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Two Week Weekly Run Down: 4.27.25-5.3.25 and 5.4.25-5.11.25: Work Travel and Vacation Travel..

First NYC and then Naples, Florida!

First work and then fun!

Two Weeks Ago –

  • Sunday – Since I had not done the extra miles I had planned after the rainy 5k the day before, I decided that instead of the gym, to go for a short run.

My ulterior motive was to see if any if the tulips had bloomed yet in Washington Park.

most had not but there were quite a few beautiful ones that had …. Tulip fest is May 10-11

I continued my run/walk around the park and spotted some cherry blossoms.

obviously they bloom much later up here.

I then spent most of the day getting ready for two different trips. Cooking countless meals for my hubby and packing!!

  • Monday – I took an early morning train to NYC. Once I arrived at Penn Sta, the plan was for a blogger meet-up.

Yes, Catrina, after her fantastic Boston marathon experience, with her hubby rented a house on LI. They drove into Manhattan and met me at Starbucks. Cari joined us, as well.

so fun to meet in person and chat

Afterward, I checked into my hotel and filled my day with some fun activities.

I ran to Rockefeller Center

and then took the subway to the Conservatory Gardens of Central Park…

So lovely…many more pics on FB & IG

 I ran around nearby Harlem Meer, had lunch and ran some more around Central Park.

Eventually I took the subway back and visited Macys.

Flower Show time

In the evening, I went to a Broadway Show and then walked back to my hotel after..

I try to make the most out of my non-work time in NYC.

  • Tuesday – Work in the Financial District (in a new location).

After work, I took the subway back to my hotel and changed my clothes.  I had thought I would have enough time to run but decided instead to go the Hudson Yards mall to see the Downton Abbey mannequins.

all the TV show’s characters were there and made out of flowers!!

After, I took the subway uptown to meet a local friend for dinner.

  • Wednesday – Work again in the Financial District, subway back to the hotel for my bag and then the train home.
  • Thursday – Early morning fight to Ft. Myers, FL (with a connection in Philly). NO FLIGHT DRAMA!

Once we arrived and got our luggage, we picked up rental cars and headed to Naples for lunch and then checked into our villas (the same ones we rent each year.)

We spent the rest of day relaxing at the pool, grocery shopping and unpacking.

  • Friday – First Florida run while the others were taking a tennis lesson.

When they were done, I joined them for some doubles (Grateful that they allowed this rusty player on the court.)

After tennis, we packed a lunch and headed to the beach. And after the beach, we had a lovely dinner out.

  • Saturday –  Pretty much the same as Friday but a different beach and a Peruvian restaurant for dinner.

Last Week –

  • Sunday – Tropicool 5k.

Although I’ve run  this race before, this year, they changed the location. It was held in Baker Park.

I was pooped from all that activity the day before but I can never resist a race.

It was warm and very humid but I was glad that I did it.

and I even won my age group

We had two newbies on our trip this year so we planned a trolley tour of the city instead of tennis and the beach.

That was perfect since it did rain!

Tonight we went to a dinner theater in Ft. Myers.

  • Monday – Another day of a short run, tennis and the beach.

But instead of going out, since it was book club night, we ate at the pool and had a lively discussion of the book, The Most..

Back in 2005, when we started this annual vacation in Naples, we went to The Dock restaurant and took a group photo.  After our book discussion, we headed there for dessert/drinks.

  • Tuesday – More of the same… run, tennis, beach, delicious dinner out (with a birthday dessert)…

  • Wednesday – Last full day of vacation. In addition to our usual activities, tonight we went on sunset cruise…

  • Thursday – Last Florida run.

And we said good-bye to the lady who our rented us these villas for 20 years!!

I mentioned above that there was no flight drama on the way here.

I can’t say the same about the way home…

We left around 11:30am for the airport and waited several hours there while they fixed our plane.  We would have missed our Philly connection so we changed to flying thru Charlotte.

Well, there were thunderstorms in Charlotte and our flight didn’t take off until 1am!!!

Yup, I got home around 3:30am.  😦

  • Friday – MY BIRTHDAY!

And it poured all day.

