I actually posted about Friday-Sunday before I left for vacation so it was guesstimate on what would happen and I was pretty accurate. lol.  But I decided to start this Run Down that Friday to give you the real story.

My vacation was amazing. I knew I enjoyed the company of my running friends but staying in the same house is a different story. This was our 4th race-cation together but usually there is a real race and we stay in a hotel. So much more relaxed without a “real” race and we got along fantastically. But “What Happens in NH, stays in NH” so I can’t give you all the details but there was a lot of laughter and we social distanced to the best of our ability…

Monday I was still in NH and Tuesday, I took the day off to recuperate from my vacation and go hiking with a good friend.

So only a Three Day Work Week! Woo Hoo!!

Wednesday, however, we had a HUGE storm and wound up losing our power… I had to actually to go work in my office to use the Internet.

Just a reminder that there’s still plenty of time to sign up if you want to join me on the Run for Ruth challenge – Click here.

I have another Virtual Half Marathon (ZOOMA Amelia Island) in a few weeks and a sorta real local one on Nov. 15. So I need to keep up that running.

The Week Before –

• Friday – Travel Day and a rainy one. We took several cars and decided on a scenic route through Mass. The foliage was gorgeous in spite of the clouds.  We stopped for lunch in the cutest place ever with the best food (a restored farm from 1700’s)

Hilltop Cafe in Wilton, MA

We arrived at our AirBnB in Hampton Beach, NH late afternoon.  We were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was. The internet pix did not do it justice.  After getting settled in, we drove our race route for the next day to determine where our turn around and water stops would be and then we went out for a dusk walk on the beach.

of course, we had to do a jumping pic…and yes there was drinking and eating to be done

We ordered in pizza for dinner to carb load for our race the next day and went to bed earlyish.

• Saturday – Race Day.  Not exactly since there was NO race and the original one was scheduled for Sunday.  But the weather was perfect so we decided to get our Virtual 13.1 done.

I got up early and went to the beach to catch the sunrise and go for a pre-race walk with Jan.

even more impressive than the pix.

I had mapped out our own race route.  6.5 miles along the ocean and then turn around and re-trace the same route.  We would start at the official start which was about 2 miles from our house.  Two from group had decided to walk the course so they left first and then the rest of the group (4) started our “race.”  One runner was not going to run but be our sherpa. We had pre-decided stops for her to drive to so we could get water and snacks.  All of the beach bathrooms were open.  The runners stayed together the whole race. Best finish line (toilet paper) ever.

and that water was COLD!!! Ice bath for the feet.

After our race, we were starved so we quickly refueled with lunch at an outdoor restaurant with an ocean view (I had a lobster roll!!) We spent the rest of the day relaxing, recovering. We did go out to dinner to celebrate at the Smuttynose Brewery (the sponsor of the “real” race) before returning home for a birthday celebration (3 b-days – a 50, 61 and 70).  In addition to the race, the BIG birthdays were the actual reason for the weekend away.

• Sunday – Recovery morning again started with sunrise viewing on the beach followed by a walk with Jan and Chris.

yes, that’s a porno photo shoot in the top pic

Today we decided to road trip to Maine.  We walked around Ogunquit and along the Marginal Way before we had lunch (outdoor ocean view) there.

since we had not gotten race shirts, we bought matching Hampton Beach shirts

Next we drove to Wells to do a scenic hike.

at Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Finally we ended the day in York to see the Nubble Lighthouse and have ice cream.

no, not too cold for ice cream!

We opted for dinner at home instead of going to a restaurant.  Lots of snacks and alcohol left to consume.

Last Week –

• Monday – Last day of our vacation.  Got up early with Deb and Jan to see the sunrise but it was clouded over. We came home, I had breakfast and then went for a run with Heidi.

so sad to leave my ocean views!!

We packed up our stuff and headed home. We all met up on the way for lunch in Mass (golf course outdoor restaurant with scenic views of the mountains.) Then Deidre and I ended the day with a trip to a knitting store and ice cream shop.

perfect end to a perfect trip

• Tuesday – I took the day off from work in case I was tired.  But really, I just wanted to go hiking if the weather cooperated.  And it did. My friend chose a hike in the Catskill Mountains. She neglected to tell me she chose a “challenging one.”  And it really was.  I survived (but broke both of my NEW hiking poles. lol).  The views made it worth it.  It’s always a win-win when you emerge unhurt and want to do another.

hiking to top of Blackhead Mountain – 1,745 ft elevation gain

It took ALL day and when I got home, I forgot that it was Tuesday and I was supposed to volunteer in the STEM group walking program . Oops.

