I found Barbara.

For a free race, they have great refreshments – vegetable soup, pizza, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above.

ws2

I waited around for awhile with some other runners. They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2. I think I was 6th.

Since I was dressed to run and not tired, I decided to do my usual campus loop.

Well, I usually run it in the dark. It is so different during the day.

never noticed this path & stripe

I found a new path – the Indian Lake trail (It’s not lit up at night.)

Then I continued on my normal path but it had started to snow.

I enjoyed running with the flakes falling on my head and finished up 3.5 more miles.

7 miles complete and off to do some grocery shopping before my weekly mah jongg game.

So a race and a run – what a perfect way to start off 2016!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, RUNNERS!!

Happy Running! Did you race today? If not, when is your first race of 2016?

December 31, 2015 by Darlene

TOLT & Goals for 2015, An Update Report

GOALS
FOR

So how did I do on my 15 goals for this year??

1. Do not get injured.

No major injuries just some nagging foot issues early in the year.

ouchy!

2. Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR.

Yes, I ran mostly 3 times a week after work (only occasionally before) and once longer on the weekends.

before work in the warmer weather

at the Crossings

3. Continue fitting in tennis and/or yoga once a week.

I played tennis once a week indoors (except in the summer when I played outside and it seem to rain often on Tuesdays.) I didn’t do much yoga until recently when I went a class 2x in November and 2x in December

4. Do some upper body exercises.

I’ve done planks every now and then. Not often enough. I rarely went to the gym.

went a few times in July

5. Finish all of my races under 10 minutes per mile (except half marathons)
Yes, I finished almost all of my shorter races under 10m/m except for a 15k, a 10 miler and one 5k.

Cherry Blossom 5k – 8:59
Bacon Hill 5K – 9:00
Apple Run 5k – 9:01
Winter Wonderland 5k – 9:05
Delmar Dash 5m – 9:09
Dash to the Finish 5k – 9:10
Malta 5k – 9:11
Team Sarcoma 5k – 9:12
Silks n Satins 5k – 9:13
Shamrock Shuffle 5m – 9:17
Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 9:21
Spring Run Off 10k – 9:22
Polar Cap 4m – 9:24
Albany Law Day 5k – 9:25
Mastodon Challenge 5k – 9:25
Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 9:27
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
ARC Challenge 5k – 9:28
Care 4 Kids 5k – 9:28
Betar Byway 5k – 9:28
Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K – 9:32
Troy Turkey Trot 10K – 9:34
Albany Last Run 5k – 9:37
Helper’s Fund 10K – 9:40
Stockade-athon 15K – 9:44
Trout 10K – 9:45
Mother’s Day 5K – 9:45
HMRRC Winter Series #3 10K – 9:48
West Palm HM – 9:52
Turkey Trot 5k – 10:08
HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K – 10:08
HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10m – 10:16
Hangover Half – 10:29
Asbury Park HM – 10:37
RNR Brooklyn HM – 11:03
VCM Relay – 11:05
Walkway HM – 11:08
EAU Palm Beach HM – 11:21

6. Run at least one race per month and at least 20 for the year.

Yes. I ran 38 races this year, the most since I started running

January – 4

February – 2
March – 3
April – 3
May – 6

June – 2
July -2
August – 3
September – 2
October – 4
November – 4
December – 3

: 2015

: Fishy Frolic 10K

: 2nd

: Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

: Stockeade-athon 15K

: Troy Turkey Trot 10K

7. Run a race in another state.

Yes. I ran in Florida twice, (almost California), New Jersey and Vermont.

West Palm Beach Half in FL

Asbury Park Half in NJ

VCM Relay in VT

EAU Palm Beach Half in Fla.

8. Run in NYC.
Yes!! And I crossed the NYC Marathon finish line.

Dash to the Finish 5K

9. Get several Age Group awards.

Yes. I won 15 AG awards – one of the perks of being OLD. My favorite bling was the bridge & the pie.

: West Palm – Jan 2015

: 2015

: 3rd

: 1st

: 2015 – 27:56

: 1st

: 3rd

: 3rd

: 3rd

: 2nd

: 1st

: 2nd

: 2015 – 59:19

10. PR in a half marathon.

Yes. This was the hardest and the most rewarding!!!!

West Palm Beach Half – 2:09:40

11. PR at another distance.

Yes. I had my fastest times for 4 mile, 5 mile and 15K.

Runnin’ of the Green 4m – 37:27

Delmar Dash 5m – 45:26

Stockadeathon 15k – 1:31:35

12. Join a running group or two.

Yes. I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge and the Troy Turkey Trot Challenge. I enjoyed training with the other runners in both.

