New Month. And lots to be grateful for.

I get my 2nd COVID vaccine this coming week.

I have a vacation in a warmer climate planned for this month.

I will be running an in-person race.

My family and friends are all healthy.

The days are getting longer.

Spring starts next month.

Last Week –

• Monday – The snowstorm was predicted to start in the afternoon. So boy was I surprised to wait up to snow on the ground already and it was snowing.  #nevermissamonday! What to do?  I knew things would be getting worse before they got better so I waited for the snow plow/salt truck to go by and then went for a run. The worst part was going down my driveway and no shoulder on the side of the main road.

it was one of my more enjoyable runs…Lady Gaga…snowflakes on my nose & eyelashes.. and no pressure to run fast or not walk

By lunchtime, there seemed to be a lull in the snow so I drove to the local park hoping the hit the trails.  Well, I was too lazy to put on my yaks and grab my poles and getting to the trails was too icy so I just took a walk around the park.

not tempted in the least bit to work out on that equipment

After work, I was better prepared and go in a decent hike. Nope…snowing too hard. Hunkered down at home and read a book (The Vanishing Half = good one!).

• Tuesday – Ok, I woke up to too much snow for a morning anything outdoors.

Glad I didn’t have to shovel

 It continued to snow all morning so my only option was the bike at lunch. (George to the rescue.) I set up a TV so I could use it for the Peleton app instead of my ipad or iphone.

30 minutes of pedaling to Prince

Then I shoveled out my hot tub (priorities) and checked out the roads in the ‘hood.

I had boots on or I would have run…the roads were pretty clear

After work, I was determined to get outside again. Not to run but for a long walk with friends.

• Wednesday – No more snow but still a cold day with a lot more wind. I drove into town for a run at lunch. On my way, I ate three homemade cookies. I’m telling you this because I had more energy than normal…

New York State of mind today (hat & Jacket). Matty & I seem to have the same music tastes. So much energy that I actually did FIVE hill repeats (I never do drills!!)

I also met my BFF for a long walk before dinner.

• Thursday – A beautiful morning. There was even sun but not much time to do much out there before work.

just outside my front door

I did go for another lunch run in town (but on different streets) and again with Matty (on Peleton).

nicest weather we’ve had in a long time. Just needed a windbreaker! Woo Hoo!

And then back to the outside mall after work for a long walk with friends.

• Friday – Rest day.  A Bike ride at lunch. An easy decision since the weather was supposed to be nasty (but of course then it wasn’t).

a fun 45 minute break from the computer

And a trail walk at Fiver Rivers after work.

I found a path where a lot of skiers and snowshoers had packed up the snow so I was able to walk it wit just hiking boots

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. Finally temps near 30. (For us it is a winter heat wave). I met Sherry for 10 miles at The Crossings. I ran 3 solo and then 7 with her and my friend Stan (who showed up by surprise.) It was cold but sunny and so much less windy and cold than the previous Saturday. Last long run before my race!!

Stan is a much faster runner and he definitely pushed us. After 7 with them, I walked and left them to run another mile (at his pace.)

• Sunday – Started the day on George. Substituted Peleton for Netflix

binge watched this and had to watch episode 10 of Season 1. Anyone watch this or have read the book?

Lots of snow on the trails but difficult to decide where to hike without snowshoes or X-country skis. Sherry lent me her micro-spikes and I was excited to try them out. I was afraid that the snow would not stop and I would have to postpone my hike. But around 2:30 pm, it did and I decided to explore Plotterkill Preserve.

The snow was packed so I didn’t need my spikes until I got to the bridge (the stairs were pure ice).. It was such a nice hike and it started snowing near the end. Perfect. Next time, I’ll have to go earlier so I could do all the trails. (and there was a waterfall (top right)

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run, walk, ZOOM book club (The Vanishing Half)
• Tuesday – run, COVID vaccine #2, walk with friends
• Wednesday – rest day, bike, walk, pack
• Thursday – flt to Fort Lauderdale, drive to N. Boca, dinner in Deerfield Beach with friends
• Friday – run (at sunrise), gardens and bird sanctuaries with a friend
• Saturday –  rest day, sunrise walk, brunch with a friend, drive to FL, boat tour to lighthouse, race expo
• Sunday – Race Day – Publix A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon, explore Fort Lauderdale, boat ride on the New River

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? Are you venturing outdoors in the sub zero temps?  Any knitters out there? How about succulents? Please share.

Well, January has ended.  We have a new President. Many people have gotten their first COVID vaccine. My hubby has even received his 2nd dose (No reaction!!)

My running has gotten off to a decent start. I’m on my way (barring injury) to 1000 miles for the year.

