Yup, we turned our clocks back.

So now I need to run or walk before work or during the day or after work at UAlbany (where there are lights) or in the mall.

Wish me luck!

Last Week –

• Monday – Well, it was light but snowing, COLD and insanely windy. Nope, not doing it this morning. I decided to wait until after work when I noticed that sunset was 4:46 pm and I only work until 4 pm.

Guess what? I got an email at 3:59 and never got out until 4:30. So off to UAlbany I went.

first run in darkness since March. The worst part was that I got warm and took off my new RBG buff and LOST IT!!! 😦

• Tuesday – Again, it was light but raining when I got up. No run!  It did clear up for a lunch time walk. But it was still COLD (30s) and WINDY!!

on the local park trails

Glad that I voted early as I nervously awaited the results all day.  I had a hair appt (yes, I feel safe getting them & I just can’t let myself go.  No judgment here.) so at least that took my mind off the election.

I even stopped at Trader Joe’s on the way home.

• Wednesday – I had to work until 7:30 pm so I started work later.  That gave me the opportunity to run early and with a friend (even after a sleepless night if you know what I mean.)

We decided to meet at the Crossings (so she could go to Trader Joe’s first).  It was great to have company on the run.

started out cold and windy but quickly warmed up…lots of walking and conversation. All good.

I still had time left before work so I drove a nearby trail – Ann Lee Pond.

very flat looped trail but sometimes you need boring lol

And my MIL came home from the hospital (not pneumonia, not UTI, just a stomach bug!?)

• Thursday – Today I took the day off.  Just because.

I started it with trail walk with a friend (before she had to go to work). We went to Five Rivers since she had never been and it was close by.  We decided that we need to do this more often.  It was absolutely beautiful.

It just took the stress away…

After the hike I decided to drive to VT and visit another new Fire Tower – Mt Olga. It was a long drive and I hoped that it would be worth it. Once I entered VT, there was snow on the ground. D’uh.  I wondered if I was crazy to try and climb a mountain in the snow.  As it turned out, the trail was dry. Phew. And it was lovely.  I met a family from NJ and the views were amazing.

about a mile each way to the top

Since I had driven all that way, I decided to stop in Wilmington on the way home.  It was a cute little town (I bought some liquor since it is cheaper there) and had ice cream (of course).  Before I left I discovered a trail system and took a short walk.

I’d love to more exploring if I come back this way

I raced home at this point because I had plans to meet my BFF for a walk.

So I did skip my planned run but 10 miles on my legs for the day made up for it, I think.

• Friday – My usual rest day before a long run day.  The weather was soooo nice (70 degrees!!) that I had to take advantage.  I did a short run on the water line at lunch.

yes, skirt weather in November…the run was slow and hard due to tired legs, lots of leaves, sticks and pine cones on the trail (a hidden message in one of the pictures)

And then after work, due to darkness, we moved our walk to circles around an outside mall.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday.  At least it was warmer than last weekend.  It was my taper run.  Half Marathon next Sunday!!  I decided to go early at the Corning Bike Path and run 4 and then was joined for 3 more with friends.  I finished out the last 3 solo and ended the run with a total of 10 miles.  Afterward, we got take-out and went to one the runners’ house to eat and chat.

that shirt and gloves came off pretty quick…what a beautiful day

Afterward I had to rush back out because I had volunteered for the STEM 5k walk (this year not a race due to COVID).  It was on the rail trail starting in Albany.

ended the walk shirts, medals and CAKE!

• Sunday – It’s Hiking Sunday. Who knows how many more nice hiking days there will be so I took another drive.  This time to Taconic State Park.

Another beautiful day and one of my running friends decided to join me.

First we visited Bash Bish Falls. (They are located on the Mass-NYS border.) They were so beautiful but a very short easy hike.

the 3rd 70 degree sunny day in a row…perfection!!

After the visiting the falls, we explored a few more trails in the park…so many there. We decided that we need to return.

lots of history and scenery

I was so high on nature that I walked on a local trail until it got dark.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – run
• Wednesday –  HOLIDAY – Day off – rest day, hike
• Thursday –  run, work late (4:30 pm -12:30 am)
• Friday – morning off, rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday –  rest day, walk
• Sunday – Upstate Classic Half Marathon!!

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall?  What has your weather been like? Are you recovering from the election stress? Please share.

Yup, we turned our clocks back.

So I tried to enjoy my last week of after work fun.  Not that the weather was too great but at least it wasn’t dark.

Last Week –

• Monday – It started already…cold and damp in the morning and I didn’t feel like going outside …so I didn’t. Grrrrr.

