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Pandemic Inspired Goal

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

My Topic today is: My New Goal (inspired by the pandemic)

If you read my blog, you may remember that my goal for 2020 was to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH.

I even signed up for 7 out 12 races before the year even began.

First there was the foot injury and so I limped through January and February’s.

Then this pandemic!! My March’s was cancelled and April and May’s have been postponed. I have already run two uninspired virtual ones with many more to come, I’m sure.

I am not sure at this point if any of my half marathons this year will be real ones.

So onto a new goal.

Visit ALL the LOCAL 25 NEW NATURE TRAILS. (I realize that ALL is a little vague.  So is the word “local.”  I am going to change it to 25 as my goal.)

There are 18 nature preserves just in my local area.  So I far I have visited 7. https://mohawkhudson.org/our-preserves/find-a-preserve/

In addition to these preserves, there are many parks with trails, arboretums, and nature sanctuaries.  Plenty to keep me busy. I have visited 6 already.

So why is this goal and why visit these areas now?

  • They are free.
  • They are scenic.
  • They have varied terrain.
  • They are well marked and maintained.
  • You can walk them.
  • The trails are looped and of varying distances.
  • You can go when sunny, windy or even rainy.
  • NO ONE ELSE is there!!

Yes, I feel safe and wear a mask (actually a buff). I have barely run into a person (and if so, they are surprised and polite and friendly.)

But of course, many of you would not feel comfortable with this goal.  I am not being critical of anyone who is self isolating.

You can follow my progress with this new goal and view the gazmillion pics through my IG posts (@dsc59).

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! Anyone else getting outdoors more now? Have you changed your original 2020 running/fitness goal? Please share. 

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Weekly Run Down for 4.20.20-4.26.20: Is it over yet?

My WFH stint was supposed to end on April 29. Now it has been extended until at least May 15.

Otherwise things are the same. All social activities still cancelled. Missing my friends!! But keeping in touch via ZOOM.

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house). Always looking for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing.

This one is sponsored by our local running group – 3 races and you get the medal.

trying to run one of these each week…

The NYC Mini 10k on June 13,2020 was cancelled – another race that I was REALLY looking forward to!!!

JULY 5, 2020 – CANCELLED

I’ve always had to work and could not participate.  This year the hike was on a Sunday and I signed up with the hubby. 😦

But the good news:

Congrats to Kim and Debbie!!

Thanks to all those who entered.  It’s not too late.  You can still register until May 5 at  https://freihofersrun.com/virtual-5k/.  Use the code AMBSS5 and for $20 you will get:

  • 42nd annual virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women t-shirt & bib
  • A finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home
  • Commemorative finishers’ medal
  • Coupons for Freihofer’s products
  • Automatic entry into Virtual 5k Sweepstakes with great prizes!

The t-shirts, medals and coupons will be mailed to participants the first week in June.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Happy to see the sun shining even if it was only a rest day.

lunch time walk in the park

post work walk at Holly Hock Hollow Sanctuary

  • Tuesday – A nasty windy rainy day!! I skipped my lunch walk and crossed my fingers that the rain (and wind) would stop at some point so I could go for a short run.

Yeah, well the rain did stop. So I drove to the Crossings for a quick run. (I wanted to go to Trader Joes which is why I picked this run location and in the evening now I’ve got plenty of time.)

the wind got to me so I quit early

  • Wednesday – Earth Day!!  I woke up to SNOW!!  It did melt but again it was windy!! I took my usual lunch time walk… Had to find a location to be protected from the CRAZY wind.

hid under the TALL trees in the park and discovered a new loop

and then after work I drove to Washington Park to complete my Earth Day Virtual 5k. The wind was so strong and cold that I threw in the towel.

Don’t let these pictures fool you. It like like winter.

I stopped on the way home to check out a new trail.

I plan to head back here when it is warmer.

  • Thursday – Still cold but at least it was sunny. Rain was in the forecast so I was glad to fit in my lunch walk and planned to try for the 3rd time to run a 5k.

