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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.

Certificate

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!!

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 – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF – run, hike
  • Tuesday –  rest day
  • Wednesday –  run, trail walk
  • Thursday – run, dinner with tennis friends
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

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Summer Running – Love it or Hate it?

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 this week’s is: What do you love/hate about summer running?

All apply even we weren’t in the midst of a pandemic.

Love:

1.Less Layers

I can get changed in minutes. Tank. Skirt. Cap. Go!

so easy to squeeze in a run during lunchtime

2. Sunshine

I love the SUN!! It motivates me to get outside and get my dose of Vitamin D!!

blues skies, sunny days = ❤

3. Longer Days.

As a working runner, this is especially important to me.  It is no fun running in the dark after work.  When it is dark, it limits the places where I can run.

after work runs are my favorite because I can drive to favorite routes

4. Nature is prettier.

I love trees and flowers.  So much to look at during this season.  And different flowers and trees are blooming each week.

flowers and more flowers

5. No Training Runs.

Even during a normal year, I run my big races in the winter, fall and spring.  So summer is just for running. No plans. No stress.

just for fun and connecting with friends

Hate:

1.Mosquitos/Ticks/Black Flies

I am very susceptible to insect bites so I need to always apply insect repellent.  Sometimes I am lax and I pay the price with lots of itchy bites.

2.Humidity

Dry heat is great but when it is humid, it is tough to get the miles in and the speed.  I have to do a lot of walking…

too humid to run!!!

3.More Laundry

Less layers but they are sweaty.  That means that I can’t wear items more than once like I do in the other seasons.

4.Competing Activities

In the summer, there’s hiking, tennis, boating, BBQs, etc. It’s hard to fit it all in and sometimes, I may have to just skip the run in favor of a summer-only activity.

just suffering on the lake lol

5.Lack of Races to Motivate You.

Many more races to sign up for in the spring and fall.  Not many even during a normal summer.  So it may be hard to motivate yourself to get out the door or do those weekend long runs.

luckily for friends or these runs may not happen or be shortened

So I think I LOVE summer running more than I hate it. 

Summertime quotes - i love summer

Maybe I should move to a warmer, sunnier climate?

Happy Running! What do you love and/or hate about summer?  Do you love or hate it more. Please share.

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Running Success (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 Success (during Pandemic Times)

In “Normal” times, as runners, we would most likely define SUCCESS with one or more of the following:

  • Completing a New distance such as your first full marathon
  • Attaining a PR (at a distance or a course)
  • Qualifying for a big race (Boston?)
  • Running a bucket list race (like one of the World Majors)
  • Trying a new type of race – a trail race, a triathlon, etc.
  • Returning to racing after an injury

Well, I doubt any of these have occurred this year.

So how do runners now determine success?

  • No Covid-19

Only one of my running friends has gotten this and she recovered. All others including myself are and have been symptom free.

thumbs up for flowers and feeling good

  • Mileage

Since we are all working from home, there is less travel time and thus, more time to RUN. As a result, we are running more miles each month.

my goal had been 84 miles per month and I often didn’t meet it

  • Varied running routes

In order to stay safe, you have had to avoid those non-wearing masked neighborhood walkers or the bikers on crowded bike trails. So you have discovered new places to run such as secluded trails or quiet park paths.

all alone at Zim Smith

  • Virtual Races

No scheduled races has given runners who want to race the ability to sign up and complete a multitude of VIRTUAL races.

Many are even free.

  • Participation in Challenges

In addition to virtual races, you can join a variety of challenges that will motivate you to complete a certain number of miles or kms.

Certificate

Many of the states have one such as this.

So of course as running goes in 2020, we may want a do over but it always helps to focus on the positives. I’m sure you can find ones that I didn’t even think of.

Yeah, life is hard, but people get through it, why? Because they ...

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 successful has your running year been? Have you had any of the successes mentioned or any others? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 7.13.20-7.19.20: Week 20!

Can you believe that I’ve worked from home for 20 weeks!!

And there’s no end in sight.

Not complaining because I have been able to run and walk in many different places and even with my friends.

But…NO RACES!! NO TRAVEL! Sad face.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Getting there…I think I will make it.

