July 17, 2018 by Darlene

Running on Vacation

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s topic is: Running on Vacation

Image result for ecard vacation running

And my answer is OF COURSE!!

Some folks may go on vacation for a break in their training cycle or just to run a race. Some may only run during vacation because they are training for a big race and it’s on their plan.

I ALWAYS make sure I run when I am on vacation. It’s kinda a priority for me. I would have fun if I didn’t run but running makes it an even better vacation for me.

In this post I’ll talk about my last vacation – my annual TENNIS vacation in Naples Florida.

The schedule was that every morning we play doubles for 1.5 hours and then have a tennis lesson for 1.5 hours or vice versa.

Did I run?

Yes! I made it a priority to do so.

In order to run, I might skip part of the doubles play and run. After my run, I would change my clothes and join them to play. After playing we would have our lesson.

After the first 2 days, I realized that it was faster to run in my tennis clothes and have someone bring my racket & shoes to the court. I would do that sometimes or just play tennis in my running clothes.

Did I run often?

Yes! 6 times.

Friday before tennis- 3.5 miles
Saturday before tennis – 3 miles
Sunday – 5k race
Monday before tennis – 3 miles
Tuesday before tennis – 3 miles
Wednesday before tennis – 6.5K (My birthday run)

I did not run on the day we arrived or the day we left.

in Naples, FL

Were they good runs?

Nope. None were.

It was very humid on the first few runs and of course, much warmer than I was used to. Then it got even warmer. It was tough to breathe and run. My running got to be walking/running and slower and slower.

I also found for the first time that I was missing tennis. Everyone else was playing tennis. I wanted to be with them And I wanted to be warmed up before our lesson.

In past years, I just ran fewer miles. This year I either started out running earlier or if it wasn’t a lesson, I arrived at tennis later (and rotated into the doubles).

Did I enjoy my runs?

Yes. Immensely.

I loved the scenery – the trees, flowers,etc. I loved the sunshine and even the heat.

During each run I took a different route. I ran around the neighborhoods of World Tennis Center (WTC). I ran around the pool area and tennis courts. I ran outside the WTC along the main road in one direction and then another day in the other direction.

What will I do differently next year?

I could get up earlier. But it’s hard when you go out to dinner late and you are hanging out with friends after that.

I could run every other day. But you never know in Florida when it will rain. You have to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

I could just play tennis but I would have been upset with myself for NOT running.

I could run after tennis but I know I would have been too tired and would be making others wait for me to go to the beach.

So next year, I will probably do nothing different from this year.

Views from my Naples runs:

one of the bridges along the main road

path at WTC to the tennis courts

another bridge on the main road

in WTC

our villa in WTC

one more bridge along the main road

the main road in the other direction

more views of WTC

thought the SLOW sign was meaningful

Suggestions for running on vacation:

Be prepared. Bring clothes for all weather conditions.
Schedule your runs. If you leave it to chance, it won’t happen.
Be flexible. Sometimes other persons’ needs or desires will come before your running.
Find a scenic route. Pretty views make all the difference.
Lower your expectations. Distance & speed goals will probably not happen.
Register for a race in the area, if possible. Then you will definitely run.
Have fun.

vacation 5k

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! Do you always run on vacation? Would you run on vacation even if it weren’t part of your training plan?

May 13, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 4.30.18-5.6.18 and 5.7.18-5.13.18 – Back to Reality

Two weeks ago –

Monday – Off to NYC by train. Once I had set up Queens and returned to Manhattan, I planned to squeeze in a run before dinner. But the weather wrecked my plans. Cold wind and rain. Nope. No run for me.
Tuesday – After work, I hopped on the subway to run in Central park. Finally spring like weather. Or more like summer. 80 degrees and the Park was packed with runners, beautiful flowers and fragrant smells.

Wednesday – Rest day due to having to get the train to return home, pack and get ready to leave on vacation the next morning.
Thursday – 8 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?

Friday – My first Florida run – holy humidity! My goal was to run at least 3 miles most days before a tennis lesson and doubles play. After tennis 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! Every evening we go out to dinner at a different restaurant. Tonight’s choice was the Ritz with a view of the sun setting on the Gulf.

Saturday – As I did yesterday, I went for a run, played some doubles and then had a tennis lesson. We thought it might rain (which it never did) so we stayed at the pool rather than going to the beach. Then we went out to dinner, to a play and out for ice cream. I could get used to this life.

