by

Weekly Wrap for 8.6.18-8.12.18: A Travel Week

ru

Yup, 3 days in Liverpool for work and 2 days in NYC for fun.

Last week –
  • Monday – The hot muggy weather continued. After I set up for my job in Liverpool, I decided to go for a run along Onondaga Lake. Well with the heat index at 99 and little shade, it was a sweat fest. But I got it done and returned to the hotel just seconds before the sky opened up.

Eventually the torrential rain stopped and I went back to the park for a sunset walk.

  • Tuesday – Another rainy day but not as hot as the day before. The rain had stopped by the time I finished work so I headed back to the park. It was still very humid and this run felt even harder than the day before.

Again instead of sitting in my hotel room, I took my another sunset walk. The sky was clearer and definitely a worthy of the view.

  • Wednesday – Another rainy day.  Nothing new here.  But the rain stopped so on my way home, I stopped at the same park for a quick run.  Humidity prevailed and I struggled….

  • Thursday – Rainy morning led to a sunny day. Of course, I had too much to do to run.  I declared it a “Rest Day.”
  • Friday – Another Rest Day because I had to get to NYC to meet up with my Russian friend Anna. Her train was late so I rushed to pick up our race packet then we spent the evening catching up and having fun in the city.

Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and more

  • Saturday – Race Day. Governor’s Island 5k. The logistics were pretty complicated. We had to get up early to take an Uber to where we would catch the ferry to get to Governor’s Island. To make matters worse, A huge thunderstorm hit as soon as we got to the island and the RACE WAS CANCELLED!!! 

Initially we were bummed especially since the rain stopped but we decided to make the best of the day

Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Roosevelt Island

and evening.

dinner overlooking the World Trade Center and a visit to the NEW Oculus

  • Sunday – We got up early and went for a 5k run in Central Park, had lunch there and then I had to bid Anna farewell. Rushed for time, I ran back to the hotel and then walked back to Grand Central to take the train home.

ran right in the middle of a 15 mile race LOL

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  train BACK to NYC for work, 4 miles
  • Tuesday –  3 miles
  • Wednesday – 3 miles, blogger meet up with Cari
  • Thursday – 3 miles
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday –  5k Race + more miles or Long Run
  • Sunday -rest day, Boating

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

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you?  Is the humidity killing your running mojo?Please share.

runner-sig

by

Friday Five 2.0 – Cherries!!

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 today is: My favorite Summer Fruit

Image result for cherries

It’s Cherries because they taste good and …

they are good for you.

Here’s five reasons why:

1.Antioxidant Protection (superior to Vitamin E)

2.Cancer-Preventive Compounds

3.Reduce Inflammation and Post-Exercise Muscle Pain

4.Support Healthy Sleep (Contain Melatonin)

5.Reduce Belly Fat

‘Tis the season to buy those cherries.

And after the Cherry season, how do I get my dose of cherries?

  • Yogurt
Image result for tart cherry noosa

the only brand I eat LOL

  • Juice

R.W. Knudsen Family Organic Just Tart Cherry Juice - 32 fl oz Glass Bottle - image 1 of 1

  • Dried Cherries

Kirkland Signature Dried Cherries, 20 Ounce

  • Cherry Pie

How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie

So not all of the above are healthy. LOL

Happy Running! What was your favorite “healthy” fruit? Do you eat a lot of cherries in the summer? Do you eat cherries after the summer?

 

by

How Has Running Changed Me?

It’s Tuesday so 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: How Has Running Changed You? (Sorry I’m a week early.)

As I commented on another blogger’s post on this topic, it wasn’t actually running that changed me, it was tennis.

  • Tennis was the first sport that I ever participated in (and I was in my 40’s)
  • Tennis was the first sport that I ever competed in. I played on several teams and some even qualified for State and National competitions.

  • I bought many different tennis outfits and tennis sneakers.

  • I played tennis almost everyday.
  • I thought and talked about tennis constantly.
  • I took tennis lessons and participated in tennis clinics so that I could become a better tennis player.

  • I watched the Pros play in person and on TV.

image

  • My closest friends were those that I have met while playing tennis.

  • I took many tennis vacations.

20140522-124137-45697795.jpg

  • My tennis friends and I did many things together besides playing tennis.

