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TT: 2023 Favorites

Today’s topic is: Share your favorite running item(s) you’ve tried this year

I’m mostly same old, same old. I rarely try new things.

  • I always eat GU while I run.
  • I always eat oatmeal before any run or race.
  • I always wear Skirt Sports skirts when I run.
  • I always wear Topos running shoes.
  • I always wear SpiBelt to carry my phone and to attach my bib for races.

So what’s new this year?

  • Brooks tanks tops–

I usually run in Skirt Sports tanks (Eclipse is my favorite).  However, these tops are loose and comfortable but mostly I love the sayings on them.

  • Topos Cyclone 2 Shoes

Normally for longer runs and races, I wear Topos Phantoms. But these are lighter and looser in the toe box. Too bad they only come in ONE color.

  • Skirt Sports Triumph skirt

My favorite is the Cascade but they have been discontinued so I usually run in Gym Girl Ultras. I tried this one and like the fit and grippers on the shorts.  If they ever go on sale, I may buy another (IWO, I have enough skirts…)

And in non-running items for 2023?

  • Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew –

I’m a Starbucks fan. I don’t buy their drinks frequently because they are expensive but when I do, it used to be Caramel Macchiato in the winter and Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso in the summer but recently I discovered this drink and there’s no going back! lol

  • Samuel Smith’s Chocolate Stout –

I do enjoy a glass of red wine when I go out to dinner or in the evening at home. I don’t really like beer, at all. Who knew I would enjoy a glass of Stout…?

Originally I bought it at Trader Joe’s but they only sell it in the winter. Since then I’ve discovered several different brands.

Happy Running! What are your favorite running or non-running items this year? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

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Weekly Run Down for 8.13.23-8.20.23: Sunny Days

Yes, sunshine.  And some clouds. Rain was only forecast for my rest days!! (Of course, there were several unpredicted showers too)

Last Week —

  • Sunday – On my schedule was a fun 5k that I’ve run the past two years.  But I hadn’t signed up…

I was tempted but I had run 11 miles the day before and so instead I went to the gym.

Finally no rain in the forecast so it was a perfect day for the hubby & I to go boating on the lake.

I relaxed, watched kids jumping off the cliff and read Running While Black – what an awesome book!!

Guess what? It poured but the storm was short and then the sun came out and dried things up.

  • Monday – I got up early and met my running friend Deirdre on the rail trail for a 4 mile run before work.

ran 3 miles with intervals and then one on my own

I had planned to walk with a friend after work but when she mentioned that she’d love to see the sunflowers, I didn’t hesitate (despite the hour drive.)

each week a new field blooms… and we even discovered a new place to have ice cream on the way home…

  • Tuesday – A rainy day but that was ok with me since all I had planned was a trip to the gym before work.

Then after work, it wasn’t planned but we decided to buy a car rather than repairing my 13 year old car.

  • Wednesday – No time to run before work so I ran 6 miles after work. Deirdre met me again (at a different part of the rail trail)..

The rain had stopped which left the air full of moisture… so humid… we wished for more rain!

At noon, NYRR opened up for selecting your transportation to the start, expo time and bag check option. Did all 60k runners log in?? I waited in the queue for about 30 minutes and then picked.  I chose 6:15 am bus.  My other option was the subway to 7:45 am ferry, then a bus. One option seems too early and the other too late.

  • Thursday – The gym before work and then a lunch morning run… just 2 miles today.

I thought that the slight breeze would relieve some of the humidity .. nope! 

I also tried one of the FREE Peleton classes… I did half of this one (which was a speed workout).

Finally no thunderstorms predicted for our weekly trail run/walk. Thacher Park was the location and it’s our favorite because we go for dinner after at Maple on the Lake.

muddy in parts but beautiful views… no rain until the drive home after dinner…

  • Friday – Rainy morning and  rest day #2.  I headed to the gym before work and then after work, shopped, cleaned the house so I could host mah jongg.

Of course, the sun did come out at lunch when I went outside to weed…

  • Saturday – Long Run Day! 12 miles on the plan! I ran the first 8 with Stan & Sherry and then Deidre joined for the last 4. And it rained lightly during most of the run (but it felt good) and the run felt good.