Despite the cold, snow and ice, I’ve continued hiking. I have already visited FOUR new trails.  To quote Wendy “Nature is my anti-depressant.”

Last Week –

• Monday – Another cold morning but with possible snow on the way tomorrow, I knew I needed to get in a run at lunch. The sun was a welcome surprise, the wind not so much. I decided to repeat the route from last week – drive to park n ride, run to the HS track, run around the track and then run back to my car.

Thanks to Cari for the recommendation – my favorite Peleton run yet.

And after work, I checked out a local trail before it got dark. A perfect way to end the day.

HollyHock Hollow Sanctuary. If you look closely you can see the mon in the pic on the right

Also I got my swag for Saturday’s Virtual 15K.  I wish I was running the real race but even without the pandemic, none are scheduled anymore in NY.

a hoodie, chocolate and more…

• Tuesday – A busy work day but I did get in a 45 min bike ride during lunch.

it started to snow just as I was finishing up

After work, I had a needed hair appt (2 weeks later than usual.) And I drove to it in a snowstorm (The things we women do…)

• Wednesday – I woke up to snow (about 5-6 inches.)

first world problems – have to shovel out the hot tub

so I waited until lunch to go out for a run. I wore my trail shoes and navigated slowly the streets in my neighborhood. No problem (except for my driveway which wasn’t plowed yet.)

half of the run was done to Wicked music 🙂

After work, I met my friend for our usual outside walk.

• Thursday – Today I took the day off. (Just needing to use up some vacation time).  I was able to do grocery shopping, get my nails done and go for a morning run. I ran in the streets of town since obviously the trails were still snow-covered.

the sun may have been shining but the wind made it feel sooo cold

and then an afternoon hike. You know that I am obsessed with water falls so I chose Barbersville Falls. There was quite a few inches of snow on the Waterfalls trail.  Underneath the snow was ice.  Going down wasn’t as scary as trying to go back up (Next time, do not do this without spikes!!) Eek!  Then I hiked the Ridge Trail. Much longer loop as not as scary.

The waterfalls were beautiful and the trails so peaceful… but slippery

I ended the day with a walk with friends.

• Friday – Rest day from running. I almost considered going for a walk.

Nahh. I’m not that crazy. Maybe one in a mall after work.

Instead I took a 45 minute bike ride at lunch.

30 min of Backstreet Boys but only had time for 15 min of Cher. Enjoyed both.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. I had planned to do my virtual Hot Chocolate 15k with Sherry and virtually with Deirdre and Kim. But first, 2.7 miles (because I never got in 12 miles last Saturday.) It was extremely cold again but not as windy as last time. And there was sun!! I started at 10 am and Sherry met me at 10:30. We had to return to the Crossings due to our recent snowfall and ran around the nearby neighborhoods. It was sub zero with the wind chill but not as bad as I thought and it was nice to have company.

Virtual 15k done! (Deidre was in Fla.)

I guess my painful feet are ready for another half marathon.

After my hot chocolate in the hot tub, I spent some time on my knitting. Just too cold to venture outside again.

I got tired of the socks so started a cowl. It is actually a darker purple.

• Sunday – Another COLD day. I started with a 40 min. ride on George.

actually did the warm up after the ride lol

And then off to the trails in search of peace and quiet and a waterfall. Sanders Preserve surprisingly was one of my favorite trails so far. Miles of trails on packed snow, not slippery at all and so peaceful.  There was a waterfall but I couldn’t figure out how to get down to it.  I am going back!

without any wind, it felt so much better than yesterday – a beautiful day on the trails

I’m amazed at how much my succulents are loving winter. This is the first winter of my obsession. I love plants but once I bought one succulent, I got addicted (and none have died 🙂 )

check out all the icicles outside the window!

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run, walk
• Tuesday – rest day, bike, walk with friends
• Wednesday –  run, walk with BFF
• Thursday – run, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday –  LONG RUN, walk
• Sunday – rest day, bike, walk/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? Are you venturing outdoors in the sub zero temps?  Any knitters out there? How about succulents? Please share.

The week started off with a day off to celebrate Martin Luther King Day

❤ this! I remember him saying it but it didn’t mean as much to me then as it does now.

and then in the the middle of the week, we celebrated a new US President being inaugurated.

this was even more exciting!

Hope this means good things for all of us.

A four-day work week is always a good thing.

And I also got my first dose of the COVID vaccine. Another reason to celebrate.

Last Week –

• Monday – Woo Hoo, a day off from work.  I started it with my longest and best Peleton ride.

45 minutes of Billy!!! No callouts, just some stories but mostly music!!

