November 8, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Blogging Changes

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

Today’s Topic is: How are you different from when you started blogging?

I’ve been blogging since March 25, 2008. That was the DAY that I decided to become a runner.

I’ll start with what has remained the same:

Blogging Goals

My goals haven’t really changed. I blog to motivate myself to continue running, to keep track of my running and racing and to connect with others who do the same.

Posting

I’ve always posted several times a week. Some weeks it’s everyday. Other weeks it’s less often. It depends on my schedule.

Blogger Meetups

I have been fortunate to connect with many bloggers. Many were local and have become my friends even though they no longer blog.

: Adirondack Half – 2011

: me, Suzy, Amanda, Tami, Janis, Bridget

Race Reviews

I recap each of my races almost as soon as they are over (so I don’t forget the details. ) These recaps are mostly for myself but I have heard that others read them too.

What has changed:

Content

I post more photos. It helps that I abandoned the camera and got a smartphone so it’s easier. Plus with the apps available, you can edit, make collages and be as creative as you have time for.

Link-ups

When I first started, there were very few. I used to write posts called Two for Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, Three Things Thursday and Foto Friday.

Now they are a bunch of fabulous link-ups. (WW, TOTR, Wednesday Word, TOLT, Friday Five 2.0, etc.) These help attract readers to your blog as well as, connect you with new blogs.

Product Reviews

I used to get asked to review products pretty frequently. Not much anymore. Probably because there are more bloggers out there (with bigger readerships than me).

reviewing Yak Trax

Sponsorships

I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. So I get discounts from my favorite company.

love my SS outfits

My Running

Now I don’t just run 5ks. I used to (hence the title of my blog. )

I have run 22 half marathons and many many 10ks, 15ks and 10 milers.

finishing #21

I am more confident as a runner and though I don’t know it all, I know a lot more about running than when I started blogging.

Other Bloggers

I don’t follow many blogs. I am selective. Basically because I don’t have the time.

The ones that I do read and comment on are more than fellow bloggers. They are really my virtual friends.

and sometimes you get to meet them in the flesh.

This brings me to why I can’t wait to run (and party) with 6 other virtual friends (Wendy, Holly, Tricia, Marybeth, Marcia & Karen) on Dec 3 in Panama City, FL!!!!!

Happy Running! How long have you been blogging? Have you changed since you started?

November 7, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I was planning to go to my Troy Turkey Trot training group run after work but I bailed. It was cold. I was tired and no one was home to hand out Halloween candy, etc. In others words, I wimped out.

Tuesday – I felt guilty that I didn’t run yesterday so I ran before tennis. (I had burn off the calories that I would consume at dinner after tennis.)

Wednesday – I was scheduled to meet Alyssa at UAlbany for 2 loops of the campus before running with the STEM group. But her son was sick so I was solo. The first loop was slooow. Then the 2nd loop was sloooower but I perked up running with the STEM ladies (I guess I need company) and I celebrated by meeting a friend out for wine & appetizers.

It was in the 60s and I ran in a tee shirt …in November!!

Thursday – A rainy day and I had a hair appt. So an unscheduled rest day. (There are few things more important than running and hair color is one of them. LOL)

what a dreary day!

Friday – Hopped the train to NYC and met up with my Russian friend Anna. I stayed overnight and shared a room with Anna’s friend. No time for a run today either.

Image result for hotel Boutique lexington ave nyc

conveniently located not far from the start of the 5k the next day

Saturday – Dash to the Finish Line 5K race. I ran 3.1 miles from the UN to the NYC Marathon finish line (with over 10,000 other runners) including Anna, her 2 Russian friends and Judy.

No, Judy & I didn’t plan our matching outfits. The race was so crowded that I am proud of my 28:56 finish. Actually had even more fun after the race with my Russian friends.

The park was beautiful. Met Judy & Karen and saw Paramour- Cirque du Soleil

We celebrated with brunch and mimosas. Then I continued to run/walk in the park followed by dinner and a show with the girls.

