Weekday Runs:

I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home. I prefer to run 4 times but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.

I ran at UAlbany (near work) or near home.  Unfortunately, my preferred routes don’t have lights and it is now too dark when I get out of work. I did run while working in NYC (three weeks in a row) and when in Liverpool.  My weekday runs were usually around 3-4 miles.

I ran alone most of the time. MY BRF Alyssa was not able to accompany because her hubby is ill. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Long Runs:

Long runs ended with my half marathon on Nov. 12 and since my next one is not until March 2018, I don’t predict double digits until February! But I still planned to run at least 6 miles each weekend. And I was successful!!

Total Mileage:

I have run 60 miles this month so far. A big decrease over November (102) but I am feeling healthy so all is good.

And I hit 1000 miles for the second year in a row!!!!!

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I ran the Winter Series #1 Race which was 3 miles and the Albany Last Run which was a festive, snowy 5k. I was pleased with my sub 27 minute finish in the Winter Series Race and also happy that I didn’t fall during the slippery course (until the finish line) for the Albany Last Run.

Cross Training:

I actually played tennis twice indoors.  It’s doubles so not a great workout but better than nothing.

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! No excuses because I live near a free gym and my tennis club membership this year includes free access to the gym.

I thought I might fit in a yoga class. I did NOT!!

I did walk-occasionally at lunch. Not everyday like I used to. I find it hard to tear myself away from my desk and I have been traveling a lot. 

Other News:

There were also quite a few friend-bonding activities.  Can’t have too many of those.

I saw a few movies that I highly recommend:

I also read this book and LOVED it:

As you can tell, running is not my whole life. I think it is important to make time for other things that bring you pleasure….family, friends, food….

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

No other half marathons planned until March.

I have just a few shorter races planned. My racing schedule does slow down during the winter.

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

• 1-01-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 (3.5m)
• 1-14-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 (3m or 10K)
• 1-28-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 (3m or 15K)
• 2-03-18 – Polar Cap 4m
• 2-18-18 – HMRRC Winter Series #5  (4.5m or 10m)

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

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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

Today’s Topic is: Give your running month a letter grade.

I’d say overall a B.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks and even had to (due to the weather) skip week day runs.

Spring can’t come soon enough for this fair weather runner. (I know. I know.  Winter has only just begun…)

So today I’m linking up with Courtney to share my Year of Running in 2017!  Be sure to check her site and see how everyone else did!

Warning. I’m not good at picking just one or even two. Lol

• Best Race(s)

So what determines a “best” race? Fastest??

Well, the Steel Rail is my half marathon PR. And it was totally unexpected. In other words, stress-free and so it was enjoyable.

So was the Polar Cap Run for 4 Miles.

I loved all of my 35 races. Each one was special in a different way.

• Best Run(s)

My runs are not usually very good or very exciting.

One of my best ones was with a new running friend who convinced me to do my long run slower and NOT walk. (I ran 11 miles without walking!!)

I would be remiss not to mention that my new job has allowed me run on some neat bike paths (Onondaga Lake Ste Park in Liverpool, Lake Ontario and Erie Canal Path in Rochester and of course, Central and the river paths in Manhattan). That has been exciting (the running not the job or the traveling).

• Best New Piece(s) of Running Gear

It’s a tie here.

First my Knuckle Lights. They will allow me to do my runs on routes that aren’t lit.

Secondly is my Garmin 205. This was my first watch. It died finally and I tried a few others but this dinosaur is my favorite so I bought another this year.

• Most Inspirational Runner(s)

Well, there are quite a few.

First Shalane who kicked a$$ and won the NYC marathon.

Secondly, two bloggers that I have met in person: Wendy from Taking the long way home who was diagnosed with RA and has not let it interfere with her running journey and Marcia from The Healthy Slice who got injured and still completed the Berlin Marathon.

l to r: Marcia, me, Judy, MaryBeth, Wendy &  Holly

Finally my local running friend Judy from Chocolate Runs Judy who has PRd in all her half marathons this year. Now that’s impressive.

• Favorite Picture from a Run or Race

Again there are a few:

Of course my fall at my last race. Lol

But seriously.

Running down Las Vegas Strip

And running at a French-themed race in Central Park.

• Race Experience(s) you would repeat in a heart beat

Well you know I love race-cations so there were five in 2017:

Treasure Coast Half Marathon in Florida while visiting friends.

Shape Half Marathon and France Run, both in NYC.

Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY with new running buddies.

All 10 of us at the expo

And of course, the Rock n Roll Vegas 5k and Half Marathon.

I doubt I will be able to repeat any of these but I would if I could.

• If you could sum up your year in a couple of words what would they be?

Races…Vacations…Friends…Healthy

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these wonderful ladies:

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