• Wednesday – Back at work and another beautiful fall day. Luckily I decided to sneak out at lunch for a run.

yes, these legs were weary but I’m glad I dragged them through the miles…

As soon as I finished work, a surprise storm arrived and it was like Kansas in the Wizard of Oz.  We and everyone else had no power so I decided to explore a new local nature preserve.

a nice 1 mile loop that recently opened.

Still no power so I met my BFF for a walk around an outdoor mall.

• Thursday – I woke up to no power. I took a walk to survey the damage in the neighborhood.

our house was spared. my neighbors were not as lucky.

We do have a generator but that does not give us TV or Internet.  That meant I had to go into my office to work. Not too exciting. But after work, I headed off to Tawasentha Park for our running group’s weekly trail walk. Running out of daylight so this may be our last or next to last one.

Yes, it was chilly out.  I didn’t dress for it so instead of our usual post walk ice cream, we headed to Panera’s for HOT soup.

And the power finally returned!!

• Friday – Started the day with a short chilly but sunny run. I was back to working from home.

I remembered that I had not done my virtual 5k this week

Then the power went off AGAIN.

So I went for a walk.

still some interesting flowers in bloom

Luckily the hubby came home and hooked up the generator.  But we lost power for about 1 1/2 hours.

Normally I’d be taking a LONG walk and having snacks with my former co-workers after work but some friends organized a ZOOM memorial for our friend who died recently from cancer. So it was a rushed walk so I get home.

• Saturday – Long Run Day.  Yes, our big race was over but I had signed up for a virtual half and then a real one. So I had to keep up my miles. We met on the rail trail. I decided to run 4 miles solo and then run more miles with the others. I stopped briefly to chat with Barbara and the the others took off walking. I had to practically sprint for 2 miles to catch up to them.  I ran 3 miles and then ran back (with some stops along the way.)  It was my my first long run without intervals and running alone since May. Quite an adjustment!!

a little chilly at first but it warmed up nicely

It wouldn’t be a long run unless we gathered for brunch after.  My hubby had been planning our last boating outing but the forecast was for wind and rain up North so he went to play tennis and I did stuff around the house (catching up from being away last weekend)

And I got to see Cari for a few minutes.  She stopped by that evening on her way to Utica.

windy hair lol but so glad to connect after 8 months

• Sunday – Boating Sunday may now turn into Hiking Sunday. An early morning drive up to the Adirondacks. This time instead of climbing a mountain, we hiked down to some ponds (Cascade and Stephens).  The scenery was awesome.  Fall is the best time of year for hiking.

almost 10 miles of hiking but mostly flat and I crossed a stream by walking across a log (pretty scary for me)

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  Holiday – DAY OFF – hike or run or both
• Tuesday – rest day, STEM walk
• Wednesday –  run, trail walk
• Thursday –  run, dinner out for stepson’s B-Day
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – Virtual ZOOMA Amelia Island Half Marathon
• Sunday –  rest day, hiking

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? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall? Any experiences with power outages? Please share.

Many many months ago, way before this pandemic, my running friends and I planned a vacation in NH in order to run a half marathon and have some girl friend fun time.

Oct. 4. 2020

Well, the race went virtual like most races in 2020 (with no deferral or refund option).

Some of the group felt uncomfortable going. But at least seven of us decided to go anyway. And it was a super fun time.

In addition to ANOTHER virtual half marathon, I signed up for ANOTHER challenge. RBG! How could you not do this one?

There’s still plenty of time to sign up if you want to join me – Click here.

87 miles run or walked between Sept 20 and Nov 3. I am already DONE but will continue recording my miles and support the cause.

It’s October, don’t forget to support this important cause:

Breast Cancer Support Awareness

and lastly I lost this week, a very dear friend to lung cancer. We played tennis together for years and mah jongg, as well.

just last December – she’s the one at the bottom left

Last Week –

• Monday – A rainy morning. I wasn’t sure if I would “#missamonday” so I went for a run on the rail trail before my chiro appt. I originally was hoping to see the results of a chalk art contest but the overnight rain washed everything away. 😦

the one I voted for did win 🙂

I started running in a drizzle, then it stopped but the run ended in a downpour.  A little soggy but I got it done.

virtual 5k #5 and they keep getting slower but hey who cares…photo stops are important, right?

SI joint update – almost healed. Yay!!! I asked my chiro to work on my right calf that also seemed tighter than the left. Since this was my last appt, I might as well get my money’s worth.  And OUCH!  Tight on the inside…worth the pain. Feels great now.

