After a beautiful warm sunny week last week, it was not surprising that this week did not follow suit.

But my plan was to relax and take it slow… and enjoy the beginning signs of spring.

After a long two months, I finally ran another half marathon and in person!  This one was local and on the same course as the one I ran last November. It was fun to see all my friends again (even with the COVID restrictions.)

Last Week:

• Monday – A rainy morning but by lunch it had stopped. A chilly cloudy day but glad to get outside. Unfortunately due to unexpected meet-up with a friend, I got delayed and wound up getting caught in the rain halfway though this run.

Got to see some early tulips but my hands and ears were so cold!!

Of course, the rain stopped by the time I finished.  I had to get back to work so I drove back to take pictures.

surprised to catch these at peak during my run UAlbany run. ❤ cherry blossoms!!

• Tuesday – A busy work day so only had time for a quick neighborhood walk at lunch.

they are so short-lived, these beautiful blossoms

After work, I went for my usual LONG rail trail walk with friends.

always interesting sights – the highlight was a young girl roller blading holding a chicken!! The top left is the RD from Saturday’s race (and his wife).

• Wednesday – Anxious to catch some more peak cherry blossom trees, I headed to Washington Park after work to run.

2 cherry blossom trees (but lots of pink magnolias) and only ONE tulip – lol

I only had time for a short run/walk since my running friend texted me and asked me to run with her at UAlbany.

two days later and the trees were mostly past peak with pretty pink “snow” on the ground. I was overdressed too (it was 70 degrees) – skirt/tank weather

Rush rush again- dinner plans with a friend. So nice to be able to socialize again (and she didn’t notice my sweaty running shirt under my jacket. lol)

• Thursday – Rest Day. And a rainy one. I guess the timing worked out perfectly. It had stopped raining by lunch so I went for a walk.  It was downright chilly (down coat and beanie cold).

discovered another new trail nearby…seems to go on forever!!

After work, I was able to get my race packet and then since it was pouring go for a work in the mall.

• Friday – A Second Rest Day with snow in the forecast!! There was a dusting in the morning but again it was chilly.

view of our tree from my window

After work, again due to rain, I went for a walk around an outside mall (with a friend).

• Saturday – Race Day!!! With 1000 of my closest friends (lol), I ran 13.1 miles! Unfortunately, it was colder than I had hoped (so I changed my outfit at the last minute). And due to all the recent rain, the start and finish was crazy muddy.  But I finished. It was hard due to my too fast miles 1-5 and then the unending hills. But I ran a real race.  Life is good!

In the town where I live, people pain rocks and when you find them you post to FB and then move them. This afternoon, a massage studio sponsored a rock painting session. It was lots of fun and a good way to rest my weary legs for a few hours.

obviously I do not have much artistic talent lol

• Sunday – It’s Hiking Sunday. I was hoping that my legs would allow me. But actually ikt was a beautiful day and hiking was what the doctor ordered.  I felt so better better afterwards. I, of course, needed my waterfalls fix and then I also hike two new trails in the same area.

Barbersville Falls (top left) and then the ridge trail (with lots of creek crossings) and then the nearby Creek trail (bottom pics).

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run, walk with BFF
• Tuesday – rest day, walk, bike, hair appt.
• Wednesday – run, walk
• Thursday – run, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday – walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Druthers H2H Half Marathon Race Recap
• Friday – The New Normal for Racing

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Doing any virtual races? Any in-person races planned? Any goals for April? Is it warming up where you live? What about those April showers? Are they happening? Please share.

After a ugly weather week last week, this week started out promising.

The highlight of the week was that I had taken Wednesday off from work (to hike) and the weather was perfect. I used the day to continue my chase of the NYS Waterfalls.

Temps up to 60 degrees (and even 70, I think) and no rain all week.  (Not great for the flowers but good for the runner/walker/hiker.)

I even reach another milestone.

I think it may be time to take out the bike for a spin….

Last Week:

• Monday – I used to be so good about getting out before work and going for a walk.  I have not done that in ages.  I did go for my run at lunch time. It was warm but still windy. The sun was shining so I was very grateful.

overdressing seems to be my spring theme…I’ll get it right eventually. Lots of Easter eggs on the trail and my daffodils finally bloomed.

After work, I went for a walk in the park searching for signs of spring

not much to report… no sign of the infamous tulips

and then met my BFF for a long walk around our outdoor mall.

