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Keeping Up That Running Mojo (2020 Version)

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today is: How do you stay motivated to run?

So here’s a few things that get me out the door several times each week this year:

  • FRIENDS

This is the biggest one for me.  I used to have some friends to run with during the week but now I am pretty much solo.  And guess what?  I am running less.

Luckily on the weekends, I do have my tribe.

  • CHALLENGES

There is no loss of challenges to sign up for.  I chose the ONENY Challenge.  I had to run or walk 620 miles between May 15 and Aug 31.

You bet that got me out of my house rain or shine.

  • VIRTUAL RACES

Not my favorite thing.  I have not signed up for that many.  But in some cases, it has been either FOMO or that the race was cancelled with no other option.

NYC Half Marathon

  • MY SEDENTARY JOB

Due to our current pandemic situation, I have been working from home since March 16.

Yup, sitting at the computer ALL DAY.

Running has kept me sane.

  • NATURE

At least during the spring and summer months when the different flowers are my motivation.

I have to admit, if you asked me this question in previous years, I’m sure my answers would have been totally different. I had shorter races on the weekend or was training for big longer race. I wanted to be in shape to do well at my races.  Racing always motivated me to get out and run.

Times They Are A Changin' by Brittany Theophilus on Dribbble

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! How do YOU stay motivated to run? Is your motivation different this year? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 8.31.20-9.6.20: Is Fall on its Way?

I get sad when Fall is approaching. It means the end of flowers. The end of boating. The days are getting shorter. Soon my group walks and hikes after work will have to end as well as bike paths to run on. Sigh.

Until then, I plan to enjoy what’s left.

I had a discount code and could do this virtual race series for free so I signed up.  Maybe it’ll get me motivated to fun faster (…or not.)

They give you the routes but since I don’t live in MASS, I could just run anywhere. One 5k each week for 8 weeks starting Aug 31 and ending Oct. 25.

Last Week –

  • Monday – It was actually chilly when I woke up.  Too bad I had declared it a rest day since I had run 12 miles the day before (Grr…Sunday runs mess up my week!)

Instead, I sneaked out for a short bike ride on Big Red in the neighborhood.

my sunflower was very sad this am…I have planted my first fall mums.

At lunch, I headed back to walk in our local park.

had enough time for both loops today

And it was so nice outside so I decided to drag my weary legs out for run. My running friend, Deirdre, suggested walking in Washington Park which wasn’t part of my plan so I parked my car and ran to meet her at Starbucks.  We walked around the park and then I ran back to my car.  Mission accomplished.

1.5 miles before and .5 after + flower views 🙂

  • Tuesday – No time for a walk before work (though it was again beautiful outside).

I did squeeze in a short walk during lunch

I’ve posted this before but they seem to change colors each week

and after work, I thought about a run at UAlbany before I met my BFF for a walk around an outside mall. But then I offered to pick up race swag for a running buddy and realized that Six Mile Waterworks was nearby. So change in running plans.  Glad I did too.  A mixture of road, trails, sand and lots of interesting nature views.  The only downside was that I fell toward the end. (Very dirty and bloody but no serious injuries). It confirmed to me that I should NEVER run a trail race lol.

every now and then I jump…this was before the fall. Love this time of year because of all the monarch butterflies around.

  • Wednesday – I decided on a rest day because I knew I’d be hiking after work.  I had thought I could at least squeeze in a walk during lunch but it poured all morning and continued to rain most of the day 😦

Finally the rain ended by the time I finished work. For our weekly after work trail walk this week, we went back to the trails at the Pine Bush but drove to the Water Tower (purple trail) and did an out and back and then a loop for 3.25 miles.

not the most exciting trail but the exercise and the company were great

  • Thursday – I had to go to work to print stuff and I thought I had time to squeeze in a run first. Remember I signed up for a virtual 5k each week for the next 8 weeks. Unfortunately it would have been too rushed so instead I took a quick walk so I could photograph more flowers.

found one!

That meant that my “virtual” 5k had to happen during my lunch break.  I stopped off at the rail trail on my way home from the office.  It was sunny and very humid and I was hungry but I had no choice but to just “DO IT.”

5K #1 completed with negative splits and a delicious post run Indian lunch.

