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Weekly Run Down: 12.22.24-12.29:24: Holiday Celebrations

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Chanukah or both (like I do).. this was the big week.

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I hadn’t run in a week!!

So what would you do?  -10!!!!!

I waited until 10:00 am and prayed that I wouldn’t freeze to death.

Deb & I ventured out in the cold and wind at UAlbany… and survived (barely).

I called it quits after one 3 mile loop…

After I thawed out, I went to see the Wicked movie with my BFF to celebrate her birthday. Afterward we had a nice dinner out.

We enjoyed the movie… looking forward to part 2…

  • Monday – DAY OFF. Again a single digit day. So I waited until afternoon for it to warm up…and went for a run.

still freezing out 😦

  • Tuesday – WFH but had to go into the office to get a few things done. It had snowed so I called it a rest day and did errands rather than headed out for a run.

Yes, I still mail holiday cards… Below is my 2024 card:

  • Wednesday – DAY OFF! I started the day off with a Christmas run

warmer than my previous runs but the lack of sun made it feel chilly…

and then in the afternoon we went to my MIL’s for a family dinner.

And I lit the first candle to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

  • Thursday – Another WFH day so I was able to get out for a Chanukah run…

another dreary COLD day…

and some errands after work.

  • Friday – A WFH morning and I was able to get out for a walk before I headed to the office in the afternoon.

I had a hair appt after work and then it was mah jongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Training began for the February HM. 7 miles!

I had decided on the neighborhoods of The Crossings as an alternative to the paths of UAlbany.

Nope!!! Freezing rain during the night…Too icy!!!

Instead I convinced Deb to go with me for an icy walk in town (with a stop for coffee.) We stayed upright and met a NYC runner in the coffee shop. (sorry no pic.)

And in the afternoon, I continued my holiday celebration out with a friend at a farm…

  • Sunday –  Hopefully a re-scheduled 7 mile long run… (though rain is predicted 😦 )

and then an early dinner out with my stepson, DIL and GD (since they were away for Christmas.)

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – run, dinner out
  • Tuesday – walk. NYE dinner out
  • Wednesday – DAY OFF – HMRRC Winter Series #2 race 
  • Thursday – train to NYC (for work), run 
  • Friday- train home
  • Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 8 miles
  • Sunday – ??

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2024 in Review
  • Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Attending any holiday parties? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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Runfessions for December 2024

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

The last one of 2024…

1.I runfess…

My last vacation for the first time was not a race-cation.

It was supposed to be as we signed up for a 10k

But the they changed the date.

Tentatively we thought that we would run this race but it was not worth the money on such a small race

Instead I ran a 10k with a new friend.

2. I runfess…

I turned down the opportunity to run the NYC Half Marathon in 2025.

Then my local running friends signed up for the lottery.

I had FOMO for a millisecond but instead signed up for a DC race the same weekend:

3. I runfess…

I got overwhelmed with work and parties this year.

I skipped several weekday runs which is totally unlike me.

I hope to get back on track next year.

4. I runfess…

My annual miles is the lowest ever…(even with marathon training?)

I’m healthy so that’s all that matters.

5. I runfess…

Having been burned two years in a row with injuries, I’m waiting until the last minute to sign up for the Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon in February.

different course back in 2021 (and it was HOT!!)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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TT: 2024 Goals

In 2023, I had 13 goals…

I got smarter and only focused on 5 things in 2024.

So here’s how things played out:

  • Run 1000 Miles for the Year.

Nope.

It’s not the number that is important but it means that I’ve run consistently and haven’t been injured or sick.

2022

I got off to a slow start and had a hiccup in September but I really didn’t have the mojo for running ALL.THE.MILES.

I guesstimate that it will be around 860 this year.

And I’m very happy with my total (even though it was my lowest total since 2010).

  • Continue gym workouts (or find another outlet).

Yes! (for 10 months of this year…)

For the most part, I went to the gym before work on days when I was WFH and not running until November when I paused my Y membership…

  • Vary my runs. Do some “drills.”

Not really.

A few fartleks mixed into my runs but basically just slow running/walking.

  • Complete the NYC Marathon for the 3rd time.

Yes!

It was touch and go after my boating accident and I seriously considered skipping it.

I did it!!

  • Continue on toward my half marathon goal (75 before 75).

Yes!

I added 5 more and I’m only going to be 72 in May 2025.

66. United NYC Half Marathon
67. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
68. RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
69. Run 4 the River Half Marathon
70. Cape Cod Half Marathon

No elaborate goals such as 100…

I hope to eventually slow down and only run one in the spring and one in the fall so I’ll have more time (and energy) to run shorter races.

