My (amended) training plan called for a 13 mile run so why not run a half marathon?

Of course, I talked my running friends into signing up too. If they couldn’t run it, they volunteered.

The race was hard probably because instead of tapering for the race, I was in the midst (week 9) of training for a full marathon and I had a busy in-person work week..

Anyway I had fun..

at least at the after-party!! LOL

Last Week –

• Sunday – I started the day at the gym. (I thought it might be to be the last time I went this week…)

The weather looked to be cloudy, cool with a chance of showers so we decided not to go on our boat (It turned out to be a nice day… never trust the weather forecast!!)

I was fine with staying home since I had lots to do (laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, etc.)

You know me… I got antsy so I went for a nearby hike.

Five Rivers is always so peaceful…

Then I read on FB that the colored sunflowers had bloomed…and the fields would be closing next weekend.

So after dinner, I took a drive there…

it was crowded but luckily there are 8 acres of flowers… my 3rd and last trip there until next August

• Monday – I got up early and ran 4 miles on the rail trail with Deirdre.

perfect weather for a run… artwork from the Pandemic up still and my cat Mac because I forgot to take a selfie

It rained most of the afternoon but stopped so I was to meet my BFF for a walk in the evening.

• Tuesday – Normally today would be my rest day/gym day but I wouldn’t be able to run Thursday or Friday and there was possibility of rain on Wednesday so I again had to get my run done before work.

I let Deirdre sleep in (LOL) and ran alone.  Instead of the rail trail, I chose a neighborhood in town.

nice to run in a different place with a podcast to keep me sane for 6.5 miles… enjoyed all the flowers but not the insane humidity.

After work, I had my needed hair appt.

• Wednesday – I woke up to rain so I headed to gym and patiently waited for the rain to stop so I could get one more run in this week (before the race).

um yes, I worked out in my running clothes…

It did, the sun came out and of course with it humidity. I parked at the park n ride and ran around a community that I hadn’t been to in ages.

when I started the sky was ominous but then it turned blue… I admit that my legs did not feel like running 3 days in a row… there was a lot of walking on this sweaty run.

The reason I was able to go to the gym AND run before work was that I had to go to the lab after work to set up for the in-person training the next day so I took the morning off from work.

• Thursday – A busy work day. Although I was beat after standing for 8 hours straight, I decided to participate in our evening on the trails because it was the last one and many of my friends were going.

enjoyed the scenery (and company) at Lawson Lake

Afterward, there was a barbecue too.

• Friday – Another busy work day that also turned into a rest day. I even skipped mah jongg to get ready for the race the next day.

#flatme

• Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon!

The logistics were a little crazy. (I met two friends at the park n ride, we drove to the start and then after the race, I needed to get a ride back to my car.)

The weather pretty nice and although I had an upset stomach and went out too fast (as usual), I was still pleased on how it all turned out (faster than last year & 3rd in my age group.)

some of my friends ran the race, some volunteered at the start and others just came to cheer us through the finish line… we all celebrated together with food, beer and great music.

I was very sad to hear about Jimmy Buffet… he was one of my favorite performers. At least I was able to see him in concert several times…

• Sunday – A recovery morning at the gym and if the weather is nice, I hope to go boating…

This Coming Week on the Run (9 Weeks until NYCM)– 

• Monday –  HOLIDAY – day off – run, hike
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday -run 
• Thursday – run 
• Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (15 miles)
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Run 4 The River Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – Fall Running 

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this fall?  How’s the weather where you live? Is a heat wave on the way?  Any “parrot heads”? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

I do have a plan.

But during for training for my marathon in 2019, I had a hard time following it.  Those mid-week long runs were almost impossible when traveling for work or the weather didn’t cooperate.

This year, I’ve tried.  I got the miles in but not exactly how it was supposed to be. For example: 3, 5, 3 became 4, 4, 3 and 3, 6, 3 became 4, 6, 2.

I still have a long way to go…. 8, 9, 10 miles on a week day????

But this past week, I actually ran 3, 6, 3 (as the plan said). Woo Hoo!

Last Week —

• Sunday – Not the warmest or sunniest day but still very relaxing and great to get away.

• Monday – DAY OFF from work!!

I got up early and ran 3 miles on the rail trail

too bad when the temps are cooler, the humidity is higher… did another FREE Peleton run – intervals 5:2, 5:2, 4:1, 1:1 or something like that

 and then met my running friends for our hiking adventure.

First we headed to walk among the sunflowers.

only one field at this location but just beautiful.

