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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.

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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.

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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:

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Stuart, FL

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

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Monday Running Update

mon r u
Last Week: 

  • Monday – I took my daily 15 min walk with a co-worker. (I can now say that since we have walked  everyday for ONE week).

on the track

After work, I went for a run on the rail trail. I was so excited that it was light enough to do so…getting sick of my work neighborhood.

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must have been running fast – that’s why it is blurry LOL

  • Tuesday –  Just a work day followed by tennis in the evening (followed by dinner out)
  • Wednesday – Another normal work day. 80 degree temps meant 2 walks and a run in a skirt!!

new pre-run drink – Chocolate Banana Smoothie with protein powder & coconut milk – from Starbucks, where else?

  • Thursday – Rainy rainy day.  I could have run on the treadmill but decided against it. Instead, I got some steps and retail therapy in at the mall. (bought 2 caps & a tank in Burlington Coat Factory.)
  • Friday –  My first before work run in forever.  Last one before Sunday’s half.  It was a little chilly and windy but it is the best way to start the day. Why don’t I do it more often?


My normal walks at work and then an evening of mah jongg.

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  • Saturday – My rest day!! Errands, housework, cooking… the usual stuff.
  • Sunday – Celebrate Life Half Marathon. Hilliest race ever.

I walked up ALL the hills so my time wasn’t great but I did it for the cause and the weather was pefect.

23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  (6 weeks until Half Marathon #19) 

  • Monday –  3 mile run
  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
  • Wednesday –  3 mile run, yoga?
  • Thursday -rest
  • Friday –  3 mile run, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest, proctor MPREs at work
  • Sunday – 5 mile race + 4 miles after
Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

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

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TOLT & My February Recap

It’s already March 4 and I have been delinquent about recapping the month of February.

So here’s how things went…

Weekday Runs:

The weather got colder, windier and snowier (still no big storms) but I still was able to run 2-3 times each week.

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Long Runs:

I started out the month with a half marathon. Then in preparation for my upcoming half marathon, I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.

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The first long run was a solo one and for the last two, I had company.  Definitely enjoyed the last two much more!

Total Mileage:

 90 miles this month!

Much less than last month (11 miles less) but there was tapering, half marathon recovery, frigid weather and I had a cold.

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+3 this week (leap year!!)

Actually this month’s total is more normal for me with regard to monthly running mileage.

Races:

I only ran ONE race (yes, that is odd for me) and it was the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I loved everything about the race except for the cold, windy weather. 

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2:17:56

But I was still pleased with my time.

Cross Training:

I continued to play tennis one night a week.

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indoors until June.

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way.  Next month, I promise!

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I started to walk a little more at work (indoors around the building and to Starbucks and back)

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pretty boring walking in circles but better than sitting all day

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I think I’m addicted!!

Other News:

I am still working on that scarf. Someday I may finish it.

I spent an awesome 6 days on the Gulf coast of Florida. The weather was not ideal but the company made up for it.  I love my friends!!

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My friends got together for a coloring book party.  It was a lot of fun.

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And there were quite a few reasons to celebrate.

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Valentine’s Day

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a friend’s birthday

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3 months until Memorial Day on the lake

I joined the 100 Half Marathon Club. I don’t know if I’ll ever reach 100. (I’ve only run 17 and I am 62.) But I’ll have fun trying.  And I don’t have to travel to all 50 states.  

I won a running belt in a giveaway. I’m looking forward to wearing it in a race.

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Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

I am training for another half marathon in March. It’s a hilly one but such an important cause!!

clhm

March 13, 2016

I have been busy registering for some spring races:

  • 3-20-16 – Shamrock Shuffle 5 miler
  • 3-26-15 – a few possibilities
  • 4-03-16 – Delmar Dash 5 miler
  • 4-09-16 – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
  • 4-30-16 – Spring Run Off 10k
  • 5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
  • 5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
  • 5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
  • 5-14-15 – a few possibilities
  • 6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women

There will be more…

I signed up to be a Girls on the Run (GOTR) Running Buddy again.