My good friend texted me that she is only working (as a doctor) M,W,F and asked if I wanted to met her for a walk. You know I jumped at the chance to see a friendly face. We shared the view from the trail behind my house

I decided for once to RUN on the trail behind my house. However, I forgot how hilly it was. Still the temps warmed up, the wind died down and I got back in time to cook dinner and ZOOM chat with my running friends. (We did two sessions we were having so much fun.)

belated Earth Day celebration

  • Friday – A rainy rest day. I tried to squeeze my lunch walk in between the raindrops.

Not successful.. Got wet but no biggie.

The rain did stop by the time I finished work. I went back to the trail I discovered on Wednesday and walked the full loop.

Then I found another nearby trail. This loop was longer and muddier but still felt great to be outdoors.

  • Saturday – I started the day with my favorite yoga teacher’s class – Yoga for Runners – Glute & Piriformis Activation and Healing. Great class. Next month is hips!

After class, I headed out for my long run. Again, later than I would have liked. I had planned to run from 9-11 miles but after last weekend, I just wanted to have a decent run.

Where to go? I decided on Peebles Island.  Although I knew that it would be crowded in the park, I knew the path to Green Island would be pretty empty and then the Erie Canal path in Waterford would have no one on it.

And I was right. There were some walkers but they were courteous and wearing masks. I continued father into Green Island (which was new to me) and then returned to my car for a water stop.  Then I proceeded to the canal path which was deserted (and soft on the feet).

Felt so much better than last week – not as warm or as late in the day and I wore my old shoes with no taping

definitely inspired by all those participating in this virtual race series.

After some laundry and gardening, I realized that since it would be raining the next TWO days, I should continue my quest to visit the local preserves and walk the trails.  They are perfect for social distancing since no one is usually at them.

  • Sunday – A ugly raining day. Lots of de-cluttering to done! But first a visit to TWO more preserves:

Just a few raindrops and no one else there. I think I am enjoying these walks more than my runs.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  rest day, walk
  • Wednesday – run (un-canceled 10k)
  • Thursday – run, ZOOM running group chat
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – LONG RUN (12?)
  • Sunday – rest day, walk, ZOOM tennis book club

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 is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having  hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut? Have you run any virtual races? Please share.

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Pandemic Runfessions for April

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

1. I runfess…

I have not worn clothes other than running clothes since I started working from home on March 17.  It’s not because they are comfortable. It’s because no one is seeing me and it saves time getting out the door to go for a walk or run.

I do worry that my work clothes may no longer fit.

Do you wear running clothes even when you are working from home?

2. I runfess…

I have spent a lot of time searching for new places to walk or run.  Usually I ran near wherever I was working.  Now working from home makes me want to leave the neighborhood as quick as possible and discover a different environment.

Peebles Island State Park

Did you run in different locations or did you stay close to home?

3.I runfess…

I never ran with a mask on.

I know you think I should have.  I always wore a buff around my neck and could have pulled it up if I felt I was dangerously close to someone else.  But I never felt that way.

Did you run in a mask?

4. I runfess…

I signed up for the Peleton app since it was free for 90 days.  And there were so many really great outdoor running workouts that I could do.  I went as far as pre-loading them.  But unfortunately, they still need an Internet connection and I do not  have unlimited data on my phone so I’ve only used them a few times and the shorter ones.  They would be a lot more useful for me if I had a treadmill.

Peloton - Peloton App Expands to Include Outdoor Runs

Do you use the Peleton app outdoors?

5.I runfess…

I may be enjoying my walks more than my runs. I think it is because they are more scenic and I love taking pictures of nature. I am walking everyday at lunch but as I have mentioned, I am always dressed in running clothes and so I could be running at that time. It is so easy to lose that running mojo when you are not racing.

Is it just me? Are you still motivated to run when they are no races?

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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Virtual Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Recap

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

April 18, 2020

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

So I signed up for Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon as my 43rd Half Marathon (and 4th of 2020) for several reasons:

  • FOMO. Most of my running friends were doing it.
  • It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
  • I am familiar with the course.  I run on it often.
  • It’s a downhill course. (470 ft elevation loss)
  • It is close after my previous half (20 days) so I would be sorta already trained for it.
  • I ran it last year and enjoyed it.
  • My finish time for this race qualified me for the NYC Half and full marathons.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on March 14 (a virtual version of the NYC Half that was cancelled.)