: Our tennis instructor, Mark and a 90 year old player (my hero)

Sunday – The group played tennis and had a lesson. I instead ran a 5k race. No surprise there. The surprise was how hard it was to run in 100% humidity. Lucky for me, the older ladies from last year weren’t there so I was the women’s senior grand master champion. To celebrate we walked to the Naples Pier and then went out to brunch. Again it was a busy day (We had to record a song for the ladies who couldn’t make the trip – re-written lyric to You always on my mind) so we relaxed at the pool and then went out to dinner.

Last week –

Monday – It may sound boring but it was more of the same. A run, followed by doubles, a tennis lesson and then we packed a lunch and spent the afternoon at the beach. In the evening, we watched our tennis instructor play in a tournament and then went out to dinner.

Tuesday – It’s tough when every day it is sunny and warm. So I ran, played tennis, had our last tennis lesson and went to the beach for the last time. Tonight we had dinner but brought our desserts home because it was book club night (we discussed The Girl Before.)

Wednesday – My BIRTHDAY! And the day was absolutely perfect. I ran 6.5k and I played tennis after. Then we packed lunches and headed to Oscar Sherer State Park for a picnic and a hike. Next we drove to Sarasota to visit the Selby Gardens (and see the Warhol exhibit). We ended the day with dinner on the water.

Thursday – Last day of vacation. No running today. We played tennis instead and hung out at the pool unitl we had to leave for the airport.
Friday – Back home. Back at work. I needed a vacation from my vacation. Too pooped to even play mah jongg. Instead stayed home, unpacked and did laundry.
Saturday – Race Day. Summer Smith Memorial 5K. A cold, miserable rainy day. So tempted to stay in bed (with my headache) but I didn’t. Of course, I got soaked but still glad I ran this race.

course PR and 2nd in my AG

I spent the rest of the day (not at the Tulip Fest as planned) but with the girl I mentor and her two sons.

Sunday – Mother’s Day! Of course, I had to go for a run. It was cool and cloudy when I started but it warmed up and the sun came out. With a half marathon in less than a week and no run longer than 8 miles done, I thought I might run 12. Ha Ha! My legs said “no way” and I struggled even getting 9 miles done (with lots of walking). Let’s hope I can rally next Saturday!

50 cents ice cream cone – I couldn’t resist.

Th rest of the day was filled with laundry, grocery shopping, gardening and a late lunch with the family at my MIL’s house.

This Coming Week –

Monday – jury duty (postponed), 4.5 miles (FTC)
Tuesday – jury duty? 3 miles, tennis
Wednesday – jury duty? rest day, hair appt.
Thursday – Corpoorate Challenge Race (3.5m)
Friday – rest day
Saturday – Brooklyn Half Marathon
Sunday – rest day, boating, hubby’s birthday

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Hom e

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

April 3, 2018 by Darlene

March Report Card

Image result for welcome april goodbye march

Spring did not arrive in March. There was a lot of snow but I was lucky to escape for a few days to sunny Florida.

Anyhow, here’s how March worked out for me:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I HATE the tradmill. As I mentioned March was a snowy month. Four nor’easters in 3 weeks!!!!

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home. Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights but the good news is that it is staying light longer since we moved the clocks ahead one hour. I did run while working in NYC and in Liverpool. The best thing about my job is running in different places. My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less).

: UAlbany

: NYC

: Liverpool

Long Runs:

Work and the weather has made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. But since I ran a half marathon in the middle, I did get a few in before I left. Then I took a break but continued with some extra miles after a race at the end of the month.

: 3.5 + 9

: 8

: 3.1 + 3.9 = 7 (with NO snow)

Total Mileage:

I ran 92 miles this month. An increase in miles basically because March is a long month and I ran a half marathon this month. The important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon during my vacation in Florida. When I returned, I ran two local races, Shamrock Shuffle, a 5 miler and the Ice Break Challenge, a 5k. Both were fun and I met up with several friends at each. I also had course PRs and won my age group in both races. A nice perk!

: March 2018

Cross Training:

I only played tennis once indoors. It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing. I wish I could play more but …WORK WORK WORK!!!

I did NOT work out at the gym at all.

I did not attend a yoga class. The month just got away from me and I was hardly home during the week. Then on the weekend, I was playing catch up.

I did not walk at lunch. But working in NYC does get me a lot of steps. I did go for an after dinner walk in Liverpool.

Other News:

The highlight of my month was my trip to Florida. I especially enjoyed the warm temps and sunshine. I was able to visit with five different friends and as well as my sister-in-law.

: March 2018

Despite all my work travel, I was able to squeeze in some friend time and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant. I ended the month with a Passover Seder with my Mah jongg friends.