I skipped my lunch walk but met a running friend for a post work run.  It was slow intervals and we met on the Voorheesville end of the trail for a change of scenery. Don’t normally run twice in one day but the rest of week looked rainy and busy so why not?

so warm and humid and lots of fallen leaves

• Tuesday – Got in a short walk before work

yes, roses still blooming…

and another longer one at lunch. Still no rain.

signs of fall in the ‘hood too

Even though I ran twice yesterday, the legs still felt great so since I had to be at UAlbany to volunteer, I did a loop around campus before we met. Rain in the forecast but I didn’t care if I had to walk in the rain…just not run in it.

no rain but lead legs and I HAD to celebrate National Coffee Day!

Well, the STEM walk got cancelled and it never rained so I went to the mall (with mask on) and bought hiking boots (finally)

• Wednesday – A rainy day but we did need the rain. So no morning walk.

Luckily it stopped by afternoon so I could get in a short lunch walk

still some flowering in the fields

AND the Sole Sisters weekly trail walk. This week, it was a repeat hike at Six Mile Waterworks (because of its convenient location.)

beautiful weather for a walk on the trails… I’ll be sad when it is too dark to do this.

• Thursday – A busy work day and I had a hair appointment scheduled for after work. Obviously a rest day and of course I had to pack for our 4 days in NH.

But I got up early enough to go for a run and I realized how much better I felt after and how much easier it is to run in the morning (even after a horrible night of sleep.)

blue day…oops forgot to wear PINK. signs of Halloween are beginning to appear

I did also squeeze in a short walk at lunch and that was it for the day.

new trail off the water line

• Friday – And off we went, 7 of us, in a few different cars. We took the scenic route and though it took longer (and some of our planned stops were closed due to the pandemic), it was still worth it.

our home for 4 days

• Saturday – Though the race was originally scheduled for Sunday, we decided to get it over with and do it today. We stuck together for the most part during our run/walk intervals. Some walked.  Ocean views, lots of laughs and we all finished 13.1 miles.

A big celebration was in order and in addition to running, this weekend was about birthdays. Three of the group were celebrating birthdays including the big 50 and 70!!

• Sunday – More Sole Sister shenanigans. Ocean sunrises, trails, and more. (Pictures coming after I return since I don’t have a computer with me.)

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run or hike, last day in NH
• Tuesday –  DAY OFF – hike or run or both
• Wednesday –  run? 
• Thursday –  run, trail walk
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – Long Run
• Sunday –  rest day, Boating (LAST ONE for the season)

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? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall?  Any virtual races or challenges on your plate? Please share.

Yes, we’ve already some very chilly mornings. In the 30’s. We’ve already used our fireplace in the evenings. I’ve used the heated seats in my car.

I’m not a fan.  I can never dress right and I HATE that my after work runs and hikes will be slowly disappearing.

Of course, by the end of the week, it felt like summer. OY!

Last Week –

• Monday – I missed #nevermissamonday because I ran on Sunday and am cautiously resting my back. I went for a pre-work walk and froze (remember I don’t know how to dress for 30 degrees anymore).

these flowers don’t realize how cold it is

I went on a lunchtime walk and then I was too warm.

no worries. there still are flowers despite the frost

Instead of a run after work, since my bike was still on my car, I took it for another road trip. This time to the Corning Bike Trail.

nice views of the Hudson but too many cracks on the path so a bumpy ride

My legs are not yet adjusted to biking… needed a nighttime soak

ahhhh

• Tuesday – I dressed to run before work but never got out. Instead I squeezed in a 5k during lunch.

too lazy to change my clothes and I was overdressed in the sunshine. I’m halfway in this series and each race is slower lol

After work, I took a walk before my STEM volunteering assignment.  Tonight we walked for about 30 min. and the participants were better behaved than last week. I think I’ll continue doing this.

a sign of the times. we used to give the participants shirts

• Wednesday – Long day at work so I made sure to get in a few short walks in the hood. 50 degrees before work, 70 degrees at lunch Ouch!

mum time

apple picking time

Today I also had my second appointment with my chiropractor. She said my SI joint was not as tight.  One appointment and I hope to be fixed.  She gave me exercises to do for my tight hip flexors.

For our weekly Sole Sisters after work walk today, we returned to Vosburgh Trails. And the weather was perfect for an evening  on the trails and to the waterfalls.

we really liked the tree on the right

• Thursday – Day off from work and a busy one.

First I went on a hike with some friends. Due to evening plans, we had to choose a shorter hike – Hadley Fire Tower.  It was my first fire tower climb and I was a little nervous. But it wasn’t that hard and I loved it!! Can’t wait to do another.