I have been running with walking intervals with a pace of 13:XX or so. No big deal. Not racing. Just enjoying the outdoors and being with friends. I decided with these 8 5ks that I would try and push the pace.  Not race them but just be uncomfortable.  Not easy when you haven’t run more than 45 seconds without walking.

I did not walk but I stopped to tie my shoes 2x and take pics and catch my breath many times (and I think my Apple watch does auto-pause.)

This 5k made me realize that I have a lot of work to do if I want to return to my former 27:XX 5k times.  Not sure that I care.  However each week, I can work on something different.  This week I decided to just stop when winded rather than walking which of course, would not happen in a “real” race.

  • Friday – Rest Day Friday. No running but some walking…

in the ‘hood before work

I followed this (sightly wounded) butterfly around)…I am monarch obsessed at this time of year

at the preserve at lunch and one last look at the nearby sunflower farm.

they are fading a bit…still pretty

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers. I convinced them to meet at the Voorheesville end to show them the art work hanging from the trees.

They loved it. And afterward we hung out and had some wine and cheese.  Such a fun evening.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. This week, we chose the Nisky Bike Path.  As usual, I arrived first to run a few miles with Alyssa and then paired up to run intervals with Deirdre and Jan.  12 miles done!!!

getting ready for our virtual half in NH

Of course, the highlight was our group brunch afterwards. (Cinnamon Swirl pancakes and bacon this week).

  • Sunday – Boating Days are limited. Today was the annual Christmas on Log Bay party.  Surprisingly, it was allowed to take place.

Xmas party on the lake – 2019

The weather was warm and we invited 2 friends on our boat. Such a fun day!!

2020 version

Because I had the next day off  from work, I planned to stay overnight on the boat so I could get up early and run and hike.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF, run, hike
  • Tuesday –  rest day, ZOOM with college friends
  • Wednesday –  run 
  • Thursday – run, trail walk
  • Friday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, Boating on Lake George

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 races yet?  Are you looking forward to Fall? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for September

It’s that time of the month…

Starbucks BEEN THERE Series BTS--New Hampshire (NH) 14oz Mug NIB

still optimistic for Oct 2-5 vacation

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I said that I was over Virtual races.  I hadn’t run one since May.

I asked for a refund for both of my September Half Marathons and asked for a deferral for the August one BUT my October race has gone VIRTUAL with no refund or deferral option.

So I guess I’m doing another virtual race. Reluctantly. I really don’t care about getting a half-zip or medal when I have not run a “real” race.

How do you feel about this?  Do you want swag from “virtual” races?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I was okay when I heard that Skirt Sports was going out of business. I have made quite a few friends in past years by being an Ambassador and I have enough skirts to last (my lifetime).

As you may have heard, the company was bought by Sarah R, the owner of the ZOOMA race series.

I ran ZOOMA Bermuda last February and met Sarah.  This race was one of the best race experiences (and I have run a lot of them lol).

And there were quite a few Skirt Sports skirts at the race.

Perfect match, right?

Have you run a Zooma race recently? If so, did you enjoy it? Do you wear Skirt Sports?  How do you feel about its future?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that related to the above 2 updates, I signed up for another virtual race. I signed up with two other Skirt Sports ambassadors…

and it’s a ZOOMA race.

virtual swag

Have you done any virtual races lately?  How about any ZOOMA virtual races?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although gyms in NYS were allowed to open, my free gym has not.

It’s not that I was a frequent gym goer but I do worry about when winter comes.  I do not own a treadmill or a stationary bike.

Have you gone to a gym yet?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have unearthed my old bike.

 last ridden in 2012!?

You won’t see me at any duathlons.  I will be just be a casual biker. So far, I have only ridden around the neighborhood.

I need to get a bike rack for my car if I want to ride it on any of the bike paths. But it turns out bike racks are like toilet paper in March …None to be found 😦

How often do you bike?  How far?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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Best Fitness Advice

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today is: What is the best fitness advice you’ve ever received?

You know me, I can’t just pick ONE thing…

So here’s a few of the most important ones:

  • Join a Running Class

Some persons just start running on their own.  They risk acquiring bad habits.  This may lead to injuries.