BTW: My August Half Marathon just got cancelled, I think. I’ve already run it virtually in April. Hoping for a refund or deferral.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Yes, I finally decided to run before work.  Still rather warm but it takes the pressure off the rest of the day because there’s always a threat of rain.  I also have more energy. Yeah, why not every run?  Mostly work stuff and not wanting to run in the dark.

ran outside the ‘hood and past my favorite house on the main road…love their gardens..there’s an Eiffel Tower through the arch on the bottom.

It threatened rain so I took my umbrella but the sun came out and it was pretty steamy during lunch (still cooler than previous days).

just more pix of other people’s flowers

After work, I headed out in search of shade.  I decided on Hollyhock Hollow Preserve and walked the outside loop. It was perfect and then I took a quick trip around the creek before I stopped off for an outside chat with a mah jongg friend (whom I hadn’t seen in ages.)

  • Tuesday – With all my foot pain, I decided to postpone the shot as long as possible by cutting back. So I skipped my morning walk. But at lunch, it was less than 80 degrees for the first time in days so I decided that I must get in a few miles.

the waterline so no flowers..still felt warm with all that sunshine

I only had time for a quick walk at the Pine Hollow Arboretum after work.

I got home just in time for the ZOOM Bastille Day celebration with my college friends (the ones I spent a year in France with)

we are connecting more now than before the pandemic

  • Wednesday – A beautiful morning for  a run, cloudy, coolish but I am trying to baby my foot so I just went for a walk.

just love these flowers – would be an interesting jigsaw puzzle

I even skipped my lunch walk but I was getting antsy by dinnertime so I headed for the trails. I decided on a new one – Holt Preserve.  It was so nice!! I’ll be going back.

the views will be amazing come Fall.

  • Thursday – Another cool breezy morning… shoulda but I didn’t.  I waited for lunch time (when it was warmer) and went for a short run. I chose to venture to a new neighborhood.  How did it go?  I came home immediately and made an appt. with my podiatrist.  (Foot pain sucks!)

After work, I went on our weekly trail walk with my running friends.  This week it was to Papscanee Island nature preserve (South entrance).

along the Hudson R, through the woods and the fields – a fun way to get in your steps

  • Friday – Started the day with a podiatrist appt. Friday is my rest day from running and it was a rainy one anyway. I got my B12 shot and the pain disappeared so I celebrated with Starbucks and a walk in the woods.

yes, cool and wet in the early morning hours (that changed by lunch time)

The verdict on my left foot (neuroma) is that the shot helps but the pain comes back. My Dr does not recommend to keep getting shots.  Instead, she wants me not to wait until the pain is bad but come back in 2 weeks (if I feel some pain) and start 12 sessions of laser therapy.  The problem is that it not covered by insurance….

The sun came out but it was still breezy not too as warm as it will be this weekend so I took another short walk at lunch. I drove to the rail trail in town and cut over to the water line. And got home before the rain!

always time for a flower pic

The rain was brief and so after work, I decided to hit the preserves before dinner.  I chose three with short trails.

Though it was the day before, they had already hidden gnomes at each of the 19 preserves. If you email a photo of yourself with the gnome, you can win an ice cream gift card courtesy of the Summer Hike-a-thon sponsor Stewart’s Shops (my favorite ice cream!!) Score!!

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back by popular demand was brunch at Leah’s so that meant our group run or walk was at the Zim Smith Trail.  Some other running running friends were heading there as well.

I got there early so ran a mile and then ran intervals with Deirdre for 10 more miles.  The heat really wasn’t as bad as I feared. But my feet HURT!!!

my shirt says it all!

We gathered with everyone for brunch and ate and chatted in the park…there were 13 of us!!  So great to stay connected with running friends!!

Guess what was waiting for me when I got home?

Topos. Will try anything once.

It was HOT, HUMID and I was pooped (and my feet sore) so I only tested them at an outdoor restaurant date with a friend.

  • Sunday – Boating. Our hottest day so far this summer so the only place to be ws on the water.

lots of floating in the water and reading on the island – heavenly

Sorry I ate my ice cream too fast for a picture. I had to celebrate… didn’t you?

