August 16, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.10.20-8.16.20: I’ve Crossed NYS on Foot!!

DONE!!! So now I am free to rest!

Finished with 22 days to spare!!!

You know I won’t be idle. I’d still like to get in 6 miles a day of movement. As usual, it may be 3 one day and 11 the next. But at least I don’t have to post it anywhere!!

Last Week –

Monday – #NeverMissaMonday? Not really but it just happens that my long runs are on Saturday so I run on Mondays most weeks if the weather and work cooperate. I found the solution to running now that the heat has returned. Turn on the sprinkler after your run and run through it several times. Why did it take me so long to figure this out?

I should have posted a pic of me dripping wet form the sprinkler. lol

I headed to the park at lunch to escape the heat.

did both loops and got caught in a pop up shower…felt great!!

After work, I hit the trails. It’s become a tough decision on where to go (first world problems)…what type, how far, how long, how difficult? I thought I had picked my trail – Hannacroix Ravine but there was a thunderstorm warning in that area so I headed in the opposite direction and walked the Waterfalls Trail at Rensselaer Tech Park. It started to rain just as I finished…phew!

I walked this one back in the spring…I forgot how nice it is.

Tuesday – A busy work day. No walk or run before work (because I did NOT get up early enough lol) and only had time for a short walk at lunch.

so HOT that I cut over to the water line to walk…oops blocked…back into the ‘hood

And due to temps and humidity, I decided on a rest day from running and explored a new trail instead – Winn Preserve.

no waterfalls or scenic view…just paths through the woods ..so peaceful

On such a warm humid night, I felt like staying on the trails. Two more were on my way home so I stopped. First Wolf Creek

I only hiked to the waterfall and back since it was getting late.

and then on to Bozen Kill.

only walked by the creek here..wish I had my swimsuit so I could have jumped in to cool off.

Wednesday – I started the day with a short run. I thought it would be cooler to run before work. Maybe the temps were cooler but it was incredibly humid. I was a sweaty mess (and I don’t sweat much).

didn’t need this reminder lol

Then I got in a walk in during lunch. For some variety, I drove to the rail trail.

lots of these pretty pink flowers along the trail.

After work, I met my running friends for our weekly trail walk. We re-visited Five Fivers and chose a different trail from last week. As much as I love the peace and quiet of the trails after a hard day at work, it was nice to have company and I walked a lot longer than I would have if I were alone (almost 5 miles).

didn’t see any wild turkeys just some deer,

Thursday – I was debating on whether to run before or after work. I decided on after so I could drive and run somewhere different. I wish I looked the weather before I made that decision. It was coolish & cloudy in the morning and then got sunnier and warmer as the day went on.

a purple kind of day…so sad that many of flowers are past their prime

So there were walks before work and during lunch.

more lavender 🙂

I decided to run at the Crossings after work since I hadn’t been there in ages. Boy, was I low on energy during this run. Can’t blame it on anything…I just didn’t have it. Some days are like that.

Friday – Rest Day Friday. As usual.

After my God awful run the day before, I decided to just relax in the morning and eat my breakfast outside listening to nature. Ahhhh!

I did take a walk during lunch.

can never resist a flower pic

And after work, I met my former co-workers on the rail trail as I do every Friday evening. We started at different point than past weeks. No chocolate popcorn bought and eaten this week but lots of steps and conversation 🙂

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. We were back to the local rail trail. A smaller group than usual due to family commitments but I still got in some solo miles and heart rate/interval/run miles with Deirdre, Deb and Jan for a total of 10 miles (planned on 12 but just wasn’t feeling it). Of course, I followed it with chocolate milk and French toast from Emma’s with Chris and Sherry.

Sunday – Boating on Lake George. Another perfect day.

spent the day at a site on Black Mountain Pt

This Coming Week –

Monday – DAY OFF – hike
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run, trail walk
Friday – rest day, walk with friends
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, tennis party on the Schroon 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? How are you surviving the summer heat? Please share.

August 14, 2020 by Darlene

Enjoying the Summer Runs

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: Running during the Hot/Humid Summer Months

I’m not going to list the obvious because we all know about these tips:

Carry Water
Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Run early or late when the temps are cooler
Wear Bug Repellent and sunscreen
Wear a cap to protect your scalp and face from the sun
Choose a shady route

It may be August but those hot temps are still around. So what else can we do to enjoy our runs at this time of year?