It took about 2 hours to get to the top but it was totally worth it and the weather was perfect. I was even over-dressed.

My friend finished the Fire Tower Challenge – She hiked 23 of them!!

When we got back, I had to rush to get to my monthly tennis friends gathering.

we ordered take-out and sat in our friend’s backyard – always a good time!

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. Started the day with a walk.

my favorite neighborhood sign

But not having run for 2 days had me out there for a short one during lunch. I was tired of my neighborhood so I drove to run. Of course, that meant I had less time to run.  Oh well.

found a new entrance to the park’s trails but ran mostly along the road & around an apartment complex

in a hearse…creepy, right?

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk with former co-workers. Instead of the rail trail where we usually walk, we toured the neighborhood where my friend recently moved.

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back on the rail trail. I had thought of running on Sunday but since the hubby decided to play tennis, I decided to meet friends to run. It was our last run because of our virtual half marathon in NH next weekend. I ran early and then met Deirdre, Jan and Debbie for our run/walk interval run while the others walked.  It was painless which made me happy.

After the run, I couldn’t join everyone for brunch. I had to rush home.  Since we were busy on Sunday, the hubby and I decided to go boating on Lake George today. And the weather couldn’t have been better.

lots of sun, water views, reading and relaxing

• Sunday – Today we were scheduled to celebrate my MIL’s birthday. It was take-out at her house in the afternoon.

with her grandsons (the 2 on the left are my stepsons)

That made me happy since it meant that I had time to hike to another fire tower. I convinced a friend to accompany me hoping that she would enjoy it. I choose the Dickinson Hill Fire Tower since it was the closest and I didn’t have much time. Also it was reported to be less than a 3 mile out and back hike.

we accidentally parked at the end and climbed the tower first – super views and then we walked the trail

So glad I did this.  And I think Molly enjoyed it too.  I see more fire towers in my future.

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  run
• Tuesday –  run, STEM walk
• Wednesday –  run, trail walk
• Thursday – rest day, hair appt. pack
• Friday – rest day, drive to NH
• Saturday – run/walk, fun stuff in NH
• Sunday – virtual Smuttynose Half Marathon in NH

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? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall? Please share.

It’s always something. I felt fine after my 13 mile run on Saturday.  I did some gardening and then woke up Sunday with pain and stiffness in my lower back on the right side. (I should mention is that I’ve had this exact pain in the past starting years ago after pulling up a boat anchor.)

So I went for two hikes.  No pain when walking.  Still stiff and painful when I bent over or got up from a seated position.

I woke up Monday morning even more stiff so I googled my symptoms (doesn’t everyone?)

Google Diagnosis: Lower Back Strain: Bending over increases the strain on a person’s back, which can result in pain. Lower back strain is a common cause of back pain when bending over. The position can put significant pressure on the lower back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch excessively. A strain in the area can also cause inflammation, which can lead to muscle spasms.
Recommended Treatments: Resting the back for 1–3 days can help reduce muscle pain, as can taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some over-the-counter (OTC) options include ibuprofen and naproxen. Massage, applying ice and heat, and using electrical muscle stimulation therapies may also help. Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the back and help prevent further injuries
My Treatments: Taking Naproxen (have some from a previous injury), applying ice and spending time in my hot tub, using my trigger gun, walking, running and hiking only if not painful. No virtual races this week!! May even trying some exercises. Oh and I made an appointment with my chiropractor to see if she could work some magic.

❤ ❤ – perfect temps to soak…haven’t used it all summer and just cleaned and re-heated it…must have known something lol

So I have fully embraced Fall for its flowers

love this color asters

and food

haven’t visited the orchards yet to get the real thing…

Why do I say that I don’t like Virtual Races and then sign up for another??

Because I wanted to support the Lake George Conservancy…they maintain all 14 trails in the Lake George area.  I have never done this trail because it is difficult and I would not sign up for a trail race.  Now that’s it’s virtual, I could run its 4.5 miles anywhere.

Oct 2-5, 2020 – oops that’s when I’ll be NH – I guess I’ll either run it there or before I leave.

Last Week –

• Monday – Sat in the hot tub instead of walking before work . Unfortunately, sitting all day is the worst thing for a sore back. I went for a short walk at lunch just to stretch.

walking felt great… and still finding new flowers blooming

I met a running friend after work at the Corning Bike path.  We just walked (although I was tempted to run).

6 miles followed by grocery shopping

• Tuesday – I started the day again with a soak in the hot tub instead of a chilly walk … almost frosty out there.

I did a short walk during lunch.

parts of my water line need trimming

Since I hadn’t run since Saturday, I decided to drive to UAlbany and run a few miles.