IMG_3937

  • Tennis kept me active, healthy and physically fit.
  • Tennis gave me confidence.
  • Tennis made me feel younger.
  • My tennis friends talked me into becoming a runner.

So you can probably see a lot of similarities about how running may have changed my life. In fact, I can just substitute the word running above.

I now spend a lot (too much) money on racing, running clothes and shoes. I run often and talk about running to anyone who will listen. I take race-cations and sign up for running groups to improve my running. I have awesome friends that I have met through running.

How is running different from tennis and how has my life changed differently by becoming a runner?

  • I have a blog and as a result, I have a lot of virtual running friends (and even have met some in person).

blogger meet-up in Panama City, FL

  • I have a lot more flexibility in my active life. I can decide where and when I run and whom I run with.

running after work in Liverpool, NY

  • I set my own individual goals. My running goal or challenge does not impact anyone else.

5k PR

  • I am compared to other runners who are the same age. This has helped me feel successful and proud.

getting my 1st place medal from the race founder, Al Goldstein

  • I feel supported by other runners.

  • Even a bad run can have positive effects on my mood or day.

I am so grateful to tennis because it introduced me to running.

And I can’t imagine my life without running.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How has running changed you?

runner-sig

by

Weekly Wrap for 7.30.18-8.5.18: And the rain continues…

ru

It was a rainy week. I am surprised that I got any running in.
Last week –
  • Monday – What a humid evening. Though I ran the day before, since it wasn’t raining yet, I decided to go for a run on the local rail trail.

This deer was not afraid and ran along side of me for quite a while. She was unfazed by other runners and bikers on the path.

  • Tuesday – More heat and humidity and tennis on the schedule after work.  Still had time to squeeze in a few miles before the tennis ladies arrives on campus.

at Ualbany

Even met my BFF for a walk in the mall afterwards.

  • Wednesday – Heat, humidity and thunderstorms…oh my! It rained ALL day but stopped right when I got out of work.  I had some errands to do so I decided to give the run a try. 95% humidity. I was wetter than if I got caught in the rain.

I tried to find shade at the Crossings but found bugs instead LOL

  • Thursday – A deserved rest day and more rain, of course.  I instead had dinner out to catch up with a co-worker (French teacher) who I had not seen in awhile.
  • Friday – Another rest day.  Just because I don’t like to run the day before a long run. It was raining AGAIN anyway! Thunderstorms no less. So I stopped off at the gym and then I played mah jongg (and went to bed too late.)
  • Saturday – Finally back to Saturday Long Run Day with my peeps. But at 6:30 am, the time of our scheduled run, it was pouring. Everyone decided to either run later or postpone until Sunday.  Having plans for Sunday, I decided to run locally after the rain stopped and Barbara was nice enough to join me. I ran 7 of my 9 miles with her. She did her 4:2 intervals which I could barely keep up with and afterward we rewarded our sweaty selves with ice cream.

After a tiring afternoon of errands and housework, I went out to dinner with the hubby and friends.

see I don’t always wear a baseball cao.

  • Sunday – The weather cooperated for Boating Sunday. Though it was hot and humid, it was nice on the lake.  I can take just so much floating so I walked into land and took a hike to the waterfall…much farther than I remember (and I had too small water shoes on – hence blisters) but it was still worth it.

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  drive to Liverpool- 4 miles
  • Tuesday –  3 miles
  • Wednesday – 2 miles, drive home
  • Thursday – rest day
  • Friday – rest day, train to NYC
  • Saturday –  Governor’s Island 5k in NYC
  • Sunday -rest day, train home

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

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

runner-sig

by

Ultimate Coffee date – August

It’s that time of the month…

It’s COFFEE ice cream, of course!!

to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was wavering on running a summer half marathon. I usually run the 10k each year and many of my friends will be there. But as my running buddy said, for the half you only run the hills once rather than the same ones twice. (Just more different hills!!)

Image result for camp chingachgook half

However, my friend Anna from Russia saved the day.  She is coming to the US and I will be going to NYC to see her that weekend.

Anyone running a half marathon in the heat of summer??

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that you wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not a race, would you?  Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine.

Image result for Governors island 5k

August 11, 2018 – 9 AM

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there.

Anyone running this race or have run it?

Over coffee…

I’d tell that my favorite “healthy” Starbucks drink has been discontinued…chocolate banana smoothie. They told me that they don’t have protein powder or bananas anymore.  Very bummed.