3 out of 5 ain’t bad, right?

Happy Running! Did you have goals for 2024? If so, how did you do? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Weekly Run Down for 12.15.24-12.22.24: NYC and No Time to Run…

Back to NYC for work and the beginning of a Holiday Challenge.

We’ll see how this goes. I’m not good with streaks or challenges.

I’m not injured… I’m feeling just fine but can’t seem fit running into my life…

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I took an early morning train to NYC since I had to work there for the next two days. (Unfortunately I had to DNS a race this morning but at least it was a free one).

Hopefully, I run the next 3…

After I checked into my hotel, I headed out for a long run (I actually wore my running clothes on the train).

I ran around Hudson Yards then along the Hudson River, took a break at Pier 57 and then ran back to the hotel…

Then I changed my clothes and took the subway to Brooklyn.  I had signed up for a walking tour of Dyker Heights.

over 100 houses decorated and the photos don’t do them justice…

It was just as amazing as when I viewed these decorated houses 2 years ago.

On my way back, I stopped for pizza then finally took the subway back to my hotel.

  • Monday – Today I worked in the Financial District and it rained all day!!

After work, I took the subway back to my hotel, I had hoped to get in a run… Nope… RAIN…

Instead, I just changed my clothes and hopped back on the subway to meet two friends for dinner.

Recognize Cari who had just arrived back from DC? The bracelet was a gift from Elizabeth

  • Tuesday – Back to the Financial District for work…

some sights from the area in the AM and finally some blue sky at 4 pm.

and then back on the train home. Again no time for running 😦

  • Wednesday – WFH day but had to go to the office, shop and prepare something for the party the next day…

For the 4th day in a row, I couldn’t fit in a run.

  • Thursday – Today I had to teach live and then rush off after work to my annual tennis friends holiday party…

great food, music, gifts and so much laughter ❤ my tennis friends

  • Friday – WFH again… Normally this is my rest day however since I had already skipped 4 days, I planned to squeeze in a run… NOPE. Snow was my excuse this time… We even had to cancel mah jongg.

At least I was able to ZOOM with my college friends…

  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. 

A busy time for most of my friends.  And there was the snow… Deb, Karen and I had decided to take on the path at UAlbany and then meet the others for brunch…

NOPE!! Too snowy and slippery to even drive!!!

I guess we’ll have a white Christmas…

Mid-morning, I did drag myself out of the house to get some fresh air…

Holiday celebrations continued. Today we opened gifts with my granddaughter and then went out to dinner.

  • Sunday – This afternoon I plan to go to the movies with my BFF and then afterward go to a restaurant to celebrate her b-day.

I loved the Broadway show so I am very excited to see the movie!!

What about that long run??

Hopefully, I can get it done at UAlbany (as long as the path has been cleared.)  Maybe I’ll have company.

But brrrrr….

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF, walk at the Pinebush, run, ZOOM w/a friend
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – DAY OFF – Christmas, run, dinner with the family
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday- hair appt, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
  • Sunday – walk/hike, run out with family

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2024 Goals
  • Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Attending any holiday parties? Have you see the Wicked movie? What about the weather? Does it get in the way of your running? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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FFF: 5 Fitness-Related Items I’d Like for Christmas/Hanukkah

My Christmas Wish List: Fun Christmas notebook for kids, teens, and parents. Thanksgiving gift idea. Children can write what they would like for to ...

The Topic this week is: 5 Fitness-Related Items I’d Like for Christmas/Hanukkah

1.A Gift card for a Running Store

So many things I could buy there…

 

2.Sunglasses

I always either lose them or break them.

Goodr Sunglasses - The OGs - Find Your Feet Australia

Goodrs are my favorites

3.Socks

Yes, I often lose one and only my good ones.

Image result for balega socks

4.Weights

Since I paused my gym memberships, these could come in handy.

Fitness Gear Coated Dumbbell - Single product

5.Entry Fee for Race

Happy Running!  Are any of these on your list? What else would you like? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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TT: 2024 in Photos

This week’s topic is: Your Year in Photos 

Definitely one of my favorites topics because I LOVE to take pictures. The challenge was limiting each month to ONE or TWO pictures.

Here you go:

January

A work visit to NYC to start off the year.

Adding a new addition to our family (aka Diamond).

February

My annual vacation to Florida’s East coast to visit friends 

Convincing a friend to join me in a 5k (after DNSing the half due to a sprained ankle)

March

Running the NYC Half Marathon with friends.

April

Experiencing the Cherry Blossoms at peak while working in NYC.

