Last week –

Monday – A long work day but I was close to a place where I like to run so I planned to run. there before it got too dark. But it was drizzling and a coworker invited me out to dinner so I caved. Rest day.
Tuesday – Another long work day and originally I thought it would be a rest day since I was going to a holiday tennis dinner. But I had enough time to squeeze in a run (in freezing temps) and Christmas shopping before dinner.

Wednesday – Back to NYC for the last time this year. I got there early enough to get my run done (on the High Line) and a visit to the new Starbucks Roastery

before going to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden. I love him!!!!!!! And the concert did not disappoint.

Thursday – Tired after a late night but it was my last night in NYC (until Feb 2019) so I planned to go to Central Park to meet Cari for a run. Rain got in the way of our run but not our evening together.

We got plenty of steps and conversation in on the High Line, the Standard Hotel, Starbucks Roastery and Chelsea Market.

not your average Starbucks

Friday – Another rest day. The third this week. But no time to run since I had to take the train home after work. (Beside it rained ALL DAY.)
Saturday – Long run Saturday with the Sole Sisters. This week we chose the Delmar Rail Trail. It was followed by brunch, of course.

Sherry & Jeri missing from the photo – I ran with Barbara (on the right)

Then in the evening I celebrated Christmas with a dinner out with my hubby, my stepson and his fiancee.

the happy couple – 3 mos till the wedding

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day around the house including errands. ~~and finishing my Christmas shopping.~~ Nope, my laptop died so I drowned my sorrows on wine with a friend.

This Coming Week –

Monday –3 miles
Tuesday – Day OFF, 3 miles, visit to my mentee & sons, Christmas dinner and movie
Wednesday – rest day, after work birthday dinner and movie with my BFF
Thursday – ~~rest day, hair appt.~~ 3 miles
Friday – ~~3 miles~~, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 8 miles with my Sole Sisters (time to start training for the Feb. 10 half marathon), hair appt.
Sunday -rest day

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any big races on the horizon? What are your plans for Christmas? Please share.

December 19, 2018 by Darlene

Winter Series #1 Race Recap

you get this hat if you run 4 races and volunteer at one – I’m in!!

Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races every year throughout the winter for its members ($15 to join). There are FIVE races and I try to run in as many as I can.

The course is pretty boring but free is free.

Winter Series #1 in 2011

And it’s like a reunion of all those runners who love to race. I bump into runners that I know from races, training groups, previous jobs, etc.

FRIENDS + FOOD + FREE = Perfect RACING Conditions

The food is catered by Bountiful Bread so there are always delicious breads, soups, etc. There’s a clock at the end, volunteers at each turn and the miles are marked. Plus there are even age group awards.

I love these races. They come at a perfect time of year. Not many other races are scheduled (unless you live in the South) and if you are racing, you can use these races as training runs.

This weekend, they offered distances of 3M and 15K.

Here I am in 2014 – look at all the snow!!

Normally I would have run the 15k and used it as a long run but I ran a 5K race the evening before so I opted for the 3 miler instead. (Plus the speedy ladies usually run the longer distances so I thought I might snag an age group award of a loaf of bread.)

I signed up for all the series races at once this year. Since they were free, I won’t mind a DNS if the weather is horrible. It just saves time when you arrive, not having to stand in line to register.

The temps were around 30 so I wore tights, two shirts, beanie and gloves. Though it was the same temps as the night before, it felt much colder due to the wind (always present on this campus.)

I left early to get parking since these races are often crowded and sometimes there are other events going on at UAlbany.

It turned out to be not as crowded as usual probably due the Last Run being the night before. Still there were over 100 for the 3 miler and 150 for the 15k.

I immediately bumped into some SRMs, some runners from the STEM group, from the Turkey Trot group, as well as other familiar faces from races. It was great to catch up with everyone.

We stayed indoors until the last second and then made our way outside.

Both the 3 milers and those running the 15k started together. I lined with some friends, some of whom were doing the 3 and some were running the 15k.

The race is very informal – no bibs, no starting mat, no timing chips, etc. There are also no clocks (until the end) and no water stops (maybe for the 15k??)

I just told myself that this was simply a training run and just do it. And if my legs were not tired from the 5k the night before, I could use the race a speed drill.