Sunday – Still in NYC. Anna and I started the day with a run along the Hudson. Then we went to Central Park to watch the early marathon finishers.

Riverside Park and running along the river was awesome

After lunch, I headed to train station to go home.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Troy Turkey Trot Training group run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run + STEM run
Thursday – rest, mall walk with BFF
Friday – day off – 5k race
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 15k race

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

November 5, 2016 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – November

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that when they first told me that I was spending 5 days in Manhattan for work, I was bummed. I would miss my training group, my running partners, my tennis, etc. And I would be stuck indoors from 8 am – 4 pm every day.

But I decided to make the most of it and get as much exercise as I could. These are some of the things that I did.

Take the stairs

My room was on the 25th floor of the hotel. I took the stairs every day. (Well, only down.)

: from the 25th floor

: morning

Walk everywhere.

I walked to work and back – at least one mile each way. I took a walk during lunch. I even walked to Times Square (in the pouring rain) to see a show.

Use the hotel gym.

There were machines and a treadmill at my hotel. I lie. I never entered the room but I could have if need be.

Squeeze in a run whenever you can.

I ran one day before a dinner meeting. I ran the last day during lunch.

Run and Sight See at the same time.

I wanted to see the Sea Glass Carrousel at Battery Park and the Freedom Tower so I ran there (and it was much farther than I thought.)

I wanted to see the Hudson River Greenway and the High Line so I ran there too.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am back in NYC. This trip was planned way before I got this new job. The original plan was to run a 5k. Then it morphed into a blogger meet-up. Now I will also be spending the weekend with my Russian friend Anna and spectating at the NYC Marathon.

Happy Running! Any other ways to work and stay active in a big city? Who’s going to be in NYC this weekend?

November 3, 2016 by Darlene

TOLT: October Recap

Image result for october

So fall has finally arrived!! And very recently, we’ve even experienced some cooler temps (even a few flakes of snow).

So here’s how October went down…

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and had a pretty mild fall with very little rain. So I was able to run at least 3-4 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s starting to get dark earlier and earlier.

I ran with Alyssa several times. Like Barbara, I met her through FB. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster. Win-Win. I also ran with Barbara and she is even faster than Alyssa. Unfortunately she is on the DL for a few weeks. 😦

It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

There were four of these! One was a half marathon and one was added miles to a 5k race.

: 5k + 6.9 = 10

: 10/30

Total Mileage:

I ran 96 miles this month – the most that I have run since April!! Woo! Hoo! I should hit 1000 next month hopefully.

oct

Races:

I ran four races this month – a half marathon, a 10K and two 5ks.

: 27:48 & 2nd in my AG

: Ramblefest HM – 2016

: 57:22 – a hilly 10K

: 28:42 – cold and rainy – 1st in my AG

I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals but I did PR in my Half Marathon!!!!! Pysched!

And I won age group awards in both of the 5ks.

I knew runners at all of the races and they were all super fun (except for the wet one). As you can guess I LOVE RACING!!

Cross Training:

The tennis season has moved indoors and that means that I have be a member of a club and join a contract. $$$$$ So I don’t play as often as I did in the summer (when it was free and I was unemployed.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on the other weeks.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I think. Maybe!

Miss you, Maria!

I did NOT workout at the gym or at home at all. Total slacking here!!

I did go hiking once. I had planned to go more. It is so beautiful around here in the fall. But fitting it in (now that I work) was very challenging.

I did walk every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall to get a Starbucks coffee or around a short nature trail.

Other News:

My running groups have continued this month. The Troy Turkey Trot Challenge group meets on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. I can only go on Mondays. I am running with my friends in the 10k group. It will be the one day of the week where I may have to do speed drills.

The STEM group meets on M, W, F and I volunteer and run with them on Wednesday evenings. We are doing the Couch to 5K program with some new and returning runners (who are domestic violence survivors) to train them for a 5k race on Nov. 19.

