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Running Update: 11.6.17-11.12.17

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Last week – Race Week

  • Monday – It rained most of the day and it was cold and windy. Plus I left my jacket home. So I was ready to bail on the run. But Alyssa talked me into going to UAlbany. As usual, I was glad that she did.

  • Tuesday – Is winter on the way? It sure felt like it. Glad it was a rest day. But I did get to play tennis for a change. (It was fun and I used muscles that I haven’t used in a while.)
  • Wednesday – Off to Liverpool again for work. And I managed to squeeze in a chilly run before darkness. My last run before the big weekend.

The sunshine made it more pleasant

Then I went back for a sunset walk.

So purdy

  • Thursday – Another rest day as I needed to drive directly home after work. 
  • Friday – Early morning flight to Vegas (through Chicago). Arrived around noon, took a shuttle to the hotel and then headed to the race expo.

a HUGE expo but only indulged on Gu.

Later on I took the monorail to take in the evening sights.

Unfortunately with the 3 hour time difference, I was too pooped to party.

  • Saturday – I took an awesome bus tour where I got to see and explore Red Rock Canyon. The scenery was spectacular.

Then in the evening I ran the RnR Vegas 5k with some blogger friends followed by a long walk to dinner.

not run on the strip but still a fun time.

16.4 miles for the day before a half marathon. Probably not an ideal rest day but so worth it.

  • Sunday – In the morning, Marcia and I went out to brunch and then neglected to eat for the rest of the day. That and the previous day’s miles may have impacted my race performance but the race itself was awesome. Running on the strip in Vegas was an experience that I’ll never forget.

Oh what a night!!

Next Week –

  • Monday – rest, fly home
  • Tuesday – rest, tennis
  • Wednesday – rest, drive to Buffalo
  • Thursday – rest, long drive home
  • Friday – rest, mah jongg
  • Saturday – 6 mile run
  • Sunday – rest, trip to NYC for college reunion lunch and Broadway show with tennis ladies

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.
And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

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

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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.

So here are some tips to avoid the stress:

1. 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.

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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 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.

getting ready to head out into the rain

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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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!!

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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?

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TOTR: Winter Motivation

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

Today’s Topic is: Winter Motivation.

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So to motivate myself to enjoy this winter more, I decided to point out what is great about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

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not a fan of rain!!

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

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happier here

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

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However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge LOL).

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3. It’s pretty outside.

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Well, at least most of the time.

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4. There are free races (in my area.)

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 6 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

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It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after.

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5. There’s not a lot to do in the winter and it’s get me outside.

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In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

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But in the winter, I don’t ski, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

so they say…

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

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Running Update: 10.30.17-11.5.17

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Last Week: Taper Time

  • Monday – The rain finally stopped but it was ridiculously windy all day. I met up with Alyssa for a short run after work.

The wind even calmed down.

Afterwards I met up with my BFF for an overdue mall walk (instead of volunteering with STEM).

  • Tuesday – Off to Rochester for work with a stop in Liverpool on the way.  And no matter how late I arrived, I was determined to get in a run in Rochester either along Lake Ontario or along the Erie Canal path. Due to impeding darkness, I decided on the canal hoping that it would be lit up.

Nope. No lights on the Erie Canal but luckily it wasn’t dark yet. But it was windy and 40 degrees. Brrrr

  • Wednesday – It was cold and pouring rain so I drove back to Liverpool. No running today. Sometimes, it’s ok to rest 🙂
  • Thursday – Another rainy day but the rain stopped by the time I was done with work. And it warmed up too. So I ran along Onondaga Lake, one of my favorite work places to run. It was great but NO lights so I guess this will be my last one until March. 😢

Almost 30 degrees warmer than Tuesday!

  • Friday – Another rainy day and a long drive drive home so I decided to skip the run.
  • Saturday – For the second Saturday in a row, the Wineglass ladies met up for a run. I couldn’t decide if I should run 12 or taper 8 for my half marathon. So I compromised and ran 10.  Two solo and then 10 easy miles with Jeri, a fun new running buddy. Afterward we went out to breakfast, of course. Yes, food gets me through my long runs.