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY – Third Sunday in July

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run, outdoor mall walk with BFF
  • Tuesday –  rest day, hair appt
  • Wednesday –  run, trail walk
  • Thursday – run, dinner with tennis friends
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

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Running and Gardening

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 today is: Gardening and Running

When I was a teacher, I had the summers off and I had a big perennial garden.  (I was not a runner back then).

Then I changed careers and started working during the summers.  So I let this garden die grow wild. I eventually also started running.

This summer with working from home and taking down a huge pine tree, I decided to create a new perennial garden.

Here are 5 reasons why both running and gardening are very similar:

1.Start small.

It is not recommended to start off by running a marathon.  You start with one mile and continue onto a 5k.  Maybe at some point even a half marathon or longer distances.

back in 2008…I didn’t start running 13.1 until 2011.

Your plants will not be full and tall right away.  If you plant too many at first, you will have to split them or your garden will be too crowded.  So buy a few the first year and add more each year, as necessary.

2.Progress happens slowly.

Remember how slow your first 5k or half marathon time was?  Everyone progresses differently.  And some runners progress faster than others. And of course, there will be setbacks (injuries or illnesses.) Patience!

2015 – finally a HM age group award

Some of your plants may die, get diseases or eaten by predators.  Others may take a few years before they bloom.  Patience!

3. Hydration and fueling are complicated.

Of course, we need to hydrate when we run.  But when and how often?  Do we carry water?  Is it different for different weather conditions or distances? And what and when do you eat?  How often do you eat during a race or run?

This was my favorite handheld.

And yes, plants need water to grow. How much? When is the best time to water your garden? How often do you water?  And fertilizer…what kind, how often, etc?

4. Consistency is important.

We all know that to move forward with your running, you cannot skip a lot of runs. You need to get out there several times a week.  If you take time off from running, it is definitely harder when you do get back into running.

2

obviously a hard half marathon – my first one after my broken ankle

With my garden, it’s weeding.  Not a pleasant job, but if you let it go, OMG, it is so much worse. I have to do it EVERYDAY.

5. Set and Re-adjust goals.

It’s great to have a running goal…maybe even something like a BQ.  It gives us something to work towards. But as we know, injuries happen, life happens (hello, pandemic), we have to re-adjust. Hey, I thought that I was going to run one half marathon each month in 2020.

Half #2 of 2020

My new goal is just 3 shorts run during the week and 10 miles on the weekend with a new focus on nature walks. The 12 half marathon goal will have to wait.

My initial goal for my garden was to have a beautiful flowers, mostly pink and purple perennials.  Obviously a long-term goal. Some of the plants were eaten by deer, some died, others were not flowering well or yet.

This year’s goal is now to fill up the space with other pretty objects such as a bird bath, annual flowers, solar fountain, sun catchers, ornaments, etc.

A work in progress (like my running)

Happy Running! Are you into gardening? Or do you have another hobby that has similarities to running? Please share.

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Favorite Running Views/Places

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

The Topic for today is: My Favorite Running Places

Unfortunately, this summer I have not been running on my top picks so some of these are nostalgic.

I love scenic routes (especially those along the water) and I enjoy variety.

  • New York City

in Central Park

along the East River

along the Hudson River

  • Bolton Landing (upstate NYS)

IMG_3334

  • Washington Park (Albany) 

in the spring

winter

and fall

  • Zim Smith Bike Path 

img_9097

  • The Crossings

  • Albany Rail Trail

img_0082

There are a few more that I haven’t mentioned here as well:

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 criteria do you use when picking a favorite route? Are you still running on  your favorite routes during the Pandemic? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 7.6.20-7.12.20: And the Heat Goes On…

Hot hot hot.

Not complaining because I love summer and it’s better than snow and ice and all those layers.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along.

Another 5k got cancelled – Silks and Satins.

fondly remembering last year

And of course, another half marathon went virtual…Adirondack Half Marathon in September (hopefully, I can get a refund or defer…I’m done with virtuals).

Last Week –

  • Monday – Too much work drama to get in a run or walk before work. UGH!  Especially on such a hot day.