1.Embrace the Suck

Stop whining about how the heat and humidity are sucking the life out of your runs.

hot hot hot

GUILTY AS CHARGED!!

Soon we’ll be complaining that it is too cold and icy and we have to resort to a treadmill.

Either just Run or Don’t run.

Walking, hiking and biking are great ways to move if it is too uncomfortable for you to run.

96 degrees on the ground. Cool and breezy on the top of a mountain.

2.Use Intervals

I’m not one to use intervals when I run but this summer, I wanted to do more walking and hiking during the week and run longer on the weekend.

weekly group trail walks

The only way to get this done for me was to run using intervals.

If you do already and you find that the run parts are too long and the walk parts too short, just shorter the run and lengthen the walk. The only person who cares about your pace is YOU!

30:30 – 14 mm pace – got it done and barely sweat

3.Provide Rewards

That is for post run. Rewards are always an incentive. But in the summer they are necessary (at least for me) and they should be cold ones.

Mine seem to be either ice cream or a thick shake or iced coffee – it depends on the time of day.

Just choose something to motivate you to get out there and get it done!

BTW: It doesn’t have to be food. LOL

4.Distract Yourself

Runs are hard and they are even harder in the heat.

I prefer chatting with a friend or friends.

But if this is not possible, you can listen to music, a podcast, focus on nature or even your own thoughts.

Whatever works for you.

Sometimes I do wear my After Shokz and listen to a podcast or Hamilton soundtrack

But if you read my blog, you know that flowers are my preferred distraction.

5.Avoid Comparison

Maybe this means avoiding social media or not uploading your runs to Strava or Garmin.

In other words, run for yourself and don’t compare the distance or your pace to others. The heat may not affect other runners in the same way it affects you.

I don’t wear watch but most runners could not do this and still run. (My runs still count!! I record only the distance and on my blog.)

happy to just squeeze in a run during my lunch break – sometimes 3 miles take the whole hour 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! Have you found ways to survive the hot humid summer runs? Please share.

August 11, 2020 by Darlene

Running with Idols

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

The Topic for today is: If you could go on a run with any celebrity, who would you go with?

Wow, this is hard. How can I pick one person??

So my first pick would be Joan Benoit Samuelson.

Photo: Tony Duffy/Getty Images

If you have never watched this video, you must (with tissues nearby): Joan Benoit 1984

I’m old enough to remember the 1984 Olympics in LA. I was actually in Israel at the time. No interest in running. I think I watched the gymnastics events only.

Joan qualified for the race 2 weeks after having knee surgery!!!

Then I started running. And Joan Benoit Samuelson has become my IDOL… She is in her 60s too and she is STILL running and trying for records. (Our birthdays are both in MAY as well!)

I actually met her a few years ago at the Freihofer Run for Women Expo. (I even got her autograph.)

I was also lucky enough to run with her when she came to Albany, NY back in 2012 to premiere her movie.

My second pick may not be someone everyone knows. She is not a former Olympian but she has become my newest idol – Jeannie Rice.
Her Marathon Time Is Astounding—And Not Just for 71 - WSJ
This lady is 72 years old has been running for 37 years without a single injury. She holds the world and/or national record at every distance.

She has run 150 marathons and still runs at least 11-12 miles each day (6-8 marathons a year.)

If you have time, listen to her interview on this podcast.

Both of these older runners have not let age hold them back. Obviously, they have native ability but we know that just gets you so far. I’d love to run with either of them and hopefully their zest for life and running would rub off on me.

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! Who is your running idol(s)? And whom would you love to run with? Please share.

August 9, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 8.3.20-8.9.20: A SUNFlowery Week with Some Needed Rain

Much of the same. Working from Home has no end in sight…at least until October but most likely until 2021.

Love WFH for convenience to running/walking/hiking but miss my trips to NYC!!

I have from May 15 until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Almost there…

Last Week –

Monday – #NeverMissaMonday? Not really but it just happens that my long runs are on Saturday so I run on Mondays most weeks if the weather and work cooperate. I was able to squeeze in one before work and bumped into a tennis friend running in my neighborhood which was nice.

you can see how tall these sunflowers were, LOVE these!! Another reason to get outside, right?