After our runs, Heidi, one of my running friends planned a party at her house (She lives on a lake). Unfortunately the rainy weather kept us indoors so no swimming, kayaking, etc. today. Still it was fun.

Top: not 21 but 12 miles (lol) and cheers to running with friends.

Then I picked up my new car (2021 actually):

  • Sunday – The gym first thing and if the weather is nice, we’ll go boating…

This Coming Week on the Run (11 Weeks until NYCM)– 

  • Monday –  run, DAY OFF, hiking with friends
  • Tuesday – GYM, rest day
  • Wednesday -AM run, dinner out with tennis friends
  • Thursday – run, trail run/walk
  • Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (10 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Favorites of 2023
  • Friday –  Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  How’s the weather where you live? 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: Does Age Matter?

Today’s topic is Five Ways Age Affects Your Fitness Journey.

IOW: Does Age Matter?

Not to Jeannie Rice!

At age 75, she is still setting world records at ALL distances from ONE mile to 26.2 miles.

But to the rest of us mere mortals, does our age affect our fitness?

Well, rather than list the ways it does because that may be depressing (healing slower, bone loss, lack of muscle tone, weight gain, etc), I will post about…

Five Ways to Lessen the Effects of Age on our Fitness Journey:

Because Age is just a Number | Inspirational Blog for Senior Athletes - Sportsmatik

1.Keep moving. Every Day!

You don’t have to train to run an ultra marathon.

It can just be walking, biking, going to the gym, playing tennis…

Do whatever you enjoy that gets you off the couch!

2. Eat healthy enough to keep your weight to a normal BMI (18.5-24.9).

Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone.  Some people can eat ice cream everyday and not gain a pound.

Unfortunately, as older adults, our metabolism slows down and we have to be more careful about what we eat (and drink.)

And you also may not agree that BMI is the best way to judge your healthy weight. You can monitor your weight by the numbers on the scale or how your clothes fit.

We all know that it is easier to gain weight than take it off.

3. Establish Realistic Goals.

Your goals most likely will have to change as you get older.

Unlike Jeannie Rice, most older runners will not achieve PRs.

Rather than worrying about your slower pace, try for an age group award.  They are often easier to win as you age.

Increase your daily steps.

Learn a new sport. Pickleball, anyone?

Join a gym. Enroll in CrossFit, Orange Theory, Peleton, etc.

4. Find a role model.

Sometimes you feel old and unsuccessful in your fitness journey until you read about someone who is older and doing so much more.

That person may not be older but they may have a physical handicap that is not holding them back.

Marathoner Tanya Khvitsko Was Born Without Legs or Fingers - STRONG Fitness Magazine ®

Marathoner Tanya Khvitsko

5. Focus on what you CAN accomplish rather than what you CAN’T!!

If you can’t complete a half marathon, sign up for a 5k.

Instead of a road race, try a trail race.

Walk a 5k if you can no longer run.

Of course, there are many goals that aren’t even related to running but keep you moving forward.

Happy Running! Have you had to change your fitness routine based on your age?  Any other suggestions? Please share.

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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!!

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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Weekly Run Down for 8.6.23-8.13.23: Summer Fun

I don’t take any formal vacations during the summer.

But sometimes as they say: “Girls just wanna have fun…”

So I took Monday, Wednesday and Friday off this past week and added some fun activities.

Last Week —

  • Sunday – I started the week (as usual) at the gym…

The weather was beautiful (with rain predicted for the next few days) so we planned to spend the day on the lake.

Unfortunately, my hubby has been battling a cold for the last few days and was feeling worse.

So I took advantage of the free time to get some things done — manicure, grocery shopping, library, etc.

When I realized that it may possibly be raining the next two mornings, I decided that I should try to get a run in.

85 degrees and sunny = not a good idea!!

One good thing about the day was that one of sunflower patches was in full bloom and they opened at 5 pm.

So I took a long drive there and yes, it was worth it.

there will be many more visits when the other fields bloom…

  • Monday – Every other Monday, I try to go hiking with my running friends.

As it often happens, the forecast was for rain.

And I woke up to rain so I was glad I had run the day before.

When I looked at the radar, there looked like there would be a break in the rain.  My running friend Sherry was game to give it a try.

and yes, we stayed dry. The first trail was really nice although we’d have to cross the brook to finish it and the 2nd was very buggy.

