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Weekly Wrap for 8.27.18-9.2.18: Lots of Rest Days

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Back in NYC but only for 3 days not 5. Heat Wave and not much running (but not because of the heat.)

Last week –
  • Monday – Took the train to NYC today and normally I would head right out to do a run. But in addition to running, I love tennis so since the US Open Tennis Tournament has started today in Queens, I decided to get tickets. I have been many many times but never to watch a night match.

Anyway the train arrived an hour late so the run was out of the question. So I hopped a subway to Queens and waited on a LONG line but got to see Kelly Clarkson in concert and Serena and Rafa play. So glad I went (except for late bedtime.)

  • Tuesday – Again, you will be shocked to note that I did not run again in NYC. I REALLY wanted to but my co-workers scheduled a dinner and I didn’t want to act anti-social so I went. It was a fun time and I did walk to and from the restaurant rather than taking the subway line the others.

BTW: the heat index in NYC was 107.

  • Wednesday – Rest Day #3. No time to run, I had to catch a train home after work.
  • Thursday – I wish I was a morning runner.  I had a hair appt after work. Life is getting in the way of my running. I was done around 7 pm with finally some cooler temps so I caved and went for a run.

forgot my hat – ugh but ran on a bike path that I haven’t been on in ages.

  • Friday – To run or not to run. I hate to run the day before a long run but I had time before mah jong so I did.

ran in town (which is celebrating Ovarian awareness) and on the rail trail

  • Saturday – Finally able to run with the Sole Sisters. What a difference from last weekend. It was cooler, earlier and I had company which made all the difference. I ran with Judy for 5 miles and then Sherry for 6.  Then the 10 of us hung out for food and conversation.

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday.  After a weekend off, I was happy to get back on the lake. It was the annual Christmas celebration so there were lots of boats in the bay and a live band. So much fun.

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  DAY OFF – 4 miles
  • Tuesday –  rest day, tennis
  • Wednesday – train to NYC, 4 miles
  • Thursday – 3 miles
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday –  12 miles
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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

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Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you?  Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

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Runfessions for August

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I signed up for a Virtual Race which I normally don’t do.

Because of the swag.

awesome medal

cool women’s tech shirt

When my Russian friend Anna came to visit, I (reluctantly) gave her the shirt because she loves Central Park…

she wore to the race (that we never ran)

but I kept the medal.

Then I felt guilty so I gave her one of my 5k medals that I won as an age group award.

Do you ever give away your medals and shirts?

2. I runfess…

As a Rock N Blogger, I definitely feel FOMO every time a Rock n Roll race happens. My plan was to run several Rock N Roll races.  But they cancelled Brooklyn and the only east coast race is Montreal.  So I signed up to run the half marathon…

Image result for rnr montreal

…then I also signed up for run the 5k the day before.

Image result for rnr montreal 5k

Yup, it’s all about the bling.

Any other Rock N Bloggers out there running RnR Montreal??? Hopefully “yes.” Anyone else run TWO races in one weekend to get an extra medal?

3. I runfess…

I used to race every weekend especially in the summer. But believe it or not, I skipped Jailhouse Rock 5K, one of my favorite summer races (and a PR op due to the downhill finish).

Having friends to run with on the weekend has changed my running…

Do you ever skip a race in order to run with friends?

4. I runfess…

If you read my blog, you know that one of my recent NYC races was cancelled. 

There was no refund but they re-scheduled the race. I live almost 3 hours north of the city and I would have pay to get to the city and pay for a hotel room in order to run the race on its new date.

Yes, you guessed it, I registered for the race anyway. I used my points for a free hotel room.

In order not to lose my $40 registration fee, I am spending $40 more for MegaBus tix to get to and from NYC.

Crazy, right? 

Anyone else want to join me?  Want to buy Anna’s bib?

5. I runfess…

I bought a new skirt from Skirt Sports (that I don’t need) because I thought that the new pattern matched my running shoes.

Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes - Color: Racer Blue/Blue Tint/Royal Pulse (Regular Width) - Size: 6.5

...except that it doesn’t match.

