Broken Ankle and the Pandemic

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 today is: My Broken Ankle vs the Pandemic

On Dec 30, 2011, I fell on the ice and broke my fibula and tibia and had to have surgery.

Thinking back to how I dealt with this horrible situation has helped me deal with the current pandemic we’re in.

Here are 5 6 reasons why both are very similar:

1.Happened Unexpectedly.

I was doing a 10 mile training run and then all of a sudden, I was down on the ground.

last run

I was at work on March 16 and then on March 17, I was told to stay home and self-isolate.

my new office

2.Scary Health-wise.

I had never broken my ankle. I had never had surgery before or anesthesia.  Yikes!

not my x-ray – I have 6 screws in the plate

COVID-19 – Would I get it?  Would my friends or family get it?  People are dying from it!!! Holy cow!

New York now has more coronavirus cases than Italy and Spain ...

3. Unknown Duration.

How long would it take for my bones to heal? Weeks? How long until I could walk or run again? Months?

post ankle surgery

How long until I would go back to work? How long until I could see my family and friends?  How long will we be social-distancing??

 our first pandemic post-run brunch

4. Feeling Depressed and Isolated.

I missed a New Year’s Party. I couldn’t go anywhere. Not to the mall, not out with my friends.  I was stuck at home. I was bored and lonely.

Nothing is open.  I can’t even get my hair cut.  I can’t go out to dinner or to the movies. I am tired of running by myself.

ZOOMing with my running friends

5. Changes Happen in Stages

First I would be mobile using crutches.  And then walking with a boot. And eventually walking unaided… and then running!!

first steps

First leaving the house to go to essential places, then more places but wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.  Eventually more places open up but restrictions are still in place.

first boating outing

6. What will “Normal” be?

Will I run as fast as before?  Will I be able to run long distances? Will there be things I can no longer do?

my first post-injury 5k

Will we be able to hug our family and friends?  Will we be able to attend concerts and movies?  Will there be big races?

running with friends but 6 ft apart

Happy Running! Have you ever had a serious injury or situation which may have prepared you for this Pandemic? Please share.

Weekly Run Down for 6.22.20-6.28.20: Things are heating up.

As things have opened up (We are in Phase 3), the temps have heated up.

That means getting up earlier to run before work so I don’t die and looking for shadier trails for after work.

But mostly everything is the same.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along.

Last Week –

  • Monday – As I mentioned, it was hot and humid.  What I hate about running early is that it is boring to run in my neighborhood.  Looking forward to cloudy cooler temps just so I can drive somewhere to run after work.

running slow enough to admire the landscapes in my NYC outfit…

I went for a walk again at lunch…and almost had heat stroke lol

I need a shadier route but the trails are so buggy…

After work, I waited until the temps went down from 95 to 86 and headed for a shady trail.  I re-visited Hanncroix Creek Preserve. When I arrived, people were leaving in bathing suits. I guess it is a popular swimming hole as well as a trail.

you can jump of the cliff into the creek or climb down the rocks to cool off..there are a few different trails so I still have more to explore on my next visit

  • Tuesday – Today I went for my walk before work instead of a run and then again during lunch.

another hot one…wish I had done my run early this morning

I had planned to meet my BFF for a walk and talk so I squeezed in my run before that at UAlbany.

a steamy run around campus…met two old tennis friends on the way and well. you can see my post run treat

  • Wednesday – It rained all night so the temps were a lot cooler in the morning so I should have run but instead I went for a walk since I was still debating about the evening Ice Cream group run.

had to model my new shirt from the FRW virtual 5k… much cooler out but still humid

I walked again at lunch. This time I drove to the nearby preserve (and put on a lot of bug spray).

two loops of Van Dyke Preserve were a refreshing reprieve from the ‘hood

WTH?…I drove to the Crossings to meet some others to run followed by ice cream.

the run was good since I was motivated to run faster than when I run alone, I met some new people and well, the ice cream was eaten too fast to take a pic.

  • Thursday – Finally a rest day with a few short walks and an evening adventure trail walk with my running friends on tap.

Too much work drama to get my walk in before work and the temps were cool and perfect for a run (figures).  I did get a short walk in at lunch.

Then after work, I drove to Peebles Island State Park. I walked a bit until everyone arrived …

and then we strolled around the island. We didn’t get lost.  It was an island (but that fact didn’t stop us last time.) Lots of fun, as usual (and ice cream after.)

  • Friday – Another rest day. A walk before work and then a walk at the Arboretum since I signed up to volunteer there after work.

no one showed up so I went home did 2 hours of weeding there

Dinner out at an outdoor restaurant (for the 2nd time.) This time locally with a friend. Just a little bit of normalcy.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  This week we picked the Zim Smith Bike Path. Our reason was that we thought that Leah’s Cakery had re-opened and we wanted to buy our brunch items there (then we found out that you had to order your items 2 days in advance so we switched to Lakeside Farms just a few minutes away).