I met a friend after she got out of work to walk.  It was raining (and HUMID) so I suggested that we go to the Y to walk on the track.  We walked 2 miles and it isn’t so bad if you chat the whole time (but boy, was the gym crowded at this time of day!!)

  • Tuesday –  I thought it was going to be raining so I didn’t plan to run and went to the gym instead before work.

Well, the humidity had returned but I was ready to run at lunch and then it started to monsoon.

And then a few minutes later, it stopped so off I drove for a run.

the flowers were pretty but holy humidity, Batman!!

  • Wednesday – Each August for like 35 years or more, my former teacher friend and I go to breakfast at the race track and then stay and bet on the horses. Occasionally we win $$ but mostly just have fun.

Finally we had a sunny DRY day this week.

today there was a power outage but fortunately races resumed and we even ended the day on a winning note.

  • Thursday – It was a struggle but I got up early enough to get my 5 mile run done before work.

the temps were great but it was more HUMID than I expected…

Sorry to be a broken record but every Thursday evening, rain is forecast and my friends and I struggle with the decision to join the trail running group.  Often we bail and then it doesn’t rain.

Only a few of us did go and it rained (but only lightly).

ice cream is always appropriate for evening trail walks

  • Friday – One of my running friends participates in an annual knitting retreat on Lake George and two years ago I joined her on the last day.  I ran my 10 mile long run on hills and then spent the afternoon swimming.

This year, it was my rest day so I started by going to the gym and then headed up to Lake George.

Instead of running, we went on a short hike on nearby trails.

Eleonora is also a knitter, runner and fellow Skirt Sports ambassador

Then we spent the rest of the day relaxing by the water

such a beautiful place to hang out, swim, etc. I’m planning to join them again next year

and I rushed home in time to play mah jongg.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day! It may have been the weather or the company but today’s 11 mile run felt easy (finally).

it was great catching up with Alyssa whom I haven’t run with in quite awhile.

There were 11 of out there today… it’s great that everyone can join no matter what distance or pace they are running and then we celebrate our achievement at brunch.

  • Sunday – If the weather is nice, we’ll go boating…

This Coming Week on the Run (12 Weeks until NYCM)– 

  • Monday –  run
  • Tuesday – GYM, rest day
  • Wednesday -run
  • Thursday – run, trail run/walk
  • Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Dream Running Location
  • Friday –  Does Age Matter?

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Do anything fun this week? 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: Avoiding Fitness Burnout

Today’s topic is FIVE Ways to Avoid Fitness Burnout:

1.Do not do it alone.

Whether it’s the gym or biking or running, it’s more fun with the company of a friend.

Obviously, you have to be flexible.  Maybe not do it the time you prefer or the location you prefer.

You won’t bail if someone is waiting for you.  You will work out more often. You will run longer or even faster.

love my walking/hiking/running buddies

2. Have a realistic goal.

It could be to walk a certain number of steps each day.  Maybe it’s to lose a few pounds.

It could also be to increase your cadence or pace or even complete a certain distance.

Having a goal can help you keep at it each day.

KEEP CALM AND RUN THE NEW YORK MARATHON

My 2023 goal

3. Switch it up.

Vary the time you work out. Try for sunrises rather than sunsets.

Or change the location where you run. Switch from road running to trail running.

Go biking or swimming instead. Take a yoga class.

Learn something new such as SUP or Pickleball.

4. Make it fun.

It shouldn’t feel like a punishment.

Take photos of the pretty scenery where you run or hike.

Reward yourself with a delicious treat.

5. Cut yourself slack.

The most important thing to consider when it comes to avoiding fitness burnout is how you deal with yourself.

We are always our own worst critics. If there are days where you just don’t feel like getting up and working out or running, your first instinct may be to start overwhelming yourself with negative thoughts (i.e. “I feel so lazy.” “I’ll never be ready for this race.”)

They don’t help you. They’re certainly not encouraging you to achieve your fitness goals.

Instead, say to yourself: “I’m tired. That’s okay. I’ll get up and shower and if I’m still really not feeling like a run, I’ll go for a walk instead and I’ll run tomorrow.” 

Happy Running! Ever feel that fitness burnout? If so, what do you do?  Please share.

