November 23, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 9th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We met at our new meeting spot, the State Office Campus. We had no coach tonite so the 4 of us did our speed drills (8 1 minute sprints) on our own. After the run, I met my BFF for a walk in the mall.

3 miles with 8 -1 minute interval at the State Office Campus

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk and played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Tonite was my last run with Kelly as she prepares for Saturday, her FIRST 5K. After the run, I rushed off to my hair appointment.

around the UAlbany campus

Thursday – Had a busy work day but it was raining & windy after work so I ran 3 miles on the treadmill. UGH!! Hated it!

Friday – Rest day so only a walk at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I participated in a 5k race. It was so exciting to see all the young girls from the GOTR program run their first 5k and the clients from the STEM program do the same. After the race, I dragged myself through 10 more miles (4 or which were with Barbara. Thanks Barbara!!)

Kelly & all the STEM runners did great!!

Sunday – REST day…just relaxing, errands and some cooking.

22 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (1 week until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (last one with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – DAY OFF – rest
Thursday – 10K & 5K race, Thanksgiving dinner
Friday – DAY OFF – rest
Saturday or Sunday – 8 miles

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

November 16, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a short walk at work and then after work, went to my 8th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. We met at our new meeting spot, the State Office Campus. Stan subbed for Patrick as our coach so I was able to skip the speed drills (8 1 minute sprints).

actually intervals at State Office Campus – 3 miles

Tuesday – Just a normal work day with a lunchtime walk (before the rain) and played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – Today I had the day off from work. My STEM run with Kelly got cancelled because she was off from work and could run with the group (so she didn’t need me.) I almost ran a 5k race but the rain saved me from this insanity. So I waited for the rain to stop and ran by myself, did some errands and went to a yoga class. Yes, yoga for the first time in almost a year!!!

damp and dreary and NO leaves on the trees 😦

loved it and bought a 5 class pass so I will be motivated to go again.

Thursday – Had a busy work day but walked in the rain during lunch (to get some Starbucks 🙂 ) and ran 3 miles after work on the treadmill. UGH!!

hated it!!

Friday – Rest day so only a walk at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I got up early to do my long run. It was cold, sleeting at times, windy…awful weather. I ran 5 miles by myself and then met Judy for 6 more miles. It was so nice to have company to make the miles less painful and the weather more bearable.

Sunday – The hubby & I took the bus to NYC. We walked the High Line (cuz he had never been) and then had lunch in Chelsea at an Italian restaurant. Walked back to 42nd St and saw Lord of the Dance – fabulous!!!

More details on the weekend in tomorrow’s post.

20.6 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (2 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 3 mile run with my STEM client (her last one before the race on Saturday), hair appt.
Thursday – 4 mile run
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – 5k race + 8 more miles.
Sunday – REST

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

October 19, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– I squeezed in a walk at work and then after work, went to my 4th Troy Turkey Trot training group run. The hills killed me, as usual. But we varied the route this week to do 1 minute sprints so we only had to run the big hill twice.

my hubby went boating but I was working…this was the best view that I could find

Tuesday – Just a normal work day, but my lunchtime walk was postponed by rain until after work when the sun came out. Then I rushed to play 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by dinner out.

Wednesday – I squeezed in a run at work just in case my run with the STEM program (a Couch to 5k program for survivors of domestic violence.) after work was cancelled again. But it wasn’t and I got run/walk with Kelly for the first time. She was great and so fast for a beginner.

my reward

in Schuyler Flatts Park, Watervliet

Thursday – Decided to take an unplanned rest day. Had a busy work day but still got in a late walk to the park at lunch and then had a hair appointment after work.

Friday – Rest day 2. Another work day with a lunchtime walk and evening mah jongg games.

Saturday – Ran a COLD 10K race in Saratoga State Park – slower than last year but won an Age Group award.

59:19 – 3rd place AG sward

Sunday – Spectated at an even colder Duathlon (for the 4th time.) I even saw my first snow flakes.

AJH won her age group too!

While AJH was riding 16 miles for the bike portion of the race, I ran the 2 mile section in my winter running gear: wool hat, turtleneck, jacket, capris, compression socks and GLOVES!

15 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week: (6 weeks until Half Marathon)

Monday- 3 mile run (with the Turkey Trot Training group), mall walk with my BFF
Tuesday – tennis
Wednesday – 2 mile run before or during work, 2 mile volunteer walk/run with STEM group, 4 mile run after work with Judy
Thursday – 4 mile run after work with Judy, 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – ~~early 7 mile run, Ellms family face with my mentee and sons~~, college reunion and walk across the Walkway Bridge and on the bike path
Sunday – ~~college reunion and walk across the Walkway Bridge and on the bike path~~, early 7 mile run, Ellms family farm with my mentee and sons

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

September 21, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– It almost felt like Fall. Went for a windy 3.5 miles after work and then met my BFF to walk around the mall (over 15,000 steps on my newly acquired Fitbit)

Tuesday – Temps were warming back up. Went for a walk to the park at lunch. Played tennis after work for 1 1/2 hours indoors.

still lots of flowers in the park ❤

Wednesday – Knowing it was going to be warm again, I decided to run before work. I was tired from going to bed too late the night before but managed 3 miles in the neighborhood. It was even kinda chilly.