I took a day trip to NYC to meet up with my college friends (We spent our junior year together in France) . Then on the same day, I met my tennis friends to go to a Broadway show. What a full but exciting day!!

brunch in a French restaurant and then off to see “Waitress”

I spectated at a friend’s duathlon. I think I’ll stick to running.

I spent one last day boating on Lake George. It was fun but I am sad to see the season end. Winter is sooo long!!

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is December 3 and I am very excited. It will also be a blogger meet-up!!

I do have a lot of races coming up. Fall is my favorite time to race. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

11-05-16 – NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K (in NYC)
11-11-16 – Veteran’s Dash 5K
11-13-16 – Stockade-athon 15K
11-19-16 – Girls on the Run 5k (STEM volunteer which is good because I’m out of town for work Nov 14-18)
11-24-16 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k and then the 5k
12-03-16 – Panama City Half Marathon (in FL)
12-10-16 – Albany Last Run 5K

I have a racing addiction!!!

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

thinking out loud

Happy Running! How did your October turn out? Anything exciting planned for November?

November 2, 2016 by Darlene

Wednesday Word: Esoteric

Every Wednesday, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This week’s word is: Esoteric.

According to the dictionary, esoteric means:

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

To my friends and family, running is esoteric.

I still have friends that say to me before a race: “Good luck. I hope you win!” (And they don’t mean “age group.”

So how many of your non-running friends and family know what these terms mean?

Aid station
Age Group
Bandit
Bib
Black toenails
Bloody nipples
BOTP
BPM
BQ
Brick workout
Cadence
Carb-loading:
Chafing:
Chip
Chip Time
Clydesdale
Compression
Cooldown
Corral
DFL (Thanks Judy)
DNS
DNF
DOMS
Dreadmill
Dynamic Stretching
Elite
Endorphins
Fartlek
5K
Foam Roller
Footstrike
Fuel
Galloway Method
Glycogen
Garmin
Gu
Hill repeats
Ice baths
IT Band
Interval training
K-Tape
Lactic Acid
Ladder
LSD (not the drug)
Masters
Negative splits
Newbie
Orthotics
Out-and-back
Overuse injury
Overpronation
Pace
PF
Pick-ups
Point-to Point (thanks Judy)
PR
RICE
Runner’s knee
Singlets
Speedwork
Splits
Static Stretching
Streaker
Strides
Supination
Tangents
Taper
Tempo Run
10K
Ten percent rule
Trots
VO₂ max
Warmup
The Wall

Image result for understanding running ecards

I’m also linking with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Are your family and friends esoteric about running? Can you think of any other terms to add to my list?

October 31, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I took the train to NYC (I had to go there for work), ditched my luggage at my hotel and took off for a walk, some ice cream and a run. My hotel was a mile from the Hudson so I decided to run in that direction. It’s quite a challenge running on the crowded sidewalks and stopping at every corner.

Walking around Madison Square Park

Running on the Hudson River Greenway & then the High Line

View from my hotel window

Tuesday – I walked to and from the training that I would be watching all week. After the training, I changed into my running clothes and got in a run before it got dark. Then I went out to dinner (at a Greek restaurant) with 2 co-workers and to a costume exhibit at FIT.

Morning view from my hotel room

Lunch time walk and view of the East river.

Wednesday – More of the same. A short walk at lunch and then a run after work. Today I decided to run to Battery Park (and it was much farther than I thought. ) I took a ride on the sea glass carousel and then took the subway back to the hotel.

Thursday – A rainy day. A short lunch walk in the rain but NO after work run. Instead I walked in the pouring rain to Times Square, got cheap tix to a show, had dinner, saw the show and walked back to the hotel in the rain. Lots of steps.

Saw The Humans

Friday – My last work day in the city. I changed into my running clothes and ran along the East River during lunch. Cool and windy but so needed.