The Freihofer Training Challenge began. I have yet to be able to go since I’ve been working out of town on Mondays and racing on Saturdays. I guess I shouldn’t have signed up this year. (Miss my coach and my running buds.)

FTC – March 2016

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #31 in May.

It’s a big one and it’s been on my bucket list for years.

Image result for brooklyn half marathon 2018

May 19, 2018

I have some shorter races planned as well. My racing schedule picks up in the spring.

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

4-14-18 – Code Blue 8K and/or 4-15-18 – Delmar Dash (5m)
4-21-18 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k and/or 4-22-18 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run 5k
4-28-18 – Spring Run Off 5k /10k and/or 4-29-18 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-06-18 – Tropicool 5k (in FL)
5-12-18 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k
5-17-18- Workforce Challenge (3.5 m)
5-19-18 – Brooklyn Half Marathon

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

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 & 2017 so I’m sticking with it in 2018!

I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

My Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall an A-

Despite the work travel, vacation and crazy winter weather, I did my best to get in my runs. Strength training just never happens so I’ve decided not to beat myself up about it. I ran 2 shorter races and without any speed drills, I had course PRs and won my age group in both. 🙂

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner.

I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.

Happy Running! How did your March turn out? Anything exciting planned for April?

What grade would you give your running month?

March 16, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Healthy Activities for a Race-cation

It’s Friday so I’m 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.

My topic for today is: Healthy Activities for a Race-cation

I am currently in Florida and my half marathon is scheduled for tomorrow!!!

During a race-cation, it is tempting to just eat, drink and sit on the beach. (Yes, very tempting…) But there are many other activities that I recommend, as well:

Visiting a Museum.

Why is this healthy? Walking and lots of it. I especially like museums that have outdoor gardens.

at the Ringling Brothers Museum

2. Swimming.

In the hotel pool or if you are lucky in a lake or the gulf or the ocean. I prefer the ocean!!!! (You get a lot of exercise fighting the waves and the undertow.)

11203122_10204050010521064_4214761515489463940_n

in the Gulf of Mexico

3. Walking

The best way to take in the sights and to get in your steps is to go for a walk. I love to walk on the golf course (which you can do usually before 8 am). I also love to walk on the beach and at nature sanctuaries.

on the golf course

beautiful even on a cloudy day

4. Hiking or Stair Climbing

Check out the area to see if there is anywhere to go for a hike. If not, try climbing to the top of a lighthouse.

in Palm Springs

in FL

5. Biking

Many places allow you to rent a bike. It’s great exercise and another good way to get around, avoid traffic and see the sights. I especially enjoy riding along the boardwalk.

our rental in Naples has bikes 🙂

and of course – Running Leisurely

Obviously, you are either tapering for the big race or recovering from the big race. So when you put on those running shoes, take it slow. Just enjoy your surroundings.

And there are even more….find a gym and exercise, take a yoga class, etc.

Happy Running! Any other tips for healthy activities on race-vacations? Please Share.

March 12, 2018 by Darlene

Weekly Wrap for 3.5.18-3.11.18: Back in the Big Apple

New York, New York. It’s my kind of town…

Lots of lights and places to run…

Last week –

Monday – Again I was scheduled to work in Queens. So after I set up and got back to Manhattan, I went for a short run. I decided to run on the High Line because I actually had enough daylight before it closed.

A short run because I had tickets for a pro tennis tournament in Madison Square Garden.

8 players played 10 pt tie breakers and the winner took all in the end. Pretty fun.

Tuesday – Today after work, I wanted to get one more run in before the storm so I ran along the Hudson River until it got dark and then through the city.

I ran in the opposite direction (uptown)

Wednesday – My new Skirt Sports ambassador buddy, Elizabeth, recommended that I attend this event with her.

the author is a runner herself.

But the event got cancelled due the snowstorm. I was totally bummed. So I made the best of the evening and took on a Broadway show.

I bought last row tix but because of the weather, there were a lot of no-shows so I was able to move down to the 3rd row. I even got a beach ball souvenir.

Thursday – Finally Elizabeth and I were supposed to run together. But the weather again messed up our plans. Her Tuesday running class got rescheduled for today. So we planned to meet up the next I am here. and I took the subway to Central Park and ran solo.

More daylight and more runners in the park (many guys in shorts!?) I was more adventuresome and ran some different paths.

Afterward, I stumbled upon the Underground Market – amazing eateries near the Columbus Circle subway station.