In the afternoon, I was able to take a long hike on this rest day from running.  I continued my quest for easy trails in the winter but ones with waterfalls. I have to say that I am still rather nervous about hiking where there is ice and snow.  But there’s no way around it sometimes (unless I just stay home). So I wore my Yaks, used my poles and walked very slowly.  And I didn’t fall!! Woot! Woot!

it was very icy but going by myself, I could set my own pace and I enjoyed the beautiful views.

• Tuesday – Back to work and back to running. The temps dropped and it was still cloudy. Not happy about that but I did squeeze in a run before my appointment to get my first COVID vaccine.

and it takes me a lot longer than 30 minutes to run 3 miles these days

The vaccine took no time at all. It was so well organized. I was in and out.  I got the Pfizer vaccine so my second dose was scheduled for 21 days from today.

I felt fine so I went for a walk with a friend that evening (The arm was just a little sore.)

• Wednesday – A rest day so on the bike before work. I got a late start so instead of a Peleton ride, I did work while on the bike. Then I took a short walk during a late lunch (after watching the Inauguration <3). And believe it or not, it was the first day that there was any sun in eons!!! Then all of a sudden, there was a snow squall and I looked like a snowman.  Just as quickly as it started, it ended and it was sunny again.

lots of flags for Inauguration Day and a mobile Pet Spa at a neighbor’s?

and I met my BFF for a longer walk after work.

In the evening, we had a running group ZOOM.  We have some snowbirds in the group and some not being able to do the weekend long runs.  It was great seeing everyone all together.

Judy was also here for a little while earlier

• Thursday – A busy work day so I had to run after work at Ualbany and then meet my friends for a walk. Both were cold ones.  Brrr!

But first, all the bloggers celebrated Liz’s birthday.

thanks to Cari for the collage

It snowed during the morning and I was worried about the paths at UAlbany being slippery. Happy to report that they were all clear and salted.

loving the extra minutes of daylight

Afterward, I went to meet a friend for a walk.  She told me I looked like Bernie.

she may have been right lol

• Friday – Rest Day #3 was scheduled. Appropriately since I woke up feeling like crap. Headache, achy, tired.  Not sure if it was a delayed reaction from the COVID vaccine (my friend had a bad one on day 8) or from lack of sleep and stress at work.  A normal person would just rest. Instead I did a Peleton ride (live) during my late lunch. (You know my philosophy – You rest when you die.)

OMG. I forgot how much I loved this musical and it ended with my favorite song.

I was not cured but mentally I felt better and physically no worse.

And then after work, I finally dragged myself outside for a walk with friends. Continuing on my goal to go for a walk outdoors everyday.  Someday, there may even be sunshine. Believe it or not, my headache went away. I felt energized and like a new woman.  The first step out the door is the hardest.  Glad I didn’t just give into my lethargy/sickness.

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday. The coldest temps yet and it was sooo windy. All my friends decided to skip the run. Boy, was I tempted to as well and join the other bloggers for a indoor bike ride ZOOM.  But I drove to The Crossings and got it done. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t pretty.

there was sunshine but the wind overshadowed it.  Listened to some Peleton Rock but the cold was draining my iPhone battery.

After a soak in the hot tub and a hot shower, we headed up north for a Belated Anniversary dinner!  We walked around our marina and then had a cozy dinner in a heated igloo.

• Sunday – Still cold but not as windy. Started my rest day with a 45 minute Peleton ride.

out of nowhere a ladybug landed on me!! So strange. A sign??

Then I set out for a longish hike hoping to explore a new place, a waterfall and not to fall on the ice!!  Well there was NO ice and several beautiful waterfalls on this crisp sunny day.  Loved this 3.5 mile out and back hike!! So many hidden gems in my area to explore.  What took me so long to find them?

Burden Pond Preserve

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run, walk
• Tuesday – rest day, bike, walk, hair appt
• Wednesday –  run, walk
• Thursday – Day Off, run, hike, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday –  LONG RUN, walk
• Sunday – rest day, bike, walk/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? Have the winter temps or snow hit? Have you signed up for any races? Virtual or In-Person? Please share.

Counting down until my THREE day weekend.

Counting down until Biden is sworn in as President.

Counting down until I get my COVID vaccines. (I became eligible this week and after a zillion failed attempts, I got an appt.)

Counting down until I can run an in-person race.

Some years, it’s hard to enjoy the present and you have to look ahead to better times.

That being said, so far, this year I have kept up my fitness goals – running easy, running long, walking, hiking, indoor biking (two activities each day.)

Last Week –

• Monday – Another cold gray morning. Postponed going outside until lunchtime.  The sun never came out but it was at least a little warmer. I decided to try something new for my run. I drove to the park n ride, ran a mile to the high school, ran a mile around the track and then back to my car.  A really nice diversion. The track was empty, clear of ice/snow and easy on the feet. Maybe next time, I’ll even do some speed work.