Afterward we hiked at Huyck Preserve to view some waterfalls and then we walked around the lake

soo muddy but very pretty

After our hike, we had a delicious lunch at the Shell Inn.

Then one last hike to earn our homemade ice cream (at Duck Pond)…

of course, more small waterfalls not pictured at Bozenkill Preserve

• Tuesday – I wasn’t sure if I would run my 6 miles after work or wait until Wed. AM.  It all depended when I’d have company and the weather.

So I started the day at the gym and then decided to postpone my run. I met two friends for a walk instead.

• Wednesday – I got up early enough to get in 6 miles on the rail trail before work.

thumbs up for temps in the 50s…

During this run, I listened to a podcast interview with Susanna Sullivan (who qualified for the World Championships in the marathon) – full-time teacher (9am-5pm), runs 100 miles a week, swims once a day and tutors in the evening.. I guess I can’t complain about not having enough time to do my miles each week.

I missed last month’s tennis ladies meet-up.  But this week, it was held at someone’s home… They relaxed and swam in her pool but I joined them after work for dinner and drinks.

• Thursday – An early 3 mile run. This time my friend Deirdre was able to come…

and then I planned to join my friends for an evening on the trails…

but it was pouring so we went out to dinner instead. Thursdays has not gone well weather wise for this summer trail run series.  (Last one is next week. Finger crossed for dry weather.)

• Friday – Rest Day/Gym morning. Mah jongg in the evening. My typical Friday.

• Saturday – Long Run Day or cut back/taper run. Yes, only 10 miles.

warm and humid but could have been worse… having friends along helped

I was fortunate to have company for most of the 10.5 miles (yup went a little over).  Ran 1.75 with Barb, Stan and Sherry and then ran back and met up with Heidi, Judy & Deirdre for 3.5 more in the opposite direction. Eventually I finished the last 1.5 solo and joined Jan, Denise, Chris & El (pictured) for brunch.

Very fortunate to be part of this group… we discussed our plans for next week’s race.

• Sunday – Gym time and then if the weather is nice, we’ll go boating…

This Coming Week on the Run (10 Weeks until NYCM)– 

• Monday –  run (AM)
• Tuesday – run (AM), hair appt.
• Wednesday – longer run (AM)
• Thursday – ARE trail run/walk (last one)
• Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Marathon #2
• Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races this fall?  How’s the weather where you live? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

Yes, sunshine.  And some clouds. Rain was only forecast for my rest days!! (Of course, there were several unpredicted showers too)

Last Week —

• Sunday – On my schedule was a fun 5k that I’ve run the past two years.  But I hadn’t signed up…

I was tempted but I had run 11 miles the day before and so instead I went to the gym.

Finally no rain in the forecast so it was a perfect day for the hubby & I to go boating on the lake.

I relaxed, watched kids jumping off the cliff and read Running While Black – what an awesome book!!

Guess what? It poured but the storm was short and then the sun came out and dried things up.

• Monday – I got up early and met my running friend Deirdre on the rail trail for a 4 mile run before work.

ran 3 miles with intervals and then one on my own

I had planned to walk with a friend after work but when she mentioned that she’d love to see the sunflowers, I didn’t hesitate (despite the hour drive.)

each week a new field blooms… and we even discovered a new place to have ice cream on the way home…

• Tuesday – A rainy day but that was ok with me since all I had planned was a trip to the gym before work.

Then after work, it wasn’t planned but we decided to buy a car rather than repairing my 13 year old car.

• Wednesday – No time to run before work so I ran 6 miles after work. Deirdre met me again (at a different part of the rail trail)..

The rain had stopped which left the air full of moisture… so humid… we wished for more rain!

At noon, NYRR opened up for selecting your transportation to the start, expo time and bag check option. Did all 60k runners log in?? I waited in the queue for about 30 minutes and then picked.  I chose 6:15 am bus.  My other option was the subway to 7:45 am ferry, then a bus. One option seems too early and the other too late.

• Thursday – The gym before work and then a lunch morning run… just 2 miles today.

I thought that the slight breeze would relieve some of the humidity .. nope! 

I also tried one of the FREE Peleton classes… I did half of this one (which was a speed workout).

Finally no thunderstorms predicted for our weekly trail run/walk. Thacher Park was the location and it’s our favorite because we go for dinner after at Maple on the Lake.

muddy in parts but beautiful views… no rain until the drive home after dinner…

• Friday – Rainy morning and  rest day #2.  I headed to the gym before work and then after work, shopped, cleaned the house so I could host mah jongg.