Ever have your favorite drink or food discontinued from a restaurant?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decided NOT to run this half marathon even though I will have major FOMO. Just too expensive.  Maybe another year.

Image result for key west half marathon 2019

Ever not choose a race because of the cost (hotel/transportation)?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I recently realized that I could get a guaranteed entry into the 2019 NYC Marathon.

My 2018 Brooklyn Half Marathon finish time is: 2:11:23

The big problem is that I have never run a marathon, never wanted to run a marathon, never want to train for a marathon, etc. You get the picture.

Related image

Nov 3, 2019

If you were me, would you do it? (Don’t say “Yes” unless you plan to run it with me…)

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I recently got my age group award in the mail for a race I ran in June.

pretty cool, I think. May be my favorite. (it’s a glass paper weight)

What is your favorite age group award?

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decided not to renew my tennis club membership and not to play in a regular tennis contract.

This was a very tough decision.  I have played tennis regularly for the past 20 years or so (although less frequently since I started running).

will be missing my Tuesday tennis pals

It’s expensive and right now, it’s too hard to fit into my work schedule.  Hopefully, it will only be a year off.

I still plan to take my annual tennis vacation in May and may even be able to sub for some of my tennis friends throughout the year.

Ever had to cut out an activity that you really love?

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
runner-sig

by

Friday Five 2.0- 2018, The First 6 months (in Numbers)

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.

This summer I feel like I have really been slacking off.  My weekday runs have been a slog due to the humidity and lack of motivation. I think about running 5 miles and I can barely finish three (with lots of walking.) On the weekend? Well, I’d rather go boating or hanging out with friends than running. Last weekend, my planned 9-10 miler turned in to 5.

Instead of whining about my pathetic low number of miles so far in 2018, I’m going to look at the positives about the year so far.

So my topic today is: My 2018 Running Update

I know that I’m a month late but I finally had some time to assess the first 6 months of the year.

To be brief, here are just the numbers.

1.RACES RUN =19

  • 5k – 9
  • 4m – 1
  • 5m – 2
  • other – 4
  • 10k – 0
  • 15k – 1
  • Half Marathons – 2

2.New Races RUN = 4

  • Brew 2 Brew Half
  • Brooklyn Half
  • Brooklyn Ice Cream Social
  • Adirondack 15k

3.COURSE PRs = 9

  • Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
  • Ice Breaker Challenge 5k
  • Delmar Dash (5m)
  • Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
  • Cherry Blossom 5k
  • Tropicool 5k
  • Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  • Freihofer 5k
  • Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k

4.PRs = 2

  • Delmar Dash (5m)
  • Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k

5.AGE GROUP AWARDS WON =17

1st Place

  • Winter Series (3m)
  • Winter Series (4.5m)
  • Shamrock Shuffle (5m)
  • Ice Breaker Challenge 5k
  • Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
  • Cherry Blossom 5k
  • Tropicool 5k
  • PPTC Summer Speed Series #1 5K
  • PPTC Summer Speed Series #2 5K
  • Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k
  • Silks & Satins 5K

2nd Place

  • Polar Cap (4m)
  • Summer Smith Memorial 5k
  • Adirondack 15K

3rd Place

  • Winter Series (3.5m)
  • Brew 2 Brew Half Marathon
  • Delmar Dash (5m)

So often we only think about the last race or the next race. We stress out about mileage, pace and race plans.

Sometimes we just need to look at the whole picture. They say “pictures tell a story.”  Often, numbers tell a story.

At least they do this year for me. The numbers above put things in perspective.

When I look at them, I feel like I’ve had a pretty decent year so far.

I would remiss if I didn’t mention that at the start of year, I had ZERO expectations for PRs, Course PRs or Age Group Awards. I sign up for races that I would enjoy and to do my best to finish them. Whatever happens happens….

And who knows what the next 6 months will bring? (So far, I have another course PR and 1st in my age group 🙂 )

Happy Running! How has the first half of 2018 been for you? Do you ever look at the numbers?

 

by

Wednesday Word: Fabulous

WednesdayWordScrabbleButton

The first Wednesday of each month, the Deb from Deb Runs will be providing a word about which to blog. Kind of like a nice little blog prompt. Posts can be fitness or health related, but don’t have to be, so really anyone can play along. Just be sure to link up with InLinkz on Deb’s main post, and share the love by reading and commenting on other’s participant’s posts.