Chilly at the start but warmed up to a perfect running day on the bike path

  • Sunday – Rest day Sunday. Watching the NYC Marathon (Shalane wow!) and other household chores ending with our anniversary mah jongg dinner.

Missing a few of the gang. 9 years and going strong.

21 miles done.

This Week: Race Week

  • Monday –  3 miles with Alyssa, STEM run (2 miles)
  • Tuesday – rest,  tennis
  • Wednesday – drive to Liverpool, 3 mile run??
  • Thursday – rest, drive home
  • Friday – flight to Las Vegas!!
  • Saturday -RnR Vegas 5k
  • Sunday -RnR Vegas Half Marathon

So this is getting real.  I can’t believe that I am leaving for Vegas this week.

I am packed (or over- packed).  I arrive around noon on Friday and booked a shuttle to the hotel (Tropicana).  I plan to hit the expo and hopefully find some friendly faces to connect with. Then on Sat. am, I have a bus trip to Red Rock Canyon.  I can’t wait to see it.  Afterward, my roomie Marcia arrives and we’ll get the fun started.

Anyone else going to be there??  Any recommendations of things to do while in Vegas??

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess’s

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

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Ultimate Coffee Talk – November

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in November, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

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Have you tried them??

Over coffee…
I’d tell you that after the girls weekend Wineglass Half Marathon, our group has been continuing plan weekend runs together.  Best thing ever.  I hate running alone so now I don’t have to. We even go out to breakfast after.


Over coffee…

I’d tell you that because I now have running partners on the weekend, I have not felt compelled to sign up for a race every weekend.  Though, I still have FOMO when I see those race pics on FB and IG.

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have a half marathon in ONE week! I don’t ever have a training plan for my big races but I am pretty anal about running 10, 11, and 12 milers.

Except that I skipped my 11 and shortened my 12 to 10.  Who am I?

10 (not 12) with Alyssa

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am trying to plan my spring races … at least the half marathons.

Singer Island Half on March 17, 2018 – anyone want to join me?

There’s a new local race… Except that it’s where I run often so not too tempting but cheaper than a race-cation.

May 19, 2018

And then there’s the lottery for this BIG one:

Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon

Brooklyn Half on May 19, 2018 – Anyone else running this one?

So many races…so little time….

Over coffee…

I’d tell you that for the past two years, I was in NYC running the Dash to the Finish.

Damn work!! I was away until late last night so there was no way I could swing it.

After last year’s race with my Russian friends

Over Coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of New York City, I ran along the Hudson River last week.

And yes, this trail goes to where that terrorist mowed down innocent bikers.

Scary!!

Over coffee…

I’d tell that I’m a little nervous about training for a March race.

Now that I travel for work, my running routes (except NYC) do not have lights.

I am not a hotel treadmill kind of gal.

No lights on the Canal trails

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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Friday Five 2.0 – Favorite Fall Foods

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: Favorite Fall Foods (It was the topic a few weeks ago so I’m just late to the party.)

1. Pumpkin anything

Here are some of my purchases from past years:

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And I’ve lost count of how many of these I’ve had:

I’ve even cooked with pumpkin:

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pumpkin chili

Recipe

2. Apple Pie – especially when it is homemade with local apples (warm with vanilla ice cream is the best)

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Recipe

2. Sweet Potatoes

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Recipe

4. Butternut Squash Soup

Recipe

5. Cider Donuts – warmed

Happy Running! What are your favorite Fall foods?

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TOTR: October Report Card

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 Fall has arrived. And we had some nice cool fall days but summer temps came and went as well. Such crazy weather!!!
Here’s how October worked out for me:

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), near home, in a local park and at the Corning Bike Path. I even ran while in NYC, Buffalo and Liverpool for work. My weekday runs were usually around 4 miles.

I ran alone most of the time. But Alyssa was able to accompany me a few times and Judy once. It’s definitely more fun running with friends.