One day after a tennis match, one player suggested that three of us enroll in No Boundaries, a Fleet Feet-based class for those  wanting to learn to run. The class culminated 16 weeks later with a 5k race. It was a great way to start my running journey. I still recall many of things I was taught by my coaches.

with my partners in crime (back in 2008)

  • Find Your Tribe

Of course, it is more convenient to run when you want, where you want and how fast you want.  But you will definitely find more benefits in running with others.

When I first started running, I blogged and read other running blogs. One day in 2010, a local blogger (The Happy Runner) asked me to help her start a group for new runners (Strong Running Mamas) with the goal of having them run a 5k race. This group grew immensely to include runners of all ages and levels. I bump into someone from that group at almost every race.

the larger group at a 2013 half marathon (yes, we had shirts made up with the group’s name)

Currently, I am fortunate to be part of another group called the Sole Sisters (as a result of a race-cation for the Wine Glass HM). They support me, motivate me and have become friends, in addition to running partners.

most of the group at a local 5k

  • Run longer distances.

It is perfectly fine to be a short distance runner. It certainly is much easier to fit in a training plan and to focus on speed and PRS.

That was my plan for several years. I ran 5ks and I ran lots of 5ks.  Nothing longer.

Then one day, a running friend insisted that I was capable of running a half marathon. I was so skeptical that I signed up for one and didn’t tell anyone (in case I failed.)

My first (2011):

My 41st (2020):

obviously the colors of my running outfits haven’t changed lol

Yes, I got hooked.

In fact, before the Pandemic of 2020, I was planning to run one each month this year. (Yes, 12 in 12 months!!)

  • Run the NYC Marathon

No one needs to run a marathon to consider herself a runner. And if you do, it doesn’t have to be a BIG one like NYC.

Running a marathon was NEVER one of my running goals.

In 2018, I ran the Brooklyn HM fast enough to get into the 2019 NYC Marathon. I was told that it was a “no brainer” to run it since it is so hard to get into and I would not likely get in at a future time through the lottery.

However, my job in 2019 did not lend itself to training for one. Again, I was reminded that there will “NEVER be a perfect time.”

So I signed up. I trained (supported by my “Sole Sisters”).  I connected with fellow bloggers Lacey and Cari during Marathon weekend.  Most importantly, I finished those 26.2 miles with a smile on my face.

best weekend ever!

I could go on and on. I am sure I was given a lot of other good advice related to fitness.  (Much of which I have probably ignored LOL)

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What is the best fitness advice you have ever received?  Does any of the advice I received apply to you too? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 8.24.20-8.30.20: Just Another Manic Monday…

My second Monday in a row OFF from work!!!

Manic because I stress about weather and what to do and where to go.  It’s important when you work 5 days a week and have limited days off.  I want to make the most of them.  So far so good.

Two summer Mondays had already been filled with hiking adventures.

Exciting news on the Skirt Sports front this week. As you may know, the company went out of business….

thumbs up for Skirt Sports + ZOOMA

But then it was bought by someone else… the owner of the ZOOMA race series.

 at the ZOOMA Bermuda – one of my favorite race experiences

In NYS, gyms were allowed to open this week. The latest on my free gym:

no surprise here…hopefully they will open before it gets cold.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Day off from work! Woo Hoo!!

The day before I was at a tennis gathering on the Schroon River so I decided not to return home and stay up in the Adirondacks so I could run and hike there. (Lots of thunderstorms but missed them in both places 🙂 )

instead of a run, I opted for a walk and breakfast with a view. I didn’t want my legs to be too tired for my hike

I met my friend in North Creek (about 40 min from the marina) and we drove to the trail head.  My friend recommended Moxham Mountain since it had some great views and it was long but not too difficult.

she was right… it was amazing!!! It was worth the 4 hours!!

We were able to explore North Creek and the Mosaic Project before the rain came.

almost finished after 9 years in the making

  • Tuesday – After work, I had a hair appointment. I was planning on a rest day since I usually run on Mondays. But I did not run yesterday so I had hoped to squeeze one in at lunch.  It was so humid and it looked like the skies were about to open that I opted for a walk instead.

not too many flowers still around but I love when these white ones turn to pink

After my hair appt, I stopped off at The Crossings to get in a few miles before the next pop up thunderstorm.

another slog but didn’t get wet..yes that’s a Christmas that I frequently photograph here

  • Wednesday – I did get to run in the morning today before work. With the cooler temps, I should have been peppy but I was not lol.  Though it was in the 50s, I felt overdressed in my half-zip due to the bright sunshine.

my waterline path is overgrown 😦 but I did find some unopened sunflowers in my neighborhood

and then a walk at lunch.

fear not…there are still some flowers.. such as these red ones.