Friday – No time to run since I had to take the time home after work. I needed a rest anyway.
Saturday – Last long run before the big one. Because the paths at the Crossings were plowed last week, I encouraged the Wineglass ladies to join me for a run there. Jeri & Heidi ran/walked together and Christian & Sherry ran together. Barbara was a good sport and ran 8 miles with me. Then we all met up for brunch.

cold and WINDY! I am so ready to leave this climate.

Sunday – Rest and time to pack for my upcoming vacation!!!

This Coming Week –

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 2 miles before tennis
Wednesday – rest day, fly to West Palm Beach, FL, drive to Delray Beach
Thursday – 3 miles in Delray and visiting 3 different friends
Friday – rest day, drive to Vero Beach, packet pick up and meet up with some more friends
Saturday – Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon, drive to Sebastian (to visit my sister-in-law) and then Hobe Sound
Sunday – rest day in Hobe Sound visiting friends

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and NEW host Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? How are you dealing with winter? Did you run or are you training for any races? Please share.

March 9, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Race-cation Tips

It’s Friday so I’m 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.

The Topic for today is: Oldie But Goodie (Re-Purpose an old Friday Five Post)

So here’s an old one for you:

lh5k

Plan early.

Pick out a race and register. Decide how you are going to get there (drive or fly?) Arrange lodging (hotel or friends’ place?) Even decide how you get to the race start (walk, drive, subway, taxi, friend?)

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

trained for this race together and/or roomed together.

2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.

I start a few weeks in advance. I use a bed in my spare bedroom. Sometimes, I use an extra laundry basket. And everything I think of something to bring, I put in the pile. You can’t do it all in advance because as we know, the weather forecasts will change. And the forecast is not always accurate. So bring a shirt for a warmer forecast and one for a cooler one. Bring a rain poncho & an umbrella. Of course, bring throw away clothes.

I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

I never count on that a friend or hotel will have what I usually eat. I bring packets of oatmeal/cream of wheat and coffee/tea. (Don’t forget a cup, bowl & spoon.) I also pack energy bars in case I need a snack the day before.

4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

Of course, you’ll have time to relax. And if you car breaks down or your flight is cancelled, you won’t miss your race. (Yes, it happened to me twice.) And you will have time to get used to the weather or altitude by doing a test run.

From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!

5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.

Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.

and why should you??

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations? Please Share.

March 2, 2018 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Girls Weekend 2018

Today 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.

I have traveled to California (2011, 2013, 2014) and Vermont (2015, 2016) to run races with one friend. I have also spent a weekend in Philly (2014), Panama City Beach (2016), Corning, NY (2017) and Las Vegas (2108) with several other women to run a half marathon. Each of these weekends was So.Much.Fun!!!

So what will it be for 2018?

September 23-24, 2018

It’s early but we’re getting the party started…

raceaddict
My topic for today is Five Reasons to Take a Girls Weekend Race-cation.

1. Training Support

Heidi, Adrienne & I training together for 2014 race weekend in Philly

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

preparing for the Wineglass Half in 2017

2. Cost Savings

Lisa & Andrea – my roommates whom I had never met before the weekend in Philly

It is definitely cheaper to share a room with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

Holly graciously offered her home to 7 running bloggers – most of whom she has never met in person for the Panama Beach Half in 2016

Marcia was my roomie in LV.

3. Visiting New Places

even in the rain, we visited all the sites of Philly

I love to travel and explore new cities. I had never been to Panama City Beach or Corning, NY before my weekend there for a race. I am especially looking forward to Montreal to experience their French culture (and since I haven’t been there in many many years.).

awesome sunsets in Panama City Beach

sightseeing on the way to Corning

4. Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

I have raced most of my 29 half marathons alone. I have enjoyed each one but not nearly as much as the ones in Philly (in spite of the rain), Panama Beach, Corning and Vegas. And none of these were PRs!!!

All 10 of us at the Wineglass expo

I am sure the same will be true for our Montreal girls weekend (we have 6 definites so far).

5. Forging New Friendships

Andrea & I at VCM relay

The Philly group has kept in touch on Facebook. I have bumped into Andrea at several races. We had planned another race-cation with Lisa but ZOOMA Cape Cod got cancelled. We still hope that another will happen in the future.

I also keep in touch virtually with my Panama City Beach buddies. Some of us repeated this racing experience in Vegas. I hope to run another one with them in the future.

Many of us going to Montreal also ran the Wineglass race in Corning last year. But we always encourage newbies to join the group.

Don’t eating and racing go together?

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation? Do you have one planned for this year?