This month’s word is FABULOUS

and not because I am eligible for medicare…LOL

So what does “Fabulous” even mean?

  1. almost impossible to believe; incredible.
  2. Informal. exceptionally good or unusual; marvelous; superb:

Why do I think I am fabulous?

Well, let’s talk about my athletic background.

NONE!

  • As a kid, I did not play any sports and I was not part of any teams. I spent most of my time reading.
  • As a teenager, it was the same. I had lots of friends and we had fun but in school I was a nerd and concentrated on getting good grades
  • In college, still nothing remotely athletic.  I did a lot of partying but was good at multitasking so was able to maintain decent grades.
  • After college, as a young married adult, I worked as a teacher. My hubby jogged (which I thought was stupid).  I did attend some aerobic dance classes … with a friend. That’s it.

Then mid-life happened and some difficult times.  My co-worker and I decided to learn to play tennis.  It changed my life at the time. I made new friends and met my 2nd hubby.

we only play tennis together once a year but have remained great friends.

At age 55, I still had not started running but two tennis friends put the idea in my head.  I laughed when it was first mentioned.

And now ten years later, I have run hundreds of races. If not injured, I run 30-40 each year.

a recent mid-week 5k in Brooklyn (while working in NYC)

I have completed 31 half marathons and have 3 more planned for the fall.

RnR Las Vegas HM

After every single half marathon finish line, I want to pinch myself.  I still cannot believe that I can run 13.1 miles.

One important thing that I love about running is that you are compared to other runners of the same age. It’s not about winning or losing (as it is in many other sports including tennis.)

I never take my pace for granted. For as you know, it depends on who shows up.  So I often win age group awards which impresses those who are NOT runners.

I am still proud of every single ONE.

winning 2nd in this hard hilly 15k

So I am not bragging when I say I am fabulous.

Because, I think that every runner that I have met in person or virtually is FABULOUS!!!

No matter what distance you run. Even if you never run a race. No matter how fast you run. Even if you never win an award. If you run, you are fabulous!!!!

I feel so lucky to part of this community!

Image result for keep calm you are fabulous

Happy Running! You are Fabulous! Now tell me why…

 

 

by

July Report Card

Image result for welcome august

July was basically a hot month. There might have been more boating than running. LOL

Here’s how the month went:

Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors most weeks which is great because I HATE the treadmill. And I didn’t travel as much as other months so I completed quite a few of my run locally.

I ran a few times while on working in Buffalo. My weekday runs were usually around 3 miles (occasionally more and occasionally less). Heat made it tough to get it done.

Long Runs:

Boating, friends and work have sometimes made it tough to get in my weekend long runs. The month started out well but then I skipped the last weekend. Good thing that I’m not training for a half yet.

Total Mileage:

I only ran 72.5 miles so far this month. One of my lowest monthly mileage months. I am also way behind on my 1000 mile yearly goal. But the important thing is that I am feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I tentatively had several races on my schedule this month. But I decided to only run one of them. I ran one of my favorite 5ks, Silks and Satins. I had a slight course PR and won my age group so all is right with the world LOL.

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis outdoors two Tuesdays this month. I also played during my weekend in CT.

I even worked out twice at the gym. (I just used the arm machines.)

I did walk at lunch once or twice. But found a new route to walk near my house.

Other News:

Despite my job and running, I was able to squeeze in some friend and hubby time. These are usually spent with dinners in a restaurant. 

We have taken our boat out on the lake most weekends including July 4th!!! Woo Hoo!!

I feel very lucky to have a wonderful group of friends to run and brunch with on Saturdays! This is basically why I cut back on my summer racing schedule. I raced to have company when I run but now I have company without racing.

I also have wonderful tennis friends who love to get together for meals, weekends and other fun things.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

Half Marathon #32 is not until September 23.

But I do have some shorter races planned .

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

  • 8-04-18 – 1st Monster Mountain 10k cancelled
  • 8-11-18 – Camp Chingachgook Half Marathon NYC trip to see my Russian friend
  • 8-11-18 – Governor’s Island 5k
  • 8-18-18 – Jailhouse Rock 5k?
  • 8-22-18 – Hump Day 5k? (signed up but have to work late)
  • 9-08-18 – Malta 5k
  • 9-15-18 – ADK 5k* and/or 9-16-18 – Palio 5K
  • 9-22-18 – RnR Montreal 5k
  • 9-23-18 – RnR Montreal Half Marathon
  • 9-29-18 – Maddies’s Mark 5k?