As I mentioned, the course is very boring but it also has hills. Not steep hills, just a few rolling hills throughout. This year, I have tried to be better about the hills and not walk up all of them. In fact, I didn’t walk at all!!

no pics posted yet for this year’s race so here’s one from last year

New addition – this year’s pic (in the same location):

I ran the whole thing. Not so impressive – it was ONLY 3 miles!! I have to admit, my legs did feel like they had run the night before. I had trouble getting up any speed at all.

But I did dress perfectly. I was warm & even took off my gloves toward the end.

Mile 1 – 9:22 – a steep hill near the start…at least it was short.

Mile 2 – 9:33 – just some slightly rolling hills

Mile 3 – 9:10 – a longish hill right before the end

Finally it was over and I sprinted across the finish line at 28:08

I ran this race last year and my time was 26:49!!!

Reality may be setting in. Am I getting slower??? Two days in a row where my time was significantly slower than other years on the same course. Or maybe it was a bad weekend? We’ll see what finish times 2019 brings in the shorter races.

I went inside to warm up and have some soup, bread, cookies, fruit, hot chocolate. Not a bad spread for a free race.

They gave awards for the top 2 in each 10 year age group. I was 3rd in my age group. Two of the speedy old ladies did run the shorter distance…Darn!

Heidi with Alyssa who had just finished the 15k

Two of the other Sole Sisters were running the 15k so Sole Sister Heidi and I went back outside to cheer them on.

Judy finishing hers

Even though I hesitated, I am glad that I ran this race. I plan to run the other Winter Series races too. Maybe again as a speed drill, following a Saturday long run(ish) or if the distance is long enough as a half marathon training run.

After the race, I had to rush home for my annual tennis holiday party. And once again, though I ran 3 miles, I ate as if I ran a half marathon.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How you are enduring the weather? Cold yet? Did you run this weekend? How about races? Any planned for this winter?

December 14, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five – Bling 2018

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

My Topic this week is: My Favorite Bling for 2018

It’s all about the bling, right?

1.Age Group Award for Ice Cream Social 5k

2. Medal from the 20km de Paris

3. Mug from Tropicool 5k

4. Necklace from 40th Anniversary Freihofer Run for Women

5. Car Magnet from the Race to the Lakes 15K

Honorable Mention to the Pint Glass from Shamrock Shuffle

Happy Running! What is your favorite bling from this year of running?

December 11, 2018 by Darlene

Albany Last Run Race Recap

The Albany Last Run is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1500). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill. I have run it every year since 2010 and it is one of my favorite races.

The course map:

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard. Last year, this was how I finished the race.

snowy, icy and very slippery!!

I was hoping for better weather this year. Could it be any worse??

They used to give out windbreakers for this race and I have them in many colors

As usual I picked up my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night. (I also picked up shirts and bibs for NINE of my running friends.)

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD. I hate to overdress but how to stay warm, dry and also be comfortable???

I wore several layers but ended up being a little warm because although it was in the 20s, there was no wind.

I carpooled with Barbara and decided to leave my car where I use to take yoga classes. (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat (that I would ditch before the race) and I was still a little cold. At least we got to wait inside.

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, etc.

So excited to see my tennis pal who got me started on this running thing. She has recently finished chemo and this was her first 5k this year.

We chatted until it was time to head out. It was fun to see all costumes and how everyone creatively got into the holiday spirit.

Most of my “Sole Sisters”

Finally we left our warm home to go watch the pre-race fireworks.

The fireworks were awesome but we were COLD and anxious for the race to begin.

the senior (over 60) members of the group

About 20 minutes later, the race finally did.

Not worried about our times for this race, we waited until the fireworks were over before we headed the start line. Then we just pushed our way into the crowd and waited to cross the start line. The race was only gun-timed so if you were serious, you had to watch the fireworks from the front of the crowd in line to start the race.

This may have been the best weather we’ve ever had for this race and it was insanely crowded, especially when you were starting toward the back with the slower runners and walkers.

Mile 1: 10:26

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and usually the crowd thinned out but it never did. I unsuccessfully tried to run but just was weaving in and out, say “Excuse me, excuse me.”

I think this mile was much slower than my Garmin says because when I crossed the Mile 1 clock, it read over 12 minutes.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

Once in the park, we were running under the festive holiday lights. Though the road was filled with ruts and cracks, it was much lighter than on the streets. We hit our second hill and I would have normally been tempted to walk up the steep hill but I didn’t need to and actually picked up the pace. (After Pelham, these hills seemed flat.)