Not too much time for a lunch walk but I did get out since rain was predicted for Tuesday.

don’t we all love a sign with flowers and more yellow flowers?

Not sure why but I felt very energetic this evening (maybe due to a sluggish Sunday). So I drove to see a field of 145,000 sunflowers (not exaggerating),

so amazing..this was the first time this farmer (Jerry Boone) planted them. He plans to harvest the seeds and sell them. I even bought a few flowers.

visited a new preserve, then a friend who lived nearby

not too impressive…the trail was very short

and two more preserves that I’ve visited before- Holt and Hollyhock Hollow.

Holt Preserve. I still need to go back when I have more time and do all the trails here… as you can see the sun was starting to set.

I walked along the creek at HollyHock Hollow….so so dry… didn’t stay long as it was getting dark.

Tuesday – Finally some rain. We did need it. I was glad it was a rest day. In the morning, I just grabbed my umbrella and headed out. The walk didn’t last long as it was raining so hard that I was getting soaked even with an umbrella. Well’ at least my garden was happy. I was hoping that it would let up by lunch or at least by dinner.

I tried once more when the rain let up but again it didn’t last before it started to monsoon. One last try since thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon and high winds for the evening.

stayed out longer than the first 2 attempts since it was raining hard but tolerable…even the sunflowers were sad 😦

After work, I decided that the only way to get in some dry steps was to head to the mall. Yes, the mall is open. I wore my mask and didn’t do any shopping (What do I need??)

Wednesday – Storm over. I got in a quick walk before work.

sun is back out but the sunflowers do look sad.

I rushed out to get in my run during lunch. I only had time to do it in my neighborhood and actually ran in a neighboring development for a change. This run was not one for the record books…my lower back really ached (always something). I wondered why. Was it sitting too much? Nope, I am always at the computer. My shoes? Same as for my 10 miler (though they are getting worn.) Then I remembered the walk in the mall the evening before. Hard floors!! So I just took it down a notch and walked when I needed to… Got it done!!

I wish the front of my house looked this pretty.

After work, I met my running friends for our weekly trail walk. We re-visited Five Fivers (where last time we saw the mama turtle lay her eggs). We saw a deer and some cicada killer bees and covered around 3 miles while chatting.

On my way home, I decided to re-visit HollyHock Hollow Preserve. I thought it may look very different from Monday after Tuesday’s tropical storm rains.

it sure did and I’m glad I stopped by for a walk

Thursday – I was debating on whether to run before or after work. I decided on after so I could drive and run somewhere different.

preparing for fall, I guess?

So there were walks before work and during lunch.

keeping with the vegetable theme…a squash flower

I decided to run at UAlbany after work since I hadn’t been there in ages.

ran around the lake since the path was shortened due to Covid testing and discovered a new path.

I followed it with a quick trip to Bozenkill Preserve.

no I didn’t see a bear but the sign did make me nervous…the creek was much more active than last week…worth the visit.

Friday – Rest Day Friday. As usual. A Rainy Day.

Champ’s rest day…this cat can get comfortable for hours in the most amazing positions.

I did my morning walk near by office since I had to pick something up. I was able to get it done in between raindrops.

My lunch walk on the trails too. The rain had stopped which was convenient.

a little muddy but nice to get out of the neighborhood for a change

And after work, I met my former co-workers on the rail trail as I did last Friday evening. Thunderstorms were predicted but we lucked out. Nothing but humidity. 7 miles and one bag of chocolate cherry gourmet popcorn.

this food truck was stationed along the trail…we couldn’t resist.

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. We found out that one of our favorite brunch places does take-out and there’s a place outside to gather. So the Nisky bike path was where we did our runs/walks. I arrived early and ran a few miles with Alyssa and Karen. They were too fast so I ran heart rate intervals for the rest of my miles with Jan. 11 miles done in God awful humidity. Met with with everyone else after for a delicious outdoor brunch (raspberry lemonade French toast).

the best part of this run was NO foot pain wearing my NEW Magnify Topos shoes!!

Sunday – Boating on Lake George. Another beautiful weather day and we invited two friends to spend the day with us.

We relaxed, chatted, swam, ate and took a LONG walk on the trail. Perfect!!

This Coming Week –

Monday –run
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – run, trail walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? How are you surviving the summer heat? Please share.