It rained a bit but was still chilly so I stayed in at lunch too.

After work, I dragged myself to The Crossings.  My ulterior motive was a trip to Trader Joe’s.

very sluggish but done between rain showers

I didn’t feel like waiting in line outside in the rain so I went to Target instead of Trader Joe’s.

• Tuesday – Another cold dreary day. This morning I forced myself to go out for a walk (and I froze).

leaves leaves everywhere. my water line path got widened and with the leaves gone, I now have a path to it from my backyard.

I had a dentist appt so I had to go out again and decided at the spur of the moment to run on the rail trail after.  I had signed up for a few virtual 5ks from NYRR since they were free.  Unfortunately I was way overdressed for a run (and had to keep stopping to take off my sweatshirt, hat, gloves, etc.)

I realized that there is a lot of work to be done if I want to be in 5k racing shape again lol

Since I had gotten my run out of the way, I was free after work to do some other important things – getting my nails done, getting my flu shot, grocery shopping…

And then the rain came – no STEM walk AGAIN.

• Wednesday – Cold, cloudy, rainy seemed to be the theme of the week. So again I was not motivated to go out and walk or run. Besides my toe has been bothering me…always something (now a hammertoe caused by the neuroma/bunion).

Tonight was our last group trail walk. Due to its closer location, I chose Five Rivers. It was raining when I got done with work but happily it stopped and we had a lovely hike.

• Thursday – With rain (and possibly snow) in the forecast for today and tomorrow, I thought that I could squeeze in a dry run before work. Nope I got pretty wet but learned that I run better in the morning, I need to be cold when I start out to be comfortable when I finish and a wet run is better than no run.

and yes purple is my favorite color and I always match my clothes. I didn’t wear my new RBG buff because I forgot to take in yesterday’s mail. Darn and it matched lol

It was pouring during lunch so no walk and the same after work.  I had to resort to walking around the mall this evening.

• Friday – Ok not funny but I woke to snow this morning. I canceled my morning walk but did get out at lunch. Brrrr…didn’t dress warm enough.

pretty for December not October!!!

My Friday friends did want to walk on the rail trail so I dressed warmer and met them.

we are now trying to figure out where to walk next Friday since it will be too dark on the trail…

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday.  Quite the dilemma on when to run.. Today was a lot colder but sunnier.  Some of the group preferred the warmer but cloudy Sunday. I chose Saturday. I like to get my long run done and then enjoy the weekend.  So off I went to the Nisky Bike Path hoping that the others would be able to join me.

It was 21 degrees when I arrived and of course I have amnesia about how to dress for the winter. I went out for 5 solo miles and after a few minutes, I had to take off my windbreaker (I still had on a vest and long sleeved shirt).  It was chilly but the sun warmed things up nicely. I was hoping for some company but my running companion had car trouble and the others left to go walking while I was waiting. Eventually, I took off running and hoped to catch two of the walkers.  Well, they decided after a mile to run. (without their normal intervals). WTH? It took me 3 miles to catch them and then they were turning around. I ran another 1/2 mile and then I also headed back. I haven’t run solo like that in a long time…not my preference but it got done and I was ready for a delicious breakfast!

a decent run with achy feet (I am getting used to pain, I guess)

On the home front, my MIL is in the hospital with pneumonia (yes, she is stubborn and refuses to get her flu shot or a pneumonia shot). However, now they think it may just be a UTI. Either way, she is 95 but very healthy.

• Sunday – So happy to have my long run done so I could relax and do some hiking. And it was chilly and windy so running yesterday was the right move.

Instead I decided to go on a few hikes.  I started out early since rain was predicted. First I visited the Schoharie Creek Nature Preserve. I was surprised (since I did zero research) on how pretty it was.

I’m partial to waterfalls and there were several. The hike was a loop but I couldn’t figure it out so I did an out and back halfway and then did it the other way.

Since I was in the area, I decided to re-visit the Landis Arboretum. I had been there months ago but this time I hiked different trails.

just as I was done, it started to rain. Perfect timing. Still plan to go back in the spring and spend even more time there.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – rest day, hair appt, STEM walk
• Wednesday –  run, morning off (work til 7:30 pm)
• Thursday – DAY OFF, hike, run
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday –  Long Run (8-10 miles), Final STEM walk event
• Sunday –  rest day, hiking

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any “real” or virtual races lately?  Has your weather been lousy this past week too? Are you sad to see Daylight Savings Time arrive? You’ve gotten your flu shot, right? Please share.