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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!!

Join the link party!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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TT: Favorite Facebook Photos of 2023

Today’s topic is Favorite Facebook Photos.

Last week, I posted some of my favorite IG photos from 2023.  I actually post just as many (or more) on FB.

So again I just posted a few below from 2023:

  • Bird watching in Florida

  • Blogger meet up in NYC

  • Tennis vacation in Florida

  • Running with my buddies

  • College Friends 4ever (NYC reunion)

  • Age Group winning racing friends

  • Cheers!

Happy Running! Which are you favorite Facebook pictures? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

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Weekly Run Down for 7.30.23-8.6.23: A Brief Cool Down

Hot and humid the week before and this past week, when I am working from home and so I have more options on when to run, it was 20 degrees cooler with little humidity.

Summer in the NE!

Last Week —

  • Sunday –  I never had time to get to the gym last week so today I made myself get up early and go!!

Finally NO rain in the forecast.  It was much cooler as I mentioned above but the sun was shining and so it was perfect boating weather.

top pic shows where the day before an 85 ft tree fell on someone’s boat (no human injuries) and today we did invite friends to join us (so no reading got done).

It is a long drive to the lake so guess what I finished?

beat the grandbaby’s birth by a month 🙂

  • Monday – Back to early morning running on the rail trail… and it almost felt like fall..

but I was sweating by the end of the run… and I’m not used to solo runs (even with a podcast) so I quit after 4 miles.

Too nice to sit in the house at lunch and so I planned to walk or run a few more miles… and then it started to rain.

I headed out after work and again it started to rain.

I guess that was a sign that one 4 miler was enough for the day.

  • Tuesday – I do enjoy routines – 4 days running (M, W, TH, Sa long) and 3 days at the gym (Tu, F, Su). So today was gym day #2 (first thing in the morning and had to rush home to work).

What Is the DTaP Vaccine? 7 Things You Need to Know | The Healthy

Then after work I got my DTaP shot (to prepare to meet my granddaughter in a few weeks) and afterward I met my BFF for a walk…

  • Wednesday –  Same routine as Monday but I drove to a different section of the rail trail.

perfect running weather – those arm sleeves only lasted for the first few minutes of my 4 miles

  • Thursday – Loving this fall-like weather (and my WFH schedule).  Just 3 miles today before work starting from the barn (on the rail trail.)

spotted a rock from Ohio and leftover art from the Pandemic

We decided that the scheduled location for the ARE Thursday trail run was too far away so we organized our own.

We had planned on the Pinebush trails but again thunderstorms had us switch to a closer 3 miler.

  • Friday – Rest Day from running but a before work trip to the gym.

Notice my shirt… my current “motivation”

I decided to go work at the office today.  One benefit (besides a printer) is that I pass Starbucks on the way. I was introduced to this last week – Chocolate Cream Cold Brew. Try it if you haven’t!!

❤

Rain on and off ALL day so it was a perfect indoor work day with mah jongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day!! 10 miles with friends on the rail trail. It wasn’t easy but it felt way better than last week due to the deceased humidity.

After brunch and a few errands, I was finally able to go see this movie with my running friends:

Official Poster for Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' : r/movies

  • Sunday – After the gym, hopefully a relaxing boating day on the lake.

This Coming Week on the Run (13 Weeks until NYCM)– 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike
  • Tuesday – run, walk
  • Wednesday – DAY OFF –rest day, day at the Saratoga race  track
  • Thursday – run, trail run/walk
  • Friday – DAY OFF – GYM, rest day, day with a friend in Lake George
  • Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –  Favorite FB Photos
  • Friday –  Avoiding Fitness Burnout

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races?  Has your weather cooled down? Do you always run on certain days? Have you seen the Barbie movie yet? Starbucks addicts, anyone? 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: Ultimate Coffee Date for August 2023

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I love routines which means that I run 4 times a week and work out at the gym 3 times. 

Obviously running is a priority because the past 2 weeks I did get my runs in but my gym visits slacked off. In fact, I never got to the gym at all when I was not working from home…

Yup, only on Sundays!

Sundays are for leisurely gym mornings

Hopefully, I will continue to work remotely most of the time so that I don’t have to cancel my gym membership.