August 7, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for August

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that when I upped my daily miles in the NYS Challenge from 500K to 1000k, I regretted it at first because I could have been done last month and then now I could rest my foot and start doing some biking.

But it is going well. It’s not as overwhelming as I thought. I should be done by the end of the month or earlier.

It’s all good.

Are any of you participating in these challenges? If so, how are you doing?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I am moving a lot each day, it’s not because I have been running a lot.

March – 91 miles
April – 89 miles
May – 86.5 miles
June – 82 miles
July – 78 miles

Notice a trend??

Yup, fewer miles each month. I’m still on track to finish 1000 miles for the year but barely. (84 miles monthly is about what I need…)

Why the drop in running miles?

No half marathons not even virtual ones scheduled for June and July and maybe none for the rest of the year. Minimal running during the week because I am walking and hiking a lot more. No need to train for any races. Just enjoying my social distanced group Saturday runs and brunches.

How is your monthly mileage? Running more or less?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I cancelled my Peleton trial subscription. If I had a stationary bike or treadmill, I may have kept paying. I don’t do any yoga or strength training. Running is my thing and only outdoor running now that the gyms are closed. Even you preload the class before you run, it still uses data (and I do not have an unlimited plan.)

What's a Peloton Bike? - 8 Things to Know Before Buying A Peloton Bike

I do have FOMO when I read about all the fun Peleton classes many runners are taking. Maybe I’ll be back if I can afford to buy a Peleton bike or decide to get a stationary bike or treadmill.

Any one use the Peleton app outdoors? Anyone use it for other things than biking?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do like my new Topo Fly-Lyte running shoes. I may even try the Magniflys (love those free returns).

For trails, I am wearing Altra Lone Peaks. I like them too.

My foot problem is bearable however, not totally gone. I am still considering the expensive Laser Therapy. Just procrastinating.

Anyone else wear Topos or Altras? If so, which model?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I am not an Intervals runner. I did not even use them to train for or run my marathon.

But with this insanely hot/humid summer, I have run almost all my long runs using them.

either 30:30 or 45:30 allows me to run forever…. Pace is over-rated.

Anyone else switch to intervals this summer?

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!

August 4, 2020 by Darlene

Four Somethings for July

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.

At this point in this HOT, HUMID summer, I have loved my Sunday time on Lake George. It has been peaceful and scenic but more importantly, an opportunity to cool off, relax and read.

Unlike other summers, it has NOT been an occasion to connect with friends and participate in social gatherings.

How have you kept cool this summer? Has it been different than previous summers?

2. Something Read.

Writers & Lovers

I took a break from my borrowed mystery novel collection since our library has now opened for book pick-up.

This book is is narrated by 31-year-old Casey, who is struggling to finish writing her first novel while trying to handle college loan debts and her mother’s recent, unexpected death. In the mix is a love triangle.

I really enjoyed this book and loved how the main character evolved and how the story ended.

Have you read this or King’s other novels?

3. Something Treasured.

My Friends.

Of course, our times together are different. We are either 6 feet apart or on ZOOM but they are there for support and share our interests, worries, etc.

college friends with whom I went to France with

tennis friends

running/hiking buddies

They are all respectful of the need to stay safe. I have felt isolated by working from home. My friends have definitely added some normalcy to my life.

Have you been able to stay in touch with your friends?

4. Something Ahead.

A Race-cation??

The Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon & 5k

Hopefully this will be in NH to run the Smuttynose Half Marathon. Ten of us have rented a house for 4 days.

If not, my next one is in February in Fla.

Sunday, Feb 14, 2021

Are you looking forward to any races that you have already registered for?

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.

August 2, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.27.20-8.2.20: Finally a Day Off

I haven’t had a day off from work (besides the weekend) since February.

So I took off this past Monday in hopes that the weather would cooperate and I could do something fun.

And I DID!!!

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Getting there…

Last Week –

Monday -As I mentioned above, I took the day off from work. I was hoping to spend the day hiking with my friend but she could not go so that will have to wait until my next Monday off in August.