Mile 2: 9:40

It was still very crowded and I was passing everyone but since I felt like I was running slow due to the crowds. I was able to enjoy the lights and the crazy costumes worn by the runners. I got positive remarks from spectators about my outfit, as well.

from the TU (last year)

During this mile, I was really having fun!!

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

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 and NOT FALL!! So far so good. It was so nice that the roads were dry.

from my friend’s FB page

Mile 3: 8:53

Finally around mile 3, my hands had warmed up so I took off my gloves and there was enough space to actually RUN.

Eventually we left the park, the road was dark but it was DOWNHILL so I carefully sprinted to the finish.

Officially I crossed at 30:44 I guess.

On my Garmin, it was about 30:08 but not sure if I started or stopped at the right time.

Yes, my slowest 5k this year but one of my most enjoyable. Afterwards, I chatted with some of my friends but it got cold so I went inside to wait for my Sole Sisters, check the results and get some refreshments.

They gave awards to 10 age year groups so I was 6th. but would have won if it were 5 year increments. No big deal. Some races are just run for fun. And this was one!!!

The food was nothing to speak of – apples and bananas and some bars. Once everyone had finished, we all headed to one of the Sole Sister’s house for a pot luck dinner (and knitting lesson). It was a blast. I am so lucky to call those women my friends.

The Last Run is a standard on my racing list each year. It did not disappoint this year.

My time this year was the slowest of all my Last Run races (except for those years with snow, ice and injury). But there’s no way that this race could be a PR. I know in order to have those faster times again, I would have to ditch my friends and stand close to the start line at the beginning.

But this is more important:

Since today is 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

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

coachescorner

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

December 4, 2018 by Darlene

Pelham Half Marathon Race Recap

November 24, 2018 8:00 am

It seems like I’ve been planning to run this race forever. I signed up for this race almost a year ago and because:

My running buddy Alyssa (whom I haven’t raced with in quite a while) talked me into it.
It was cheap. ($30 early-bird registration).
It was driveable. (2 1/2 hours)
I had enough points for a free hotel room.
Still not too cold (hopefully) to make the miles unbearable.
Alyssa was trying to run a sub 2:00 half and I wanted to be there to support and/or congratulate her (That was before either of us looked at the elevation chart and realized that this might be the hilliest course we’ve ever run.)

Here’s the race description:

A community-driven race. It is capped at 800 runners. The race starts and finishes in downtown Pelham and takes runners through the two villages of Pelham and Pelham Manor.

It was started by 9 local runners 7 years ago and has grown each year. The entire race covers an area of 2.2 square miles. Yes, lots of twists and turns.

Each water station (6 of them), each hill (7 of them) and each mile has a local sponsor.

I apologize in advance that this post will be long. You may want to skip ahead to see what I liked and disliked about the race itself.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan but I ran a 20 km race in Paris on October 14. I was not fully trained but had enough time to get there.

Since then I have completed easy weekday runs and longish runs on most weekends.

: Delmar Rail Trail

: UAlbany

: Colonie Town Park

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs but I do like to get in a 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon. After completing my last big race, I had busy weekends (and stupidly signed up for 2 races). So I just never got those scheduled long runs done.

: 9 miles

: Poland Springs 10k

: 10 miles instead of 11

: 9.4 miles instead of 12

: 8 miles

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The day before the race, Alyssa and I drove to our hotel in White Plains. We checked in and then drove to Pelham (about 20 minutes away) to get our bibs. It was in a tiny pop-up store. We were also handed a paper bag with our shirt.

We checked out the race start and made sure we knew where to park the next day.

nice long sleeved tech shirt

Then we had a nice carb-loaded dinner. I usually eat pizza but this restaurant did not have any so I settled on chicken parm and pasta (and I ate way too much!!) It turned out that our waiter and 2 of the other waiters were running the race as well. It was fun to chat with them and get some more info on the course.

We headed back to our hotel which happened to be across the street from a huge mall so we spent a few hours there walking off our dinner. Then we stopped at Whole Foods to get dessert. (Definitely well-fueled for this race)

Back at the hotel, we planned our race day outfits and tried to get to bed early. (But who can sleep the night before a big race?)