I also only had time for a short walk during lunch….

no shade in the ‘hood but always pretty flowers (even if they are past bloom)

And so after work, I drove in search of some shade. I decided on The Crossings since there was a wooded loop I could run on. 90 degrees so still a struggle but would have been worse if I ran anywhere else.

definitely worth the trip and I got to shop at nearby Trader Joe’s

  • Tuesday – A little breeze this morning but only had time for a short walk.

part in the ‘hood and part on the trail. gotta bring a container to pick those raspberries

I did my lunch walk on the trail…warmer than this morning but cooler than yesterday.

pushed myself (as my shirt said) later in the day

Since I had plans after work the next two days, I decided to get in a run.  I drove to the Voorheesville end of the rail trail and hoped for a shady route. It was shady but I just wasn’t feeling it but I did enjoy seeing the artwork.

they added new pieces from my last visit…I guess I need to keep returning here

When I was done, I met my BFF to do our walk and talk in an outdoor mall.

  • Wednesday – A rest day!!  I skipped my morning walk (due to work stuff) so I planned to extend my lunch one (if the rain held off)…

I headed to the trails to stay in the shade…still hot and muggy!

2 loops though I had planned 3. Better than nothing.

Then after work, I met two former co-workers for a walk.  It’s been months since we’ve talked so it was nice. We almost didn’t get to do it due to a passing thunderstorm however the rain stopped (but the humidity did not.)

we were too busy talking for me to take any pics except for this one before my friends arrived on the rail trail

  • Thursday – I had grandiose plans to drag myself out of bed to run before work.  But my foot has been hurting (again) all week so I decided to lay low. (Of course, today my foot felt fine. D’uh)

So I just went for a short walk during lunch on the waterline during lunch…hot.hot.hot. (No way I would want to run today.)

the top photo is my house…I used be able to access the waterline (before everything grew in)

And then after work, our weekly scheduled trail walk was scheduled. This week, it took place at Five Rivers. And though it was a small group (like two of us) as usual, lots of fun (and exercise). We saw a doe and her fawn.  And a Mama Turtle laying 5 eggs.  Very very cool!!!

After an ice cream cone, I decided that I needed some more steps so stopped off at a preserve on my way home.

  • Friday – Another rest day.  My 3rd day in a row. Two walks and then I was looking forward to the trails after work.  Of course, there was heavy rain predicted…

I did get to walk this morning before work.

of course, more flower pix

It looked like rain but I also got in a second walk during lunch.  The only water felt was my sweat lol

soon these will be gone

It was raining when I finished work but it stopped. With the predicted thunderstorms, I decided not to hike and get stuck in the middle of the woods. Instead I went for another walk.  And the rain never came.

I parked at the opposite end of the rial trail from Tuesday (9 miles away). It was a lovely walk aside from the oppressive humidity.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. Back to my neck of the woods – the Delmar Rail Trail. Between the weather forecast, vacations and family obligations, my running group shrunk.

I too was wondering if the thunderstorms would hold off and let me get in a few miles. No rain but lots of humidity.  I ran 5 miles solo (though I passed Barbara twice on the path) and then 5 miles with Deirdre.

You bet I rewarded my achy feet and sweaty body with French toast.

Did some housework, a short walk and then watched Hamilton again (this time with the hubby – he didn’t hate it lol).

Ended the day with drinks out with a friend.  What happened to that rain??

  • Sunday – Boating Day!

Same as last Sunday though not as hot…relaxing, eating, drinking and reading in my happy place!!

It was a beautiful day on the lake…even a nice breeze

This Coming Week – 

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

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.

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Broken Ankle and the Pandemic

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 today is: My Broken Ankle vs the Pandemic

On Dec 30, 2011, I fell on the ice and broke my fibula and tibia and had to have surgery.

Thinking back to how I dealt with this horrible situation has helped me deal with the current pandemic we’re in.

Here are 5 6 reasons why both are very similar:

1.Happened Unexpectedly.

I was doing a 10 mile training run and then all of a sudden, I was down on the ground.

last run

I was at work on March 16 and then on March 17, I was told to stay home and self-isolate.

my new office

2.Scary Health-wise.