November 10, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Planning a Stress-free Race-cation

It’s Friday so I’m 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.

My topic for today is: Five Tips for Taking a Stress-free Race-cation

If you follow my blog, you know that right now, I am on a Race-cation – in Las Vegas!!!

You may also know that I love to travel and when I do, I make sure that a race is included. I am fortunate to able to fit one into my schedule at least twice a year.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

: Treasure Coast Half (Jupiter)- Mar 2017

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. Plan early.

It is less stressful to know all the details of your race-cation way in advance.

trained for this race together and/or roomed together.

I actually booked my flight for this trip way back in March so I could use my FF miles. My blogging buddy Marcia booked a hotel near the start and graciously allowed me to share her room.

2. Start packing early but prepared for last minute changes in weather.

I thought that it didn’t rain in southern California.

I doubt it will rain in Vegas but it can be cold and it can be hot. This one was tough to pack for…due to the variety of things that I may do. (I think I over-packed but still may not have the right clothes.)

3. Bring your race morning breakfast and any special food that you require.

Both the 5k and the Half Marathon in Vegas are not in the morning – they’re at 6 pm and 4 pm. This makes eating quite complicated but I’m sure we’ll figure it out.

Not knowing the breakfast situation in the hotel, I did bring cereal and coffee, just in case.

4. Plan to arrive at least 2 days before the race.

From winter in the NE to winter in Fla. What a difference!

I planned to arrive at noon on Friday (if everything goes as planned.) The 5k is Sat. eve and the Half Marathon is Sun. eve.

The time change may put a little damper on things but it is what it is. (I am a horrible sleeper, anyway.)

5. Have fun! Plan things to do in addition to running a race.

Do some sightseeing. Visiting a new place is one of the perks of a destination race!!

Ignore the hair but got to climb to the top of a lighthouse after a Florida race.

During my last race-cation in Florida, I went to a NY Mets spring training game, visited a bird sanctuary and met up of with different friends for various lunches and dinners.

For this trip, I scheduled a bus trip to Red Rock Canyon. I plan to meet up with many bloggers and how can you not have fun in Vegas???

and why should you??

Happy Running! Any other tips for taking race-vacations?

June 9, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Working Out On Boating Vacations

Since it’s Friday, I’m 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: Vacation spots — how do you get your workout in on vacation?

For me, vacation is each weekend in Bolton Landing, NY where we keep our boat.

Here are FIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE AS A BOATER:

Go for a hike.

There are quite a few nearby places to hike. And they are easy hikes. I am not an expert hiker and have no problems. I can go out early and still get back in time to go out on our boat.

If you are in the area, check out the Lake George Conservancy for hiking guides and maps.

2. Take a walk/hike on a trail (accessible from the boat):

There are several dock sites (Black Mountain Pt, Commission Pt, Red Rock Is, etc.) that have nearby trails and even one bay (Shelving Rock) where you can get to a trail/waterfall.

3. Run/Walk in town.

Our marina is near the Sagamore Hotel which has great grounds to run on including a nature trail.

4. Run/Walk on the main road.

The main road (9N) is the same one that the Adirondack Distance Run and Lake George Half Marathon uses. It has rolling hills and a view of the lake on one side.

5. Swim

This is the most obvious one. We hang often in the bays where the water is calm. There are also cliffs that you can dive off of, as well. (As for me, you’ll see me floating around with a drink in my hand LOL)

my crazy hubby & friend

Happy Running! How you do work out while on vacation?

June 2, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Favorite Vacation

Today’s topic is FIVE REASONS WHY I ENJOY MY ANNUAL TENNIS VACATION:

1. It’s affordable.

Every year, I go to Naples, Fla. in May. It’s off-season so the flights are not expensive. We rent two villas that sleep 5 each. (It’s costs us about $250 each for 8 days.) We leave our chairs, umbrellas and beach stuff in the garage from year to year. We rent 2 vans and split the cost. We eat breakfast in the villa, bring our lunch to beach so we only eat dinner out.

2. The weather is warm and dry.

It rarely rains and if it does, it is only for a short time. It is warm (and at that time of year, usually still cool in the NE.) The sunsets on the Gulf are amazing, too.

3. I run.

This is one of the best things, of course. I can run around the private communities or on the sidewalk along the main road. The only downside is that it is not close enough to the beach to run with water views. And you have to get up early since it is warm and humid.

4. I play tennis and take lessons.

The 10 of us (and the make-up of the group can vary) met playing tennis although we no longer play together at home. So every morning we play doubles and take lessons with a tennis pro.