January 2, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 12.26.16-1.1.17

Last Week:

Monday – I was supposed to go out to dinner & movie after work but instead I went shopping to check out the after Christmas sales at the mall. Didn’t spent a lot but got some steps in.

Tuesday – I squeezed in a run before tennis. It was 40 degrees – felt like a heat wave.

After tennis, the tennis ladies celebrated with a dinner out (yes another.)

Wednesday – Decided to go for another after work run due to the impending snowstorm.

Ran in town where I used to run all the time before there was the rail trail.

Thursday– A hair appointment was the only activity I had today. Snow hit us again. But at least we didn’t get as much as predicted.

Friday – Despite yesterday’s snow, the roads were clear enough and I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game.

Alyssa had to cancel so I was back running in town

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house, and rest up for New Year’s Eve. A quiet evening of a movie and dinner with the hubby.

sad but good

Sunday – I ran my first HMRRC winter series run of the season and my first race of 2017. Th e weather was perfect for running (though a little windy). I loved starting the year off with a “relaxing” free race.

lucky for me that the speedy ladies ran the half marathon option so I won 2nd in my AG 🙂

After lots of refreshments, I dragged myself out for a little over 3 more miles.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, dinner & a movie with BFF
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 7 mile run

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

December 26, 2016 by Darlene

Running Update 12.19.16-12.25.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another cold day and I was glad that it was a rest day. Played tennis (indoors) in the evening and then finished my Christmas shopping.
Tuesday – Had another holiday work gathering with lots of food. Went for a lunchtime walk (around the outdoor shopping plaza – my nature trail is ice covered) and then after work, I met Alyssa for a run through the lights in the park. It was freezing but still nice to catch up since we hadn’t run together in weeks.

Wednesday – Believe it or not, I went to the gym. I met my former co-worker there and then we went out to dinner.

Thursday– The day started out snowy but then it warmed up and I had a nice evening run. Even ran one of my miles with two speedy ARE runners.

Friday – A scheduled rest day. A walk at lunch and then spent the evening home wrapping gifts.

Saturday – I had to wait until the sleet/freezing rain stopped to get in my run (but not enough time to get the whole run in.)

a little chilly when the wind picked up but at least the ice had melted on the Rail Trail

Then we went to a Christmas Party hosted by one of our boating friends.

Spent Christmas Eve with Amanda and her sons driving through the lights in the park and then exchanging gifts.

Of course, it was also the first night of Chanukah.

Sunday – continued the run that I began the day before heading to my MIL’s to have dinner with family.

a perfect day for a run – ran in the opposite direction on the Rail Trail and in town

16 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – rest day, dinner and movie with BFF
Tuesday – 3 mile run, tennis, dinner out
Wednesday –4 mile run
Thursday – rest day, hair appt
Friday – 3-4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, NYE celebrating
Sunday – 3.5 mile race + 3 more

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

December 19, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Back in the frigid NE. I decided to squeeze in a run before tennis because the rest of the week looked even worse weather-wise. Although it snowed Sunday night, the path is always cleared at UAlbany.

it was nice until the sleet & freezing rain started- ouch!

Tuesday – I was scheduled to play tennis again so I decided to skip the run and went shopping instead.
Wednesday – Another busy day but I was able to squeeze a run into before our STEM celebratory dinner.

Thursday– Colder and windier. I wimped out and cancelled my run with Alyssa and went shopping. Good News!! The battery in my iPhone (it kept shutting off when it got cold – hello I run in the winter!!) is defective and they replaced it for free!!! 3 hours in the mall without a phone = torture!

Friday – Rest day #3. I celebrated by mentee’s birthday at Canvas, Corks & Forks. We ate (mac n cheese bar), drank, painted and laughed. Then went out for dessert.

Saturday – Rest day #4. Total slacker. Snow, sleet, rain. A day to start addressing those holiday cards and wrapping the presents.

I always make my cards – obviously there was boating theme this year

In the evening, we had our annual tennis ladies party. Always a fun time!!

