My second Monday in a row OFF from work!!!

Manic because I stress about weather and what to do and where to go.  It’s important when you work 5 days a week and have limited days off.  I want to make the most of them.  So far so good.

Two summer Mondays had already been filled with hiking adventures.

Exciting news on the Skirt Sports front this week. As you may know, the company went out of business….

thumbs up for Skirt Sports + ZOOMA

But then it was bought by someone else… the owner of the ZOOMA race series.

 at the ZOOMA Bermuda – one of my favorite race experiences

In NYS, gyms were allowed to open this week. The latest on my free gym:

no surprise here…hopefully they will open before it gets cold.

Last Week –

• Monday – Day off from work! Woo Hoo!!

The day before I was at a tennis gathering on the Schroon River so I decided not to return home and stay up in the Adirondacks so I could run and hike there. (Lots of thunderstorms but missed them in both places 🙂 )

instead of a run, I opted for a walk and breakfast with a view. I didn’t want my legs to be too tired for my hike

I met my friend in North Creek (about 40 min from the marina) and we drove to the trail head.  My friend recommended Moxham Mountain since it had some great views and it was long but not too difficult.

she was right… it was amazing!!! It was worth the 4 hours!!

We were able to explore North Creek and the Mosaic Project before the rain came.

almost finished after 9 years in the making

• Tuesday – After work, I had a hair appointment. I was planning on a rest day since I usually run on Mondays. But I did not run yesterday so I had hoped to squeeze one in at lunch.  It was so humid and it looked like the skies were about to open that I opted for a walk instead.

not too many flowers still around but I love when these white ones turn to pink

After my hair appt, I stopped off at The Crossings to get in a few miles before the next pop up thunderstorm.

another slog but didn’t get wet..yes that’s a Christmas that I frequently photograph here

• Wednesday – I did get to run in the morning today before work. With the cooler temps, I should have been peppy but I was not lol.  Though it was in the 50s, I felt overdressed in my half-zip due to the bright sunshine.

my waterline path is overgrown 😦 but I did find some unopened sunflowers in my neighborhood

and then a walk at lunch.

fear not…there are still some flowers.. such as these red ones.

For our weekly trail walk, we returned to Thacher Park.  We chose a different trail in order to view Hang Glider Cliff. The weather and the company were PERFECT for the walk.

someone was even going to propose at the top (see pic below) …how sweet ❤

The walk was long enough to earn a dinner at one of my favorite places again – Maple on the Lake.

I wore a sweatshirt and sweat pants so I was not cold this week (as we ate outside (for the view)

• Thursday – Whether or not I would run today was dependent on work and the weather. Rain was predicted for most of the day. When I was doing the challenge, if it were raining, I’d just grab an umbrella and walk.  Now…nope I skipped walking in the rain before work.

Only had a short break for lunch and it was POURING and thundering! Nope. Not happening.

My only hope for some activity today was after work. The rain had let up so I took off for a run at the Albany end of the rail trail (for a change of scenery).  No trails today due to the mud situation.

got it done before another storm

• Friday – Rest Day Friday.

But due to Saturday’s weather forecast, we decided to postpone our long runs until Sunday.  That messes with my head.  Do I still rest???

Yes, but there were several walks. No time before work but one at lunch.

I decided to go to the nearby nature preserve trail since I hadn’t been there in a while.

On the way….guess what I passed??

I LOVE sunflowers!! I don’t know if they plant them every year but I’ve never seen them.  Then again, I’ve never gone to nature preserves before the pandemic.  So I ran to them and back (about 1/2 mile) and then only had time for one loop of the preserve.

Another walk right after work but only had time for the neighborhood.

happy to find some pinks and purples still around 🙂

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers.  We returned to our original meet-up spot and headed in the opposite direction (so we wouldn’t be tempted to buy the gourmet popcorn lol)

6 miles!!

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY POSTPONED.

Rain, rain and more rain. I was hoping for a break in the weather to get in a bike ride or walk. It did stop and after all my errands and cleaning, I decided I needed a road trip.

So I headed out to find a hike with a decent waterfall. And I did…the best one I’ve seen so far.

On my way home, I stopped off at Art Omi, a nearby outdoor sculpture garden.  It was so interesting and perfect for distancing…everything was so spread out.

• Sunday – LONG RUN DAY RE-SCHEDULED.

So normally Sunday is reserved for boating with the hubby.  Luckily for me, he is flexible.  I could run and skip boating or just head up and meet him after my run.

Since Alyssa did not defer the H2H half marathon, we wanted to support her virtual quest and so we met at Zim Smith bike path so we could have brunch at Leah’s.  (Food is a priority).

I arrived earlier and ran some miles with Alyssa and then circled back and ran intervals with Deirdre.  In the end, I completed 12 miles.  I earned my Dark n Stormy, quiche and brownie and chatted (for longer than I ran) with the other 6 Sole Sisters.