As with every long run, I am running longer than the others so I get there early and run and then hook up with the others.

I ran 4 miles solo and then 6 more with Sherry & Alyssa…as you can tell almost everyone in the group showed up to either run, walk or brunch…Love my running friends!!

Well, we discovered that Leah’s indeed had opened, so we hung out in the park, ate and chatted until the rain came.

  • Sunday – Boating was on my schedule but the weather did not cooperate. Instead I planned an early morning hike with a friend.  But she texted to tell me it was already raining.  I decided to go solo and bring an umbrella and avoid the mud by walking on the rail trail (where I often run.)  I headed to the end and it was no longer raining.  And much to my surprise there was an exhibit of artwork dedicated to the pandemic.  What a treat.

the pictures don’t do it justice since there are words on many of the art.

I walked and discovered some side trails (you see so much more when you are not running) and only truned back when I heard thunder.

Only a few drops of rain so I decided to continue my explorations until the real rain came.  I headed into the city to visit the ground of Ten Broeck Mansion.

another hidden treasure that is located in the worst section of the city

Rain kept threatening so I headed toward home and got in one more walk.  This time at the opposite end of the trail trail.  I walked until I hit the bubbling creek and then rushed back to the sound of thunder.

don’t you love the family huddled under that umbrella (on Pride Day)

Last stop before I got home was to get my NAILS done!!! They took my temp, the salon was empty.  Hair colored and cut and now a manicure. OMG.  My life is complete…only kidding.  (I could have waited since I work from home but self care is important, you guys!!)

While I was getting my nails done, the sky opened up.

It rained several more times but I was able to get in one more walk.  Forecast for Mon, Tues and Wed is showers and thunderstorms!! Oh my…

after dinner on the middle of the rail trail

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday –  rest day, 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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

Breathing When Running

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 today is: Breathing.

but NO I don’t wear one while I run

I think that wearing a mask has gotten to me.

Or maybe it’s adjusting to the heat and humidity.

And that awful pollen in the air.

Anyway, I’d had a hard time breathing.

So I got to thinking about Breathing when Running.

I’m not a coach or have any medical expertise.  All I know if what I’ve been told by coaches and what I’ve read so you can take what I say below with a grain of salt.

1.Deep Belly Breathing is better.

Deep belly breathing is also called diaphragmatic breathing. (Here’s how to do it – https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-breathe-with-your-belly-89853)

How to Do Belly Breathing Like a Pro | Yuri Elkaim

It is said to be more efficient because it uses the entire capacity of the lungs. It helps to increase your VO2 max. (This site will tell you what this is – https://www.cnet.com/health/your-vo2-max-explained/)

VO2 Max: Compare your cardio fitness to your peers.

2.Breathe Through Your Mouth 

You need to take in oxygen and expel C02 as efficiently as possible when you run.

Obviously, you can’t take in as much air through your nose as you can through your mouth. So it makes sense to mainly breathe through your mouth when running.

Image titled Control Breathing While Running Step 4

I remember when I started running, my coach stressed to us to NEVER breathe through our nose.  He said to keep your tongue against the back of you bottom teeth and concentrate taking in air through your mouth.  I don’t always remember to do that but when I am out of breath, I do and it works!

Yes, of course, you can breathe through your nose but it will slow you down!! (Nose breathing is harder.)

3. Slow Down if you are out of breath (or have a side stitch).

If you are out of breath, just slow down your pace, take some deep breaths and then you can speed up again.

How To Ease Painful Side Stitches When Running | Wilderman ...

Many times if you have a pain in your side, it’s because you are holding your breath or breathing too shallow. Just breathe in deeply several times and it should go away.

4.Use Proper Breathing Rhythms

I admit that I rarely do this.  I have tried but as with anything else, it takes practice.

  • Easy runs – 3:3 (three steps while breathing in and three steps while breathing out)
  • Medium-intensity runs: 2:2
  • Maximum and high-intensity runs: 1:1  (For me this is only crossing the finish line at the end of a race lol)

What Is The Best Way To Breathe While Running

5. Do What Feels Natural

In other words, you are more comfortable breathing through your nose, then run that way.  There are many breathing patterns.

Do whatever works for you.

Happy Running! Any other suggestions related to breathing? Do you get out of breath when you run? Do you even think about breathing correctly when you run? Please share.

Weekly Run Down for 6.8.20-6.14.20: Same old, Same old

Things are changing but most things are not.

I am working from home.

I am seeing my friends but at a distance.

I am running casually a few times a week with a long run on the weekend.

I am walking daily and visiting nature preserves as often I can.

NO RACES!! Another Half Marathon has gone virtual – Saratoga Palio (my September race cancelled)!!