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No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

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

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Happy Running! How did your February turn out?  Anything exciting planned for March?  What are y0u thinking about this Thursday?

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Monday Running Update

mon r u
Last Week: 

  • Monday –  I worked all day at the NYS Bar Exam but managed to squeeze in a short run afterwards. The good news was that I ran on a new route. The bad news was that my legs were pretty tired.

around a college and a country club

  • Tuesday –  Second day at the Bar Exam and a long one it was. My only exercise was walking up and down the halls.
  • Wednesday – Rain forced me onto the treadmill.
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4 miles…hated every minute.

  • Thursday – Another run after work. It rained all day but luckily it stopped at 6 pm so I didn’t have to get on the treadmill. Afterward walked the mall with my bff.

around the UAlbany campus

  • Friday –  A normal work day followed by an evening of mah jongg. Rest Day!!
  • Saturday – My 12 mile run was split with running the first 6 with Barbara (who tired me out) and the last 6 with Judy. It was harder than last week but I guess some runs are like that.

Went to a Chinese New Year’s party in the evening – lots of food and drink – well deserved.

quick clean up after my run

  • Sunday – A picnic at the marina with our boating friends.  We celebrated it being only 3 months until Memorial Day.

Mimosas on the lake…anxiously awaiting boating season

On the way home, I dropped my hubby off at tennis and squeezed in a couple of miles before the sun set. It was 55 degrees.  I had to do it!!

24 miles done with 5 runs and 2 rest days.

This Week:  (2 weeks until Half Marathon #18 ) 

  • Monday –  3 mile run
  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
  • Wednesday –  3 mile run, yoga?
  • Thursday – rest, hair appt
  • Friday –  4 mile run, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest
  • Sunday – 8-10 mile run, tea w/Judy
Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races? How are you coping with winter weather?

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Monday Running Update

mon r u
Last Week: 

  • Monday –  Had the day off from work and had no excuse not to do my long run.  It was 14 degrees, cloudy and I really didn’t enjoy it. But I got it done. In the evening I dragged my weary legs out to play tennis.

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  • Tuesday –  Rainy warm day but only had work and tennis on my schedule. Dinner out after tennis, of course.
  • Wednesday – Squeezed in a run before dinner out with my tennis friends (to celebrate a birthday.)

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  • Thursday – I’ve been coming down with a cold and it finally reared its ugly head so I skipped my run today.

  • Friday –  Still feeling under the weather but managed a slow easy run after work but bailed on a evening of mah jongg (Decided to keep my germs at home.)

  • Saturday – Rain was predicted and I was trying to get rid of my cold so I postponed my long run until Sunday. I did some housework and a lot of cooking. But the day turned out to be so gorgeous that I took my tissues and went for a long walk.

  • Sunday – I really just felt like staying in bed and recuperating but that half in 3 weeks was in my thoughts. Judy was nice enough to accompany me on 8 of my 12 miles today. I survived.  In fact, I had planned on only 11 and felt good enough to run 12.

loving this warm winter weather

28 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  (3 weeks until Half Marathon #18 ) 

  • Monday – work at the NYS bar exam, 3 mile run?
  • Tuesday – rest day, work at the NYS bar exam again
  • Wednesday –  3 mile run, yoga
  • Thursday – 4 mile run, mall walk with BFF
  • Friday –  rest, mah jongg
  • Saturday –12 mile run, Chinese New Year’s party
  • Sunday – rest

I am participating in week 2 of the 2 Week Hop. If you’ve never participated and are interested in not only growing your blog but making new friends, I highly recommend that you join the next time.

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races? How are you coping with winter weather?

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Loving/Not Loving

Welcome to the winter edition of Loving/Not Loving

Loving: HMMRC, a local running club, offers a winter racing series. The races are on Sundays and free.  Each race has 3 distance options.
Not Loving: The distances don’t coincide with the long runs that I need to do to prepare for my half marathon. This weekend is a 15k and I need to run 11 miles. On 1/31, there is a 10 miler and I need to run only 8.