Fewer daylight hours every day but still enjoying my hiking opportunities. Oh and my runs too.

The weather and colors have been amazing this fall. The only bright side of 2020.

Last Week –

• Monday – I thought about taking a rest day. Especially after a half marathon and a tough hike over the weekend but looking at my schedule, it seemed like I may not have time for a run all week.  My legs were feeling surprisingly fresh so I decided on an easy 5k. I drove to the rail trail but veered off in search of a NEW local park (with trails).

my last of 8 virtual 5ks and so excited to locate the new local trails.

I was glad to have gotten that run in since it was raining when I got done with work.  I still decided to check out that new park.

a little muddy…plan to explore it even more on another drier day.

• Tuesday – A very windy morning with rain on the way so I got in a quick morning walk with hopes of a run and/or walk after work.

lots of color (even with the dreary skies) and Halloween decorations

I went out for a second walk and it still wasn’t raining so I decided on a spur of the moment short run.

not planned so overdressed and no hat…would have run longer if I were prepared to run

I had to go into work in the afternoon and decided to keep on my running clothes (in hopes that no one would see me there) and I could finish my run nearby.

run done at Ualbany…yes those are Christmas balls on that tree

It was predicted to rain and again my STEM volunteer walk assignment was cancelled. So I headed to the Pine Hollow Arboretum to get in a few more steps and to check the damage from our recent storm.

many big trees down and still in awe of the foliage colors this fall

• Wednesday – My third day in a row of running but rest days were definitely scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Not enough time to go anywhere but the neighborhood.

these blow up decorations seem to be big this year

After work, my running group’s trail walk was scheduled. It seems that our group is getting smaller but still glad to have the company and get it done before darkness.  For that reason, I chose the Pine Bush Discovery Center trails.

still able to get the whole trail in before sunset…only a few more weeks left

• Thursday – A planned day off from work so I could go hiking with a friend.  Luckily I have had fantastic weather for all my hikes.  Today was the same. My friend chose the Beacon Fire Tower for our hike.  It was quite a difficult one and a long one (6 hours!!). There were 5 of us and we got almost lost several times and met quite a few interesting people. So fun!!

many overlooks with pretty views, the ruins of a casino, a fire tower, waterfalls…

Believe it or not, when I got home I felt energized and not tired so I met my BFF for a few hours of chatting and walking around an outdoor mall.

• Friday – A rest day and busy work day with just a few walks.

tired of the neighborhood so headed to the hilly part of the water line

After work, I took my usual walk with former co-workers. It was longer than usual and then we hung out and snacked and chatted for hours…no dinner and late bed time. Oh well.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday w/the Sole Sisters.  I had a real in-person race on my schedule in 3 weeks so I needed to run 11 miles.  We had originally planned to run the Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k or 10k course, do the Sound Walk in Saratoga State Park and then have brunch. But it seemed to be too complicated especially with a fall event scheduled in town.  So we switched to the Zim Smith Bike Path. I got there early and ran 2 miles solo, then 5.5 miles with Heidi and then 3.5 again solo while Judy, Jan, Chris and Jen did their own thing.  We all gathered for brunch. The weather was crazy. Warm and humid at first and then very cold and windy by the time we finished. Our outdoor brunch days may have ended 😦

sorry about the blurry pic

I wanted to stop on my way home to vote but the lines were crazy long.

Instead I did laundry, cooked and binge watched this:

watched all 10 episodes – LOVED it!!!!!!!!! (it’s by the creator of SITC which I was obsessed with, as well)

• Sunday – I usually plan a hike for Sunday but my college friends wanted to ZOOM and it was scheduled for the morning.

I got up early to get on line to vote.  It was 35 degrees but I dressed warmly and listened to a few podcasts. I got done just in time and was super happy to have gotten it done early.

The ZOOM  was fun. It is always a treat chatting with them.

friends since our junior year of college in Nice, France (one more joined later too)

After the ZOOM, I had decided on a trip to two preserves (Strawberry Fields and Mosher Marsh) that were not too difficult and too far to do after work.

Neither one was very interesting due to the fact that they were flat loops and almost all the leaves had fallen from the trees.  But it was peaceful being alone in the woods and good exercise.

the best part was the road leading to the preserve was lined with signs with the words of John Lennon’s song, Imagine

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday – run, STEM walk
• Wednesday –  rest day
• Thursday –  run, trail walk
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – Halloween Long Run (12 miles)
• Sunday –  rest day, hiking

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? How are you embracing Fall? Have you watched Emily in Paris? Have you voted yet? Please share.