The weather was great…glad I didn’t run in the rain/humidity on Sat.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – rest day
• Tuesday –  run, mall walk with BFF
• Wednesday – rest day, trail walk
• Thursday – run
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – LONG RUN 
• Sunday – rest day, Boating on Lake George

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 surviving the summer heat?  Please share.

I went hiking on my day off at the beginning of the week and ended the week with another day trip (to a tennis party).  I started riding my bike and had a few butterfly sightings this week.

My SIXTH 2020 Half Marathon has been cancelled. TWO (including this one) had NO refunds and NO deferrals.

Ten of us reserved a house in NH that weekend… may still go if it is safe. Still bummed about NO race (and no finish line beer or lobster roll.)

Last Week –

• Monday – A day off from work. I had my fingers crossed that the weather would cooperate and I could take a road trip and hike with a old friend and former co-worker, Molly.  We decided on Vroman’s Nose because of its scenic views.  Both the weather and views were perfect.  We also met up with my running friends who joined up on the hike.

It actually was less steep and a shorter, easier hike than I expected 

After the hike, we all went out to brunch.  Then I convinced Molly to hike some more (especially after those blueberry pancakes). We headed to Landis Arborteum.  There were lots of trails and interesting trees.  So worth it.

I hope to go back next spring when the lilacs are in bloom.

• Tuesday – The day started with a follow-up podiatrist appointment followed by a run. I explained to doctor about my zero-drop theory and then we discussed my other foot (bunion pain)… exercises, tape and 2 months to follow-up. She was happy that my neuroma no longer hurt.

started on the rail trail and took a turn off to a hilly road…the temps made this one pretty pleasant (is fall on the way? hope not)

Just a quick walk at lunch (I was going to try out my bike but the front tire was flat 😦 )

another flower pic. what did you expect? lol

I headed for the trails after work – Hannacroix Ravine Preserve (which I had planned on re-visiting last week but never did).  I forgot to download the map and I had no cell service so I just followed the red signs up and down and over small creeks hoping that it was a loop. I eventually met a couple and asked them.  I was almost done at that point and all I had to do was turn right at the main road and walk down a ways to the parking lot. Phew!

 2.5 mile loop and really enjoyable…

When I got home, my hubby had put air in my bike tires and I actually rode my bike.  It needs some work but it’s rideable.

• Wednesday – Too busy at work to walk or run before work or during lunch. Too bad because it was a nice coolish day.

But I did get in my run after work.  I drove to the Voorheesville end of the rail trail (because the art exhibit was finally finished) and ran from there and back.

the artwork was amazing!!! I also bumped in someone I taught with eons ago.

• Thursday – Again I skipped my morning walk but I did squeeze a short one in during lunch.

amazingly this butterfly just sat there…

Our weekly Trail Walk got changed this week to today and a new location – Thacher Park. First we walked the Indian Ladder trail and then another looped trail.

lots of stairs, great views but not a big waterfall this time of year

followed by dinner on Warner’s Lake.

great food, company and view but actually a little chilly outside (fall-like temps)

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. No time to run or walk before work so I took out the bike.

yes it was a little chilly this morning…and I need to get a helmet but just a 15 min ride in the neighborhood

And another ride during lunch on a beautiful sunny day (My rest days always have the best weather….)

haven’t figured out how to take pics and ride…don’t worry, I’ll walk and hike too so I can post those flower pics…

This has become a weekly thing…post work walk with two former co-workers.  Great way to end the week and chat. We met on the rail trail but at a different spot to vary the walk route.

met some ‘deer” friends too

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we chose the Corning bike path to run/walk.  I started earlier as usual and then met the others. I did heart rate intervals with Jan and ended up with 11 miles total.

it wasn’t hot or sunny but boy was it humid!!!

Then we all picked up our brunch items at Baking You Crazy and ate them outdoors at Chris’ house.

I saw this butterfly in my garden out back, then on the wall and finally IN my garage on my bike seat…weird!

• Sunday – Normally I would be boating on Lake George with the hubby.  But today was an annual party at a house on the Schroon River with my tennis friends.

tennis, eating, swimming…glad to keep up our tradition

After the party, I planned to stay overnight on my boat so on Monday (a day off), I could get in an early run and then some hikes in the Adirondacks.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike
• Tuesday –  rest day, hair appt
• Wednesday –  run, trail walk
• Thursday – run 
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – LONG RUN 
• Sunday – rest day, Boating on Lake George

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 surviving the summer heat?  Please share.

Much of the same.  Working from Home has no end in sight…at least until October but most likely until 2021.

Love WFH for convenience to running/walking/hiking but miss my trips to NYC!!