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3.5 mile race

Loving: SkirtSports has come out with a new print.
Not Loving: Now I want to order it in everything style. I don’t need any more running outfits!!

free love print

Loving: In the cold weather, I don’t have to worry about my feet sweating and getting blisters after a long run.
Not Loving: Shoes and boots aggravate my bunions and now my foot hurts again. (And it’s a long time until sandal/flip flop season!!!)

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Loving: I have found new ways to relax – coloring books, knitting and jigsaw puzzles.
Not Loving: These are all sedentary activities. I found that I can knit and ride the exercise bike but the others, NOPE (gotta sit!).

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Loving: You get a free Starbucks item after you get 12 stars. I then always order the most expensive thing on the menu.
Not Loving: I forgot that I used my two “free” items and ordered a venti coconut milk cinnamon vanilla chai latte. (ouch!)

Loving: My FitBit tracks my steps. It makes me take the stairs rather than the elevator.
Not Loving: It’s not accurate on the treadmill and does not record steps while on the bike.

Loving: The days are getting longer. When I leave work to run, it’s still light (for about 15 min.)
Not Loving: The cold weather has just arrived and will be around for awhile.

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Loving: Downton Abbey is back on TV.
Not Loving: This is its last season.

Loving: It’s so easy to shop online and find what you what cheaper.
Not Loving: It’s too easy and you may buy what you don’t need.

new shoes

my current Nikes in a new color – $20 less & no tax or shipping – had to buy, right?

Loving: When you are dragging at work around 4 pm, the cold crisp air (while running) certainly wakes you up.
Not Loving: My hands almost froze off.  How can I keep them warm?

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Happy Running! What are  you Loving or Not Loving today?

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December Recap & Ultimate Coffee Date December

 Since today is the first Saturday in January,  I am joining up with Coco, Deborah, and Lynda for their ultimate coffee date.
The Ultimate Coffee Date

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that December just flew by. It seems like I was just writing my goals and now it’s January.

Over coffee…

As I have done every month, I would tell you how I did on my December Goals.

December Goals:

  • Run 3-4 times each week (no matter how cold it gets.) YES!

I continue to run 3-4 miles during the week trying to vary my running courses.

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near work

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  • Walk while at work especially on rest days. NOT REALLY.

I got lazy! And we had a warm December too.

  • Continue long runs on the weekend to train for half marathon #17 on February 7. YES!
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12-13

12-20

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  • Complete a 5k race under 29 minutes. One YES and one NO.
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28:16

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29:54 😦

  • Complete a half marathon under 2:20. NOPE!
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2:29:14 (heat, wind & humidity – UGH!)

  • Run at least 85 miles. YES!

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  • Continue going to yoga. YES!

I went to Heartspace twice.

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  • Avoid gaining weight (while attending holiday parties) ??? Doubtful.
  • Spend time with my mentee. YES!

I saw her & the kids on Christmas Day and we also went to Canvas, Corks & Forks to celebrate her birthday.

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  • Start knitting again. YES!

I started knitting a lace infinity scarf.

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Over coffee…

I would update you on all the other things that I have done this past month (that don’t relate to running.)

  • I had a great time in Florida visiting my friends as part of my race-cation. I spend time in both Delray Beach and Jupiter seeing the sites (despite the awful weather.)

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  • I went to NYC with my friends  We saw all the store windows decorated for the holidays and did walking tour of the best food in Greenwich Village.

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Over coffee…

I normally would now outline my January goals.

January Goals:

None.

I’ll write about my NO GOALS 2016 in a later post.

Happy Running! How was your December?  Anything exciting planned for January? What would you share with me over coffee?

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Monday Running Update

spring 2015 monday
Last Week: 

  • Monday –  Ran 3 miles after work and then went to the mall to go Christmas shopping. (I don’t normally run 3 days in a row but the rest of week promised to be hectic.)
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and beat the rain

  • Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work. Then went home to wrap gifts (instead of going to to dinner.)
  • Wednesday – Rain and a hair appointment interfered with my ability to get a run in before or after work so I had to sneak out during work.

unbelievable – Running  in shorts & a t-shirt on Dec. 23! Santa looks confused…

  • Thursday – I just had to run today on my first day of vacation. And it was in the high 60’s. Then went out to dinner and a movie with my hubby to start off the Christmas holiday.