I had plans with a friend to visit the gardens at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA, followed by retail therapy at our favorite consignment shop and then out for ice cream. In the evening, I was going to be playing mah jongg.

My friend cancelled and mah jongg was a no go, as well. My hubby made plans to go to a tennis party (since I was busy).

of course, I was getting my free drink no matter what...

My choice was staying home, unpacking and doing laundry or… going by myself in the rain.

It was wet but I’m glad I went and they gave me a dozen tulips as a gift.  I did skip the ice cream and instead went out to dinner with that friend when I got home.

  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.  

The past two weekends, I had only run a 5k race and my runs on vacation were only a mile or two. I was lucky to have company to drag me though 6 miles. At least, the rain had stopped.

I finally did that laundry and went to dinner to celebrate my birthday with my hubby, stepson, his wife and daughter.

  • Sunday – Mother’s Day.

I plan to go to the gym and then to visit my MIL.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – run, walk with a friend
  • Tuesday – gym, walk
  • Wednesday – TC run (week 8)
  • Thursday – CDPHP Workforce Challenge (3.5M)
  • Friday – gym, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
  • Sunday – gym

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Tropicool 5k Race Recap
  • Friday –  5 Tips for Building Mental Toughness

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? How’s the weather? Are you having a lot of rain? Any vacations planned? 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.

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Running Update: 11.27.17-12.3.17

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Last week – 

  • Monday – Missing my BRF (whose hubby is sick and she cannot run during the week) so I decided to run in the park around the Holiday Lights. A preview to my next 5k.

  • Tuesday – It was a cold yet sunny day to run but I played tennis instead.
  • Wednesday – I took the train to NYC for work. My plan was to run nearby (Wall St area) before dinner. It was super windy but warm. And you can’t beat the views at sunset.

  • Thursday – I worked all day in NYC and had planned to meet a former co-worker in the evening.  Still I wanted to squeeze in a run.

  • Friday – Again I worked all day in NYC and then took the train home…no time to run today.
  • Saturday – This morning, I met the Wineglass ladies for a run. I ran with Judy and Jan for about 5 miles and finished up with some speed for the last 1.4.

Of course we went out for breakfast after.

  • Sunday – Today was the first of five (FREE) Winter Series races. You could run 3m or a 15k.  I usually run the 15k but since I ran the day before and I am not training for anything yet, I chose the 3 miler. Friends +Foods + Free = perfect race. Finish time was 26:49. Happy with that!

Then in the afternoon, I gave my usual birthday gift to my mentee – painting, eating and drinking (at Canvas, Corks and Forks)

If you can’t tell, it’s supposed to Northern Lights

Next Week –

  • Monday – 4 mile run
  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
  • Wednesday – train to NYC, 3 mile run?
  • Thursday – work in Queens, 3 mile run?
  • Friday – rest, work in Queens, train home
  • Saturday – hair appt, Last Run 5K race, book club
  • Sunday – rest day

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Please share.

Don’t forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!!!!

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TOTR: Good/Bad of Summer 2017

Today is Tuesday so don’t forget to Link-up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia and either meet some new bloggers or catch up with ones you already know.

The topic for today is: Good/Bad of Summer 2017

I’ll start with the Bad:

  • Work Work Work

Besides working full-time, my job has me traveling EVERY week.

Staying in hotels and eating in restaurants gets old quick.

It’s also a challenge to find places to run in unfamiliar locales.

But the worst part is that driving for 3-5 hours is tiring!!! This has put a damper on my energy level and my desire to drive to races.

  • Weather

It hasn’t been really bad except for all that rain.

I’m a big fan of sunshine!!

And for someone who loves boating, it was a downer to never be warm enough to go swimming on the weekend.  Boo Hoo!!!

yes, it was relaxing in a chair on an island but I am usually floating in a tube in the lake

  • No Vacation Time

I was only able to take two days off from work all summer.  And I used both of them to go hiking.

Now the Good:

  • Running Weather

So it was not great for boating, but it was for running.  The temps never reached the 90s and during many days, it almost felt like fall.