I had never broken my ankle. I had never had surgery before or anesthesia.  Yikes!

not my x-ray – I have 6 screws in the plate

COVID-19 – Would I get it?  Would my friends or family get it?  People are dying from it!!! Holy cow!

New York now has more coronavirus cases than Italy and Spain ...

3. Unknown Duration.

How long would it take for my bones to heal? Weeks? How long until I could walk or run again? Months?

post ankle surgery

How long until I would go back to work? How long until I could see my family and friends?  How long will we be social-distancing??

 our first pandemic post-run brunch

4. Feeling Depressed and Isolated.

I missed a New Year’s Party. I couldn’t go anywhere. Not to the mall, not out with my friends.  I was stuck at home. I was bored and lonely.

Nothing is open.  I can’t even get my hair cut.  I can’t go out to dinner or to the movies. I am tired of running by myself.

ZOOMing with my running friends

5. Changes Happen in Stages

First I would be mobile using crutches.  And then walking with a boot. And eventually walking unaided… and then running!!

first steps

First leaving the house to go to essential places, then more places but wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.  Eventually more places open up but restrictions are still in place.

first boating outing

6. What will “Normal” be?

Will I run as fast as before?  Will I be able to run long distances? Will there be things I can no longer do?

my first post-injury 5k

Will we be able to hug our family and friends?  Will we be able to attend concerts and movies?  Will there be big races?

running with friends but 6 ft apart

Happy Running! Have you ever had a serious injury or situation which may have prepared you for this Pandemic? Please share.

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Mid-Year Review

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

The Topic for today is: 2020 Mid-Year Review

Well, obviously things haven’t gone as planned. (17 races that I was planning to run by Jun 30, 2020 have been cancelled).

  • Races

The year started with a painful foot.  I continued to run on it and completed a few short races and two half marathons. Then I got rid of the pain but there have been no races since 😦

  • Virtual Races

Yes, I have technically completed quite a few including three half marathons.

But none have I truly raced.

  • Mileage

My goal for the year has always been 1000 miles.  That means around 84 miles each month.

Jan – 83.8 miles
Feb  – 76.7 miles
Mar – 91 miles
Apr – 89 miles
May – 86.5 miles
Jun – 82 miles

I have run 507 miles so far.

It seems that I am right on track as far as that goes.

  • Training Plans

I have continued to run as if I were training for a half marathon.  That means I run 3 short runs during the work week

and one Long Run of 10 miles on the weekend.

  • Cross Training

Ummm.. I started the year with an occasional trip to the gym to ride the bike or use the machines (very occasional).

Then everything closed. I do not own any equipment.

So it’s been a lot of walking, a lot of hiking and a lot of weeding. I have also taken a yoga class every month (face to face and then through ZOOM).

  • Race-cations

Yes, my favorite thing to do.

NYC for a half marathon and then an awesome one in Bermuda (who knew how fun it would be and how it may be the last  one of the year?) I had a race scheduled for my tennis trip to Naples, Fl but the trip got cancelled.  I had another NYC trip planned for June but that race got cancelled.

Hopefully, my NH girls trip will happen in October – race or no race.  Maybe I will even get to run in NYC before 2021.

  • Blogger Meet-ups

Well, most of them have been virtual.

virtual 5k with Cari, Kim and Deb

Gotta love ZOOM.

As I am sure every runner will agree, 2020 so far has not been a remarkable year.  But if we are all healthy, we should not complain.

Things can only get better!!

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 is your 2020 shaping up? Please share.

by

Weekly Run Down for 6.29.20-7.5.20: Rain Rain Go Away!

Hard to believe that it is July already.

Still haven’t run a race since February,

Summer humidity arrived along with showers and thunderstorms but running, hiking and boating still took place. In other words, I kept my sanity.

Certificate

I have until Aug 31 to run/walk 1000k.  Still chugging along. More than halfway…Yay!

Last Week –

  • Monday – The rain yesterday cooled off the temps but left awful humidity!!  I ran before work. Still only getting in 3 miles since I never get out early enough (or run fast enough.)

working from home has given me more time to decide what to wear…this skirt is a unicorn

Still lucky enough to get in a walk and not get wet.

in the ‘hood – just love poppies!!!