For our weekly trail walk, we returned to Thacher Park.  We chose a different trail in order to view Hang Glider Cliff. The weather and the company were PERFECT for the walk.

someone was even going to propose at the top (see pic below) …how sweet ❤

The walk was long enough to earn a dinner at one of my favorite places again – Maple on the Lake.

I wore a sweatshirt and sweat pants so I was not cold this week (as we ate outside (for the view)

  • Thursday – Whether or not I would run today was dependent on work and the weather. Rain was predicted for most of the day. When I was doing the challenge, if it were raining, I’d just grab an umbrella and walk.  Now…nope I skipped walking in the rain before work.

Only had a short break for lunch and it was POURING and thundering! Nope. Not happening.

My only hope for some activity today was after work. The rain had let up so I took off for a run at the Albany end of the rail trail (for a change of scenery).  No trails today due to the mud situation.

got it done before another storm

  • Friday – Rest Day Friday.

But due to Saturday’s weather forecast, we decided to postpone our long runs until Sunday.  That messes with my head.  Do I still rest???

Yes, but there were several walks. No time before work but one at lunch.

I decided to go to the nearby nature preserve trail since I hadn’t been there in a while.

On the way….guess what I passed??

I LOVE sunflowers!! I don’t know if they plant them every year but I’ve never seen them.  Then again, I’ve never gone to nature preserves before the pandemic.  So I ran to them and back (about 1/2 mile) and then only had time for one loop of the preserve.

Another walk right after work but only had time for the neighborhood.

happy to find some pinks and purples still around 🙂

And of course, ended my day with my weekly walk on the rail trail with former co-workers.  We returned to our original meet-up spot and headed in the opposite direction (so we wouldn’t be tempted to buy the gourmet popcorn lol)

6 miles!!

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY POSTPONED.

Rain, rain and more rain. I was hoping for a break in the weather to get in a bike ride or walk. It did stop and after all my errands and cleaning, I decided I needed a road trip.

So I headed out to find a hike with a decent waterfall. And I did…the best one I’ve seen so far.

On my way home, I stopped off at Art Omi, a nearby outdoor sculpture garden.  It was so interesting and perfect for distancing…everything was so spread out.

  • Sunday – LONG RUN DAY RE-SCHEDULED.

So normally Sunday is reserved for boating with the hubby.  Luckily for me, he is flexible.  I could run and skip boating or just head up and meet him after my run.

Since Alyssa did not defer the H2H half marathon, we wanted to support her virtual quest and so we met at Zim Smith bike path so we could have brunch at Leah’s.  (Food is a priority).

I arrived earlier and ran some miles with Alyssa and then circled back and ran intervals with Deirdre.  In the end, I completed 12 miles.  I earned my Dark n Stormy, quiche and brownie and chatted (for longer than I ran) with the other 6 Sole Sisters.

The weather was great…glad I didn’t run in the rain/humidity on Sat.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – rest day
  • Tuesday –  run, mall walk with BFF
  • Wednesday – rest day, trail walk
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, Boating on Lake George

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? How are you surviving the summer heat?  Please share.

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Runfessions for August

Runfessions

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

I cannot believe that August is almost over.  Where did the summer go??

1. I runfess…

As soon as I finished the OneNY 1000k Challenge, I stopped looking at my walking mileage.  I have even shortened or skipped walks.

No surprise there.

0 miles on Sundays now

Anyone only motivated when you have to log your miles?

2. I runfess…

As soon as my foot pain seemed to subside with Topos (3mm heel drop), I immediately bought another pair of Topos (0 mm heel drop).  My Neuroma pain completely disappeared.

I had planned to return the first pair. I did not.

Topos Magnify ❤ (this color was on clearance lol)

Do you buy new shoes frequently? Do you return shoes or keep them?

3.I runfess…

As much as I LOVE racing, I don’t plan to run a race that that has all those COVID19 restrictions.  I mean no water, no food, wave starts, altered course, etc.