  • Racing Ops

I didn’t run as many races as I usually do in the summer but the ones that I did run were successful and fun!

I repeated some of my faves – Adirondack Distance Run, Silks and Satins and Race the Train.  In all three, I improved my finish time from last year.  The Al Goldstein in Brooklyn and the France Run in Central Park were inaugurals for me.  I won age group awards for Silks & Satins, Race the Train and Al Goldstein.

  • Running/Racing with Friends

It’s no secret that I run better and more seriously when I don’t run alone.  I was lucky to run with Alyssa almost weekly, Judy once and another Judy twice.

I also shared almost all my racing experiences with friends this summer.

  • New Running Routes

Thanks to my job, I experienced running in some new places… Liverpool, NY, Rochester, NY and Buffalo, NY

  • New York New York

Yes, I visited NYC several times for work and once for a race.  No better place to visit and/or run….

  • Fun with my Tennis Friends

We play tennis but mostly we go out to eat, play mah jongg and we always find a way to have a good time.

  • Boating on Lake George with the Hubby

So it wasn’t the warmest of summers but there is no more beautiful lake than Lake George (I may be biased).  We spent one day there every weekend…usually on one of the islands, relaxing, chilling and grilling with friends.

So overall, it was a pretty good summer. What about you?

Happy Running! What was the best and worst part of your summer? Do share.

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TOTR: July Report Card

Image result for goodbye july hello august
Summer has arrived. But actually it hasn’t been a hot one so far  – just a few humid days and lots of rain!!
Here’s how July turned out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC and in Rochester for work. My weekday runs are usually 3-4 miles.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. I also ran once with Judy. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

I can’t wait until my Turkey Trot running group starts up again in September.

Long Runs:

No half marathons to train for yet (but soon) so my weekend runs were not very long or very productive.

Total Mileage:

I have run 67 miles this month so far (with a goal of 84 by the end of the month.)  Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage. Still healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month but only ran 2 – both 5ks. The Al Goldstein Summer Speed Series was an evening 5K in Brooklyn, a unique experience where I won my age group. I also ran the Silks & Satins 5k for the 6th time, set a course PR and placed 3rd in my age group. 

Cross Training:

I can play tennis outdoors on Tuesdays. And this month, work got in the way EVERY week!!!! But I got to play two days in a row during a weekend on the Schroon River. (This made me realize how much I love playing tennis.)

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week but barely made it once.

I did walk occasionally at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used to.  I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk.

Other News:

I went to NYC for work once.  Of course I ran twice and saw another Broadway show (Bandstand). With friends, I went to NYC  (Bronx) to see the Chihuly exhibit at the NY Botanical Gardens.

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. I also convinced a friend to accompany me hiking on my day off.

If you remember from last summer’s blog posts, I have a good friend who has a house on the Schroon River.  She has several gatherings there to play tennis, hike and play mah jongg. Of course, I did take advantage of the scenery while I was there to squeeze in a run.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY. (But you never know…)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear. I am even planning another race in NYC!!

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

  • 8-05-17 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
  • 8-12-17 – Camp Chingachgook 10k working instead
  • 8-14-17 – Monday Night Mile??
  • 8-20-17 – Paris Run 8K (in NYC)
  • 9-09-17 – Malta 5k or 9-10-17 – Surftown Half Marathon (in RI) – still undecided
  • 9-17-17 – Palio 5k
  • 9-23-17 – Helper’s Fund 10k

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her July Race Linkup:

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, fewer weekly miles, sporadic gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, easy lackluster weekday runs. I know I can do better.

As for my social life, I’d give myself an A. LOL

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

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TOTR: June Report Card

Goodbye June, Hello July
So sporadic spring weather continued and even at times, it appeared to be summer-like. But there was also a lot of rainy days!!
Here’s how June turned out:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work), at the Crossings, near home, in a local park and even at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran 3 times while in NYC for work and once while in Liverpool, NY for work.

I ran alone some of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me often. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

My Freihofer training group runs ended and I had only one STEM volunteer run.  So my running schedule was freed up which allowed me to run where, when and with whom I chose.

My co-workers decided to get together once a week to run after work – either Wednesday or Thursday. But for the most part, I was unavailable.