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that speaking of running and not working from home, that also meant that my runs would have to be after work (I’m not a 5 am runner).

Not a problem, right?

after one of those painful runs…

Yes. problem this summer when it is HOT and insanely humid… sucky runs!!

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my car may be on its last legs…

I do love my car but it is over 13 years old (168K miles) and lately the repairs have been killing my budget.

hate this nasty light

So what does this have to do with running?

Well, I find myself requiring certain things in a new car…

    • All wheel drive – need in the NE to get to my running routes, hikes and races in all wintry conditions.
    • Heated seats and steering wheel – to immediately warm up after the freezing temp runs, hikes and races.
    • Big enough trunk for all my running/hiking gear but an SUV is not necessary since my hubby drives a pick up truck.

Stay tuned for an update…

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I’ve been on a knitting frenzy since my granddaughter will be born in a month.

I finished the blanket and now want to make a hat and booties.

Working, running, hiking, working out… when do I knit?

Long car rides to and from the lake and also train and subway rides (when I worked in NYC).

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that sometimes I’d love to disable those memories on Facebook.  

Many in July were at races

2013 – Andrea and Crista (both bloggers) at Biggest Loser 5k in VT

 Silks and Satins 5k where we first met

Both of these women have since died from cancer…

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Can you identify with any of my updates? 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 bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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TT: Favorite IG Pics of 2023

Today’s topic is Favorite Instagram Photos.

I post many photos and there was no way I could pick my favorites so I just posted a few below from 2023:

Happy Running! What are you favorite Instagram pictures? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

by

Weekly Run Down for 7.23.23-7.30.23: Moonlighting…

Twice a year (February and July), I take time off from my regular 8-4 job and work for the software company that applicants use to take the NYS Bar Exam.

So that’s what I did this past week.

Last Week —

  • Sunday – I headed to the gym first thing in the morning.

After two rainy Sundays in a row, today was perfect.

lots of needed relaxation and reading (Hello Beautiful- any one read it?)

  • Monday – I had predicted a crazy work week so I decided to move my 5 miler to this morning… luckily my friend Deirdre agreed to get up early too to run.

too rushed to get a selfie but I did see some more art on the rail trail…

Then I dropped my car off at the dealer and worked a half day.

After lunch, I met my friends Heidi and Sherry for a short hike in Pittsfield, MA…

an impromptu location and we finished the hike before the skies opened up

  • Tuesday – Rest Day and day 1 at the Bar Exam.

7AM start

Long.Day.

7PM finish

  • Wednesday – Back to my regular job but not working from home… teaching a live class.

Tired from standing all day but needed to get some fresh air and some miles.

At least I had company at UAlbany but it was 90 degrees and it felt torturous…

  • Thursday – Day 2 at the Bar Exam with a later start and earlier finish than Tuesday.

I thought I might squeeze in a run first thing but nope I delayed it until after work.  It rained on and off all afternoon but there was brief pause …

my old route as I used to work here… but so so humid!!!!

We hoped that the predicted thunderstorms would hold off so we could get in our weekly trail run/walk. But we were so indecisive about going…

Instead, we bailed and just took a walk and went out to dinner…

It poured before our walk but never rained again the entire evening… we finished off the day with ice cream sandwiches from the cookie truck.

  • Friday – Rest Day and similar to to Tuesday (Day 3 at the Bar exam). I did some walking laps around the building but that’s about it…

In the evening I went out to play mah jongg…

  • Saturday – Long Run Day!  We started earlier than usual but still it was the hardest one to date… due to extreme humidity. I ran the first 4-5 miles with Barbara, Lisa, Stan and Sherry and then sprinted ahead just to get the 9 miles done before meeting the others for brunch (That was the best part of the run. LOL)

hoping for some cooler weather next weekend

It rained hard off and on the rest of the day… and temps dropped about 20 degrees…

seen in the Walmart parking lot

  • Sunday – I plan to return to the gym after a week off and definitely go to the lake with friends.

This Coming Week on the Run (14 Weeks until NYCM)– 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday – GYM, rest day
  • Wednesday -run
  • Thursday – run, trail run/walk
  • Friday –  GYM, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (10 mies)
  • Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday –  Favorite IG Pictures
  • Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Does the humidity bother you on your runs? 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.