Sunday – Started the day with brunch with Judy & 2 other running friends.

they may have talked me into a fall half marathon

After doing some errands, I braved the cold and wind and ran 6 miles.

my favorite rail trail has too many patches of ice 😦

Then in the evening, went out for appetizers and drinks with a friend. (Maybe I should have run more than 6 miles LOL)

12 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days (Still on a training break)

This Week:

Monday – rest day, tennis
Tuesday – 4 mile run
Wednesday – rest day, dinner with a friend
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 6 mile run, lights in the park with Amanda & sons
Sunday – rest day, holiday with the fam

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

November 28, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Winter has arrived. It was cold. (In the 30s but with the wind, felt like 19!) I reluctantly went to my Troy Turkey Trot Training group run since it was our last one. We did some speed drills and it wasn’t so bad at all.

Tuesday – Sat in a training all day and it started with this:

So I had to go on a quick cold windy run before playing tennis. But at least my tennis game was indoors.

Wednesday – Rest day. Went for a walk in the mall with my bff after work.

Thursday – I ran both the Troy Turkey Trot 10k and 5k races. I raced the 10K and ran the 5k for fun. Both were fun!!

no PRs here but my times in both were better than last year – 57:51 and 30:57. Happy that the weather cooperated.

Then we had Thanksgiving dinner at my MIL’s that evening. I ate back all the calories t hat I burned off in those races.

I forgot to take a group picture but here’s my hubby’s nephew cutting the turkey

Friday – Rest day and work day. A nice quiet day because everyone took the day off. Besides work, I took a walk at lunch and played mah jongg in the evening.

Saturday – A rainy morning so I decided to do my last long run in the afternoon after my hair appt. I wasn’t sure how rested by legs would be after Thursday so I asked Judy to run with me. We did a nice slow run/walk on the Nisky bike path (except for the last 1/2 mile that I did at race pace. )

That evening the hubby and I went to the movies since we hadn’t been in a long time.

Image result for allied movie

Sunday – Rest day. Got my nails done and a lot of other stuff in preparation for my upcoming race-cation.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – 4 mile run
Tuesday – Rest day, pack for race-cation
Wednesday – 3 mile run, monthly tennis dinner out
Thursday – Rest day, fly to Panama City Beach, FL!
Friday – Rest day, bib pickup, carb load with 7 awesome bloggers
Saturday – Panama City Beach Half Marathon, celebrate with 7 awesome bloggers
Sunday – 3-4 mile recovery run
Monday – another 3-4 mile along the beach, fly home

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

November 11, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five: If only I had more time…

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers

Today’s topic is: Five Activities You Wish You Had Time For:

This is a tough one. Running is my preferred activity. I am glad that I can squeeze it in. With work and family/social activities, there’s not much time left for anything else.

So these are things that I enjoy but don’t have enough time for…

1. Reading

I love to read. So I try to read before I go to bed. But it’s always too late so I only get a few pages done.

2. Watching TV

Again, I am rarely home enough to watch TV. I DVR a few shows (This is US, Grey’s Anatomy, Call the Midwife) but finding the time to watch them is a struggle. I know there a lot of great shows out there. Who has the time?

3. Fitness Classes such as Yoga, Zumba, Spinning, etc.

I never seem to find the time for yoga and I would love to try some other classes, as well.

4. Quilting

Before running, I used to quilt. I belonged to a quilt guild and went on retreats. I haven’t touched it in years. My artistic side enjoyed picking out the materials and assembling the squares.

my quilt guild buddies

5. Tennis

Also before running, I played tennis everyday. I was part of several teams as well. Now, I play only several times a month.

my 2010 team which went on to compete in Regionals

Happy Running! Which other activities do you wish you had time for?

November 7, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – I was planning to go to my Troy Turkey Trot training group run after work but I bailed. It was cold. I was tired and no one was home to hand out Halloween candy, etc. In others words, I wimped out.

Tuesday – I felt guilty that I didn’t run yesterday so I ran before tennis. (I had burn off the calories that I would consume at dinner after tennis.)

Wednesday – I was scheduled to meet Alyssa at UAlbany for 2 loops of the campus before running with the STEM group. But her son was sick so I was solo. The first loop was slooow. Then the 2nd loop was sloooower but I perked up running with the STEM ladies (I guess I need company) and I celebrated by meeting a friend out for wine & appetizers.

It was in the 60s and I ran in a tee shirt …in November!!

Thursday – A rainy day and I had a hair appt. So an unscheduled rest day. (There are few things more important than running and hair color is one of them. LOL)

what a dreary day!

Friday – Hopped the train to NYC and met up with my Russian friend Anna. I stayed overnight and shared a room with Anna’s friend. No time for a run today either.