There’s a solution:

Buy a top that matches the new skirt and then another skirt that matches the shoes. (I am glad that I am an ambassador or I’d go broke.)

Ever buy new running apparel just because of the color?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

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August Report Card

Good-bye August Hello September

This month was very rainy and humid. Glad it’s over.

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill. I traveled three out of five weeks.

I ran a few times while on working in Liverpool and while working in NYC. Otherwise I ran locally. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less). Heat, humidity and rain made it tough to get it done.

Long Runs:

Boating, friends and work have sometimes made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. The month started out well but then I skipped the weekend that I was in NYC.  No excuses about not having a big race on my schedule. My half is in 3 weeks.

Total Mileage:

I ran 75 miles so far this month. At least it was an improvement over last month. I am still behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

to get to1000, I need to run 84 miles each month

Races:

I tentatively had several races on my schedule this month. Race the Train and its replacement were cancelled. So I decided to run Governor’s Island 5k in NYC and the after work Hump Day 5K.  Governor’s Island 5k was cancelled the day of. Hump Day 5k was a tough one but at least I won my age group.

Cross Training:

Due to my work schedule, I only played tennis outdoors once this month during the week but I did play during my weekend at Schroon River.

I also worked out once at the gym. (I just used the arm machines.)

I did walk at lunch once or twice. I also went for walks in the park after dinner when I was working in Liverpool. Of course, I got a lot of steps in during my time in NYC.

Other News:

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend and hubby time. 

annual day at the race track

The hubby and I took our boat out on the lake on the weekends that I was in town.

I was away two weekends. The first one to meet up up with my friend Anna who was visiting from Russia. We were supposed to run a race together. But that didn’t happen but we still had lots of fun.

The second was for my monthly gathering with the tennis ladies which was held at a house on Schroon River. This is a annual event and always a great time. I did two hikes, a nature walk and played tennis. Normally I would stay the whole weekend but I needed to run and pack for trip to NYC (yes again!) the next day.n

I also got to meet up with a fellow runner/blogger while I was in NYC. We ran, talked, walked, took pics and ate ice cream together. I can’t wait to do it again.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #32 is September 23 and 20K is October 14.

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

  • 9-08-18 – Malta 5k or Teal 5k 9-9-18??
  • 9-15-18 – ADK 5k or 9-16-18 – Palio 5K or Dunkin Run??
  • 9-22-18 – RnR Montreal 5k
  • 9-23-18 – RnR Montreal Half Marathon
  • 9-29-18 – Governors Island 5k
  • 10-14-18 – Les 20km de Paris

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for herAugust Race Linkup:

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B+

Despite the work travel, I did my best to get in my weekday runs in. But I skipped one weekend long run. I did play tennis a few times and went to the gym maybe once. I ran only ONE race but not my fault that several were cancelled. I did win my age group in the only one I ran.

I’m not giving myself a lower grade because hey, it is summer and quite a hot and humid one.  But I better get my a$$ in gear if I want to run my fall half marathons pain-free.

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

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Happy Running! How did your August turn out? Anything exciting planned for September? What grade would you give your running month?

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Four Somethings for August

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The last Monday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

So here are mine:

Something Loved.

Time spent with my Russian friend Anna.  We met in 2002, when I stayed with her in Kursk as part of a teacher exchange visit.  I stayed with her again in 2004 and 2006 but fortunately through the years, she has come to the US many times and we have stayed in touch.

in 2006 during my last trip to Russia

Well, this month, I got to spend the weekend with her.  I LOVED it!

Something Said.

We have had a very hot, humid rainy August.  My runs have been shortened, slow and often filled with more walking than running. My confidence was dwindling and then a runner friend said to me (in FB):

 You’re strong and determined. You’ll be ready for your half.

Every now and then, you need someone to booster you back up where you belong.

Thanks Judy.

This same person (when another runner friend apologized for her “slow pace”) also said:

One man’s ceiling is another man’s floor.

I love that and it’s so true.

Something Learned.

I learned that you never know who you will inspire.

Back to Anna. When I visited her in Russia (2002, 2004, 2006), neither one of us were runners.  Anna was very much into fashion.  She only wore nice clothes and nice shoes.  In fact in 2010 when she came to visit me, she got blisters from walking around NYC in those “nice” shoes so she had to borrow my sneakers. And she made me crop them out of every photo.