Race Day:

We got up at 5:30 am and I ate my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee that I had brought from home. Then I again debated about how many layers to wear. It was in the 20s but no wind and the sun would be out. I added another shirt and a vest and brought a jacket to check and wear before and after the race.

We left around 6:30 am and had no problems getting there and finding a place to park. We walked to the Town Hall which was next the race start. There we checked a bag and used the “real” restrooms. A policeman tried to tell us to use the porta-potties outside and that the restroom was for the volunteers. But I pointed out that it said on the race website that there were indoor restrooms available so he let us stay and use them.

Then we just waited inside where it was warm until it was time for the race to start.

They announced a yoga warm-up outside but it was too cold. The first few miles would be my warm up.

Finally we couldn’t delay it anymore and we headed to the start and waited with the other runners.

So here’s how the race went.

The course map:

7 hills?!

and elevation chart:

yikes!

After looking at the elevation map and talking to others who had run the race, I decided that survival was my only goal. This was the plan:

Run the tangents.
Walk up the hills.
Don’t push the pace.
Finish uninjured.
Enjoy the race.

Miles 1-4:

9:57, 9:32,10:30, 9:46

Alyssa and I started out together. Before the race, I told her not to worry about losing me and that I would most likely be running slower than her.

So as predicted, I quickly got behind her. But for the first few miles, I could see her bright pink jacket in the distance.

We headed north from the start. It was constant twists and turns. I tried as much as possible to run the tangents. The big hills were labeled but if you look at the chart above, you’ll see that in between the big hills were small hills. It was just up then down and then up again, etc.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

I think I was trying to keep Alyssa in my sight because I was definitely running too fast the first 2 miles. I even tried to slowly run up Hill #1. I planned to walk at each water stop but I think I missed the first one. I was enjoying the neighborhood views and the foliage.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

More twists and turns and then Hill #2. This was billed as the worst one. There was even a sign that said “Sorry.” I walked it and it was killing my quads to walk up a hill that steep.

Of course, the downhills were a welcome sight but if I ran down them fast, I would feel it days later so I kept my speed in check.

Soon there was Hill #3 which I walked up as well and finally I stopped for water around mile 4. I expected the water to be frozen due to the temps but it was not.

The sun also came out so I unzipped my vest and took off my gloves. I stayed that way until the last few miles when the clouds came back.

Miles 5-8:

10:30, 10:29,11:09,10:47

The hills and twists and turns continued. As some point, I caught up to Alyssa and we ran together for a while and then I lost her.

I walked at each water stop. There were signs announcing each one. I think they were around every 2 miles. For the first long race ever, I just was not hungry. I had 3 Gus in my pocket but just drank water until mile 12.

The course through this small town was very varied. We ran through neighborhoods with amazing mansions and then on roads where there was traffic. There were volunteers at every turn (which were also marked with red arrows) and plenty of policemen making sure traffic was stopped for the runners.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

My favorite part of the course running on a path around the lake. You can see Alyssa yelling at me to sped up because there was a photographer ahead. LOL

I ran as fast as I could but the photographer didn’t get our picture together 😦

that arrow means UPHILL

Though there was not tremendous crowd support, the ones who were there were very enthusiastic.

This recap may sound repetitive but it was just turning left, turning right, running up a small hill, running down and walking up a big hill and running down…repeat.

Miles 9-12:

10:56, 11:29, 11:16, 11:01

At some point, I got ahead and lost Alyssa. All of a sudden, she slowed down. But I got to see her at each of the turn arounds. There were two that I remember during the latter miles,

As usual, the bottom of my left foot (the one with the bunion) was throbbing. I was still walking up the big hills and running down them.

However my pace was getting slower and slower. I was even just shuffling up the smaller hills.

from Long Distance Lawyer’s Blog

I loved when we ran on a dirt path because it felt better on my foot but sometimes I just ran on the sidewalk because it was a tangent.

Finally at the last water stop, I decided that I should eat a Gu. 13 miles with no fuel was probably not a good idea. (Maybe that’s why I had no energy…)

Miles 13-13.1:

12:02, 6:59

I thought that I was all done with the hills but Hill #7 appeared during the last mile. That was so nasty!

Eventually I could hear music in the distance. The hills were over and the cheerleaders cheered us through the finish line.

I couldn’t believe that I had enough energy to sprint. I crossed at 2:20:xx.