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it was actually better than I expected – really enjoyed it.

  • Friday – After opening gifts at home, I went to play Santa with my mentee and her kids.  I had some free time in the afternoon so I went to another movie. Then spent the evening at my MIL’s with my hubby, my sister-in-law, her husband, my 2 stepsons & my BIL and after my BFF’s.

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soooo good!

  • Saturday – I went for an 8 mile run (6 with Judy) and went to movie #3 for the week in the afternoon.  In the evening. I celebrated my mentee’s birthday at Canvas, Corks & Forks (painting, eating & drinking). Afterwards we went out for dessert. (Let the holiday eating continue…)

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  • Sunday – I made spinach quiche to bring to my annual tennis holiday party. The party was lots of fun, as usual.

19 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  (5 weeks until Half Marathon #17)

  • Monday – 5 mile run
  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
  • Wednesday – car appt, 4 mile run, yoga
  • Thursday –  rest, dinner out, movie
  • Friday –  HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5 mile race, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest
  • Sunday – 9 mile run
I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com

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

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Monday Running Update a Day Late & Giveaway Winner

spring 2015 monday
Last Week: 

  • Monday– Taper week has begun. Ran 3 miles at UAlbany and then met my BFF at Starbucks (instead of our usual mall walk).

  • Tuesday – Played 1 1/2 hours of tennis after work followed by dinner out.
  • Wednesday – Planned to run before work but it was raining so ran 3 miles after work instead…on the treadmill. UGH!!

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  • Thursday – Did my last run before my race – 3 miler after work through the lights in the park.

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  •  Friday – Got up at the crack of dawn for a 5:30 am flight.  No travel delays and arrived in West Palm at 11:30 am.  My friend F picked me up at the airport and we went straight to the expo to pick up my bib.
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champagne & lots of freebies at the outdoor expo

  • Rain was predicted for the whole weekend and had rained before I arrived, we drove straight to the beach and then we went out to lunch. I spent the evening reminiscing with beer & pizza with my good friend M.

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  • Saturday – Got in a walk before the rain.  Since it was raining, we went to a flea market and then out to lunch.  When the rain stopped, we visited 2 wildlife sanctuaries. Then my friend F drove me to West Palm to my hotel.
  • Sunday – A miracle! None of the predicted rain arrived.  Instead, gusty winds, heat & humidity.  Nothing hurt yet it was still one of my slowest half marathons ever.  But I finished upright and happy inspite of having a difficult race.

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  • Met my friend G after the race and we drove to her place in Jupiter. Then we decided (my idea) to visit a lighthouse and climb to the top.  Afterwards we had lunch and then returned to her house in Jupiter. Spent the evening hanging out with one of her friends.

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  • Monday –  Got up early and went to a short run/walk around the neighborhood.  Then G & I walked along the beach (windy, cloudy but no rain), visited a turtle refuge and a thrift shop.  After a late lunch, G drove me to the airport in West Palm.

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23 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  (8 weeks until Half Marathon #18)

  • Tuesday – tennis
  • Wednesday – 2 miles after work, yoga
  • Thursday –  4 miles after work
  • Friday – rest, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 5k race + 4-5 miles
  • Sunday – trip to NYC
I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.
http://hohoruns.blogspot.com
And I am linking up with Erika @ MCM Mama Runs hosts Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for:

This week’s topic is: Expos.

As you read, I went to one over the weekend. (I didn’t buy anything.  I was going to buy myself a hat after the race if I ran well, but I didn’t. 😦 )

And most importantly, the winner is…

Sharon Mooney

Congrats!!!!!

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

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Thinking Out Loud Thursday; Backache, Yoga, Racecations and More…

 

thinking out loud

So I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking today…

  • My Achy Back

My lower back aches frequently.  Especially when sitting a long time (in cars, buses, movie seats, etc.) I sit all day at my job but I can get up and move around.