I have from May 15 until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Almost there…

Last Week –

• Monday – #NeverMissaMonday?  Not really but it just happens that my long runs are on Saturday so I run on Mondays most weeks if the weather and work cooperate.  I was able to squeeze in one before work and bumped into a tennis friend running in my neighborhood which was nice.

you can see how tall these sunflowers were, LOVE these!! Another reason to get outside, right?

Not too much time for a lunch walk but I did get out since rain was predicted for Tuesday.

don’t we all love a sign with flowers and more yellow flowers?

Not sure why but I felt very energetic this evening (maybe due to a sluggish Sunday).  So I drove to see a field of 145,000 sunflowers (not exaggerating),

so amazing..this was the first time this farmer (Jerry Boone) planted them. He plans to harvest the seeds and sell them. I even bought a few flowers.

visited a new preserve, then a friend who lived nearby

not too impressive…the trail was very short

and two more preserves that I’ve visited before- Holt and Hollyhock Hollow.

Holt Preserve. I still need to go back when I have more time and do all the trails here… as you can see the sun was starting to set.

I walked along the creek at HollyHock Hollow….so so dry… didn’t stay long as it was getting dark.

• Tuesday – Finally some rain. We did need it. I was glad it was a rest day. In the morning, I just grabbed my umbrella and headed out. The walk didn’t last long as it was raining so hard that I was getting soaked even with an umbrella. Well’ at least my garden was happy. I was hoping that it would let up by lunch or at least by dinner.

I tried once more when the rain let up but again it didn’t last before it started to monsoon. One last try since thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon and high winds for the evening.

stayed out longer than the first 2 attempts since it was raining hard but tolerable…even the sunflowers were sad 😦

After work, I decided that the only way to get in some dry steps was to head to the mall. Yes, the mall is open.  I wore my mask and didn’t do any shopping (What do I need??)

• Wednesday – Storm over.  I got in a quick walk before work.

sun is back out but the sunflowers do look sad.

I rushed out to get in my run during lunch.  I only had time to do it in my neighborhood and actually ran in a neighboring development for a change. This run was not one for the record books…my lower back really ached (always something). I wondered why. Was it sitting too much? Nope, I am always at the computer. My shoes? Same as for my 10 miler (though they are getting worn.) Then I remembered the walk in the mall the evening before.  Hard floors!! So I just took it down a notch and walked when I needed to… Got it done!!

I wish the front of my house looked this pretty.

After work, I met my running friends for our weekly trail walk.  We re-visited Five Fivers (where last time we saw the mama turtle lay her eggs). We saw a deer and some cicada killer bees and covered around 3 miles while chatting.

On my way home, I decided to re-visit HollyHock Hollow Preserve. I thought it may look very different from Monday after Tuesday’s tropical storm rains.

it sure did and I’m glad I stopped by for a walk

• Thursday – I was debating on whether to run before or after work.  I decided on after so I could drive and run somewhere different.

preparing for fall, I guess?

So there were walks before work and during lunch.

keeping with the vegetable theme…a squash flower

I decided to run at UAlbany after work since I hadn’t been there in ages.

ran around the lake since the path was shortened due to Covid testing and discovered a new path.

I followed it with a quick trip to Bozenkill Preserve.

no I didn’t see a bear but the sign did make me nervous…the creek was much more active than last week…worth the visit.

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. As usual. A Rainy Day.

Champ’s rest day…this cat can get comfortable for hours in the most amazing positions.

I did my morning walk near by office since I had to pick something up. I was able to get it done in between raindrops.

My lunch walk on the trails too. The rain had stopped which was convenient.

a little muddy but nice to get out of the neighborhood for a change

And after work, I met my former co-workers on the rail trail as I did last Friday evening. Thunderstorms were predicted but we lucked out. Nothing but humidity. 7 miles and one bag of chocolate cherry gourmet popcorn.

this food truck was stationed along the trail…we couldn’t resist.

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  We found out that one of our favorite brunch places does take-out and there’s a place outside to gather. So the Nisky bike path was where we did our runs/walks.  I arrived early and ran a few miles with Alyssa and Karen.  They were too fast so I ran heart rate intervals for the rest of my miles with Jan.  11 miles done in God awful humidity.  Met with with everyone else after for a delicious outdoor brunch (raspberry lemonade French toast).

the best part of this run was NO foot pain wearing my NEW Magnify Topos shoes!!

• Sunday – Boating on Lake George. Another beautiful weather day and we invited two friends to spend the day with us.

We relaxed, chatted, swam, ate and took a LONG walk on the trail.  Perfect!!

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –run 
• Tuesday –  rest day
• Wednesday –  run, trail walk
• Thursday – run
• Friday – rest day
• Saturday – LONG RUN 
• Sunday – rest day, boating

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 surviving the summer heat?  Please share.