• Tuesday – Another nice sunny breezy day.  So why not a run on my rest day? lol

I started out on the water line but it was muddy so I switched to the neighborhood.

this run was rushed since I stopped to talk with a neighbor (she usually runs 10m everyday at 5 am and I hadn’t seen her in awhile…unfortunately she has breast cancer and is going through chemo. She continues to run only 5m and is training for the Chicago marathon). So inspired yet grateful to be healthy!!

and after work, I took a long walk on the rail trail with two friends.

we have now added after walk munchies or dinner lol

• Wednesday – Re-arranged my rest day and went for a few hikes instead on my day off from work. I also had hired someone to deep clean my house (since I have been slacking in that dept and my regular cleaning lady moved away.)

As you probably know, I am waterfalls obsessed.  And since I had the whole day to myself, I decided to take a long drive (1h30) to Owen D. Young.  I heard that it was nice but I was not prepared for all the waterfalls in one place (plus caves and trails).

definitely worth the drive

Since I was already in the area, I Googled to see if there were any other waterfalls nearby. Yup, not too far away was Wintergreen Park and Trails.

My last stop was at Buttermilk Falls before heading home.

• Thursday – A busy work day only allowed me to squeeze in a neighborhood run during lunch. And it was skirt weather. Woo Hoo!

Again, after work, I went for a long walk with friends on the rail trail. We do vary the direction now that we meet there twice a week.

• Friday – A scheduled rest day.  Since the weather was still amazingly nice, I did go for a few walks. I went to the local park at lunch.

not many leaves on the trees, but a children’s walk, some Easter eggs and mud.

and then it was so nice a day that I went for another hike. And of course, there was a waterfall.

Across from these trails was another one which led you to the Hudson River.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday.  Our taper before the half marathon next Saturday. This week, we all met at the Nisky Bike Path and ran or walked our individual paces and distances and then had brunch together.

I wore different shoes and different socks and a result of one or the other got painful blisters (also could have been the humidity). A painful 10 miles but the taper is done. And brunch was great.

• Sunday – Forecast called for showers so I headed out early hoping to squeeze in my hike and not get wet. I decided to go to Thacher Park where in the past I have run on some of the trails. Who knew how many waterfalls there were there…

it was warm and humid and it seemed that the rain would hold off for a while so I walked across the road and walked on another trail.

such pretty views

On my way to grocery shopping I stopped off to see if things has started to bloom….

just a start….

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  walk, run
• Tuesday – run, walk with friends
• Wednesday – walk, run
• Thursday – rest day, bike, walk, race bib pick up, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday – Druthers Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon!!
• Sunday – walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Favorite Podcasts
• Friday – How Indoor Cycling Can Help Runners

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Doing any virtual races? Any in-person races planned? Any goals for April? Is it warming up where you live? Any April showers? Please share.

We got lucky with spring temps last week but this week, it seemed like winter again. Typical spring in the NE.

Fingers crossed that spring will return next week again.

Last Week:

• Monday – Nasty weather in the morning – cloudy, cold with very high winds.  I decided to postpone my run until after work. At least the sun came out and it warmed up a bit but it still was very windy.

started out in the neighborhood but ended up on the rail trail – new sighting: a dog grave

Then I had to rush home for a mah jongg group book ZOOM. We discussed The Book of Lost Names. So fun to see everyone again (at least virtually.)

• Tuesday – A busy work day so I decided not to run and instead do a quick walk in the park at lunch

oops I forgot my phone so no pics. Did you walk in the park today??

and then a long walk with friends after work (followed by dinner with them).  Unfortunately the evening ended badly with either a stomach flu or food poisoning (haven’t been that sick since I was kid.)

• Wednesday – Still a windy day and rain/snow predicted for later and tomorrow. Still not feeling 100% but decided to try an easy run at lunch. I drove to a nearby neighborhood.

warm but very windy, saw my first daffodils and didn’t puke…win win.

After work, I always have that cooped up feeling and decided that I needed some fresh air.  And it hadn’t started raining…yet.

a long walk at Normanskill Farms = just what the doctor ordered

• Thursday – Ugly rainy day.  Bike time at lunch and a walk with friends after work (back at the outside mall to stay dry). On my drive home, it started to sleet then snow.

still no blooms…poor cold daffodils

• Friday – Winter temps returned.  Managed to squeeze in a cold walk at lunch. April (snow) showers bring May flowers, right?

maybe that’s why my Christmas Cactus is confused…

After work, I resorted to a mall walk and was treated to this on my way home. Glad I didn’t skip the walk.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday.  12 miles on my schedule and I picked Zim Smith for our group run.  We hadn’t been there in ages and we all love brunch after at Leah’s Cakery. Of course, that was the plan before our unexpected snowfall. Fortunately the path was clear, the sun was shining, no wind and the chilly temps actually were perfect for a long run. I ran the first 7 miles with Stan and Sherry. Luckily Stan left since his pace is way faster than mine.  I ran the next 4 with Sherry and dragged myself through the last mile solo.

the best part was the chocolate milk, quiche and brownie recovery (and yes it was chilly after when you are sweaty).