Saturday – I had a planned day at Ellms Family Farms with my mentee and her two sons. Not the best weather. Cold damp windy. I guess it was a rest day but running after 2 young kids all day was fun but not restful.

Sunday – It was an exhausting week. I was tired so I decided not to run a race. I know “Shocking.” Instead I decided to do a Long Run. Again a sunny day would have been nice but the temps were perfect. Unfortunately I was overdressed and underfueled but I chose my favorite location and got it done..

Scenes from the Zim Smith Trail and Round Lake

It was a struggle but some runs are like that.

I was starved. I ate this after chicken dumpling soup. The sticky bun at Leah’s didn’t disappoint.

25 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Troy Turkey Trot Training group run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – run + STEM (8 miles)
Thursday – hair appt
Friday – train to NYC
Saturday – 5K race (in NYC) + more miles?
Sunday – rest or a long run

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

October 24, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The weather really warmed up. It felt like summer not fall.

Usual lunch walk

I returned to the Troy Turkey Training group after a week off.

The hills made this workout tough but I know that these speed drills are important.

Tuesday – It was even warmer today – a record high 85 degrees. I had to spend the day inside observing a training.

My view for 7 hours

At least I got in a walk at lunch.

I also played tennis that evening and went out to dinner after, as usual (shared a pizza).

Wednesday – We were still enjoying our abnormally warm weather. I was alone today for my run. Alyssa and Natalie were unavailable and Barbara ran in the am. So I dragged myself through two laps of the campus or 6 miles before my STEM volunteer run. Since I would be busy on the weekend and next week, this could count as my long run.

Thursday – A rainy day. No lunch walk. But miraculously the rain stopped and I was able to run with Alyssa.

Alyssa is that little orange dot. She continued for another UAlbany loop.

Unfortunately I have lost one of my running partners. Barbara fell and chipped a bone in her ankle and is out for 6 weeks. 😦

Friday – A well earned rest day. At least today I remember to bring an umbrella so I could take a walk at lunch.

I even skipped mah jongg to stay home and pack and relax.

Saturday – Today I had a planned day at Ellms Family Farms with my mentee and her two sons. But the weather did not cooperate. We postponed it until next Saturday. Instead I went to the movies with friends. This is one of my all time favorite books and I was very excited when they made it into a movie.

Loved it!!!

Then after the movie, I had to rush off to run a 5K race. (Luckily I picked up my bib earlier in the day since it was at a different place than the race.) I came sooo close to bailing on this race. 38 degrees. Windy. Pouring rain. But I ran it. And it was not fun!!

At least I won my age group. $25 LL Bean gift card

Sunday – Definitely a busy day. I took the train with my 9 tennis friends to NYC. We separated because I was having lunch with college friends, the ones whom I spent my junior year in France with. We have reunions every few years to reminisce.

Where else would a bunch of French majors have brunch?

Then I met my tennis friends because we had tickets to a Broadway show.

It was terrific!

2 people missing from the top pic and one on the bottom – ❤ my friends

17.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – travel to NYC for work, squeeze in a run after arriving
Tuesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Wednesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work?? or maybe a show??
Thursday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Friday – NYC for work, travel home
Saturday – day at Ellms Family Farms with mentee
Sunday – 9 mile run

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

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

October 22, 2016 by Darlene

LL Bean Bright Night 5K Recap

Saturday, October 22, 2016 5 pm in the Crossings

Why in the world did I sign up for this race??

I would be away in NYC Sunday and then Monday-Friday.

But if you read my TOLT post, you know that I suffer from FOMO.

I have run this course several times. And I have never had a good finish time. Not sure why. So I was perfectly happy to run a night race having it be “purely for fun.”

course map

Here’s what the first annual race advertised:

This course is run through the Crossings of Colonie Park. Finish with piles of glowing jack O lanterns “cheering” you on!