In the afternoon, I went for another walk to the park.

feeling more like summer than fall

Thursday – More warm weather predicted for the afternoon (mid 80s for Sept??) got me out of bed early for another before work run. This time for 4 miles. I took a new route but there was so much traffic that it wasn’t a good choice for this time of day.

so foggy

Took of advantage of the sunshine and warm temps for a walk in the park. Those flowers will eventually be replaced by snow.

Friday -Just a normal work day. My Fitbit (and the weather) has succeeded in getting me out of my chair with a walk to the park.

Saturday – I was really torn on what to do today. I ended up getting up early and running 11.5 miles. Judy was nice enough to accompany me. Then since the boating season is winding down, I drove up to spend one more day on the lake with my hubby. Afterward I headed up to Schroon River to spend time with my mah jongg friends. (Unfortunately, there was no water at the house so they headed home and I headed back to the lake.)

best long run of this training session!!

Sunday – Spent the day on Lake George with friends. Starting to feel like fall… sad to see the summer go!!

22 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 3 weeks away!!! Getting excited!

This Week: (Week #10 of HM training)

Monday- 3 mile run (first run with the Turkey Trot Training group)
Tuesday – rest, tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run after work (first time mentoring the STEM -survivors of domestic violence group)
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, DAY OFF from work
Saturday – 10K race + more miles
Sunday – rest, boating

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

September 14, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Day off from work and I was recovering from my partying on the lake the day before but I did drag myself out for 4 scenic slow miles before spending the rest of the day on the lake.

Tuesday – Played tennis for 1 1/2 hours indoors and then watched the USOpen on TV with friends, pizza, wings & beer.

Wednesday – Knowing it was going to be very warm, I decided to run before work. I was tired from going to bed to late the night before but managed 3 miles in the neighborhood.

Thursday – Another warm day and forecast for storms got me and a hair appointment after work out of bed early for another before work run. This time 4 miles and I finished before the rain started.

Friday -No work today. I met my college BFF in Williamstown, MA to see the Van Gogh & Whistler’s Mother exhibit at the Clark Art Institute.

It was great and we also enjoyed a nice lunch and hike.

may have been too much walking for a day before a long run… but so worth it

Saturday – I ran one of my favorite 5Ks

28:56 – not a PR or an AG group but still fun

and then added more miles to make a total of 11.5 for the day.

may have been my slowest long run ever – tired…humid…but enjoyed the scenery

After watching a great US Open women’;s final on TV, we went out to dinner and then I ordered a new phone (iPhone 6s!!!)

Sunday – The boating season is winding down so I thought that we would drove up to spend one more day on the lake. But the weather didn’t cooperate so I spent a day catching up at home.

22.5 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 4 weeks away!!! Gulp!

This Week: (Week #9 of HM training)

Monday- 4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, yoga?
Thursday – 4 mile run before work
Friday – rest
Saturday – 12 mile run, boating?
Sunday – rest, mah jong at the Schroon River House

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

September 7, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Boy, was it a hot one. I sweat for 3.5 miles in the city & the park. Met my BFF for a walk after.

Tuesday – Played tennis for 1 1/2 hours after work then met an old friend for a late dinner.

Wednesday – Knowing it was going to be very warm, I decided to run before work. My legs even had some occasional speed but only had time for 3 miles (Yeah, I could have gotten up earlier.)

Thursday – Another warm day and forecast for storms got me out of bed early for another before work run. This time 4 miles. Now I know why I don’t run 2 days in a row. Even my new shoes couldn’t remedy my tired legs. (It was warmer and more humid. Maybe that was it?)

Friday -Just work today and then a fun evening of mah jongg.

Saturday – I was planning a 5K but changed my mind and decided to do my long run uninterrupted.

Sunday – I recuperated with a fun day on the lake. It was the annual Christmas celebration on Log Bay.

last year’s pic but you get the idea

20.5 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running. Half Marathon is 5 weeks away!!!

This Week: (Week #8 of HM training)

Monday- DAY OFF –4 mile run
Tuesday – rest, tennis after work
Wednesday – 3 mile run before work, yoga?
Thursday – 4 mile run before work, hair appt after
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 5K race + 8 more miles
Sunday – rest, boating

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

August 28, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: What I Did This Summer

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mar at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is What I Did This Summer

Here are my 5 favorites things:

1. Boating on the lake

2. Running in scenic places

3. Weekend on the Schroon River

4. Trip to NYC

5. 5K Races

Happy Running? What did you do this summer?