I did feel discomfort in my back… so I walked often

After my run, I started my weekly STEM volunteering assignment.  I have done this in the past but this year, it will just be walking instead of training for a 5k. (The goal of STEM is: EMPOWERING DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS THROUGH THE SPORT OF RUNNING… hopefully, it will be back to running in the spring.) This group was made up of young women in a substance abuse treatment facility – they refused to wear masks, were texting and swearing…. I may not go back next week 😦

• Wednesday – As I mentioned above, I made an appointment with my chiropractor.  I had started seeing her when I had a calf injury and she performed ART and completely cured me. After that, I planned to see her for monthly tune-ups. I think the last time was last November after my marathon… and then came the foot pain and the pandemic.

Her diagnosis was that my body was TOTALLY out of alignment and that I have tight hip flexors due to sitting all day. The pain in my lower back on the right is most likely caused by an inflamed SI joint. She worked on me for quite a while and gave me stretches to do before and after running.

before

after

I go back next Wed to see if there’s any improvement. Fingers crossed that she can work her magic and make me pain-free.

I celebrated commiserated with Starbucks and free pastry in my hot tub.

my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season – yum!

For our weekly Sole Sisters after work trail walk today, I suggested another new place (that I previewed last Sunday.) I walked it cautiously due to my painful SI joint. My back felt felt good…so happy that I went.

after we walked in the Conmunity Gardens, we crossed the road and continued into Tawasentha Park – the lack of blue skies today was due to the smoke from the fires

• Thursday – woke up to news that a restaurant in front our our marina burned to the ground overnight. Very sad and very scary for us boaters.

No time for a morning walk bur I get one in at lunch…

signs of Fall in the ‘hood

And then after work, I had planned on a run but decided to rest the back …

 and go for a peaceful hike.

the trails at the Pine Hollow Arboretum always make me feel better

Afterward, I drove to meet my BFF for an outdoor mall walk to catch up and chat. Pain is minimal when I walk and the longer I walk, the better I feel (but it may only be mental lol).

• Friday – Rest Day Friday. I’ve been getting lazy with my pre-work walk but still try to squeeze one during lunch.

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers.

introduced my friends to the water line trail… followed by a parking lot picnic

• Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the Zim Smith Trail with brunch at Leah’s. With no real races on my schedule until maybe February, I just try to connect with friends, run some miles and eat good food. Due to my back pain, it wouldn’t have been smart to run 13 miles again.  In fact, I probably should have skipped it totally.  But I did not.  I decided to run/walk and see how I felt. It ended up only being a 6 mile walk but I was so glad to have the company of three friends who walked as well and of the others afterward (and Leah’s quiche).

a beautiful blue skies day. started out pretty chilly but warmed up nicely

After errands and  housework, still feeling energetic on this beautiful fall day so I went for a hike. I bumped into my chiropractor there and she wanted to know how my back felt running. She was surprised that I was NOT running. (She know me lol)

so lucky to live close to Five Rivers Environmental Center

Then I went to see where my former co-worker (whom I walk with on Fridays) is moving.

it has access to one of my favorite nature preserves – Phillipin Kill

• Sunday – Since I had not run on Saturday, I met a friend in the morning on the rail trail to test out my back and see how it felt to run.  There was no pressure since I already completed my 13 mile run last week and if it hurt too much, I could cut it short and walk again. Not 100% but seems like I am on the mend.

patience is the word that I am pointing too. It seems that taking time off this week and just walking instead of running helped. not the 12 miles that were on my plan but happy with the relatively pain-free miles.

Normally today would be a day to go boating with the hubby. But the temps are getting fall-like and I have to accept that our swimming days are over. Still, the lake is beautiful in the fall and I hope to continue our boating until the middle of October.

Instead of boating, I took Big Red on its first road trip. I drove to Zim Smith (where I walked on Saturday) and rode 7 (slow) miles.

Both my legs and the bike need a tune-up, I think. But it was pretty enjoyable.

On my way home, I stopped at a new trail, Ushers Road State Forest. It’s actually connected at some point to Zim Smith but I drove to its entrance.

very pretty and will be even more so when the leaves change color

This Coming Week – 

• Monday –  rest day, bike, hike
• Tuesday –  run, STEM walk
• Wednesday – rest day, chiro appt, trail walk at Vosburgh Trails
• Thursday –  hike, tennis party
• Friday – rest day, walk with friends
• Saturday – LONG RUN at Corning Bike Path
• Sunday – rest day, My MIL’s 96th birthday party

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? Any “real” races yet?  How are you embracing Fall? Anyone ever suffer from SI pain? Please share.