It was only in the high 20s and I was cold for awhile but in the end, it was the right choice of clothing.

With a few more minutes each day of light, I was able to explore a local trail after work.

Van Dyke Preserve at dusk

• Tuesday –  Before work I rode George since it was a rest day.

I decided to try and focus on one nugget said by each trainer (makes the chatter more meaningful) – today was (don’t quote me) -“The way you see yourself impacts what you can do.”

During my lunch break, I went for a short walk. Just out my back door and onto the waterline.

another very dreary cloudy day…at least there was no wind so it felt warmer than yesterday (even walking).

After work, I got in my 2nd daily (and longer) walk with a friend around our outdoor mall.

we always pass this giant Christmas ornament and I finally took a selfie in it.

I spent most of the evening trying to make an appt for my COVID-19 vaccine.  At the current time, it was only offered through April 16 at UAlbany and all the appts were filled or the website kept crashing….grrr!!!

• Wednesday – After a sleepless and frustrated night, I decided to get out earlier for my walk today.

saw the sunrise but still had to be at my desk by 8 am so a short walk in the ‘hood..

And back to running. I had more time so I drove to do my lunch run. I wish I time for a more scenic location but they are either icy or too far.  I settled for the roads near the rail trail as I did last week.

still cloudy but a little warmer and dry so can’t complain

After work, I got in a second but longer walk with my BFF. But the good news is that I decided to check out the vaccine appts one more time (after checking them ALL day) and miraculously, I found an open slot for Jan. 19!! Super ecstatic.

still holiday decorations at the mall…like the reflection of the outdoor tree indoors

• Thursday –I debated whether to take a rest day or run. It always depends on which day of the weekend my long run is and that depends on the weather.  I decided to walk at lunch and drive to the trails in our town park. I was wondering if they we would be icy.  Yes in most places!!

I only did one loop. Next time, I’ll wear my Yaks and do the other.

and then went for a run after work at UAlbany before my walk.

finally the paths were clear here and that tent in the top left is where the COVID vaccines will be given.

I met with friends again for a long walk after work (my 3rd night in a row at the same locale.)

decorations will soon be taken down here so I’m enjoying/sharing them.

• Friday – With Saturday’s weather looking iffy and today being dry, my rest day turned in a run day. Rain was forecast for the afternoon so I needed to get out at lunch (or before work but that rarely happens.). To save time, I ran in the neighborhood. And I think I saw a glimmer of sun through my window in the morning but by the time I got out to run, it was gray and gloomy. I didn’t do a Peleton run because it used up all my data last month.  Instead, I listened to a podcast (that I had already downloaded.)

the poor snowman on the top lost his nose since yesterday

The rain held off until evening so there was time for a quick hike before dinner. And then my walking companion called me and insisted that we do another outdoor mall walk.  (I may have created a monster lol).

• Saturday – Long Run Saturday postponed due to rain/snow. Instead, I started the day with a virtual bike ride (via ZOOM) with some other bloggers.  So fun.

40 min ride. my longest so far. went by so quickly when you are chatting

After housework and errands, I realized that I hadn’t taken my daily walk. It had stopped raining so I decided to seek out another waterfall trails.  I though that I might encounter ice and snow. Nope. Two miles of MUD!!! Still worth it.

It was also our Anniversary (22 years) so I wanted to do something special.  A hard decision since it is the Pandemic and the weather was lousy.  We I decided on outdoor dining… in an heated private igloo on Lake George. Unfortunately, the igloos were all booked but we have reservations for NEXT Saturday.

doesn’t that look cool?

So instead, take-out at home. And actually, if I run next Saturday am instead of on Sunday am, it will work out better to celebrate (with drinks) on a Saturday night. (Fingers crossed for good running weather next Sat. am.)

• Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day. After four weeks running at the Crossings, I wanted to vary the location to the Nisky Bike Path. Rumors had it that the path was clear, at least in one direction but yesterday’s weather might have changed that so back again to The Crossing it was. I was so lucky to have Karen for a few miles, then Chris and Sherry.  It was harder than normal. I rewarded myself with a shopping spee at Trader Joe’s

still cloudy and windy but no ice. My FEET hurt more than normal , though. ugh!

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  DAY OFF -bike, walk/hike
• Tuesday – run, walk, COVID-19 vaccine
• Wednesday –  rest day, walk, Sole Sisters ZOOM
• Thursday – run, walk with friends
• Friday – rest day, bike, walk
• Saturday –  LONG RUN, walk
• Sunday – rest day, bike, walk/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? Have the winter temps or snow hit? Have you signed up for any races? Virtual or In-Person? Please share.