Then in September 2012 when she came to visit, I was running a race and she wanted to come watch.

She was very excited about the race, took lots of pictures and even a video of me running.

Fast forward to September 2016, again we met in NYC and now she is wearing running shoes!!

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This is what she emailed me:

You’ll be surprised to learn I took up running as well.  I think it happened largely due to my watching you run that early early morning in the park.

Definitely a proud parent moment!!

During that day in NYC, I told her about a race that I had run there the previous November.

You know where this is going.  The next thing I know, she is flying back into NYC to run that same race with me.  She even invites two Russian friends (one lives in Chicago and one in DC) to run the race too.

We had a blast and Anna & I even went running again together the next day.

along the Hudson River, NYC

Two years later, she has returned once more to the US and we planned to spend the day together in NYC before she returned to Russia. Her idea, not mine, was to run a race together. Unfortunately, due a thunderstorm, the race got cancelled.

Something Read.

I love to read. And I try to read a little each day and even more when I travel.  One of favorites of the month was:

Image result for aj fikry

It’s basically a story of transformation and second chances,  I could definitely relate.  When times are at their lowest, you never know what will surprisingly turn your life around. For AJ Fikry, it was a mysterious package that arrived at his bookstore. For me, it was tennis that transformed me into an active person, introduced to a new husband, many wonderful friends and eventually to running!

Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings?  Share at least ONE.

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Weekly Wrap for 8.20.18-8.26.18: Home Sweet Home

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Yay! No travel this week except to a girls weekend in the Adirondacks.

Last week –
  • Monday – Every year, my former co-worker and I have breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track (This was year 33, I think),  In the last few years, we have stayed and bet on the horses too.  It is loads of fun and we had the most perfect weather day of the summer.

my biggest win was $10 but I only bet $1…that way I don’t lose much

  • Tuesday – I was scheduled to play tennis after work today but it got cancelled (not enough players) so I ran (in my tennis clothes) and then met my BFF for a walk in the mall. Sorry no pix. Tennis outfit had no pockets to carry my phone.
  • Wednesday – A long day at work and before I knew it would be a training day, I had registered for a 5K race.  I seriously considered a DNS since I was tired and hungry but I did it.  It was hard and my slowest 5k in years but still no regrets. I won my age group and there was a post-race BBQ.

  • Thursday – Definitely not feeling it and I had to make food for the weekend and pack and go out for dinner & drinks with a friend but I did a quick one at UAlbany because I wasn’t sure when the next time I would have time to run.

  • Friday – Rest Day because after work, A friend & I drove up to Schroon River for my weekend with the tennis ladies. We decided (or maybe I begged her) to go for a short hike before dinner. It was a little steep but the views were worth it. Unfortunately on the way down, we both fell. (That is why I don’t do trail races.)

  • Saturday – Today was fantastic and filled with so many activities. I went out for a few short runs (to get coffee, a neighborhood loop, to the tennis courts).

Before everyone else arrived, I talked my friend into a second hike.This time we were careful on the descent. No falling!

Since this was scheduled as a tennis weekend, I actually played tennis.

After tennis, there was lunch, relaxing, swimming and a nature walk, followed by dinner.

I reluctantly left my friends a day early because I needed to be home since I was headed to NYC on Monday.

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday. Well, the hubby’s tennis team was playing in sectionals so this gave me the opportunity to do my long run. Unfortunately, the Sole Sisters ran together the day before so I was solo. I chose the Zim Smith Trail so I could reward myself at Leah’s Cakery. I did bump into some familiar faces but it was slow tedious run with lots of walking. Not much fun but I got it done.

This Coming Week –

  • Monday – rest day, train to NYC, US OPEN tennis tournament
  • Tuesday –  rest day, dinner with co-workers
  • Wednesday – rest day, train home
  • Thursday – rest day, hair appt
  • Friday – 3 miles
  • Saturday –  12 miles
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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

WWSki-Orange

 

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Are you sad to see the summer ending or are you looking forward to fall? Please share.