Since the Turkey Trot running group runs on Tuesdays this year, I cannot run with them 😦  When my work schedule allowed, I did volunteer to help the STEM runners train for their first 5k. 

Long Runs:

Long runs began in preparation for my next half marathon. I added extra miles to my 5k and 10k races. I skipped one long run and shortened my 12 miler to 10!!

Total Mileage:

I have run 99.3 miles this month so far. An increase over previous months and I am still feeling healthy so all is good.

Races:

I had several races on my schedule this month. I skipped a local 5k because of my crazy work schedule but I did complete three races. I ran the Wineglass Half Marathon which it was a great weekend away and almost PR.  I also ran the Apple Run 5K, another almost PR but an age group award and the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k which was a fun one. 

Cross Training:

I played tennis once (indoor season has started.) Again this month, I was out of town working every Tuesday 😦

I did NOT go to work out at the gym at all!!!! Not once! Nunca! Jamais! And my free membership ended this month!!!! 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. But I did walk a lot in NYC to and from the train, subway and training facility (for 5 days!!)

Other News:

The hubby and I ended our weekend boating. We were fortunate to have two nice weekends at the beginning of the month.

Despite working A LOT, I also managed to attend some of my weekly mah jongg games. 

I also spent a weekend away with some of the tennis ladies. We went hiking in Watkins Glen. We hiked ALL 3 trails at the gorge one day and did a flat trail to a waterfall another day. 

This was my second girls weekend away of the month having spent the wineglass race weekend with running friends. 

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:

One half marathon (#29) is planned – November 12 in Las Vegas. Woo Hoo! (plan to connect with lots of bloggers!!!!!!)

I also have a few shorter races planned. I have to squeeze them in before the winter.

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

  • 11-11-17 – RnR Vegas 5k
  • 11-12-17 – RnR Vegas Half Marathon
  • 11-18-17 – Girls on the Run 5k???
  • 11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 5k
  • 11-23-17 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k
  • 12-02-17 – Jingle Bell 5k (volunteer with STEM) or 12-03-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #1 (15k)??
  • 12-09-17 – Albany Last Run 5K

I am linking to Deb at DebRuns for her NovemberRace Linkup:

Deb Runs

No monthly goals.

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 life for

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

I’d say overall a A-.

You know, zero gym attendance, skipping lunch time walks, slacking on those long runs, but I happy to have squeezed in those runs while working out of town which wasn’t easy.

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

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Running Update: 10.23.17-10.29.17

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Last Week: 

  • Monday – Off to NYC for work.  Staying in Manhattan but working in Queens does complicate things at least on the running front. But today I was able to run. 3 days of rest does a body good because I felt like I could run forever.

Running to and along the Hudson River – pleasantly surprised about the number of runners and all the lights!! The hardest part was navigating the crowded sidewalks to get to the river path

  • Tuesday – It rained on and off all day. I worked so I didn’t care. Because of the weather, I hadn’t planned to run and went out to dinner with co-workers instead.  But of course, the rain stopped and I wish I had run.

My first Korean BBQ

  • Wednesday – After work, I quickly changed my clothes and headed toward the East River. Perfect in every way.

Can’t believe how many runners were here – great place to run. wish I had more time or my hotel were closer

  • Thursday – Last day in NYC. Had to run, right? So after work I hopped the subway to Central Park. Ran around the park and ended with some retail therapy.

already setting for the marathon in 2 weeks – lots of runners everywhere and as usual got a little lost but made it out safe

  • Friday – Work and then the train home. Too pooped to run anyway.
  • Saturday – Had 12 on the schedule   Didn’t want to run alone so met up with some of the Wineglass group early early. I wound up running a speedy 10 Miles with Alyssa and then joined everyone else for breakfast.

As they say running is better with a friend. Probably would have run 12 if I was alone but it would have been slower and not as enjoyable

 I spent the rest of the day at Ellms Family Farm with Amanda and the kids.

Lots of fun including 1 1/2 hours in the corn maze

  • Sunday – just catching up on everything neglected all week including rest. Ended the day with dinner and drinks out with the hubby and two friends.