Helderberg to Hudson HM – nope, deferred to 2021

I’d rather wait and spend money on a real race…whenever that may be.

Are you signing up for races (with restrictions) this fall?

4. I runfess…

I planned to start biking but even before I brought my bike up from the basement, I ordered a biking skirt.

Clothes are important, right?

Anyone else agree that you need the right clothes for each sport?

5.I runfess…

I recently completed a hike that was on my bucket list.  But it seemed a lot shorter and easier than I anticipated.  The view was nice but not awesome.

Vroman’s Nose in MIddleburgh, NY

I think I got spoiled with hiking in the Adirondacks.

Cat Mountain in Bolton Landing, NY

 Do you like hiking? Do prefer easy or challenging hikes?

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

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

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Four Somethings for August

January 2018 Share Foru Somethings #ShareFourSomethings

Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The fourth Saturday of each month (for me a Tuesday), Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Read, Something Treasured, and Something Ahead. Sharing these four somethings is a great way to recap your month and highlight what stood out to you. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!

1. Something Loved.

Hiking.

I work full-time so I haven’t had time to do any many hikes as I would have liked. But I did take off THREE Mondays from work explicitly for this purpose.

The first one was Cat and Thomas Mountains in Bolton Landing, NY

The second was Vroman’s Nose in Middleburgh, NY

And the last one was Moxham Mountain in Minerva, NY.

I enjoy being one with nature. I also enjoy the challenge (as long as it’s not dangerous for this amateur hiker.) I enjoy the exercise.

Have you done a lot of hiking this summer?

2. Something Read.

Back to my crime mystery borrowed collection.

Undone is a novel by bestselling author Karin Slaughter which combines characters from her Will Trent series and her Grant County series.

I’;m pretty sure I’ve read one or more of these before but not sure which one(s).

It is obviously a crime thriller that is suspenseful up to the bitter end.  What I really enjoy in her books are the main characters and their relationships – Special Agent Will Trent and his partner, Faith Mitchell.

I look forward to the next one to be follow to follow up on their lives especially the challenges.

Have you read this or Slaughter’s other novels?

3. Something Treasured.

Lake Time.  

It has not been the same as past summers, obviously.

But the weather has cooperated on Sundays and Lake George has remained as beautiful as ever.

Each week, we pick a different island to dock our boat at. Different views but the same activities: swimming, eating, drinking, relaxing, reading, etc.

A place to forget about all the problems in the world.

Do you have a summer place or activity that you treasure?  

4. Something Ahead.

??

Last month, I mentioned a Race-cation to NH with 9 friends to run a half marathon.  That is still in limbo. The race is now virtual (NO deferral option and NO refund). Will we still go?  Will it be safe to go?

The next race-cation is in February in Florida. Is this one in jeopardy too???

Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon

Are you looking forward to anything?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! What are your somethings? Share at least ONE. 

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Weekly Run Down for 8.17.20-8.23.20: Day Tripping, Biking and Butterflies

I went hiking on my day off at the beginning of the week and ended the week with another day trip (to a tennis party).  I started riding my bike and had a few butterfly sightings this week.

My SIXTH 2020 Half Marathon has been cancelled. TWO (including this one) had NO refunds and NO deferrals.

Ten of us reserved a house in NH that weekend… may still go if it is safe. Still bummed about NO race (and no finish line beer or lobster roll.)

Last Week –

  • Monday – A day off from work. I had my fingers crossed that the weather would cooperate and I could take a road trip and hike with a old friend and former co-worker, Molly.  We decided on Vroman’s Nose because of its scenic views.  Both the weather and views were perfect.  We also met up with my running friends who joined up on the hike.

It actually was less steep and a shorter, easier hike than I expected 

After the hike, we all went out to brunch.  Then I convinced Molly to hike some more (especially after those blueberry pancakes). We headed to Landis Arborteum.  There were lots of trails and interesting trees.  So worth it.

I hope to go back next spring when the lilacs are in bloom.