Instead I decided that I would sleep over in Bolton Landing on our boat the night before. That way I could go for a run along Lake George first thing in the morning and afterward do some hiking up that way.

morning has broken…

I forgot how much I missed waking up with a view of the lake and running on those familiar routes (I used to do it most weekends before I ran with a running group on Saturdays.)

my favorite 3 mile loop – to and from the Sagamore Hotel

My favorite hike (Pinnacle Pt) was closed due to Covid 19 so I chose two longer and more challenging ones – Cat and Thomas. I’ve done them before but several years ago I believe.

I thought I’d do both but had a change of heart and decided to just do the longer one (Cat) since it had a better view. It was much much longer than I thought….

but the view was worth it

I met a bunch of older women at the top and they were heading over to Thomas so I’d thought well, I’ll should do that too.

Whoa!! The most technical trail I’ve even done…up and done cliffs… for several miles!!!

again a beautiful view but too tired and hungry to enjoy it as much as the first one

Well, it turns out these older women were 46ers (meaning they’ve climbed all the high peaks in the Adirondacks). Anyway, they said that they knew a shortcut down the mountain to my car so I followed them. Not a shortcut…an unmaintained WRONG trail that took much longer!!!

Hello. 15 miles for the day!! Did I mention it was in the mid-90s. But actually it was shady and breezy and perfect hiking weather in the mountains. That hike took me about 5 1/2 hours!!

It was sooo warm when I was done that I went swimming at the beach and then headed home for dinner.

Tuesday – Back to work. Of course when you take a day off, you pay for it the next day. No time to walk before work or during lunch. But I did get out for a few minutes in the afternoon.

hydrangea obsessed.

Not as warm as previous days but boy, the humidity was high!

After work, I was tempted to go for a run but I promised myself a rest day after my hiking adventure the day before. Instead I set off for the preserves.

unfortunately there was no waterfall as it has been a dry summer

I passed a second preserve on the way home so I decided to stop.

I think that I enjoyed this one even more than the first.

Wednesday – I started the day with a short walk in the ‘hood

it’s getting tough finding NEW blooms

I had plans after work so I had to squeeze a run during lunch. Hotter than I thought…. These noon runs are not the best idea…they never go well.

I thought the water line would be shady and it is except for the middle where you run…best part was the sprinkler (and the rose/butterfly)

After work, my running group had our weekly trail walk scheduled. With no rain in sight, more runners showed up this week. We chose last week’s location – Pine Bush Trails. Believe it or not, we did get rained on but it felt good!

we did the 1 mi blue loop and then the 3 mi yellow loop (to earn my ice cream cone)

Thursday – I had to get my run in before work since I would not be likely to do it later. It was a beautiful morning.

in the hood’ and along the main road

I listened to Ali on the Run’s interview with Emily Halnon (my friend who recently died’s daughter) and it made me sad and inspired at the same time. This is the link if you want to read about it or take a listen: https://www.aliontherunblog.com/2020/07/29/ali-on-the-run-show-267-emily-halnon/

I miss Andrea A LOT. She was an amazing lady and a great friend.

: Silks & Satins 5k – 2010

: VCM Relay – 2015

: 2019

Her daughter is running 453 miles (in record time) this Saturday in her honor and to raise money for rare cancers. That is 45-70 miles a day for 9 days!!!!!

This is the link if you wish to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/running-the-oregon-pct-for-brave-like-gabe

I also was able to squeeze in a walk at lunch (to finish listening to that podcast).

After work, I went to my re-scheduled dinner out with my tennis friends. It was our first one in an restaurant (though one with patio dining).

Friday – Rest day Friday as usual. A few walks here and there…

and after work, I met two former co-workers for a long walk on the rail trail.

we decided to make this a weekly thing

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. We all returned to Zim Smith at various times for various distances and all gathered after for brunch from Leah’s. I ran 3 solo. Then Alyssa, Deirdre and Jan arrived. I ran intervals with Jan and Deirdre while Alyssa ran ahead.

We ran for the first time on the new part of the trail

We probably spent more time eating and chatting after than running. I think there were 10 of us. So fun!!

Knowing that I would probably be a slug the next day, I went for an after dinner walk.

one of the my favorite places to stroll – Pine Hollow Arboretum

Sunday – Boating on Lake George. Although it was predicted to rain in the am then storm in the afternoon, we decided to ignore the forecast and go up to the lake. Glad we did since there was NO rain…just an occasional cloud. So relaxing. Love my lake get-away.

and I was right – no walking today – just floating in the water and reading on the boat

This Coming Week –

Monday –run
Tuesday – rest day
Wednesday – run, trail walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, walk with friends
Saturday – LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, boating

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? How are you surviving the summer heat? Please share.