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Summer Bucket List Update

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m 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: Summer Running Goals Update

Wow! Where did the summer go??

I don’t make running goals. But back in June, at the beginning of the summer, I listed 5 things that I wanted to do this summer. I hope I still have time to complete them all:

1. Go Hiking

2. Play Tennis

3. Eat in an Outdoor Restaurant

4. Go to the Race Track

5. Run a New Race

So here’s how it is going so far:

1. I have not really gone hiking yet. I did go on a walk on a trail to a waterfall.  But I hope before summer’s end to go on a real hike in the Adirondacks.

Shelving Rock Falls

2. I did play tennis on several Tuesdays after work.  I also played during a getaway weekend in July. I have another one planned for this coming weekend.

tennis in CT.

3. I did eat outdoors at a local restaurant and one overlooking the Mohawk River as well as one overlooking Lake George.

4. My friend and I did get to have breakfast at the Saratoga Race Track and then stay for the races.

5. I ran one new race, the Adirondack 15K Race to the Lakes and it was lots of fun. I had also planned to run the Governor’s Island 5K but it was cancelled.

So not a bad summer considering all the traveling I have had to do for work.  I hope to add some more fun activities next summer like SUP, kayaking, outdoor yoga, trail running, etc.

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

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Happy Running! What was your summer bucket list? Did you do any of these activities? Which ones? Did you make running goals? If so, where do you stand with those?

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Weekly Wrap for 8.13.18-8.19.18: Here we go again…

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Yes. Rain, heat, humidity and more rain.

Though I was in NYC last weekend, I had to go back on Monday for work.

At least running in the city never gets old.

Last week –
  • Monday – After a long rainy train ride to NYC and to and from Queens, I set out for a hot humid run along the Hudson River heading south. It rained on and off but never hard.

  • Tuesday – A long day of work is never complete without a run. This time I headed north along the Hudson. Again it was raining lightly when I started running but it didn’t rain hard until the last few blocks of my long walk home.

  • Wednesday – Another tiring work day but tonight I had plans to meet blogger Cari in Central Park to run. It was very hot and we may have walked and talked more than we ran. Lol

  • Thursday – Hot again but the second day in a row without rain. I was tired and thought about hitting up a Broadway show but I like to save that for a rainy day. So I dragged myself on the bus and headed out for a slog along the East River all the way to the Manhattan Bridge. Then took the subway back from Chinatown.

  • Friday – Finally a rest day cause I had to take the train home that night. And guess what? It was raining when I got home.
  • Saturday – Rain was forecast for my long run day with the Sole Sisters. And yes, it was raining when we woke up so we postponed our miles until Sunday. Of course the rain stopped for a few hours so we could have run. But I used the day to relax and catch up after being away in a NYC for 7 days straight.
  • Sunday – Boating Sunday. Well it got delayed until I got my 10 Mile run in. It was fun seeing my running buds again but I had to rush home after to join the hubby on the lake so I didn’t get to brunch with them.

I arrived first and ran one mile. Then I had the choice of running with Judy who was running 8 miles but I knew she would be running faster than I wanted to so I ran with Sherry who was running 10 miles. It was hard since it was my first double digit run in over 3 months and I skipped my long run last weekend.

a very peaceful day on the lake with pizza and ice cream for dinner.Why not? I ran 11 miles!

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  rest day, track day with MP
  • Tuesday –  3 miles, tennis, mall walk with BFF
  • Wednesday – Hump Day 5k??
  • Thursday – 3 miles
  • Friday – rest day, drive to Schroon R.
  • Saturday –  rest day, tennis, hiking at Schroon R.
  • Sunday – 11 miles

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you?  Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

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Friday Five 2.0 – I’m Don’t Feel Like Running But I Run….

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

We are runners and that doesn’t mean that we always feel like running.

But why do we run on those days that we don’t feel like it?

My topic today is: Five Reasons Why You Are Running Today

1.You are training for a race and it’s on your plan.