Completing one of my favorite local half marathons (after a year off).

Tulips in full bloom early in Washington Park, Albany.

May (my favorite month).

#71

Enjoying my annual tennis trip to Naples, Fla.

Finally running a dry half marathon in Brooklyn, NY.

June

Participating in the Freihofer Run for Women for the 17th time.

Visiting the NY Botanic Gardens

Adding a brother for Diamond (aka Domino)

July

Celebrating the Fourth in (running) style.

Continuing Monday hikes

and Sundays on Lake George 

August

Tiptoeing through the Sunflowers!!

Sweating at a 10k on Governor’s Island, NYC.

Visiting a college roommate on LI.

Talking my friends in joining me for a Labor Day weekend half marathon

September

Celebrating my granddaughter’s first birthday and my MIL’s 99th..

Due an abbreviated boating season, enjoying some scenic walks along the Mohawk R.

October

Returning to running/racing after a scary boating accident.

Another successful race-cation.. this year on Cape Cod.

November

Crossing the finish line of my third NYC marathon.

Coaching runners to their first 5k.

December

Traveling to FL to meet up with friends.

Seeing NYC at its finest:
Audra McDonald in Gypsy with my college roommate (who flew in from Florida for the day)
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn during a work trip

Happy Running! What was your favorite photo or event from 2024? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with

and then tomorrow.

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Weekly Run Down for 12.5.24-12.15.24: New York, New York…

I met my college roommate in NYC on Wednesday (long story) to see a show and then today, I’m back there for  work.

Last Week and Vacay in Fla.-

  • Thursday- I got up early and went for a run in my friends’ (Deirdre & Kevin) neighborhood and then we all went for a hike, out to an early dinner, soaked in the hot tub and watched Hallmark movies… great start to the vacation (even if the temps were cool).

  • Friday- No run today but we hiked at a preserve, followed it up by lunch out, some time in the hot tub again and then homemade pizza for dinner and more hallmark movies. Another stellar day (even the rain stopped before our hike.)

  • Saturday – We decided not to run the Pirate 10k (too few participants). In stead I did my long run with one of Deirdre’s friends and of course, we went out to brunch after. In the afternoon, we drove to Dunedin where I met up with an old friend, visited the Fine Arts Center and the town and eventually we had a nice Italian dinner with Deirdre’s family. Vacation was progressing along smoothly. Still cool but better than NY.

  • Sunday –My last neighborhood run (I so loved running without layers of clothing). After some pool time, we spent the afternoon listening to music with some of their friends and spent our last evening together having take out and watching, you guessed it, Hallmark movies. Very sad to have the vacation end but grateful that I had this opportunity.

  • Monday –Morning flight … arrived home to rainy weather. (At least it was warmer than when I left).
  • Tuesday – WFH today to unpack, do laundry and stop by the office.

the perks of working near Starbucks…

I did sneak out in the am to get some miles done in my ‘hood.

a very dreary day that felt colder than the actual temps.

After work, I finally had time to visit with my granddaughter.

  • Wednesday – I took an early train to NYC to meet up with my college roommate who flew up from Fl. for the day. (Her return flight got cancelled so she had re-schedule and find a place to stay until the next day… )

The short version of the story is that I was scheduled to be in NYC today for work but the training got postponed until next week and we already had bought show tix.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and it rained!!

The show was fantastic… the city beautiful even in fowl weather.

  • Thursday – A WFH day and the only time I could run was after an appt after work…

Our STEM running group decided if possible to meet up at UAlbany on Thursdays.

it turned out to be just 4 mentors but it was nice to have someone to chat with while running

  • Friday – Another WFH and mah jongg in the evening…
  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.  The 6 mile run got done..

16 degrees when Barbara & I started but the sun was out which helped a lot

but I replaced brunch with shopping and making food for our party that evening and packing for my NYC trip the next morning.

obviously I was taking the pics…

  • Sunday – I’m heading back this morning to NYC for work.

I had signed up to run a free local race..

pic from a previous year…

but instead I plan to run once I check into to my hotel and then go to Brooklyn for a walking tour of Dyker Heights…

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – dinner with 2 friends
  • Tuesday – train home
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run, tennis holiday party
  • Friday- college friends ZOOM, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch), holiday dinner out with family
  • Sunday – walk/hike, birthday movie & dinner out with my BFF

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2024 in Photos
  • Friday –  5 Fitness-Related Items I’d like for Christmas/Chanukah

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Planning any warm weather vacations? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.