• Sunday –  Hiking Sunday continued but an early one since it was Easter and I had to go to dinner at my MIL’s. I was not expecting how much I loved this one (Beebe Hill Trails). A decent climb, pond and creek view, lean-to, old cemetery and a Fire Tower!! (more pics on FB & IG)

I need to go back when I have more time to explore the other trails here.

After a huge meal and this:

Ever heard of Duck Donuts? My first experience. Yum.

I decided on a second hike.  This time it was a trail I had found out about but had forgotten about.  It lets you view the Cohoes Falls from the opposite side.  Th eonly problem was the MUD. I was covered to my knees lol

but I did make it to the end

This Coming Week on the Run – 

• Monday –  run, walk with BFF
• Tuesday – rest day, bike, walk with friends
• Wednesday – DAY OFF, run, hike
• Thursday – run, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday – Long Run (Taper 10)
• Sunday – rest day, bike, walk/hike

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

• Tuesday – Five Year Predictions: Past and Future
• Friday – Advice for Recovering from the COVID Vaccine

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Doing any virtual races? Any in-person races planned? Any goals for April? Is it warming up where you live? Any April showers? Please share.

I have been complaining about it being cold and windy.

just last week

I’m happy to report there were days warm enough to wear a skirt and tank!!! (However, next week we will not be as lucky.)

Last Week:

• Monday – Unfortunately I got dressed in the morning but didn’t get out to run until after work. But it was a very tiring day and my run just felt off (or maybe I was overdressed).

ran at UAlbany…not a good run but 3 miles nonetheless

Followed up my run with a long walk with my BFF (sweaty so now I felt chilled oy!)

• Tuesday – Another picture perfect running day. Today I decided to squeeze in a neighborhood run during lunchtime. I dressed appropriately and my energy level may not have been any better than Monday but I had different expectations.

enjoyed the sunshine and used my walk breaks to photograph signs of spring

After work, I met up with a friend for a walk on the rail trail.

we got lucky and found several painted rocks

• Wednesday – I was debating on whether to run or have a rest day. Well, the weather made my decision. It started raining earlier than predicted so I was going to skip my run and bike instead. But then the rain stopped so off I drove hoping to get in a few.  I didn’t run where I had planned because I wanted to stay close to my car in case of a downpour.

2 miles are better than none but got back to my car pretty soggy lol

• Thursday – 60 degrees!! Woo Hoo. Of course I was excited to get in a run after yesterday’s rain. I drove into town during lunch. Unfortunately it was cloudy so it didn’t feel as warm as Tuesday.  Once I started running, I realized that it was humid so a tank would have been a better option.

and more painted rock sightings 🙂

After work, I was back on the rail trail for a walk with two friends. It was even warm enough to have wine and appetizers outside post-walk.

my friend decided to make her own rock

• Friday – A scheduled rest day and this week it worked out perfectly since it was a rainy morning and a very windy evening.  I did a lot of yard work at lunch (X training, right?) and then walked in the mall after work.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. As I mentioned last week, now all the snow and ice has melted which gave us many choices on places to do a long run. Someone suggested a run on a new bike path because it was hilly (Some of us are running a hilly half marathon in a few weeks.)  I was very skeptical about this.  I never train on hills and in a race, I walk them if they are steep. I even considered running alone on the flat Corning bike path. Fortunately Sherry agreed to run with me and then we met everyone else after for brunch. The weather gods were wonderful and it was beautiful out.

we both got very sweaty as it was sunny out…still working on dressing correctly for spring

After grocery shopping, I was back at it again with more x-training or yard work

• Sunday – I was afraid Hiking Sunday would have to be postponed due to rain and wind. But I headed out early, drove quite a ways south and was able to cover some trails and see a waterfall.  I wanted to explore some more trails but I am glad I did not. It started to pour as soon as I left.

there was no ice or mud…definitely worth a trip to Bash Bish Falls.

Stuck indoors, I spent the rest of the day decluttering my closets.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run,  walk
• Tuesday – rest day, bike, walk with friends
• Wednesday – run. walk
• Thursday – run, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday – Long Run (12 m)
• Sunday – bike, hike

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Doing any virtual races? Any in-person races planned? Is it warming up where you live?  Any signs of spring?  Do you de-clutter your clothes before a new season? Please share.