2.Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and the day after…

3. You had a stressful day at work or at home.

4. You need to burn off what you ate last night or what you are going to eat today.

5. Social Media — You need to post about your run.

There are even more reasons. I could go on and on…

Go for that run today… because

You'll Never Regret a Run

Happy Running! Why are you running today? Any other reasons why you run even though you don’t feel like it?

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How Has Running Changed Me?

It’s Tuesday so I’m 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: How Has Running Changed You? (Sorry I’m a week early.)

As I commented on another blogger’s post on this topic, it wasn’t actually running that changed me, it was tennis.

  • Tennis was the first sport that I ever participated in (and I was in my 40’s)
  • Tennis was the first sport that I ever competed in. I played on several teams and some even qualified for State and National competitions.

  • I bought many different tennis outfits and tennis sneakers.

  • I played tennis almost everyday.
  • I thought and talked about tennis constantly.
  • I took tennis lessons and participated in tennis clinics so that I could become a better tennis player.

  • I watched the Pros play in person and on TV.

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  • My closest friends were those that I have met while playing tennis.

  • I took many tennis vacations.

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  • My tennis friends and I did many things together besides playing tennis.

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  • Tennis kept me active, healthy and physically fit.
  • Tennis gave me confidence.
  • Tennis made me feel younger.
  • My tennis friends talked me into becoming a runner.

So you can probably see a lot of similarities about how running may have changed my life. In fact, I can just substitute the word running above.

I now spend a lot (too much) money on racing, running clothes and shoes. I run often and talk about running to anyone who will listen. I take race-cations and sign up for running groups to improve my running. I have awesome friends that I have met through running.

How is running different from tennis and how has my life changed differently by becoming a runner?

  • I have a blog and as a result, I have a lot of virtual running friends (and even have met some in person).

blogger meet-up in Panama City, FL

  • I have a lot more flexibility in my active life. I can decide where and when I run and whom I run with.

running after work in Liverpool, NY

  • I set my own individual goals. My running goal or challenge does not impact anyone else.

5k PR

  • I am compared to other runners who are the same age. This has helped me feel successful and proud.

getting my 1st place medal from the race founder, Al Goldstein

  • I feel supported by other runners.

  • Even a bad run can have positive effects on my mood or day.

I am so grateful to tennis because it introduced me to running.

And I can’t imagine my life without running.

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

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Happy Running! How has running changed you?

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Ultimate Coffee date – August

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was wavering on running a summer half marathon. I usually run the 10k each year and many of my friends will be there. But as my running buddy said, for the half you only run the hills once rather than the same ones twice. (Just more different hills!!)

Image result for camp chingachgook half

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day.  She is coming to the US and I will be going to NYC to see her that weekend.

Anyone running a half marathon in the heat of summer??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that you wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you?  Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine.

Image result for Governors island 5k

August 11, 2018 – 9 AM

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

Anyone running this race or have run it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that my favorite “healthy” Starbucks drink has been discontinued…chocolate banana smoothie. They told me that they don’t have protein powder or bananas anymore.  Very bummed.

Ever have your favorite drink or food discontinued from a restaurant?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decided NOT to run this half marathon even though I will have major FOMO. Just too expensive.  Maybe another year.

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

Ever not choose a race because of the cost (hotel/transportation)?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I recently realized that I could get a guaranteed entry into the 2019 NYC Marathon.

My 2018 Brooklyn Half Marathon finish time is: 2:11:23

The big problem is that I have never run a marathon, never wanted to run a marathon, never want to train for a marathon, etc. You get the picture.

Related image

Nov 3, 2019

If you were me, would you do it? (Don’t say “Yes” unless you plan to run it with me…)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I recently got my age group award in the mail for a race I ran in June.

pretty cool, I think. May be my favorite. (it’s a glass paper weight)

What is your favorite age group award?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decided not to renew my tennis club membership and not to play in a regular tennis contract.

This was a very tough decision.  I have played tennis regularly for the past 20 years or so (although less frequently since I started running).

will be missing my Tuesday tennis pals

It’s expensive and right now, it’s too hard to fit into my work schedule.  Hopefully, it will only be a year off.

I still plan to take my annual tennis vacation in May and may even be able to sub for some of my tennis friends throughout the year.

Ever had to cut out an activity that you really love?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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