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

this past week was PERSEVERANCE Un-Canceled

Certificate

Signed up run/walk 500k but just switched to 1000k – have until Aug 31.  Wish me luck!

Last Week –

  • Monday – A beautiful day.  I started it with a neighborhood walk.

my focus this morning was looking for peonies…

I had to squeeze in my run at lunch since I had a few things scheduled for after work.

wore my aftershoz headphones for the first time in a long time.

I was warm and tired but persevered through this run

After work, I had an appt with my podiatrist.  I got there early so went for a walk (on the trail nearby that I had discovered the last time I went to my office.)

After my dr. visit and dinner, I met my BFF for a walk and talk at an outdoor mall.  (Gotta get those steps in – 6 miles a day to meet the 1000k challenge.)

in front of the bookstore…all the stores are now open with limited hours.

  • Tuesday – The temps are heating up.  I should have RUN before work but I didn’t. I walked in the ‘hood.

the roses are comin’ the roses are comin’

Getting tired of the neighborhood so I drove to the rail trail but walked on the road and the waterline – for variety.

Then after work, it was almost 90 degrees…yikes.  I drove to the Crossings and dragged myself through 3 steamy miles.

is it creepy to run through a cemetery?

  • Wednesday – After that horrible run in yesterday’s heat, I decided to get up early and run before work. The only negative is I don’t have time to drive somewhere so I am limited to my neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Some runners like to look for rainbows. For me, it’s flowers. I used to like rainbows (in fact I bought a wind chime at the end of last summer) but now it makes me sad. It reminds me of this pandemic.

Best idea ever to get my run done before it hit 90 degrees.  At lunch, I took a leisurely walk at the preserve.

I saw a huge blue heron by the creek but he flew away before I could get a pic.

After work, I drove to hike at another preserve. I decided to re-visit Bozenkill Preserve.  I wasn’t able to hike the whole trail last time due to the mud. It was dry this time and much cooler there in the shade of the trees.

I walked the blue and white rails and most of the red… It’s an out and back (not my favorite) so it got kinda boring.

As I started to drive home, it started to rain… That was a surprise.

  • Thursday – Woke up to wind and POURING rain…so no pre-work walk or run.

Actually, it was a rest day anyway.  I walked at lunch since the rain had stopped and it was sooo HUMID. So glad that I didn’t try to run.

pink flower day

My running group has decided to visit the trails every week.  Tonight we chose Tawasentha Park. It was so fun (not the hills but having company and the ice cream afterwards.)

just walking the trails on a steamy evening

  • Friday – I had planned to be in NYC today and running the NYC Mini 10k the next day. So sad!!!

The pattern lately has been two rest days before my long run. And if the weather cooperates, just a few walks and/or hikes.

Of course today’s weather was perfect for running.

Hope you’re not sick of my neighborhood flower pics. But after yesterday’s pink flower day, I decided to pick a color and focus on that during my walks.

pre-work walk

lunch walk

After work, my new hiking buddy agreed to come walk with me.  I re-visited Pine Hollow Arborteum.

I was a little disappointed on how overgrown things were and that most of the trees were past bloom..still a relaxing way to end the week.

On the way home, I stopped off at another trail that I hiked early on in the pandemic – Normanskill Preserve West.

loved this loop down to the creek and back

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  The challenge is to find a route where we can easily gather afterward and have brunch (while 6ft apart).  So far, we have been returning each week to the Rail Trail.  For the 3rd week in a row, I started earlier (ran 4 miles) and then ran with others (6 more with Karen & Sherry).  Another 10 mile run completed!!  The temp was perfect and this run was sooo much easier than last week.

2 others missing from the pic. so happy that we are back “together “again.

Got home and did some strength training.  No, I pulled weeds and trimmed bushes.  Same thing LOL

  • Sunday – Finally a Boating Day.  Not as warm as I would have liked so instead we decided on yard work.  The hubby mowing the lawn and me again weeding and trimming bushes.

I had to take advantage of the awesome weather and go for one more hike for the week. This time, it was some place new – Christman Preserve.

I was hoping for a beautiful waterfall…no mud but unfortunately the waterfall was nonexistent… though it looked like it may have been crowded, but it was not and I enjoyed the hike. I plan to return and complete more of the trails rather than just the one to and from the upper and lower waterfall.

Looking ahead to summer temps and boating for sure, next weekend.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run after work
  • Tuesday –  run at lunch, hair appt (finally)
  • Wednesday – rest day, dinner with tennis gals
  • Thursday – run before work, trail walk with running friends
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating with family

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?  We’re almost at phase 3. Are you relaxing on the social distancing and seeing your friends or going out to dinner or even had a haircut? Please share.

It’s All About That Base

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

My Topic today is: Double Digit Long Runs

Ok, so there are NO races.

Time to slow down, right? Run fewer miles. Take it easy.