27 miles done.

This Week: 

  • Monday –  3 miles with Alyssa and Jeri, Mall walk with bff
  • Tuesday – drive to Rochester, 4 miles
  • Wednesday – rest, after work drive to Liverpool
  • Thursday – 4 miles in Liverpool
  • Friday – 2  miles in Liverpool??, drive home
  • Saturday – 8-12 Mile Run
  • Sunday – rest, mah jongg anniversary dinner

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess's

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

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Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions October 

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

  1. I runfess…

I skipped my long run last weekend in favor of a girls weekend away.

hiking in Central NYS – lots of steps and lots of laughs!!

I am thinking of skipping one tomorrow because I’m too damned tired.

It wouldn’t matter if I weren’t training for a half in TWO WEEKS.

Obviously it’s not a goal race.

Anyone else skip 11 and 12 mile runs?

2. I Runfess..

I recently stayed in a hotel in NYC where there was exercise equipment in my room. And when you turned on the TV, there was exercises videos.

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EVEN Hotel

So I never turned on the TV again and spent minimal time in the room.

That how I avoided feeling guilty about not exercising.

What would you have done?

3. I runfess…

I recently asked a speedy running friend on how to get faster. He replied that the only way is to lift weights.


Ugh! I thought about it.    For a second.

What do you think?

4. I runfess…

The best and maybe the only good about spending five days working in Queens, NY is the running routes available in Manhattan.

I was worried that it would be dark when I got out of work.

But it didn’t matter. There are lights and loads of runners.

I hit the trifecta. I ran 3 times. Along the East River, along the Hudson River and in Central Park.

Anyone else run in NYC at night?

5. I runfess…

I love reading blogs but I don’t have time to comment or read new blogs.  Mea culpa.

I don’t bring a computer when I travel and don’t time when I don’t.

I hope this doesn’t affect those who read this blog.

Please forgive me and continue to comment here.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?

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Running Update: 10.16.17-10.22.17

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Last Week: 

  • Monday – Drove to Liverpool for work. In the rain. Thought I wouldn’t get to run but the rain stopped. Boy was it cold and windy.  Wasn’t I just on our boat the previous day??

  • Tuesday – Our first hard frost. But I had to work and then drive to Buffalo. The weather was so nice after work that I had to squeeze in a quick run even though it meant arriving late at night.

20 degrees warmer than Monday and sunny

  • Wednesday – Another long work day in Buffalo but I was determined to run. And I did. Perfect weather and great scenery.

Actually it was 5 Miles including 83 steps for a view

Got in a few walks as well. Lots of interesting sites in the city. Gotta take advantage before the after work daylight ends.

  • Thursday – Another work day and then a long 5 hour drive home. Ran one time before getting in my car. This time around downtown Buffalo.

  • Friday – I thought I might get in a run after work. (Trying to front load my runs since I wouldn’t be running on the weekend and rain was predicted for everyday the following week.) But I had too much to do before my upcoming weekend away including meeting up with Julia who was visiting from Moscow.

First met Julia in 2002. And last saw her in 2009.

  • Saturday – Road trip with some tennis friends. Goal: hiking in Watkins Glen and girl time. We got lucky with perfect weather too.

No running but 6.5 miles of trails

Afterwards we ate dinner on the Seneca Lake.  And then sat by the bonfire at our hotel on the lake.

  • Sunday – Another perfect day. We took a long hike to a waterfall and afterwards ate lunch at a winery.  The trail to the waterfalls was ideal for running (sigh).

No long run today but 9 miles hiking

13 miles done.

This Week: NYC

  • Monday – off to NYC for work
  • Tuesday –  after work run in NYC?
  • Wednesday – after work run in NYC?
  • Thursday – after work run in NYC?
  • Friday – rest day, train home
  • Saturday – rest day
  • Sunday – 12 mile run

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html

Please link up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.

And with Jess @ the Right Fits and @Jess Runs Atlanta

Linking up with the Jess's

Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Ever skip a long run before a big race? Ever feel FOMO when with your non-running friends?

Please share.

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