13. Volunteer.

Yes. I was a course marshall at the frigid HMRRC Winter Series Marathon. I was a GOTR running buddy in the spring & I coached a runner in the STEM program in the fall. Running has given me so much. It is important to give back.

14. Run over 900 miles.

Yes! This year I ran 969 miles – the most I’ve ever run. Maybe next year, it’ll be 1000??

2015

15. Continue to blog almost everyday.

Yes. I enjoy sharing my running adventures and love my virtual running friends.

Since today is Thursday, I’m linking up with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Happy Running! Did you set goals for this year? If so, how did you do? What are thinking about today?

December 29, 2015 by Darlene

TOTR: 2015 in Pictures & My Bling

2015 was such a good year that I am still sharing my memories.

I promise this is my last 2015 Running Year Summary post!! This one is photos organized by the month.

January: PR & AG award at the West Palm Half

February: Running with a friend & an AG award at the Polar Cap 4 miler

March: DNS in a 5k but making up for it on the trails of Palm Desert

April: despite foot issues finishing a half marathon on the boardwalk of Asbury Park, NJ

May: met Deena Kastor and in VT, ran my first marathon relay

June: took a running tour of the mile high city (Denver)

July: lots of running, sweating & ice cream sodas

August: running in scenic places like along Lake George & the Schroon River

September: long runs in training for 2 fall half marathons

October: post-race run in Central Park, NYC

November: a busy Thanksgiving Day – a 10k followed by a 5k

December: champagne to celebrate finishing half #16 (my toughest to date)

and soon I’ll be collecting photos of my running in 2016…

I am linking up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life .

This Tuesday’s topic is BLING.

Here are pics of my favorite medals for the year:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Happy Running! What is your fondest memory of 2015?

December 28, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Ran 3 miles after work and then went to the mall to go Christmas shopping. (I don’t normally run 3 days in a row but the rest of week promised to be hectic.)

and beat the rain

Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work. Then went home to wrap gifts (instead of going to to dinner.)

Wednesday – Rain and a hair appointment interfered with my ability to get a run in before or after work so I had to sneak out during work.

unbelievable – Running in shorts & a t-shirt on Dec. 23! Santa looks confused…

Thursday – I just had to run today on my first day of vacation. And it was in the high 60’s. Then went out to dinner and a movie with my hubby to start off the Christmas holiday.

it was actually better than I expected – really enjoyed it.

Friday – After opening gifts at home, I went to play Santa with my mentee and her kids. I had some free time in the afternoon so I went to another movie. Then spent the evening at my MIL’s with my hubby, my sister-in-law, her husband, my 2 stepsons & my BIL and after my BFF’s.

soooo good!

Saturday – I went for an 8 mile run (6 with Judy) and went to movie #3 for the week in the afternoon. In the evening. I celebrated my mentee’s birthday at Canvas, Corks & Forks (painting, eating & drinking). Afterwards we went out for dessert. (Let the holiday eating continue…)

Sunday – I made spinach quiche to bring to my annual tennis holiday party. The party was lots of fun, as usual.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (5 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

Monday – 5 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – car appt, 4 mile run, yoga
Thursday – rest, dinner out, movie
Friday – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5 mile race, mah jongg
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 9 mile run

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 ?

December 22, 2015 by Darlene

Tuesdays on the Run: Highlights of the Year

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life!

This week’s topic is Highlights of your Running Year

Here are a few of mine:

Racing in NYC

This was on my bucket list for years and I finally got to do it.

I ran the Dash to the Finish 5k and crossed the NYC Marathon finish line. I loved this race!!

PRing in a Half Marathon

This was totally unexpected but it turned out to be such a perfect race…great weather, scenic course….

As a bonus, I came in first in my age group.

Meeting Frank Shorter

I met him at bib pick up for the Stockadeathon 15K.

And he signed my bib for luck.

15K PR

Frank Shorter did bring me luck.

A 2 minute PR at the Stockadeathon in November.

Other PRs

I had 4 mile PR at the Runnin’ of the Green in March.

and a 5 mile PR at the Delmar Dash, also in March.

It’s always exciting at my age to have a fast race.

Running a Trail in Palm Desert, CA.

I never expected to enjoy it so much. My friend, Mary (who lives there) & I did it twice.

I hope to be able to visit her again someday.

Running Over the Walkway Bridge

This was part of an inaugural half marathon in Poughkeepsie, NY. The bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.

I even won an age group award, though my finish time wasn’t exceptional.

Running the VCM Relay with AJH

This is another race that I’ve wanted to do but I don’t run marathons. I was excited when AJH applied and we got into the lottery for the relay.

we met Deena Kastor at the expo

The course is great and it is much more enjoyable to do a race with a friend.

Taking a Running Tour of Denver, CO

I was at a conference and had some free time, so why not?