Yes, if you are injured.

But, NO, not necessarily.

Here’s why it’s good to run at least 10 miles on the weekend:

  • You’ve got the time.

No social events. Not much else to do.  Can’t say that you are too busy.

Printable Blank Calendar Templates

EMPTY!!

  • Burn off those extra pounds/calories.

Working from home does get you sitting around more.  No evening social events may have you watching more TV.

Let’s not forget it’s summer….ICE CREAM!!

  • Virtual Races and Challenges.

No races but there are still things to sign up for.  These long runs will help you meet your mileage/step quota.

Certificate

  • What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

It’s cliche but we all know it’s true.

Yes, your legs will thank you (when you’re done.)

  • More Miles = Less Speed

If you run longer, you’ll worry less about pace.

All you have to worry about is finishing…

Does he look stressed about his 13 m/m pace?

  • It’s All About That Base.

Races will happen eventually. Not sure when.

Maybe some of you will get to run one this fall.

No one likes to start all over.

And with 10 miles under your belt, you CAN even run a half marathon.


I’m  also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Are you still doing your long runs? How long? Please share.

Weekly Run Down for 6.1.20-6.7.20: The Latest New Normal

13 weeks and still working from home.  The word is that I will not return to the office until at least after Labor Day.

I bought a patio umbrella so I can sometimes work outside.

Continuing to look for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing. This week I re-visited some that I had already discovered.

The New Normal was running, walking, working ALONE and in isolation.

My LATEST New Normal is re-connecting with my friends – picnics, running, hiking, boating, eating.  All with the appropriate safety measures.  Humans are not meant to be “alone” IMO. (No judgment against those who still feel uncomfortable being around others. I am fortunate that my friends feel as I do.)

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

this past week was COMMUNITY Un-Canceled

Certificate

Continuing to run/walk 500k until Aug 31.

No races yet but I got two new bling items.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Last week, it was 90 degrees one day.  Today when I woke up it was in the 40s. I went for my pre-work walk wearing a sweatshirt!!

no more daffodils or tulips but plenty of irises and azaleas around

I had made plans to hike with a friend after work, so I squeezed in a 5k during my lunch break.

breezy and cool but warm when the sun came out. This was on the water line line trail near my house

Thankful for the running community. As Kim said: We are running physically “apart but virtually together.”

I have already hiked 31 places during this pandemic. One with the hubby but the rest all alone.  More and more of my friends are open to doing things together (but 6 ft part lol).  So my former teaching BFF agreed to wait until I was done working to do a short hike together. I returned to one of the first places I visited back in March. You can see from the pic on the left that it is a lot greener now. And it was so nice to have company … finally. On the way home, I stopped by one more trail (that I also have previously visited in March.).

  • Tuesday – Another chilly morning and since rain was in the forecast for later, I had planned to run before work.  I didn’t get up early enough so I settled for a neighborhood walk.

always finding new flowers to take pix of.

As they forecast, it was raining around lunchtime. I waited until it stopped and took a quick run  around the neighborhood.

my legs felt like lead and I was way overdressed since I didn’t change from my morning walk…but got home before another rain shower

After work, I had a ZOOM video chat with some of my college friends. Always fun re-connecting with old friends (with whom I spent my junior year in Nice, France.)

  • Wednesday – Global Running Day. It was no-brainer not to run at some point in the day.  The challenge with working and the weather – WHEN?

Missing my NYC Skirt Sisters but we celebrated virtually as “triplets”

I started the day with a neighborhood walk and photo session (see above) and as always looking for new flowers in bloom.

it’s peony time!!

My running friends and I planned a short trail run for after work.  Just in case it did rain then, I ran at lunch. I started in the neighborhood and then continued on the waterline going in the opposite direction from Monday.  It started to rain (darn weather app) but stopped and then started and then stopped. Actually preferred it when it was raining because it was so muggy.

in the ‘hood and before and after the rain

Phew. The rain had stopped by the time I finished work. We all met at 6 Mile Waterworks for a trail walk and then hung out (at a distance).

we enjoyed so much that we want to do it every week.

  • Thursday – REST DAY.  After 3 days in a run of running, I took the day off.  That still meant a walk or three.

Pre-work walk: still managing to discover new things but the neighborhood is starting to get boring.

lunch walk in the park: different direction from last week…no coyote sighting 🙂

Before the last walk, I had my weekly picnic in the park with my tennis friends.