I was super happy with my time. I walked up the hills and so did all the runners around me. Those who live in this area have probably trained on these hills. I usually run on flat routes. My legs were not prepared for this.

After I got my medal, I waited for Alyssa to cross so I could get her picture.

She too was thrilled with her time. She agreed that those hills were tough on the legs. While she headed for the porta-potties, I went in search of food.

In addition to the usual bagels and bananas, there was baked ziti, chicken parm, meatballs, lasagna, burritos, black beans, rice. Yes, quite a spread.

I grabbed some food and headed for the town hall since I was freezing.

They were offering massages but it was too cold to stay outside any longer. I got my jacket and then checked the results. It seemed that I won my age group. So I asked if they had announced the awards and they told me that it was over and they didn’t have any left. They told me to just pick a shirt or a cap. I asked what would I have won. And they said a mug.

Darn! The plight of a BOTPer. (I later looked at the race schedule and the awards ceremony was at 10 am – Um – that’s only 2 hours after the start…. I was still running the race.)

posing with my medal and my “cap”

We walked around town and stopped for a cup of coffee. We then decided to go back to our hotel for a HOT shower and have lunch after we checked out.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

Many emails with pre-race information
Well organized
Warm place to hang out before and after the race
Well marked course
Adequate number of water stops
Interesting and varied course
Excellent post race food
100% of race fees went to charity
Post race massages
Free race photos

The Bad:

the HILLS!!!
ran out of age group awards (time of awards ceremony)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, it was a great small town race. Just be prepared for hills!

Final Thoughts and Stats:

So yes, I was BOTP but my time was actually faster than the hot flat Paris 20k race (which was only 12.4 miles.)

only one in my age group LOL

Alyssa and I had a fun time together and I am glad that we did run the race. A local running friend told me that her boyfriend also ran it and it was the hardest race that he’s ever run.

And my legs felt fine the next day and if it were not raining, I would have run 2 days after. No DOMS for the win!

Next Up:

Publix Florida Half Marathon on February 10, 2019!!

The Florida Marathon

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

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

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! What is the hardest course that you’ve ever run on?

November 30, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five – November Runfessions ’18

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest about my most recent race-cation in France with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I know that I made the right decision to DNS my Thanksgiving Turkey Trot but there were so many friends who did run, I had major FOMO.

2. I runfess…

I did not DNS the Thanksgiving race because it was too cold. I had all my layers ready but I was worried about running a race so close to my half marathon (which was two days later.) The coach told me to run it easy and not to race it but knowing me, I would have….

3. I runfess…

Although I have complained about all my travel for work, I will miss some of my favorite running routes. I will still be traveling but to NYC.

: while working in Buffalo

: along the Erie Canal in Rochester

4. I runfess…

I feel grateful to still be setting PRs this year. As I age, I hope I will be able to accept getting slower.

: Bacon Hill – 5k PR

: Delmar Dash – 5 Mile PR

: Stockade-athon – 15K PR

5. I runfess…

This year I will have the lowest total mileage since 2014. I guess if I am healthy it shouldn’t matter. But since I do not do any cross-training and I rarely play tennis anymore, I feel like I should step it up.

2018 – 886 miles so far
2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles

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

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

November 26, 2018 by Darlene

Four Somethings – November

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.

NYC at Christmastime. I know it’s only November, but the city starts buzzing after Halloween.

Something Said.

In a review of the movie A Star is Born (which I absolutely loved) –

“…life is about taking risks and some of the greatest rewards come from throwing away everything that feels safe.”

So obviously this can apply to life as well as running.

Does it mean that I should sign up for the 2019 NYC Marathon????

Does it mean that I should retire from my current job?

Something Learned.

I always learn something from every run and every race. The problem is remembering what you learned and applying it.

So what did I learn from my most recent runs and races?

I learned:

I can still PR at age 65.
I don’t need to put in a lot of miles to be successful in my races.
I missed racing on Thanksgiving Day.
Running in frigid temps is uncomfortable but doable.
Hills won’t kill you.
Walking up huge hills in a race will prevent injury.
Expensive races don’t mean better race experiences.

Something Read.

Image result for the leavers

The Leavers is about an undocumented mother who suddenly disappears and the young American-born son she leaves behind. Of course with our current immigrant situation, it seemed very timely. I really enjoyed the story and its characters.