Long Runs:

No half marathons to train for so my long runs were not very long or very good.

Total Mileage:

I ran 67 miles this month so far (will probably end up with 77-78).  Some skipped runs and no half marathon this month can be blamed for the low mileage.  Still healthy so all is good.

yes, a slacker even with a half in May and 10 mile race in June

Races:

I had four races on my schedule this month – three 5ks and a ten miler. The Freihofer 5k is my favorite race and I had fun and a course PR.  I ran the Run for Help 5k to help a STEM runner complete his first 5K and it was such as rewarding experience. The Whipple City 5k was a new one that I enjoyed.  As usual, the Adirondack Distance Run was a challenging 10 miler but a annual favorite and I had a course PR!!

Cross Training:

I now play tennis outdoors on Tuesdays (when I am able.)

I did go to work out at the gym several times. My goal was twice a week, though. I didn’t quite achieve that.

I did walk several times a week at lunch – around the outdoor shopping mall or the nature trail. Not everyday like I used to. 

Other News:

I went to NYC for work twice.  I took advantage of the fantastic places to run while I was there. I also saw two Broadway shows (War Paint and Ground Hog Day).

The hubby and I continued our boating on the weekends. I even got to squeeze in hiking one day.

Running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure.

yes, family and friends take priority!

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No more half marathons planned until October 1 in Corning, NY.  (But you never know…)

I have quite a few shorter races planned. My race season has kicked into high gear. I am even planning on two new races in NYC!!

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

  • 7-05-17 – PPTC Al Goldstein Summer Series #4 5k (in NYC)
  • 7-09-17 – Saratoga Strong to Serve 5k
  • 7-22-17 – Silks n Satins 5k
  • 8-05-17 – Race the Train (8.4 m)
  • 8-12-17 – Camp Chingachgook 10k working instead
  • 8-14-17 – Monday Night Mile??
  • 8-20-17 – Paris Run 8K (in NYC)

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her June Race Linkup:

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an B+.

You know, fewer weekly miles, sporadic gym attendance, slacking on those long runs, skipping weekday runs.  I can do better.

What do you think?

This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

coachescorner

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Running Update – 5.29.17-6.4.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – A chilly rainy day so I caught up with things around the house, went to the gym and did some errands. A needed rest day on Memorial Day.
  • Tuesday – A scheduled rest day and I played my last indoor tennis.

I had thought I could squeeze in a run (hence my running skirt/capri) but it started to rain AGAIN.

  • Wednesday – Off to NYC for work.  I took the train and after I checked into my hotel, the rain had stopped so I hopped on the subway and went for a run. I intended to go to Central Park but wound up on Riverside Dr. so ran along the Hudson River instead..

running along Riverside Drive


Then that evening I went to see a show on Broadway.

The story of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein

  • Thursday –  Indoors all day for work but I did squeeze in a walk during lunch and another run in the evening. This time along the East River.  Central Park will have to wait until my next trip to NYC. (June 19).

running along the East River Greenway

In the evening, I just walked around the area.

Bryant Park, Empire State Building and bumping into a former student on the street = ❤ nyc

  • Friday –  Another day in NYC for work.  Took a walk at lunch and then took the train home in the evening. Rest day #3.
  • Saturday – Today I ran the Freihofer’s Run for Women, my favorite local race. The energy of this race is addictive and I always meet so many new and old faces.

I met AJH who I had no idea was coming to run (from VT) – no PR but a decent time – 27:48 (13th in my AG)

I added another 5K afterward to complete my ZOOMA Virtual 10k race.

just a leisurely additional 3.8 miles retracing the course plus some photo stops

Then the hubby (who had been playing tennis) and I headed up North to meet some lake friends for dinner.

  • Sunday –  I would have liked to go boating again today but the weather did not cooperate. So I went to the gym and did some errands.

15.5 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – 4 miles 
  • Tuesday – rest, travel to Liverpool for work, tm??
  • Wednesday – rest, work in Liverpool, travel home
  • Thursday –6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – 3 miles, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest, boating
  • Sunday – 5k race (volunteering for STEM) + 5 miles
I’m linking up with Mary Beth (on behalf of Holly and Tricia) for the Weekly Wrap. Please join us! 
 Happy Running! How is your running going? Is your weather cooperating?