After dinner I decided to re-visit the Tivoli Lake Preserve in Albany. Another hidden treasure that few people in this city know about.  I visited it early in the pandemic and got in a visit again before the third storm of the day.

behind some unkept trails and along the Amtrak train tracks

  • Tuesday – A busy work day so just a quick walk in the ‘hood before work. A dreary rainy morning but I stayed mostly dry.

the lilies are a bloomin’!

and then again at lunch. The sun came out but then it started to sprinkle…actually felt great.

don’t you love raindrops on roses, I mean flowers?

After work, it still threatened rain but nevertheless, I drove to the Albany end of the rail trail to get in as many miles as the weather (or legs) would allow. Barely got done before the skies opened up.

had to rush the pic but there is a roaring creek below

  • Wednesday – This weather is getting old. Humid #AF when I went for my morning walk.  Came home dripping in sweat.

an orange kind of morning

The sun came out so I went for my lunch walk.  It turned into more of a sprint since the skies opened suddenly and I got drenched!!

continuing with my orange theme for the day

Today was supposed to be our weekly trail walk day.  It didn’t look good weather-wise. But the rain stayed away and we did a really scenic and fun hike.  It was challenging in parts too.

even a waterfall at the Rensselaer Tech Park trails

  • Thursday – Finally sunshine.  Again, I got up too late to squeeze in a run so I walked.

it was warm already…wished I opted to run…

I decided to run at lunch… Holy heat stroke!! 91 degrees!!

did most of the run on the water line thinking it would be cooler but it sure didn’t feel like it

After work, I headed off to the trails looking for a breeze and some shade. I found it at Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary.

would have hiked longer but there was thunder and storms on the way.

I arrived home just in time for ANOTHER storm and no power for several hours.  No problem. I already had plans to go out to dinner with a friend (outdoors and the rain did stop 🙂 ).

  • Friday – My planned rest day. More clouds and rain on the way.  Started the day with a walk and took my umbrella (only a quick shower even though the forecast was for rain later on.).

these flowers reminded me of the fireworks that I won’t be seeing tomorrow 😦

I also managed to squeeze in a steamy lunch walk and did not get rained on. I walked both loops of the trail in the local park.

I must have just missed the rain because it was very wet and felt like a rain forest

It rained all afternoon. I’ve never seen it rain that hard!! Crazy weather.

Another day where I had to decide if I had time to hike between thunderstorms. According to the radar, it seemed that I would be less likely to get rained on if I drove north. So I headed to Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve (a new trail for me) and took a risk. I walked from the Whipple Bridge to the Old Lock 19 and back.

wide and flat…a nice place to run

Another storm in the evening but I stayed dry today.

Hamilton the musical release date: THIS is when Hamilton is ...

I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time. I downloaded it so I’ll probably watch it several more times.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  Back by popular demand was a group run at the Zim Smith Bike Path. As I did last week, I drove up earlier to run. Many of my 10 miles were with friends, some were solo. Glad for the cloud cover but it was sooooo humid, felt like running in a rain forest.

and yes, I wore my red, white and blue since it was the 4th of July

Unfortunately, our favorite brunch place (Leah’s) was closed so we drove to Lakeside Farms. I had apple fritter French toast … yum.

Normally, I would be up at the lake to BBQ with friends, watch the fireworks on the lake and participate in tomorrow’s Hike-athon.  All was cancelled so I decided to stay home do errands and go for a hike. Then head up to spend the day there tomorrow.

First Henry Hudson Park but could not find the trails and then another nearby but the trails were too buggy = short hike 🙂

  • Sunday – Boating Day.  Since most boaters had been there on Friday and Saturday, it wasn’t too crowded but it was a PERFECT day to be on Lake George. I just floated around in the water or sat in a chair on the island and read.

my happy place

My hubby drove home however my legs needed some steps so I just walked around town (and thus got home rather late but worth it.)

love Bolton Landing…next time maybe I’ll run here.

This Coming Week – 

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

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?  Are things opening up where you live? Are things getting more normal for you?  Please share.