Race Shirts
Everyone who registers for the race will receive a Unisex Brooks Podium T-shirt in the bright Nightlife color. Shirts will be distributed by sizes on a first-come-first-served basis at packet pick up.

Water Bottles
All participants will receive a free reusable water bottle, courtesy of our sponsor Camel Bak.

LED Shoe Light
All participants will receive a free Shoe Lit from Nite Ize. These cool LED lights clip onto the laces of your running shoes

Awards
FitBit fitness trackers will be given as awards to the top three male and top three female overall finishers, as well as the top finisher in each age group: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Awards will not be mailed. You must be present to receive them.

Pretty neat swag. And for this reason, the race sold out right away at 300.

I was supposed to spend the day with my mentee and her kids at Ellms Family Farms but the weather was too lousy – cold, rainy and windy. Instead I went to the movies with friends.

loved the book and the movie did the book justice.

So who would want to run a night race in these weather conditions?

Not me!

But I did sign up.

So I went to the LL Bean store at the mall at noon to pick up my race packet so I didn’t have to rush in the evening. The race took place at the park about 10 minutes away. I got my short sleeved tech shirt and water bottle. They didn’t have any LED shoe lights. (Would have preferred these to the water bottle that I have dozens of.)

It was tough deciding what to wear. I mean it was in the 80s just a few days ago. But for this nasty weather and for an evening race, I decided on tights under a skirt, several layers, a jacket, gloves and hat. I had to locate my winter running clothes. UGH!

I wore them to the movie theater and then after the movie, I drove to the race start to find a decent parking spot.

I should mention again that the weather was horrendous. I kept hoping that the rain would let up but no such luck. I sat in my car in the parking lot, debating whether I should run the race or go home.

To make things worse, the temperature kept dropping and it was getting windier. But I decided to be tough and run the race.

I stayed in the car until the very last minute and ran to the start line (ditching my rain poncho in the pavilion.) I recognized a few runners. Out the 300 who had signed up, less than half came. (The smart one stayed in their warm dry homes.)

Well, this won’t be a very exciting recap.

I didn’t warm up so my legs were stiff at first. I felt like I was running fast but I was not. The wind was tough and the rain came down harder and harder as the race went on. It was very wet. You had to run around big puddles and be careful that you didn’t slip on the wet leaves. And even with gloves, my hands were numb.

The Crossings is hilly too. I keep forgetting. The worse part was that it was hard to breathe. I wasn’t running fast and I was out of breath the whole race. Others complained about the same thing. It must have been the cold.

At least the miles went by quickly. I am so glad that it was only a 5k. When I saw the finish line, I ran as fast as I could. I just wanted to get warm and dry as soon as possible.

those are pumpkins cheering on the finishers

I don’t think anyone cared but there was NO food after the race. Just some cups of water. You got your results texted to you and were able to get your award quickly if you won.

They gave out $25 gift cards to L.L. Bean to first place in each 10-year age group. (They had advertised that you got a FitBit.) And I won!! (I didn’t need a FitBit anyway.)

I got my award and then I grabbed my poncho and headed home to my fireplace and some HOT soup.

such an attractive look

Race Splits:

mile 1: 9:21
mile 2: 9:21
mile 3: 9:24

.1: 8:00

28:41

Can I say that I am glad that I ran this race and that I had fun? Absolutely not! (Maybe it’s because I am still thawing out LOL)

Happy Running! Ever run a race that you should have skipped?

October 18, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: 2016 Goals

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

Today’s Topic is: Remaining Goals for 2016

Well, for the first time in my running career, I didn’t set any goals.

I just listed some hopes (and dreams) for 2016:

To improve my running

I believe that I am a stronger and more confident runner. I have run a lot of races both long and short. And I have even attempted new ones and some hilly ones. Plus, I achieved a half marathon PR (bear with me if I keep repeating this…)

the hilliest course I’ve ever run

What is left is to have more quality training runs. Fewer garbage miles – you know the ones where you just walk/run/take photos and get it done. And to continue running well in races – not necessarily PRs but just decent finish times.