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Running Update: 5.8.17-5.14.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Another day in paradise.  3 mile run followed by a tennis lesson then doubles play.  Then off to the beach.  Ended the day with dinner out ❤

Lino is our cute instructor

  • Tuesday – It was my birthday but the day was not too much different than the previous day.  I did all my favorite things: running, tennis, reading & Scrabble on the beach, dinner, drinks, dessert with a sunset view.  Awesomeness!

oops – 6.4K not miles (not enough time)

at Vanderbilt Beach

dinner at the Turtle Club

  • Wednesday – Last day of vacation.  I packed, had a tennis lesson but instead of playing tennis, I went to a Wildlife Sanctuary.  We had a nice 2.5 mile walk but because of the drought, we only saw an alligator and no birds (no water in the lakes).  We had our last Florida meal out and headed for the airport.

Corkscrew Nature Sanctuary

  • Thursday – Back to reality – cooler temps and WORK! Ugh! The highlight on my day was getting to run with Alyssa and we chose to run in the park to view the tulips.  (Rain is predicted for the Tulip Fest this weekend.)

  • Friday – Rest day but did squeeze in a trip to the gym before mah jongg.

empty on a Friday after work??

  • Saturday – Rain was predicted so I wasn’t looking forward to this 5k race. But it is an important cause (memorial to a former STEM runner) so I was planning on going no matter what. And it poured!!!

27:26 – 1st in my AG

I had hoped to run 7 more miles after the race but I was too wet so I bailed on my long run. Instead I went to the movies (Boss Baby) and dinner (milkshakes and burgers at Johnny Rockets) with my mentee and her sons.

my favorite super heroes

  • Sunday – The forecast was for rain so I didn’t sign up for a race. But it never rained. So instead I celebrated Mother’s Day with a run on the unpaved rail trail followed by a big dinner at my MIL’s.

23 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – FRW Challenge (3-4 miles)
  • Tuesday – rest, work travel (to Buffalo)
  • Wednesday – rest, out of town work and travel home
  • Thursday – Corporate Challenge race (3.5 miles)
  • Friday – rest, hair appt, mah Jong
  • Saturday – rest
  • Sunday – Steel Rail Half Marathon

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

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?

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Running Update: 5.1.17-5.7.17

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Last Week:

  • Monday – Since I had run a half marathon the day before, I decided to skip our FRW Challenge Group training today. I ran an easy 3 miles and went home to pack.

No foot pain or DOMS. Amazing

  • Tuesday – It was raining off and on so instead of a run and tennis, I went to the gym. Then I packed and prepared for my 3:00 am wake up.
  • Wednesday – 6 am flight to Florida. We landed in Ft Myers and picked up a rental car to drive to Naples.  This is our 12th tennis trip here so we  have a routine and it felt like coming home – unpacking, grocery shopping, relaxing by the pool, dinner out, chatting, sleep?…
  • Thursday – My first Florida run – holy humidity! My goal is to run 3.5 miles most days before my tennis lesson and doubles play.  Then we pack a lunch and spend the rest of the day on the beach, soaking up vitamin D, reading, playing Scrabble or strolling along the water – heavenly!

  • Friday – Rain interfered with our morning tennis plans so we went shopping and out to lunch. I did manage get in a run before dinner  Rather than dinner out, we stayed in and had our annual book club night while celebrating cinco de mayo.

  • Saturday – No running today, just a walk, tennis, the beach and dinner out before going to a show. Another day in paradise.

  • Sunday – Today I ran a 5K race. It warm and humid but still a fun time.  Found out that those older Floridians are fast! After the race, I rushed home to get ready for our day trip to Cape Haze and Fort Myers.

27:31 and 3rd in my AG

We had lunch and then visited the Ford and Edison winter estates. We ended the day with dinner and drinks at the Ritz watching sunset.