I was already in the park so I stayed and walked part of the red trail. I didn’t expect flowers but there they were…wish I had had more time but it was getting dark…need to go back and finish this trail

  • Friday – REST DAY.  Another day off from running because I planned a long run for the next day. Back to summer temps and HUMIDITY. Yes Holy Humidity…so glad to not run today. I was sweating on my walks (both before work and lunch were in my neighborhood due to time constraints.)

an early rose

I forgot that I bought these – channeling my love of NYC

We had a huge thunderstorm when I finished with work.  I had planned a hike 😦

Instead I went for a short walk in the park before I met a friend there for happy hour. And then it started to pour again. Luckily there was a nearby gazebo and we hung out there and chatted over wine.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. There were thunderstorms in the forecast. But when I woke up it was sunny and no sign of rain. As I did last week, I went early to the rail trail so I could run 3 miles before everyone arrived. Yike! The Humidity!  I was dying and it was only 7 am.  My friends arrived and did a variety of mileage and walking. I ran with Sherry and we barely and I mean barely survived 7 miles.

The flag and bench was dedicated to someone I knew and my first 5k ever was in memory of him.

Same as last week, we all got something to eat and brought it to the library lawn and hung out (6 ft apart) and chatted until the rain drove us away.

I spent the rest of the day recovering…and doing errands and stuff around the house like weeding and laundry.

  • Sunday – The temps cooled off and it was cloudy so we decided not to go boating.  Instead, the hubby played tennis and I went hiking with a friend.  I think I got her hooked on hiking the local preserves..

I picked Huyck Preserve since she had never been and I had enjoyed it (esp. the waterfalls).  It was even more fun not being by myself.

we did the full loop around the lake which was longer than the hike I originally did.

More weeding and laundry.Took a break and went for another hike. This time I re-visited Hollyhock Hollow Preserve. I did the blue loop along the creek and then also part of the white trail to an old quarry.  So many more trails left to explore too.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run, dr appt., walk with BFF
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – rest day, trail walk
  • 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 is this virus affecting you and your family? Have you done any parking lot or driveway get togethers with friends or family? Please share.

Ultimate Coffee Date for June

It’s that time of the month…

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran my LAST virtual half marathon.

I had already signed up the real half marathons in March, April and May. But as you know, they were all cancelled.

I would be getting the swag so I felt like I should actually run them. I did not race them but just ran/walked that distance alone on three different routes.

I am DONE. I hope the next half marathon is a REAL one.

Did you run any long races that were cancelled virtually?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you before I was working from home, I would run after work for 3 miles.  Some days I did not run at all.

Now being at home everyday, I have been on most days running before work, walking at lunch and then hiking after work.

So I have gone from 0-3 miles a day to 6-10 miles a day.

Of course that will end…mostly likely when I return to the office in the fall.

Have you increased your mileage during the pandemic?  

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have started seeing my friends. After 10 weeks of self-isolation, we have decided to see each other…safely, of course.

Have you relaxed your social distancing yet?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I mentioned that I finally got a shot for my painful foot.  The pain went away immediately.  Though it appears that it does rear its ugly head from time to time. Still!!

like here between miles 4 and 7

Anyone else experience intermittent pains?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that there’s no shame in walking. To prove it, I had one of my slowest 5ks and even posted my time.

I believe this race last year may have been the last time that I ran FAST.  After that, there was marathon training, foot pain, then pandemic.

27:47 – FRW 2019

Do you RACE your virtual races? Have you lost speed by not racing?


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.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
runner-sig

Weekly Run Down for 5.18.20-5.24.20: Still no races in sight

Still…

most likely all summer

Missing my running friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house). Always looking for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing. I visited two more this past week.

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

I signed up again for 6 more weeks…this past week was Kindness Un-Canceled

I signed up for this challenge too. It started on May 15 and lasts until Aug 31. 500k across NYS. I’ll walking AND running this one.

I have not registered for any more races until my three half marathons in August, September and October.

Now I’m not sure what I want to do.  Do I continue to prepare for and run virtual halfs monthly or do I just run whatever??

Socially, things are starting to open up (with lots of restrictions).

The highlight of the week was going out on our boat!!! And running with my friends!!

Last Week –

  • Monday – The day started out with rain. But it stopped and I took advantage and ran at lunch since I had scheduled an appt with my podiatrist for after work.

decided to run a virtual 5k. This one supported a charity for some friends who are running the NYCM. I will also be getting an engraved glass

I have been ignoring the fact that my feet have been hurting. Finally I gave in and went to the podiatrist. She again gave me a B12 shot (which cured me last time) for the neuroma and took xray of my bunion aching foot and prescribed Naproxen (which I had left over from the neuroma) and Voltaren cream (which I also had already).

Since I already had done my run, I decided that there was time to visit a new trail. I found one that was nearby.

I walked the loop and it was much longer than I anticipated. Not technical at all…a good one to run on.

  • Tuesday – A sunny warm day.  Woo Hoo. I had to take an early lunch so could not walk with my friend.

walked part on the hilly part of the waterline and part on the neighborhood

I decided to run on the rail trail after work since it was closer than my other routes. NO foot pain!!!!! (Why did I wait so long to see a dr.??)