Image result for hotel Boutique lexington ave nyc

conveniently located not far from the start of the 5k the next day

Saturday – Dash to the Finish Line 5K race. I ran 3.1 miles from the UN to the NYC Marathon finish line (with over 10,000 other runners) including Anna, her 2 Russian friends and Judy.

No, Judy & I didn’t plan our matching outfits. The race was so crowded that I am proud of my 28:56 finish. Actually had even more fun after the race with my Russian friends.

The park was beautiful. Met Judy & Karen and saw Paramour- Cirque du Soleil

We celebrated with brunch and mimosas. Then I continued to run/walk in the park followed by dinner and a show with the girls.

Sunday – Still in NYC. Anna and I started the day with a run along the Hudson. Then we went to Central Park to watch the early marathon finishers.

Riverside Park and running along the river was awesome

After lunch, I headed to train station to go home.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Troy Turkey Trot Training group run (3-4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run + STEM run
Thursday – rest, mall walk with BFF
Friday – day off – 5k race
Saturday – rest
Sunday – 15k race

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

Happy Running! How is your running going?

November 1, 2016 by Darlene

TOTR: Winter Cross-Training

Since today is Tuesday, I’m 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: Favorite Winter Cross-Training

It’s EATING!! LOL.

No seriously, I hate winter, the cold, being outside…ugh! I don’t ski, ice skate, snow shoe or snowmobile.

If I didn’t sign up for winter races, I wouldn’t run either.

At least we had a mild winter last year. Hoping for more of the same this winter.

This Half Marathon will motivate me to get out there and run:

Stuart, FL

I’d have to say that my favorite cross-training activity is tennis. I play doubles once a week.

indoors, of course

I also enjoy yoga (though I suck at it) and hope to take some classes this winter.

Happy Running! What is your favorite way to cross-train in the winter?

October 24, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – The weather really warmed up. It felt like summer not fall.

Usual lunch walk

I returned to the Troy Turkey Training group after a week off.

The hills made this workout tough but I know that these speed drills are important.

Tuesday – It was even warmer today – a record high 85 degrees. I had to spend the day inside observing a training.

My view for 7 hours

At least I got in a walk at lunch.

I also played tennis that evening and went out to dinner after, as usual (shared a pizza).

Wednesday – We were still enjoying our abnormally warm weather. I was alone today for my run. Alyssa and Natalie were unavailable and Barbara ran in the am. So I dragged myself through two laps of the campus or 6 miles before my STEM volunteer run. Since I would be busy on the weekend and next week, this could count as my long run.

Thursday – A rainy day. No lunch walk. But miraculously the rain stopped and I was able to run with Alyssa.

Alyssa is that little orange dot. She continued for another UAlbany loop.

Unfortunately I have lost one of my running partners. Barbara fell and chipped a bone in her ankle and is out for 6 weeks. 😦

Friday – A well earned rest day. At least today I remember to bring an umbrella so I could take a walk at lunch.

I even skipped mah jongg to stay home and pack and relax.

Saturday – Today I had a planned day at Ellms Family Farms with my mentee and her two sons. But the weather did not cooperate. We postponed it until next Saturday. Instead I went to the movies with friends. This is one of my all time favorite books and I was very excited when they made it into a movie.

Loved it!!!

Then after the movie, I had to rush off to run a 5K race. (Luckily I picked up my bib earlier in the day since it was at a different place than the race.) I came sooo close to bailing on this race. 38 degrees. Windy. Pouring rain. But I ran it. And it was not fun!!

At least I won my age group. $25 LL Bean gift card

Sunday – Definitely a busy day. I took the train with my 9 tennis friends to NYC. We separated because I was having lunch with college friends, the ones whom I spent my junior year in France with. We have reunions every few years to reminisce.

Where else would a bunch of French majors have brunch?

Then I met my tennis friends because we had tickets to a Broadway show.

It was terrific!

2 people missing from the top pic and one on the bottom – ❤ my friends

17.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – travel to NYC for work, squeeze in a run after arriving
Tuesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Wednesday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work?? or maybe a show??
Thursday – NYC for work, squeeze in a run after work??
Friday – NYC for work, travel home
Saturday – day at Ellms Family Farms with mentee
Sunday – 9 mile run

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

October 17, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Day off from work. Whoo Hoo!! But my hubby had to work so I drove up to Bolton Landing and went for a solo hike. The weather was perfect. Cool and Sunny. I couldn’t believe that my legs weren’t even tired as I climbed 1 mile up to the top of a mountain.