July 31, 2020 by Darlene

Runfessions for July

Runfessions

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

Time flies in a pandemic. This is my 4th pandemic Runfession post.

1. I runfess…

I have a high tolerance for pain. I’ve raced with a stress fracture and a broken foot.

this was my last painful run

No surprise that that I waited several weeks before I went back to the podiatrist for my neuroma.

Economic evaluation corticosteroid injections mortons neuroma

Next up maybe laser therapy…

Do you seek medical attention right away or procrastinate? Have you gotten laser therapy for pain?

2. I runfess…

Once I experienced foot pain back in November, I ditched my favorite Mizunos and bought:

Altras (and returned them)
Brooks (and returned them)
Hokas (and returned them)
Another style of Hokas (for walking)
Back to Mizuno Inspires (for short runs)

And now I am trying Topos!!

Did you try different shoes or stick with one brand?

3.I runfess…

I thought I would continue with some virtual races. For good reasons. Support the racing organization, charity, add to my swag collection or just to motivate myself to run faster.

5k, 10k, 13.1 Virtual Challenge medal

Nope, I’m done!

At least paying money to run them. And who needs another glass or medal??

If they are free, maybe??

Are you still signing up for virtual races?

4. I runfess…

We’re pretty good in Upstate NY with Covd-19 though there are still new cases. I am considering running a race, any race.

Aug 15…maybe? Maybe not?

Anyone else have run a real race or considering doing so?

5.I runfess…

I upped my goal in the NYS Challenge from 500k to 1000K because I would be done too early in the summer.

One NY Virtual Challenge - Race Across New York!

Then my foot started bothering me so I thought I should probably cut back on the walking, hiking running and maybe get my bike out.

can’t remember the last time on this???

Biking miles don’t count!!

And I am stubborn. So back to walking, running and hiking until I am done with 1000k.

Would you bike even if it did not count? Do you like biking?

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.

July 28, 2020 by Darlene

Staying Safe/Sane When Running (during Pandemic Times)

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

My Topic for today is: Running (during Pandemic Times)

My utmost priority is staying safe. That means not catching COVID-19 and/or passing it on the my hubby, my stepsons or worse my 95 year old MIL.

Most of the time I have not stayed in my neighborhood because I have found ways to feel safe when running elsewhere. I will share some of those ways below in addition to ways to save your sanity if you choose to stay near home.

Wear a mask or buff around your neck

As you are probably aware, you wear something over your mouth and nose to protect others (even if you have no symptoms). So if you have it around your neck at all times, if someone comes close, you just pull it up. Also as respect for others, if you see someone else wearing a mask/buff (even if they are not close), you should pull up your mask or buff.

oops I’m the only one without a mask/buff

Run early on popular routes or bike paths.

You’ll be surprised how empty your normal running routes are if you go early in the morning.

Corning bike path is empty in the early am

Research new and rarely populated paths.

Do not run where you normally do That’s where most runners go.

Instead, find a new place, somewhere new, someplace uncommon. You will be rewarded with an empty, safe path.

this part of the Crossings is in the back and very empty

Call a friend.

You can run in your neighborhood. But every time??!! It sure gets boring no matter what you do.

Ask a friend to run with you. You two, of course, will be running 6 feet apart. But you can still chat that way and motivate each other to complete the distance.

Play head games.

If you feel that your neighborhood is your only option and you cannot find a friend to share the experience, invent ways to keep it fun.

Look for rainbow signs, find new flowers in bloom each week, ask the names of the friendly dogs, give out awards to the nicest lawns, pick out your favorite house, etc.

I mostly look for flowers to photograph (but I’m not interested in my pace)

I have no idea when things will go back to normal so that I can run safely anywhere, at any time and with my friends or at races.

This message still holds true…

Bloggers unite!!

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 found ways to run outside your neighborhood and still feel safe? Or have you been sticking close tPlease share.

July 26, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 7.20.20-7.26.20: Lazy Hazy Days of Summer…

Still warm, humid, lots of thunderstorm threats… a haircut is probably the only new event.