Of course, the sun did come out at lunch when I went outside to weed…

• Saturday – Long Run Day! 12 miles on the plan! I ran the first 8 with Stan & Sherry and then Deidre joined for the last 4. And it rained lightly during most of the run (but it felt good) and the run felt good.

After our runs, Heidi, one of my running friends planned a party at her house (She lives on a lake). Unfortunately the rainy weather kept us indoors so no swimming, kayaking, etc. today. Still it was fun.

Top: not 21 but 12 miles (lol) and cheers to running with friends.

Then I picked up my new car (2021 actually):

• Sunday – The gym first thing and if the weather is nice, we’ll go boating…

This Coming Week on the Run (11 Weeks until NYCM)– 

• Monday –  run, DAY OFF, hiking with friends
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday -AM run, dinner out with tennis friends
• Thursday – run, trail run/walk
• Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (10 miles)
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Favorites of 2023
• Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  How’s the weather where you live? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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

I don’t take any formal vacations during the summer.

But sometimes as they say: “Girls just wanna have fun…”

So I took Monday, Wednesday and Friday off this past week and added some fun activities.

Last Week —

• Sunday – I started the week (as usual) at the gym…

The weather was beautiful (with rain predicted for the next few days) so we planned to spend the day on the lake.

Unfortunately, my hubby has been battling a cold for the last few days and was feeling worse.

So I took advantage of the free time to get some things done — manicure, grocery shopping, library, etc.

When I realized that it may possibly be raining the next two mornings, I decided that I should try to get a run in.

85 degrees and sunny = not a good idea!!

One good thing about the day was that one of sunflower patches was in full bloom and they opened at 5 pm.

So I took a long drive there and yes, it was worth it.

there will be many more visits when the other fields bloom…

• Monday – Every other Monday, I try to go hiking with my running friends.

As it often happens, the forecast was for rain.

And I woke up to rain so I was glad I had run the day before.

When I looked at the radar, there looked like there would be a break in the rain.  My running friend Sherry was game to give it a try.

and yes, we stayed dry. The first trail was really nice although we’d have to cross the brook to finish it and the 2nd was very buggy.

I met a friend after she got out of work to walk.  It was raining (and HUMID) so I suggested that we go to the Y to walk on the track.  We walked 2 miles and it isn’t so bad if you chat the whole time (but boy, was the gym crowded at this time of day!!)

• Tuesday –  I thought it was going to be raining so I didn’t plan to run and went to the gym instead before work.

Well, the humidity had returned but I was ready to run at lunch and then it started to monsoon.

And then a few minutes later, it stopped so off I drove for a run.

the flowers were pretty but holy humidity, Batman!!

• Wednesday – Each August for like 35 years or more, my former teacher friend and I go to breakfast at the race track and then stay and bet on the horses. Occasionally we win $$ but mostly just have fun.

Finally we had a sunny DRY day this week.

today there was a power outage but fortunately races resumed and we even ended the day on a winning note.

• Thursday – It was a struggle but I got up early enough to get my 5 mile run done before work.

the temps were great but it was more HUMID than I expected…

Sorry to be a broken record but every Thursday evening, rain is forecast and my friends and I struggle with the decision to join the trail running group.  Often we bail and then it doesn’t rain.

Only a few of us did go and it rained (but only lightly).

ice cream is always appropriate for evening trail walks

• Friday – One of my running friends participates in an annual knitting retreat on Lake George and two years ago I joined her on the last day.  I ran my 10 mile long run on hills and then spent the afternoon swimming.

This year, it was my rest day so I started by going to the gym and then headed up to Lake George.

Instead of running, we went on a short hike on nearby trails.

Eleonora is also a knitter, runner and fellow Skirt Sports ambassador

Then we spent the rest of the day relaxing by the water

such a beautiful place to hang out, swim, etc. I’m planning to join them again next year

and I rushed home in time to play mah jongg.

• Saturday – Long Run Day! It may have been the weather or the company but today’s 11 mile run felt easy (finally).

it was great catching up with Alyssa whom I haven’t run with in quite awhile.

There were 11 of out there today… it’s great that everyone can join no matter what distance or pace they are running and then we celebrate our achievement at brunch.

• Sunday – If the weather is nice, we’ll go boating…

This Coming Week on the Run (12 Weeks until NYCM)– 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – GYM, rest day
• Wednesday -run
• Thursday – run, trail run/walk
• Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
• Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
• Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Dream Running Location
• Friday –  Does Age Matter?

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Do anything fun this week? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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