I may have had zero foot pain but I also had zero energy to do this run.

After my run, I met my BFF for a masked walk around an outdoor shopping plaza.  You may remember that we used to do mall walks all the time to catch up and chat. I miss that!!

  • Wednesday – Wow. Another sunny warm day!! I had to stop off at work to pick something up so I did my lunch time walk there.

4 years working here and now I found a trail nearby

Then after work, I decided to run near where I used to work for this week’s Un-Canceled 5k and then end up in the park to check up on the tulips.

peonies have started to bloom in a few places 🙂

Sadly I had to say good-bye to the tulips. (Soon they will be replaced by annuals.)

most are gone or past prime but some were still left…

Then after dinner, I put 9 bags of mulch in my new perennial garden (Who needs strength training?)

  • Thursday – Today was my hubby’s birthday!  We’ll celebrate at a later date. I went for a walk before work

I spy a peony!! Not sure why I don’t get up earlier and go for a walk EVERY day before work??

and then during lunch again with my friend. We talked the whole hour so I didn’t get any pix.

they were anxiously waiting for me to get home…NOT!

Then after work, my tennis friends and I gathered for BYO picnic in a park. As we did last Thursday, we sat 6ft apart and chatted and ate. (My friends are retired so were able to play tennis there before dinner.)

last week’s pic. This week, there were 10 of us (the limit, right?)

Of course, my running friends and I continued with our weekly evening ZOOM chat. The focus of our conversation was planning our runs together.

  • Friday – Normally a rest day as I do my long run on Saturday. And the Sole Sisters planned our first social distancing run.  However, the forecast was for rain… Now I had a big dilemma since we wanted to go boating on Sunday!

Anyway, I again started the day with a walk before work.

always new flowering trees and bushes this time of year

Then I took an early lunch walk. Blue skies for the 3rd day in a row…getting spoiled.

the path behind my house is so much more lush…prettier but I no longer have easy access from my house (I have to walk around the block)

I decided keep my fingers crossed for a long run on Saturday and opted for a new trail instead of a run.

This is the same park that I picnicked this week but they have a whole network of pretty trails. I just did part of one.

  • Saturday – So it was raining when I got up so we decided to postpone our long run until Sunday.  As soon as I clicked send on that text, the rain stopped.

Since I was already dressed to run, I decided to just go for my walk.  I intended to walk on the rail trail but I noticed an entrance to the water line (that eventually passes behind my house) so I headed that way.  Two miles later, I came to a dead end with a trail or two (and not sure which one to take).  So I turned back but plan to pursue this from my end.

loving the sunshine and the warm weather (finally)

I stopped off at the grocery store but it was still early (and sunny) so I phoned my hubby and we decided to head up to the lake.

This was going to be our first boating outing of the season and the first during this pandemic. I was wondering how it would turn out. But it was great.  Not crowded. Most of our friends were out on their boats.  We got docks at our two favorite bays.  The weather was PERFECT!!

not any social distancing evident on the lake

It was tempting to stay and sleep on our boat but my hubby had tennis in the morning and I had my re-scheduled long run.

  • Sunday – As I mentioned above, I have no races on my schedule. That leaves me free to train or not to train. I decided to go for 10 miles and decide in future weeks. whether or no to do any virtual races.

My running friends (most of them) have decided to return to our group runs.  We ran or walked just not together. And then we met for brunch and ate (but not sitting together). It worked.  So great to talk to them in the flesh.

If I were solo, I would have done 10 miles but no reason to make everyone wait.

The rest of the day was spent gardening and I may also get in a hike.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – HOLIDAY = DAY OFF, rest day, boating
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – rest day, walk, tennis friends dinner, running friends ZOOM
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, walk, 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 is this virus affecting you and your family? Have you done any parking lot or driveway get togethers with friends or family? Please share.

2020 Virtual Steel Rail Half Marathon Race Recap

Image may contain: night and text

MAY 17, 2020

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

So I signed up for Steel Rail Half Marathon as my 44rd Half Marathon (and 5th of 2020) for several reasons:

(Note: 2 have already been run virtually.)

  • It is a flat course.
  • It is scenic.
  • I am familiar with the course.  I ran it in 2017 and 2016.
  • It is currently my half marathon PR!!
  • It is close after my previous half (4 weeks) so I would be sorta already trained for it.
  • It is near enough so I can sleep in my own bed the night before.
  • There is great post race food.
  • Nice swag.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on April 19 (a virtual version of the Helderberg to Hudson Half that was postponed.) It was awful!!

😦 😦 😦

During my first two 2020 Half Marathons in January and February, I experienced a lot of foot pain. I ran them but truthfully, it was not fun at the time.

And then the NYC Half Marathon was cancelled so I ran that for fun with two friends.

And then this half marathon was postponed until October!!!

It wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t already signed up for the Smuttynose Half Marathon as part of a race-cation with 8 friends!! That race takes place the weekend before.

I really had a tough time deciding what to do.  I really wanted to run this race but I was not sure if it would be a good idea to run half marathons two weeks in a row.

I had to decide in advance to run it in October or do the race virtually in May.  No refund or deferral option.  The silver lining was that if you ran the distance in May, you would still get the swag (shirt, medal, pint glass.)

So another virtual half marathon….

I did my long runs on the weekends…and my weekdays runs as well. I ran alone due the “social distancing” requirement.

I admit that my runs were not as enjoyable as when I could do them with my friends. Slow and easy with tons of walking (and photo stops.)

So again my goal for this “race” was just finishing and not injuring any part of my body!! But I also hoped that this race would go better than the last one.  I don’t care about speed but I wanted to feel good while running it and not just drag myself through it.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Well, since this was a local race and work days were at my home, there was not much movement the days before.  In fact, I did not run Thursday or Friday.

As I normally do before a big race,  I ate pizza for dinner the night before.

Then in addition to what to wear, there was the decision of where to run. The race organizer published a virtual course for this race but it looked too confusing.

2020 Steel Rail Half Marathon Race Route

I did want to run on the Ashuwillticook Rail trail (in Mass.) so maybe I run the 8k there in October.

But instead I chose the Corning Smith Bike Path since it was pretty flat and long enough to get in the 13.1 miles.

Race Day:

I ate my usual breakfast – oatmeal and coffee. Last Saturday it snowed and today it almost 60 degrees when I got up.

Hooray for my first race in a tank top.

wearing my Skirt Sports tank so I could count this run for their Virtual Strong 5k

My plan was to take it slow. Run and when I felt like it, walk.  As much as I hate to admit it, my feet have been hurting.

Anyway, here’s how it went:

Miles 1-4.5:

The Corning Bike Path is very familiar since I run there fairly often. I started around 9 am and there were only a few bikers (who passed me wearing masks) on the path but that was about it. No runners at all.

Here are a few pics of the scenery that I took while I was running/walking:

I started at the boat launch along the Hudson River

there was a highway along my left (you can drown out the traffic noise with headphones) and the river always in view on the right

you can see how empty the path was

at times, the the trees even block the highway from view

you pass under various highway overpasses too

very pretty when the trees are in bloom

The weather was perfect and the route so pretty with the trees and views of the Hudson River. It would have even more enjoyable if it weren’t for my damn painful feet.  But it is what it is (neuroma on the ball of one foot and bunion on the other).

I was planning to turn around at the end of the bike path and then continue back in the opposite direction (past my start) until I reached 13.1 miles.

But I was afraid that when I reached my car, I would be tempted to quit so I just plodded on into town.

What about fuel and water?? I do not carry water and I was ok.  I had carried energy gels and Honey Stinger chews.  I did not eat any of the gels and munched on the chews while I was walking. (That was new since I am a gel person but I wanted to save the gels for a real race..)

Miles 4.5-8.5:

This was definitely not a scenic part of the run. Old apartments on one side and the highway on the other.

I dragged myself 2 miles and then turned around to return to the bike path.

no one outside so very quiet.

noisy highway on the right – ran in the road (cuz I hate sidewalks) but there was very little traffic

I get it but are we safe to yet?

not a #518rainbow…it’s from a paint store

Miles 8.5-13.1

The last part of my virtual race was the same as the beginning.

finally heading back onto the bike path

There were, however, now more people on the trail. But everyone was respectful. Walkers and bikers were wearing masks. I moved over as runners passed me by.  I always felt safe.

At one point, I bumped into a former student. We chatted and then went in different directions.

a social distancing selfie

This run was hard. It was painful. But I did it and earned my medal!

So five half marathons so far for 2020. Three virtual ones. I was planning on running a half marathon every month. That was before my foot neuroma and now the pandemic. So I think I’m done. Best laid plans lol

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

  • The weather
  • Flexible start time
  • Slept in my own bed the night before
  • Flat course
  • Scenic for 9 out of 13 miles
  • Not crowed with other runners
  • No clock, no pressure.
  • Great Swag (when they ship it to me)

The Bad:

  • No water stops
  • No crowd support
  • Running alone
  • No mojo to run fast
  • My achy feet

The Ugly:

  • Everything listed in Bad

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. But the real thing would have been a lot more fun. Or if I could have run it with friends.

Next Up:

Not sure.  I think I’ll skip June and July.

Hopefully I’ll be back to a real half marathon in August.

The Good News | My First 5K and More...


Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).


I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Have you been training for a big race? Are you running it as a virtual race?  Have you done any Virtual Races?  If so, how did they go? Please share.

 

runner-sig

Weekly Run Down for 5.11.20-5.17.20: And so it continues… but with a little social interaction

Still…

until probably Fall.