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

November 23, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five – Vacation in France – Pt. 3

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

Ok, I promise this is the last post about France (unless I get to go there again LOL).

So here are five non–running-related things that I loved about my vacation in France.

1. The People I met.

I know many people think that French people are snotty. Many people think that the French don’t like us Americans.

I found that both of these feelings to be far from the truth.

All of the staff in our “small” typically French hotel in Paris were so helpful. They served us breakfast the day we arrived even though breakfast hours were over. They made me breakfast to go the morning I left before it was too early for the hotel breakfast. They were always helpful is giving me advice on where to go, how to get there, etc.

I stayed with a family in Sanguinet. The wife got up at 5 am each morning to take the train to Bordeaux where she was getting another college degree and when she came home each night at 7 pm, she prepared us a multi-course gourmet meal…every night!

In many of the cities, we got lost. Each person we encountered was super helpful in getting us directions. (We even had to stop at a vet’s to use their landline the first night we arrived in Sanguinet…long story!)

I could go on and on about other friendly folks – the runner on the subway and the lady in the airport shuttle.

2. Their Transportation System

So easy to get everywhere…subways in Paris, TGV from Paris to Bordeaux, Tram in Bordeaux, train from Facture to Bordeaux, RER from Paris to St Germain-en-Laye.

Not to mention boat tours, train tours and bus tours.

Wish it were that easy to get around here.

3. The Food (and Wine)

I got spoiled. But everything tasted so good. Did I eat healthy? Well, most of the time…but those desserts….

4. The Architecture

Since I had visited Paris at least 10 times prior, I wanted to see things esp. buildings that I had never seen before.

I visited districts in Paris (new to me) like La Bastille, La Nation, Vincennes, Saint Sulpice and St Germain en Laye. I also toured Bordeaux, Bicarosse, Arcachon and Cap Ferret (SW of Paris).

5. The Art Museums

I’ve always loved art. When I was a kid I wanted to be an art teacher. That was before I realized that I had no talent.

To get my fix, I would illustrate everything when I taught French and I would visit art museums when I got the chance.

Well, as you probably know, France is a mecca for art.

I have in the past visited Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musee Marmottan, Louvre, Rodin museum and more. I wanted to see the special exhibits in the Petit and Grand Palais but no time.

I did get to see the new Fondation Louis Vuitton.

Happy Running! What are your favorite non-running-related things about your favorite city?

November 18, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 11.12.18-11.18.18 – It’s beginning to look a lot like….

New work travel location and a few cancelled running events due to an early winter.

Monday – Most of my running friends were off for the Veteran’s Day holiday and went for a morning run but I had to work so waited until after work. It was a slog but got it done.

Tuesday – Drive to LI for work. It was my first time going to this location (even though it’s where I grew up.) I had no idea where to run but it didn’t matter because it was raining. But then it stopped and it was still light so I headed to Eisenhower Park hoping to find a route to run on. And I did.

Wednesday – After work, I headed back to Eisenhower Park but just for a short walk. It was freezing and I had connected with two friends from high school with whom I would be having dinner. No time for a run but had a fun evening.

Thursday – Well almost another Rest Day. I planned to run on the treadmill before work but bailed. After work, I had to tackle the long slow drive home from LI. It was forecast to rain but it turned out to be a blizzard so I spent an extra night there. And guess what? I actually ran on the hotel treadmill. Hated every second but got it done.

Friday – Rest Day. Today I made the long drive home. No time to run as I had a hair appointment after work and a race the next day.
Saturday – Race Day. But the Girls on the Run 5k got cancelled due to the weather. I had run this race before but it was in a new location. I basically was going to do the race to support this charity and to meet up with the STEM coaches and runners. I was thinking about not running it even before it was cancelled (too tired!!!). So instead I ran a leisurely long run with my Sole Sisters followed by brunch. Love my running friends ❤

at the Crossings where they shoveled the paths 🙂

Then it was date night with the hubby. Movie (Bohemian Rhapsody) and dinner.

Sunday – Today I was supposed do a fun run with friends. It was called the Raffle Run and you run for an hour completing a one mile trail loop as many times as you can. Each time around, you earn a raffle ticket which is entered into a drawing to win a prize. This was cancelled as well. So instead I did errands, cleaning, packing and picked up by race packet for Thursday’s race.