13 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

  • Monday – 3 mile run, tennis, beach, dinner out
  • Tuesday – 4 mile run, tennis, beach, dinner out
  • Wednesday – rest, tennis, pool, fly home
  • Thursday – 6 miles with Alyssa
  • Friday – rest, gym?, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 5K race (+ 7 more miles)
  • Sunday –  rest, gym?, Mother’s Day

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

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?

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I Need a Vacation and Some Vitamin D

vitamind
This morning I left for the tennis ladies’ 12th trip together to Naples, Florida. (For some of us, this is our 20th tennis trip – 1 Palm Springs, 5 Las Vegas, 1 Dominican Republic, 1 Delray Beach.)

Naples Fla

There will 10 of us (two newbies) and we are renting 2 villas (from the same lady) in World Tennis Center.

This is my third trip to Florida in the past year. (Remember, my half marathon in Stuart in March and another last December where I had #holottafun). The purpose of this trip is to play tennis and do some female-bonding. (There are few races this time of year in Florida 😦 )

May - tennnis vacation in Florida

this year again our favorite tennis instructor Billy Bob will not be there 😦

We will have a new instructor again this year.

We will be playing tennis everyday from 8-11 am.

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and then we will be busy the rest of the day with a variety of fun/relaxing activities.

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lots of these views

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and these

I am bringing my running clothes. Will I run??? I certainly hope so!!

frw08

these were my enthusiastic friends in 2008 – will I be able to get them to run with me??? Doubt it.

I need to run since I have a half marathon when I return.

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view from one of my runs last year

and another – not too shabby but I wish we were staying closer to the Gulf.

I will post lots of pics in IG. So follow me (@dsc59)

Happy Running! I will miss you all! Stay healthy!

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TOLT: It’s Half Time, Vacation Time, etc.

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

thinking out loud

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

  • Half Time:

And I’m not talking about football. This weekend I am heading to NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon.

Image result for shape women's half marathon

I am, of course, weather stalking:

Glad the race isn’t Sat…

My preference would be weather like this past weekend – sunny and cool but as long as it doesn’t rain, I’ll be happy.

What to wear is pretty easy since I always wear a SkirtSports skirt and tank. I’m going purple for this race.

The logistics and weekend events are still up in the air and it’s Thursday.  I may be going and staying in a hotel room with two other women or maybe only one.  One is injured and can’t decide if she wants to walk or stay home.  We may be driving 1 1/2hrs and taking the train to the city or taking the train from Albany and taking the bus back.  I’m thinking the first option since it is cheaper.

We are staying in a hotel in Harlem on 124th St.  Tentative plans are drop off bags, bib pick up (57th), hotel check in, new Whitney museum (13th St) and dinner.  We are having dinner with another local runner.  There’s another STEM graduate who running the race.  I need to try to plan a meet-up with her as well as another blogger.

Race-cations are always exciting even if they are short.

  • Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge:

Image result for freihofer's run training challenge

This is the 7th year of this program and my third year participating. I signed up for the Advanced group again and we already had 6 weeks of training.  We have a great group of new and returning runners. I only go on Mondays but I actually like the speed drills this year.  They seem to be less painful than previous years (or maybe I’m just more relaxed and not trying to be the fastest.)

Patrick, who is young and cute, is still one of our coaches. He is constantly scolding me for not running as fast as he thinks I am able and mostly for racing every weekend.  However, I am able to ask him questions and he gives me useful advice (that I may or may not follow LOL).

  • Upcoming Florida Vacation:

With work and this weekend in NYC, I’m not ready.  We leave on a 6am flight next Wednesday.  I’m away this weekend, have my running group Monday evening and tennis Tuesday evening.  Yikes! When do I pack for 8 days away??

But looking forward to sunsets and fun times on the tennis courts and soaking up the sun on the beach.

If you know me, you know that although there are very few races this time of year in Florida, since we are there 2 weeks earlier than usual, I thought I’d take a look.

May 7 – 7:30 am

I found one – two loops around Old Naples.  We have tickets for a show the night before so I don’t know if I can talk someone with a car into getting up early to drive me.  We’ll see.

Happy Running! What’s new with you today? Tell me in the comments.