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

Deb Runs
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 schedule, I did my best to get in my weekday runs in (even though they were on the short side). I ran all my long runs except one. I did play tennis several times and went to the gym a few times. I only ran one race but it was course PR and an age group win. 🙂

Summer is a busy time and I expect August to be worse on the running front (away two weekends).  Sometimes, life just gets in the way.

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

coachescorner

Happy Running! How did your July turn out? Anything exciting planned for August? What grade would you give your running month?

runner-sig

by

Weekly Wrap for 7.23.18-7.29.18 – Rain Rain, Go Away….

ru

Home again this week because I was working at the Bar Exam for 3 days (instead of my regular job). The weather was not to my liking…bring back the sunshine, please.
Last week –
  • Monday – It rained on and off all day so I declared it a rest day and went to the gym for a few minutes and then out to dinner with friends.

My MOTG dress came and it just fits (I guess I can’t gain any weight until Mar.22, 2019!!)

  • Tuesday – I worked at the Bar Exam instead of my real job and took advantage of being near enough to run in the park. Unfortunately after 11 hours of work, it was late and I was too tired to do much.

in Washington Park – As I was running around the lake, a kid yelled out “Run faster” and another “You look like a girl from the Walking Dead.” I doubt that was a compliment.

  • Wednesday – Another rest day due to a hair appointment. Besides it was RAINING again.
  • Thursday – Back at the Bar Exam and it was raining but it stopped so after work, I decided to check out the nearby track. After 2 sweaty miles, I left and ran 1.25 more miles in the neighborhood instead.

ACP Track – The track felt good on the legs and I did some sprints but NO shade and distracting shirtless guys panting.

  • Friday – Day 3 at the Bar Exam and Rest Day #3. Not disappointed- more humidity and thunderstorms.
  • Saturday – Weekend Girls Getaway. I headed off early to Conn. with some friends to play tennis, swim, and relax. And that’s what we did including dinner out along the LI Sound and binge watching Nurse Jackie.

  • Sunday – While everyone was still asleep I headed out for an early morning run. The weather was great but boy is CT hilly. When I got back, we played more tennis, hung out by the pool, etc. The weekend was just so much fun.

This Coming Week –

  • Monday –  3 miles
  • Tuesday –  3 miles, tennis
  • Wednesday – 3 miles
  • Thursday – rest day, dinner with a friend
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday –  9 miles
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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

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

runner-sig

by

Friday Five 2.0 – Runfessions for July

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

I signed up for a Virtual Race which I normally don’t do.  Yes, I love to give to charity but there are so many race local races where I can do that.

Why did I sign up?  The swag.

awesome medal

cool women’s tech shirt

Do you run virtual races? Anyone else love Central Park as much as I do?

2. I runfess…

As a Rock N Blogger, I definitely feel FOMO every time a Rock n Roll race happens (especially this month when all my favorite bloggers were running in Chicago.) I loved Vegas and ran Brooklyn and my plan was to run several Rock N Roll races.  But they cancelled Brooklyn and the only east coast race is Montreal.  But not until Sept 23….

Image result for rnr montreal

Any other Rock N Bloggers out there not able to run all the races they’d like? Anyone else running RnR Montreal??? Hopefully “yes.”

3. I runfess…

I used to race every weekend especially in the summer. But believe it or not, I only raced ONCE in July. Having friends to run with on the weekend has changed my running…

Do you ever lose the “racing fever”?

4. I runfess…

I used to reward myself with ice cream after long runs. But now I reward myself with ice cream after short runs and even after NO runs.

Ever give yourself an undeserved post run reward?

5. I runfess…

I bought a new skirt from Skirt Sports (that I don’t need) because I thought that the new pattern matched my new running shoes.

Women's Nike Air Zoom Vomero 13 Running Shoes - Color: Racer Blue/Blue Tint/Royal Pulse (Regular Width) - Size: 6.5

my shoes

except that it doesn’t match – still love the skirt.

Ever buy new running apparel just because of the color?

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.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

runner-sig