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FFF: What I Learned From My 3rd NYC Marathon

It’s been long enough since the race that I can be objective…

My Topic today is: Five Things I Learned From My Third Marathon

1.You get what you put in.

In other words, if you don’t train well, the race will be harder.

For many reasons, I didn’t take this race as seriously as last year.

Mostly because even with decent training last year, the race didn’t go well.

I decided to do what I could and not re-arrange my life in order to get all the miles in.

As a result, I struggled from mile 2 to mile 26.2.

2.I can do hard things.

That being said, I was determined, no matter what, to FINISH!!

There were many times that I really wasn’t sure that I could do it.

I give credit to those spectators and volunteers who offered support the whole way.

3.It was much harder than the first one but not as hard as the second.

As they say, “anything can happen on race day.” Last year, my calf cramped and I had to walk the last 16 miles.

This year, five years older than the first one, I just felt less prepared for the distance.

So I walked a lot…

Maybe age does matter…

4. I have awesome friends.

Not only did they travel to NYC to support me.  But so many of my friends tracked me, encouraged me and posted congratulatory messages.

I am a lucky runner.

5. I do not want a redo.

Last year, I wanted to run it again to enjoy the race more and I also wanted to run it with my friends.

Now, I want to run shorter races (maybe regain some speed) and go to NYC next November and cheer on those friends.

6. I’m glad that I did it.

There would have been FOMO and many what ifs if I decided to defer until next year.

Despite all the negatives, running the NYC Marathon is an awesome experience in so many ways.  I don’t regret my decision to go and gut it out.

Happy Running! Have you learned anything from one of your big races? Please share. 

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

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TT: 2024 Bling

This week’s topic is: Show Us Your Year in Bling 

Even with my sprained ankle, food poisoning, and boating accident injuries, I did complete 20 races.  Many fewer than other years but I am proud of every finish line that I crossed (even the ones I walked across.)

Half Marathons:

  1. United NYC Half Marathon
  2. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
  3. RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
  4. Run 4 the River Half Marathon (AG award = coaster)
  5. Cape Cod Half Marathon ($75)

Marathons:

  1. TCS NYC Marathon

5Ks:

  1. Bridge the Gap 5k
  2. Hero 5k for Autism
  3. Tropicool 5k (AG award = plaque)
  4. Run for Women 5k
  5. Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k (AG award= hat)
  6. Silks & Satins 5k (AG award = medal)
  7. High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K
  8. Barn to Bridge 5k
  9. Upstate Classic (AG award = shirt or $10 coupon for a race)

Other Distances (3.3m, 5.5k, 3.75m, 4m, 10k)

  1. Winter Series #1 (5.5k)
  2. Winter Series #4 (3.75m)
  3. Firecracker 4
  4. Bacon Hill Bonanza 10k (award= a pie)
  5. NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k (award= crystal plaque)
  6. HMRRC Anniversary Run (3.3 m)

Happy Running! What was your favorite bling from 2024? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with

and tomorrow:

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Weekly Run Down for 12.1.24-12.8.24: Seeking Warmer Temps…

One of my local running friends winters in Florida.  I was lucky again this year that she invited Heidi and I to visit.

last December

Last Week –

  • Sunday – A rest day after an emotional 7 hour trip to and from Boston the day before…

I managed to get a lot of needed errands done and meet up with a friend to plan a March race-cation…

  • Monday – A WFH day so I was able to squeeze in a run at lunchtime.

it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my ‘hood…

  • Tuesday – WFH but no time until after work to get a run done…

and then I looked outside and it was SNOWING!!

I waited and it seemed to stop so I headed into town (there are street lights there)..

as soon I started running, it started snowing but it didn’t last long and it was quite peaceful…

and then home to pack!!

  • Wednesday – I got up early to run (since I wasn’t sure about how much I would get to run while in FL), it was 18 degrees…. I went back to bed. LOL

After work today, Heidi and I flew to Tampa.

Deirdre and Kevin picked us up at the airport (which was about an hour from their home) and my vacation began…

  • Thursday and Friday – Check FB and IG for pix of my early Florida adventures.
  • Saturday – Maybe a Pirate Race in Holiday, Fl. There were several distances: 5k, 10k, 15k, 13.1.  The course was a 5k loop. There weren’t many total participants signed up sooo….not sure if this will happen.
  • Sunday – Last day for warm weather shenanigans – check FB and IG for pix.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – fly home
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – train to NYC, Broadway show, dinner, train home
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday- mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
  • Sunday – train to NYC (for work)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2024 Bling
  • Friday –  What I learned from my 3rd NYC Marathon

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? Planning any warm weather vacations? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.