All social activities still cancelled. Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house). Always looking for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing. So far, I’ve been successful and haven’t run out of choices. This past week, I visited two more.

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

I signed up again for 6 more weeks…they are free so why not? Dreams Un-Canceled, Kindness Un-Canceled, Joy Un-Canceled, Community Un-Canceled, Perseverance Un-Canceled, Life Un-Canceled

And I actually chatted with some good friends this week (in person).

Last Week –

  • Monday – A rainy day…at least no snow. It was a rest day but I wish I had gotten out before work for a walk because it wasn’t raining yet.  Fingers crossed for a break in the rain around lunch because the post work walk looked like a wash out.

It was raining and cold when I left the house at lunchtime so I wore a heavy coat and carried an umbrella. Since the trails would be too muddy, I walked around the neighborhood.

and then halfway through my walk, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Crazy weather! Hopefully you like flowers since this is what I will be posting all summer.

I was right, it was pouring when I finished work. Not able to visit a new trail today.  But after dinner, the rain did stop for awhile. Too muddy and late for a trail walk but I did squeeze in a chilly damp walk in town.

of course, more flower pictures.

  • Tuesday – Cloudy, cool and WINDY but no rain.  My bi-weekly walk at lunch with my friend got canceled. I avoided most of the mud on the trail and had a nice solo walk.

lucky to have a safe and scenic place to walk right behind my house

Still windy after work but a little warmer and sunnier.  It’s always a dilemma on where to run to keep things interesting. I decided do my Un-Canceled 5k at Washington Park.

dreaming of running fast again on a day without WIND

I struggled with the wind but ran around the city first and then hit the park to finish up.

You can see those tulips blowin’ in the wind

I couldn’t leave the park before taking MORE pictures of the tulips.

unfortunately this won’t be the last of my tulip pics

  • Wednesday – Hooray for some sun today.  Still windy (Come on, it’s May not March!!) Decided to take to the trails at lunch (after 2 days of NO rain) to see if the mud was passable.

too loops of Van Dyke preserve and not muddy at all

Then after work, I decided to check out the UAlbany loop since I had not been there since I started working from home.  Due to Covid19 testing there, I was only able to do a 3/4 loop so just added on the lake loop.

  • Thursday – Finally perfect weather,  Sunny, warm, no wind and it was my REST DAY. I wish I had thought of getting up earlier and going for a walk before work. (Oh, you lucky folks who do not HAVE to work!!)

Today was my first real social day during this pandemic. First a lunch walk with my friend.

took a late walk and bumped into two former co-workers (on bikes) from the previous job. Small world.

Then after work my tennis friends and I gathered for BYO picnic in a park. We sat 6ft apart and chatted and ate. Can’t believe that is what my social life has come to but better than not seeing my friends at all.

Of course, my running friends and I continued with our weekly ZOOM chat.

  • Friday – The second day in a row that it was nice before work and I wished that I had taken a walk.  It was another rest day (I don’t run the day before a LONG run.) Heavy rain and thunderstorm were predicted but I was able to squeeze in a short walk in the neighborhood after I dropped my car off for some maintenance.

the lilacs are coming. the lilacs are coming. Love how they smell.

Fingers crossed that the storms would hold off and I didn’t get caught in them as I  had planned to explore a new trail. Can’t believe that less than a week ago, it snowed and today it was humid and 85 degrees.

I decided to go to Hannacroix Creek Preserve.  The first trail went own to the River.

Then the second longer and hilly one went up to the water falls.

Got both hikes done and back home before the rain!!

  • Saturday – The Steel Rail Half Marathon was scheduled for Sunday but I chose to run it virtually rather than on it’s new Oct 10 date.  That meant I could run it today since the weather looked better. I decided on the Corning Bike Path for my 13.1. It’s pretty flat. I lucked out on the weather. It was sunny and warm. I struggled (my feet hurt) but I took my time and walked when needed and got it done.

this may be my last virtual half marathon

After doing some errands, I got home in time for our blogger ZOOM Coffee Date.

always look forward to these chats

  • Sunday – Our second spring temp day in a row. We were thinking of going boating as our marina opened yesterday. But the weather seemed to be cloudy, chilly and breezy. (Don’t trust the weather app. it turned out to be a very nice day.)

Instead my hubby went off to play tennis and I went for a long drive to check out a new preserve – Huyck Preserve. I chose to do the Lake loop and glad I did.This may have been one of my favorite hikes.

love waterfalls, obviously

When I got home, we went shopping for perennials since I decided that this year, I wanted to create a new perennial garden.  (My strength training for the year!!)

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  run, walk with BFF
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – rest day, tennis picnic, running friends ZOOM
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • 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 is this virus affecting you and your family? Have you done any parking lot or driveway get togethers with friends or family? Please share.