It was so much fun. I can’t wait to do another one.

Mentoring Other Runners

I was a Running Buddy in the Girls on the Run program in the spring.

And for the second time this fall, I participated in the STEM program.

I was paired with a 5th grader in the first one and in the 2nd, a 29 year-old unwed mom who was a victim of domestic violence. It was so rewarding to share my love of running with someone else and hopefully positively influence them.

Being part of a Running Group

Although I’ve run the Freihofer’s Run For Women every year since 2008, this was my first year participating in their Training Challenge.

11212625_591732004263023_991804346722013456_o

one of the group runs where we ran with the mayor

For the 2nd year in a row, I joined the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge.

I can’t say for a fact that it improved my running but running with a group is certainly more fun and I’ve met a lot of great people through these 2 groups.

I could go on and on. I had a great running year.

Any year where you can run for 12 months (38 races) with NO INJURIES is a great year.

Happy Running! What was the highlight of your running year?

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 ?

December 20, 2015 by Darlene

Albany Last Run 5K Race Report

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1700). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

Last year, I ran this race in the rain. The year before in a blizzard. I was hoping for better weather this year.

I picked up my bib & shirt on Thursday to save time.

Then I pondered what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. The coldest it’s been in a while and very windy – 30’s but 20s with the wind chill.

I decided to park at work and walk the mile or so to the race. I wore an extra coat (that would ditch before the race) and I was still cold.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends.

MP, her SIL, Judy & me (the crazy lady who dresses up for these races)

We chatted until it was time to head out.

It was so windy and cold that MP & I hung out with our backs against a wall to block the wind.

I even bumped into a former student of mine

Then all of a sudden the firework began. We were accidentally very close. And they were great!! To Star Wars music, no less.

We even got our photo taken by the newspaper photographer.

courtesy of the TU

Soon it was time to head to the start. I lost MP but found my (super fast) turkey trot group friends. I would have preferred to be closer to the start but hung out with them instead.

Unfortunately I made 2 wardrobe fails for this race. I chose to wear old shoes (because they were green, why else?) and they had my orthotics in them. I stopped wearing those orthotics after I broke my ankle because they were now SO uncomfortable. Yes, they killed the arch of my foot (the whole race).

Second, it was windy and cold but the wind died down and I was soooo HOT. I had a half zip, a shirt (cotton – my bad) and a vest – too many layers and my half zip felt so tight!! Yes, I was uncomfortable…

Back to the course:

courtesy of the Times Unon

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first especially since I didn’t start right in front.

My legs felt really sluggish. I think it was all that standing around and starting at 5 pm (I have much more energy to run in the morning.)

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

I felt better once we entered the park and it was fun looking at all the lights. There were at least two hills that I remember in the park and I was proud of myself for not walking at all. I ran up them..slow but at least I ran.

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes (I did fall during this race several years ago.)

Finally we left the park and ran downhill to the finish. I wanted to finish fast but was still hesitant to run at top speed …in the dark. I heard a friend yell: “Darlene, finish strong!!” That made me pick up the pace.

It was dark so I couldn’t see my Garmin but I knew by the timing clocks that this wouldn’t be a PR nor would it be as fast as last year.

I barely finished under 30 minutes. According to my Garmin, it was 29:46 but officially I finished at 29:54.

I went inside to check the results and wait for MP and her SIL, Shannon.

Shannon is so fast & finished 22:xx and MP is a social runner – she took videos while she ran and even got a picture with Santa.

Last year, I was 3rd in my AG. This year, 6th. (Even I had a great race, I wouldn’t have placed. Darn those fast old women!)

lastrun5k15

Splits:

mile 1- 9:51
mile 2 – 9:50
mile 3 – 9:17
.15 – 7:42

Very usual for me to have negative splits.

So not an amazing finish time but such a fun race. Sometimes, you just have to “finish fun” if you can’t “finish fast.”

After the race, we continued our fun by going out for a bite to eat and for some drinks.

So my year of racing has come to an end. 38 races!!

Looking forward to 2016.

__________________

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

Click HERE.

Happy Running? How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race?

December 19, 2015 by Darlene

My Year in Racing: 2015

I’m linking up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races I ran this year. Since I ran 38 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved the views of the Hudson River while running across the bridge during the Walkway Half Marathon.

Photo By: Martin Weiner

It was also awesome to run with views of the ocean during the beginning and end of the West Palm Half Marathon.

Most Challenging Course –

I didn’t run any super hard races but I guess since it had hills, I’d say the most challenging was Vermont City Marathon Relay.

– from Burlington Free Press

There were quite a few hills in the Stockade-athon 15K too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.

Another popular local race is the Freihofer’s Run for Women. Lots of support here too.