August 24, 2015 by Darlene

Monday Running Update

Last Week:

Monday– Since I hadn’t run for two days, I dragged myself out of bed and ran 4 sweaty miles in a different (upscale) neighborhood. Glad I got it done before work but it was already warm. Enjoyed the new views – elaborate gardens, dead turtle (no, not me but felt like it) and a flock of wild turkeys.

Tuesday -I was planning to rest but woke up early and decided that I needed to sweat. Ran in the same neighborhood (but a different loop) as yesterday. No dead turtles or wild turkey sightings but I did bump into a tennis friend. After work, I played 1 1/2 hours of tennis followed by our usual dinner out.

Wednesday – Another hot day and I had planned to repeat my ice cream run of last week but got invited to a friend’s birthday party. Glad I had run Monday & Tuesday.

Thursday – I needed to run off those wings and birthday cake so I got up early and ran some 4 slow miles in the same neighborhood. I ran into the mother wild turkey and her children.

Friday -Just work today. Very busy getting ready for the beginning of the school year.

Saturday – I got up early today because I wanted to do my long run before my weekend on the river with the tennis ladies. To save time, I ran into town and back. It was a difficult run (Why don’t they get easier??) but I did get 9.5 miles done.

I arrived at Schroon River just as the girls were finishing up with tennis. After lunch we went for a 2 mile walk.

Sunday – More tennis ladies arrived today. But before they arrived, I sneaked out for a run. Love this area to run in.

We played tennis in the morning and after lunch, we relaxed and chatted the rest of the day away.

23.25 miles for the week with only 3 rest days and 4 days of running.

This Week: (Week #6 of HM training)

Monday- rest, walk at walk, gym?
Tuesday – 4 mile run after work
Wednesday – rest, mall walk with bff
Thursday – 4 mile run after work
Friday – rest, mah jongg
Saturday – 10k race + 4 miles, baby shower, time with my mentee & sons
Sunday – boating

I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

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

August 23, 2015 by Darlene

My Weekend: Running & Tennis

Several times each summer, I go up to my friend’s house on the Schroon River.

This is the first time this summer and the guests would be my tennis friends.

There was to be two days of playing tennis, eating, swimming, playing games and just having fun being together.

Since running has been my focus for the past few years, I decided to skip Saturday’s tennis and do my long run at home and then go up and join everyone else.

It wasn’t too warm or too humid. Nothing hurt and still the run was tough. I had zero energy and just dragged myself along, walking whenever I felt like I couldn’t run anymore (which was often).

Luckily, I had my weekend to focus on and forget about how slow and pathetic my run was.

I arrived at Schroon River just as my friends were finishing up their tennis games. I watched for a while and then we went back to the house for lunch.

(There was a lot of eating going on this weekend!!)

the Saturday group minus 2

After lunch I talked everyone into going for a walk (to burn off a little of our lunch…)

The rest of the afternoon, we sat on the deck… some ladies knit, some read, some napped. Then there was dinner and games…

You’d think that after the long run and the walk, I’d be tired but nope. I didn’t sleep much at all that night.

I woke up bright and early Sunday morning.

I don’t usually run 2 days in a row and definitely not after a long run but it was too nice out and the scenery too beautiful not to.

So I got in a short run before we had breakfast and headed out to play tennis.

My legs were tired but it was worth it.

Tennis was a lot of fun. I always forget how much I enjoy it until weekends like this.

the Sunday group

We played 3 sets, switching partners after each set and then drove home for lunch stopping on the way at a neat country store/nursery.

After lunch, we sat by the water and played the same game as the night before (a food trivia game.) I had wanted to go to another even longer walk but no one seemed interested.

I missed being on the lake with my hubby and friends ..

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my boat is the left one on the right

but it certainly was an enjoyable weekend. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Do anything exciting?

August 21, 2015 by Darlene

Friday Five: 5 Years from Now

Every Friday, three DC area bloggers Mary at Mar On the Run, Cynthia at You Signed Up For What?! and Courtney from Eat Pray Run, DC to host the Friday Five linkup. Anyone can join with their own Friday Five post (yes, it must be a Friday Five!!) They encourage you to visit other blogs on the linkup, comment, share and engage!

This week, the theme is 5 Years From Now

This may be kinda boring because hopefully there will not be any changes in my life in 5 years (as long as I remain healthy).

Working at the same job – I am too old to change careers. I would like to afford to be retired but I doubt I will be able be.

2. Tennis – I love my friends and enjoy playing this sport on a limited basis. I won’t be playing seriously on a team but I plan to plan socially with my friends at least once a week.