10k PR??

To run with others

I have improved in this department too. I ran with the Freihofer Training group in the spring and signed up with the Turkey Trot group recently. With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. Alyssa has become my new weekly partner. I am lucky that Barbara has continued to accept my invitations.

In the future, when there are no training groups, I should look for other opportunities to run with others such as Fleet Feet, ARE, etc.

To volunteer and give back

I volunteered with GOTR last spring and again, it failed to offer any satisfaction. But running with the STEM clients is one that is so rewarding that I plan to volunteer with them each season.

I get to do this again on Nov 19.

My special needs buddy is still awesome. I need to post more often on FB to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often. I’ve been delinquent there.

I haven’t seen them since May but I am planning a day together this Sat. It’s tough because she works on Sundays and some Saturdays.

To eat healthier

I am still addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I need to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. I do eat a banana almost every day and an apple for an evening snack. But the problem is when I am out of the house NO SELF CONTROL!

And I rarely drink any water. I use the water bottle on my desk to water my plants My Bad!!

To get physically on track

I still do not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

the last time I went to the gym was in July

I walked more during my last job because I had more time and a walking buddy. I also had started going to the gym but I need to resume that.

To spend quality time with family and friends

Rather than skipping a run, I have been squeezing them in but there will be skipping involved soon. And I realize that it’s ok. Running is important but not more important than those I care about.

a run before cocktails

Happy Running! Any more goals for 2016 that you are still working on?

October 17, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. Whoo Hoo!! But my hubby had to work so I drove up to Bolton Landing and went for a solo hike. The weather was perfect. Cool and Sunny. I couldn’t believe that my legs weren’t even tired as I climbed 1 mile up to the top of a mountain.

After my climb, I visited our marina and then walked around town for a while. I resisted stopping at the outlets and instead came home and made chili. I almost went to my Turkey Trot training group run. But the route is hilly and speed drills were scheduled. I decided to play it safe and not overdo. (The new me!!)

Tuesday – Just work with a short walk at lunch and a short run before tennis in the evening with dinner out after.

I drove to the Colonie Bike Path because it is near where I play tennis. Wardrobe fail. Tennis skirt has no pocket for phone or car key.

Wednesday -I met up with Barbara for a run before my STEM volunteering. (Alyssa was sick.)

It wasn’t our best effort. We were both sluggish but we got it done

STEM group is doing the Couch to 5k walk/run and they’re up to 8 minutes running/walking.

it may be week 5 – I’ve lost track but those 2 new younger runners are back and they are great

Afterward, I met my BFF for our bi-monthly mall walk.

Thursday – My lunch walk got rained out but the rain stopped so I was able to run after work. My legs were tired. I don’t usually run 3 days in a row, especially after a half.

drove home to run on the rail trail – haven’t run there in a while

I was supposed to go out with a friend but decided to stay home for a change. I never watch TV but since the hubby was out playing tennis, I watched one episode of This is Us (anyone watch this new show?) and Grey’s Anatomy.

Friday – A well needed rest day but at least I walked my usual path at lunch. The weather has turned cooler but it was sunny. (It was in the 30s in the am!!)

Saturday – I ran one of my favorite 10k races. I had a course PR on a very chilly morning.

walked up the hills the 2nd half so had to settle for 57:22 (my 2nd best 10K)

After the race, I drove up to our marina and we spent a perfect last day on the lake.

we had a picnic on one of the islands with some friends

Sunday – I spectated at a Duathlon. I do it every year to watch AJH.

While AJH does the bike leg, I always do the run course which is 2 miles.

18.2 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Turkey Trot Training group run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 5 mile run with friends+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest
Saturday – Day at Ellms Family Farm with mentee & 2 kids, 5K race (at 5 pm)
Sunday – College reunion lunch in NYC and Broadway show with tennis friends

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

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