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k. Getting there…

Of course this is getting old but another of my favorite summer races has gone virtual.

nostalgic look back to 2019

I also finally got in the mail my swag from the Steel Rail Half Marathon that I chose to run virtually in May:

what? no metal? lol

Last Week –

Monday – Another scorcher. I wanted to get in a pre-work run to avoid the heat and test my new shoes.

still pretty steamy…no verdict yet since the the run was very easy as to break in my shoes

Even warmer at lunch but luckily I did not have much time to sweat on my walk.

more pretty pink flowers (Rose of Sharon?)

After work as usual, I went out in search of exercise and shade. I picked two very nearby preserves that were wooded and went along the creek at some point. It was wonderful!!

: Normanskill East

: Normanskill West

Then I met my BFF for an outdoor mall walk and talk. She broke her toe so this week it was a sit and chat.

Tuesday – I decided to squeeze in an early morning walk in the ‘hood

hosta time

and then a run at lunch since I had plans every day after work.

I actually drove to the rail trail because I am sick of my neighborhood.. so hot when you run at NOON!!

After work, I had my 2nd pandemic haircut (makes me feel kinda normal). Next week I hope to have my 2nd manicure!!

And I then I explored a preserve that wasn’t too far away followed by a walk on the bike path.

I had visited this trail before but not since the pandemic began

Wednesday – I wouldn’t normally run again but rain was predicted for later in the day and for tomorrow.

I woke up to rain but it stopped by the time I was ready to run.

70s for temp but 85% for humidity did not make this feel good (nor is my foot 😦 )

I decided for a change to drive to the park at lunch and walk on the trails there.

and met up with my “deer” friend

Fingers crossed that the storms would hold off so we could get in our weekly trail walk. Unfortunately I was the only one able to do the trails. And the rain did hold off (though it was so humid, the rain would have felt nice.)

I did the green, blue and part of the yellow trail – would have done more if I knew the rain would hold off so long…

Thursday – It was supposed to rain on and off today. It rained during the night but had stopped by morning. So I started the day with my usual neighborhood walk in search of new flowers to photograph.

I don’t think I posted these before?

and then one more during lunch. Hooray for rest days and no pressure to run between the raindrops.

got caught taking this pic and explained that I was admiring her petunias since they were nicer than mine.

In the evening, my monthly tennis dinner was scheduled. This was the first time, we were not doing take out and sitting 6 feet apart in a park. The threat of thunderstorms postponed this until next Thursday.

Of course, the storm never really arrived so after dinner, I decided to go on another trail walk at Normanskill Farm.

It was lovely walking along the creek but I didn’t have time to complete the whole loop since it was getting dark.

You can see from the photo above that I stopped for dessert before heading home. As I was enjoying my ice cream cone, I realized that across the street, there was an awesome sunset.

I can’t remember the last time I watched the sun set…it’s usually when I travel to NYC or Fla. I need to remember to do more of my walks later in the evening.

Friday – Another rest day as always due to my long run being the next day. I didn’t have much time today for walks but I did squeeze in two short ones in the neighborhood.

One in the morning

dahlia I think

and then one at lunch time

and a hibiscus

I did a repeat walk from Thursday but explored farther on the path. However, no ice cream or perfect sunset tonight.

back along the Normanskill creek

Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Today we were back on the rail trail so that we could meet for brunch after at Emma Cleary’s (It’s all about food lol).

Like previous weeks, it was HOT and HUMID so I arrived earlier to get in a few solo miles. Then everyone else arrived at various times. I again took advantage of Deidre’s offer to run 10 miles with me. She runs intervals which is fine with me. It’s all about distance in the summer time. I ran 2 miles before she and Jen arrived and then she wasn’t feeling well so we only ran 9. 11 miles was enough to deserve Emma’s strawberry stuffed French toast with potatoes and bacon (and chocolate mile of course).

We twinned with our Skirt Sports tanks

Sunday – Boating. For the first time this summer we had company (my hubby’s friend, his girlfriend, his daughter & daughter’s friend) on our boat.

that’s my hubby diving off a cliff.. me? I just floated around in a tube.

The weather was perfect and it was fun hanging out with other people for a change.

Another first was that I slept overnight on our boat. I haven’t done it in awhile but I had Monday off from work. My hiking plans got cancelled so I decided why not run and hike here for a change of scenery.

This Coming Week –