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon hands down had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

it was so cool to meet Deena Kastor.

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

I bought this awesome sweatshirt on sale

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a zippered tote bag, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

Most Unique Medal/Award –

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved the bridge award from the Walkway Half Marathon.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this hat at the Polar Cap Race was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

The Asbury Park Half Marathon also had amazing food.

potato, macaroni & pasta salads and more…

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the one from the Bacon Hill Bonanza. It doesn’t have sponsors on the back and it is very light and comfy. I have even worn it several times even to play tennis.

I also like the long sleeve tech shirt from the Great Pumpkin Challenge – love its bright yellow color.

And the shirt from the Walkway Half Marathon is also very light and comfy plus it is made from all natural materials.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year. I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

So I would have to say the Asbury Park Half Marathon because of how painful my feet were the whole race

and the EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon due to the heat and humidity that I was not acclimated to.

(Maybe I should wear different colors LOL)

_____________

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

Click HERE.

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2015?

December 17, 2015 by Darlene

Thinking Out Loud Thursday: NYC, Last Race for 2015

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

You must think I go to NYC all the time. But for some reason, I have gone there 7 times this year.

Of course, each time is different. Twice I even went to run.

June – 2 museums

boat ride & highline

Oct – high line & Broadway show

Oct – Brooklyn & half marathon

Oct – 5k & Central park run

Nov – high line & Broadway

So on Sunday, I went to the Big Apple for the last time this year – to experience the holidays there – no better place, in my mind.

For my friends (& hubby), I get to be the tour planner, which means I pick whatever I want to do. (Perfect, right?)

We took the Megabus from Albany to NYC and then walked umpteen blocks to have brunch (stopping on the way to view the holiday windows.)

Macy’s windows – Snoopy theme

We ate at KTCHN and it was very good.

on 42nd & 11th

shrimp omelet

After brunch, we continued walking around the city.

Lord & Taylor

Bergdolf Goodman

real ice at Barney’s

being photobombed at Bloomies

We viewed the windows at Lord & Taylor, Saks, Barneys, Bergdolf Goodman, Bloomies and more. This is the map we followed (Thanks Shawna!)

You’ll notice that the coats came off quickly. It was 65 degrees!!! On Dec 13 – incredible. It certainly didn’t feel like Christmas.

So we stopped on the way so I could have an ice cream cone to celebrate the summer-like weather.

candy cane ice cream – yum!

This was tempting but …

Our next stop was Greenwich Village for the 2 hour Great Food Tour of NY.

Here’s the itinerary:

Pizza Authentic Tuscan style thin-crust pizza from Bleecker St Pizza,’The best pizza in NYC!’
Deli Faicco’s is, for many New Yorkers, synonymous with sausage. You’ll taste why.

Macaron Bisous, Ciao, a minimalist bakery specializing in colorful French-style macarons in traditional & seasonal flavors.
Coffee Porto Rico Importing Co. has been serving the finest coffees in the world since 1907
Bagel Bagel’s on the Square, a long time favorite bagel place for New Yorkers in the know
Cupcake At Molly’s Cupcakes you can create your very own cupcake. Pick a cake flavor, choose a frosting and then dress it up with tasty toppings. Made right in front of you. Yummy!
Falafel Mamoun’s Falafel, an NYC institution since 1971. Try their hot sauce if you dare, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

We took the subway which got us to the start of the tour in no time. There were too many people signed up so they hired another guide and split the group in half. Our guide was Walter, the one I had for my Little Italy Food Tour in October and I was thrilled.

who would have thought it would be warm enough to eat outdoors in December??

He was great. We learned a lot about the history of Greenwich Village and sampled lots of good food.

yea, the best pizza ever!!!

NYC bagel!!!

delicious macarons

I don’t have more pics because we devoured the food too quickly.

It was 5 pm when the tour was over so we hopped a subway and headed uptown to continue our holiday in NYC experience – We had to see the tree at Rockefeller Plaza.

We got off at Times Square and walked…I have never seen the city so crowded. Sunday night? Not during school vacation. What gives?

Anyway, we struggled through the crowds to catch a glimpse. And yes, it was worth it.

As we were leaving, we ran into even more crowds on Fifth Ave. There was a sound and light show going on at Saks. What a wonderful surprise!!

We watched it and then continued walking toward Penn Station to catch our train home. What an long, tiring but fun day!!!

What does this have to do with running?

24,000 steps and 10 miles of walking!! That’s what!

Now I have ONE more race for 2015.

#38. That’s what happens when I am not injured. It would have been 40 but I missed 2 races due to flight cancellations.

Dec 19 – 5 pm

This a fun one. It sold out with 1700 runners. The race starts with fireworks and most runners are dressed in festive attire as you run through the lights in the park.