The only time, it hurt when I’ve run is during my last half marathon and it hurt during the last 4 miles…so much that I thought about DNFing.

It felt ok during my 15K on Sunday but then it started aching at night.

I wondered whether or not I was injured and should I scale back my running?

I didn’t. I ran on Monday and then again yesterday.  And I didn’t feel any worse … it still felt off and achy.

  • Yoga

I actually love yoga.  I suck at it.  I have zero flexibility but I feel good after I take a yoga class.

my best pose – this home thing last 2 days, I think

Yes, I know you don’t have to pay money to do yoga but I have zero motivation to do things at home.

that’s me and Lisa (up front)

I used to go to a class every Wednesday.  I loved my instructor Lisa and I am picky about yoga teachers.  I need someone who understands that everyone is not at the same level and offers different ways of doing each move.

Well, Lisa got Lyme disease and then she got a job somewhere else.  So I stopped going.

A year ago, I went again and I liked Maria, the new instructor but I just couldn’t get myself to go.

Yesterday, I had the day off.  I had run, done all my errands. I had no excuses… so I went to yoga class. (I even bought a 5 card pass to motivate myself to go back.)

When Maria started the class, she announced that the focus of the class was the LOWER BACK and to strengthen those muscles.

Whoa! Does she have ESP or what?

And believe it or not, last night my back felt GREAT! That achy feeling was gone. Amazing!

So I am not injured!!! 🙂

  • Day Off

We have had a great Fall.  Lots of warm weather and sunshine.  Unfortunately, I am lazy about about getting up early and I work so I have had to run after work …in the dark.

IMG_7370I was excited to have had a day off to run during the day.

But it was cloudy and drizzly all day.

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So dreary, it felt like evening.  DARN!

  • Racecation

With THREE weeks until my racecation, I finally started planning. Here’s how things stand:

  • Arrive Friday in West Palm, take shuttle to expo and pick up bib.
  • My friend F. will meet me there and we’ll drive back to her place in Delray
  • Spend Friday & Saturday in Delray
  • Meet my friend M. for dinner Saturday and she’ll drive me to my hotel in West Palm
  • Half Marathon Sunday!!!! 6:30 am.
  • My friend G. will meet me at the race or hotel and we’ll drive to her place in Jupiter
  • Sunday & Monday in Jupiter
  • G. will drive me to the airport in West Palm on Monday

I’m hoping for an early snowstorm so I will be stranded in Florida for an extra day…much too short a vacation!!

  • Half Marathon

eau palm beach

Speaking of my next half, I haven’t figured out a training schedule yet.  But I think it maybe too late now.

I ran 13.1 miles on October 10 so I guess I thought that would hold me over until Dec. 6. But all of a sudden it’s almost taper time and I don’t have a plan.

I did run 9.4 miles on Sunday.  What’s next?

The usual 2-3 easy runs on weekdays.

Nov 14 – 11 miles
Nov 21 – 5k race + 9 miles
Nov 28 – 8 miles (or 5k race + 5 miles)

So now I have a plan.

  • Races

This memory from 5 years ago popped up on my FB page.

lst in AG

I ran a 5K race on Veteran’s Day.  It was my FIRST age group award.

My friend Holly tried to talk me into running a 5K yesterday.  I said “Maybe.”

Thank God when I woke up, it was raining and I changed my mind.

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Of course, then I looked at the results and I would have won an AG award.

Does anyone else do that?  Check the AG awards on races that you didn’t run to see if you would have won??

  • That Red Cup

I love Starbucks.  Does anyone care that the cup isn’t Christmasy enough?

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I did like the fall one better …

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but who cares. Really?

There’s isn’t a Chanukah cup, is there?

this was a hoax in 2008

  • Age?

I feel a little narcissistic with yesterday’s post.  I didn’t expect readers to compliment me on how I didn’t look my age.  But thanks.  Much appreciated.

The goal was to show younger runners that age is just a number and it shouldn’t define what you are able to do.

Happy Running! What are you thinking about today?

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