  • Tuesday – The day started with a follow-up podiatrist appointment followed by a run. I explained to doctor about my zero-drop theory and then we discussed my other foot (bunion pain)… exercises, tape and 2 months to follow-up. She was happy that my neuroma no longer hurt.

started on the rail trail and took a turn off to a hilly road…the temps made this one pretty pleasant (is fall on the way? hope not)

Just a quick walk at lunch (I was going to try out my bike but the front tire was flat 😦 )

another flower pic. what did you expect? lol

I headed for the trails after work – Hannacroix Ravine Preserve (which I had planned on re-visiting last week but never did).  I forgot to download the map and I had no cell service so I just followed the red signs up and down and over small creeks hoping that it was a loop. I eventually met a couple and asked them.  I was almost done at that point and all I had to do was turn right at the main road and walk down a ways to the parking lot. Phew!

 2.5 mile loop and really enjoyable…

When I got home, my hubby had put air in my bike tires and I actually rode my bike.  It needs some work but it’s rideable.

  • Wednesday – Too busy at work to walk or run before work or during lunch. Too bad because it was a nice coolish day.

But I did get in my run after work.  I drove to the Voorheesville end of the rail trail (because the art exhibit was finally finished) and ran from there and back.

the artwork was amazing!!! I also bumped in someone I taught with eons ago.

  • Thursday – Again I skipped my morning walk but I did squeeze a short one in during lunch.

amazingly this butterfly just sat there…

Our weekly Trail Walk got changed this week to today and a new location – Thacher Park. First we walked the Indian Ladder trail and then another looped trail.

lots of stairs, great views but not a big waterfall this time of year

followed by dinner on Warner’s Lake.

great food, company and view but actually a little chilly outside (fall-like temps)

  • Friday – Rest Day Friday. No time to run or walk before work so I took out the bike.

yes it was a little chilly this morning…and I need to get a helmet but just a 15 min ride in the neighborhood

And another ride during lunch on a beautiful sunny day (My rest days always have the best weather….)

haven’t figured out how to take pics and ride…don’t worry, I’ll walk and hike too so I can post those flower pics…

This has become a weekly thing…post work walk with two former co-workers.  Great way to end the week and chat. We met on the rail trail but at a different spot to vary the walk route.

met some ‘deer” friends too

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we chose the Corning bike path to run/walk.  I started earlier as usual and then met the others. I did heart rate intervals with Jan and ended up with 11 miles total.

it wasn’t hot or sunny but boy was it humid!!!

Then we all picked up our brunch items at Baking You Crazy and ate them outdoors at Chris’ house.

I saw this butterfly in my garden out back, then on the wall and finally IN my garage on my bike seat…weird!

  • Sunday – Normally I would be boating on Lake George with the hubby.  But today was an annual party at a house on the Schroon River with my tennis friends.

tennis, eating, swimming…glad to keep up our tradition

After the party, I planned to stay overnight on my boat so on Monday (a day off), I could get in an early run and then some hikes in the Adirondacks.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike
  • Tuesday –  rest day, hair appt
  • Wednesday –  run, trail walk
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, Boating on Lake George

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? How are you surviving the summer heat?  Please share.

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Self-Care

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

My Topic for this week is: Self-Care

I’ll admit that I stole this idea from @runstrongrun’s IG post. I hope she doesn’t mind.

It’s always been important to take care of oneself but even more crucial during these stressful times.

Since it is Friday Five, I’ll pick the first 5 on this list:

1.Exercise

Run, walk, hike, work out. Whatever works for you. It may only be for a short time but try to fit in some form of exercise each day.

I rarely work out but I do try to run or walk or hike every day.

2. Alone Time

It’s important to carve time where you are completely by yourself.

I work from home now. That’s means I’m home with the hubby more than usual.  Driving to a local preserve is my alone time. Sometimes it’s my daily run or walk.

3.Read a book.

It doesn’t have to be for a long time…maybe just a few pages before bed or while your dinner is cooking.

I do read every night before I fall asleep but I especially enjoy reading on the lake.

4.Spa Day

This can be just soaking in the tub, getting a manicure or pedicure or even a facial (home mud mask). Try to find some time to pamper yourself every day.

I do get monthly manicures, always have my toes painted but some days I am lazy. I need to remind myself to take a long bath rather than a quick shower each day.  We have an outdoor hot tub (that I unplugged to set up my laptop on the deck). I need to set that up again for a post run spa.