After my climb, I visited our marina and then walked around town for a while. I resisted stopping at the outlets and instead came home and made chili. I almost went to my Turkey Trot training group run. But the route is hilly and speed drills were scheduled. I decided to play it safe and not overdo. (The new me!!)

Tuesday – Just work with a short walk at lunch and a short run before tennis in the evening with dinner out after.

I drove to the Colonie Bike Path because it is near where I play tennis. Wardrobe fail. Tennis skirt has no pocket for phone or car key.

Wednesday -I met up with Barbara for a run before my STEM volunteering. (Alyssa was sick.)

It wasn’t our best effort. We were both sluggish but we got it done

STEM group is doing the Couch to 5k walk/run and they’re up to 8 minutes running/walking.

it may be week 5 – I’ve lost track but those 2 new younger runners are back and they are great

Afterward, I met my BFF for our bi-monthly mall walk.

Thursday – My lunch walk got rained out but the rain stopped so I was able to run after work. My legs were tired. I don’t usually run 3 days in a row, especially after a half.

drove home to run on the rail trail – haven’t run there in a while

I was supposed to go out with a friend but decided to stay home for a change. I never watch TV but since the hubby was out playing tennis, I watched one episode of This is Us (anyone watch this new show?) and Grey’s Anatomy.

Friday – A well needed rest day but at least I walked my usual path at lunch. The weather has turned cooler but it was sunny. (It was in the 30s in the am!!)

Saturday – I ran one of my favorite 10k races. I had a course PR on a very chilly morning.

walked up the hills the 2nd half so had to settle for 57:22 (my 2nd best 10K)

After the race, I drove up to our marina and we spent a perfect last day on the lake.

we had a picnic on one of the islands with some friends

Sunday – I spectated at a Duathlon. I do it every year to watch AJH.

While AJH does the bike leg, I always do the run course which is 2 miles.

18.2 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Turkey Trot Training group run (4 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 5 mile run with friends+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 3 mile run
Friday – rest
Saturday – Day at Ellms Family Farm with mentee & 2 kids, 5K race (at 5 pm)
Sunday – College reunion lunch in NYC and Broadway show with tennis friends

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?

October 3, 2016 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday – Tonight was our second Troy Turkey Trot Training group run. Again my legs were tired from the running that I did on Sunday. When this happens, I can’t take full advantage of the training group drills. But I did my best but it was tough. Thankfully, it got dark before we could run another hilly loop.

Tuesday – Just work with a short walk at lunch and tennis in the evening. We went out to dinner after and I shared a pizza. No dessert!
Wednesday – I met up with Alyssa for a run before my STEM volunteering. The weather was perfect. I am still dragging. Luckily, Alyssa continued on her own for another loop and my STEM group is doing the Couch to 5k walk/run.

Afterward I met my BFF for some steps in the mall.

Thursday – My hair appointment interfered with my planned run. (Hair color is important!!) Afterward I wanted to squeeze in a short run before it got dark but it was my MIL’s 91st birthday and I had to stop by for dinner & cake. (Another skipped run! Grrrr!)

ziti, meatballs, lasagna, rum cake – Oh my!

It was nice having all the family together – my MIL, BIL & his son, SIL, 2 stepsons & their girlfriends & my hubby (In the picture above are my MIL, nephew, BIL, sons’ girlfriends)

Friday – Rest day but at least I walked at lunch. In the evening, I had my weekly mah jongg game (at my house)

Saturday – I ran a 5K race. No PR but 2nd in my AG. This is one of my favorite 5ks.

Afterward, I ran almost 7 more miles. I drove to the Zim Trail which has become my favorite place to do a long run (Could it be Leah’s cakery?)

Sunday – I thought we’d go boating today but the weather was iffy so my hubby signed up for two tennis tournaments. I did lots of cleaning up around the house and went for a walk in the mall. (There may have been some retail therapy involved too.)

18 miles done with 3 runs and 4 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Turkey Trot Training group run (3 miles)
Tuesday – rest, tennis
Wednesday – 4 mile run with friends+ volunteering with STEM group
Thursday – 4 mile run, dinner out some former co-workers
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – rest, boating ??
Sunday – Ramblefest 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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any races?