5.Friends

Humans are made to be connected with other humans. So call or text a friend, ZOOM or Face Time with him/her, meet at a park. Connect with at least ONE friend each day.

my college friends

I’m pretty good with keeping touch with those important in my life.  I text friends whom I can’t see or ZOOM with those who live too far away to see in person.  Of course, I do try to see my close friends at least weekly at dinners/brunches

and on runs/walks.

We are all busy especially if you work full-time or have young children at home.  You may not be able to do all of these self-care items every day,  But several can be combined such as:

1 and 3 – Download an audio book and listen while you exercise.
1 and 2 – Spend your alone time walking, hiking or running.
1 and 5 – Run/walk or work out with a friend.
1 and 4 – Run or workout and follow it with an Epsom salt bath or massage.

Have you noticed which number works with the all the rest??

And remember

Self-Care Strategies for Holidays — Rape Recovery Center

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! How many of these do you do Daily? Please share.

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My Shoe History, Foot Pain and Zero Drop Shoes

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

The Topic for today is: Zero-Drop Shoes

How to Buy the Best Running Shoes | GQ

As a runner, I was always aware of how important your shoes are. I obsessed about them and never hesitated to buy another pair.

I knew about neutral shoes vs stability shoes and switched back and forth. Having bunions, I was always concerned about having a wide toe box and had no problems finding shoes that accommodated this.

In the beginning, I wore whatever felt comfortable: Saucony, Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Newton. I tried them all.

I finally settled on Nikes and wore them happily for several years.

Nike

Then I switched to Mizunos and loved them (even ran my Marathon in them).

Mizuno

Finally came my foot pain aka the Neuroma/Bunion issue.  I tried several shoes with a wide toe box. My foot still hurt so I kept returning them. Finally I settled on Hokas.

Hoka

I still felt discomfort but it was bearable. I didn’t even realize that it may have been because they had a lower heel drop than I had been wearing.

I hesitated to go to Zero Drop until I hiked 10 miles in my Altra (Zero-drop) Trail shoes (that I only bought because they were on sale).  For the first time in a long time, my foot did not hurt.

Altra

Hmmm.  So I ordered a pair of Topos (They also have a wide toe box).  Not zero drop yet but a lower drop than my Hokas.

My foot felt a lot better.  It was sore but I actually ran 10 miles and did not have to go home immediately to ice my foot.

So I took the plunge and ordered Topos in a Zero-drop style.

that color was on clearance lol

Magical!! NO FOOT PAIN!!

  • Mizuno Wave Inspire – Drop: 12 mm
  • Hoka Gaviota – Drop: 5 mm
  • Topo Fly-Lyte – Drop: 3 mm
  • Topo Magnifly – Drop: 0 mm

Maybe it was a coincidence and had nothing to do with a shoe with a lower heel drop.

But I decided to look into it.  And here’s what I discovered:

  • In zero-drop shoes, the heels and toes are the same distance off the ground (as in when you walk barefoot.)
  • The main benefit of zero-drop shoes is that, unlike regular shoes, they keep your foot in its natural position: level from heel to toe.
  • When runners start wearing zero-drop shoes, their posture and overall alignment improves.
  • Because zero-drop shoes engage the foot itself in absorbing the impact of running, they very often allow for greater foot movement (Most have a wider toe box.)
  • Because zero-drop shoes usually don’t have extra cushioning (though some do), they are made from less material. That helps maintain lighter weight, which can help your speed and improve your endurance.
  • Shoes with a high heel-to-toe drop encourage heel striking which can play a major factor when it comes to running-related knee pain.
  • If you’ve been wearing regular running shoes, don’t go right into zero-drop. A transition period is recommended to give your feet (and whole body) time to adjust to the new lower-drop in the heel.

Running Shoes: How to Choose the Best Running Shoes | REI Co-op

Obviously, zero-drop shoes are not for everyone.  And if your feet feel fine when you run, there’s no need to switch.

I do think, they worked for me because they put less pressure on my forefoot (where the pain was.)

I worry about the lack of support and cushioning (especially at my age). But right now, I’m enjoying being mostly pain-free (if only there were races to be run lol)

I did save one pair of Brooks, Nike and Mizunos just in case I want to go back (and gave the rest away.)

I’m also linking up here:

Formerly the Running Coaches’ Corner, it’s back with new co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner.

Happy Running! Have you tried Zero-Drop Running Shoes? Why or Why not? Please share.