During my first two 2020 Half Marathons, I experienced a lot of foot pain. I ran them but truthfully it was not fun at the time. (Don’t let that smile below fool you!!)

I tried all kinds of treatments for 12 weeks and finally, the pain seemed to dissipate.

Would it come back? Would I be able to run 13.1 miles without any foot pain?

And then this half marathon was postponed until August!!!

Who wants to do long runs in July and August??? So would I run this race? Would my friends?

So I cautiously trained for a virtual version of the half marathon. And at the same time, I signed up for a Virtual Race (as an additional motivator).

I did my long runs on the weekends…and my weekdays runs as well. I ran alone due the “social distancing” requirement.

I admit that my runs were not as enjoyable as before. Slow and easy with tons of walking (and photo stops.)

So unfortunately, again my goal for this “race” was just finishing and not re-injuring my foot (or any other part of my body)!!

And then a week or two before, ARE decided to offer a FREE virtual option.

You got a bib and you could run any distance that weekend anywhere.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Well, since this was a local race and work days were at my home, there was not much movement the days before.  As I normally do before a big race,  I ate pizza for dinner the night before.  Not being a “real” race, I had some wine too!!

I checked the weather. SNOW!!!! WTF??

I got up and yes, it was snowing!!

Ok. Plan B. The good thing about a VIRTUAL race is that you can run whenever you want.

I quickly decided to postpone this half marathon until Sunday when the weather was supposed to be dry and 60 degrees.

Race Day:

I ate my usual breakfast – oatmeal and coffee.

OOPS. Another wrench in my plan.

When I had originally planned to run this race on April 18, I had scheduled a college reunion in NYC for Sunday. This now was a ZOOM chat from 10am- 1pm!!

original outfit but I ditched the gloves and the long sleeve shirt.

So I got dressed for the race, ZOOMED with my college friends, had lunch and then took off.

The real course had you take a bus to the start and then run to the finish.

Not having this option, I chose to start at my free gym lot, run to the end of the rail trail in Voorheesville (the start of the actual race) and then turn around and run until I hit 13.1.

Anyway, here’s how it went:

Miles 1-6.5:

Here are a few pictures from previous runs on this same trail:

IMG_7553

img_0082

image

image

this one I took today!

AM is my ideal time to run.  Not mid afternoon.  (I didn’t start until almost 2 pm.) Plus it was already warm (not summer warm but April warm).  So I started casually running the uphill portion, stopping to walk when I felt the whim to.

Almost instantly, I felt off and had a sneaky suspicion that this was gong to be torturous.

And it was.  By mile 4, I wanted to quit.  But I am stubborn and I could not.

My foot started to hurt and I feared that the neuroma pain had returned.  Nope, the pain went away.  But both of feet that I had taped so I wouldn’t get blisters were starting to get blisters.  Ouchy!

But onward I went.  I can run through pain.  I just felt like my legs were lead and I had never run before.

There was no way I was quitting so I just focused on moving and walking when I felt that I had to.  I had to a lot or at least it felt that way.

And during this time of isolation, there were many bikers on the path and a few runners and walkers.

It was actually nice.  I waved and smiled.  Bikers were riding in the opposite direction, single file and never too close.  I never felt that my health was compromised.

The weather was beautiful (well, maybe a tad too warm and I could have used some water) and there were many painted rocks and rainbow signs.

Miles 6.5-13.1:

Eventually you arrive at the end of the trail which is an old train station. This was my turn around. I was never so glad to get there.

I had planned to turn around and then run until I reached 13.1 but I was afraid that I wouldn’t.  So I ran/walked around until I hit 6.55 miles.  Then I turned off my Apple watch and continued on my merry (not no merry) way.

The scenery was the same as above but it was now slightly downhill. My legs were tired and I was warm so it didn’t feel as welcoming as I was hoping.

Now bikers were behind me but they always announced themselves and I moved out of the way.

My body was rebelling. It was yelling at me to stop this nonsense.  I had considered walking the second half but it would take too long (and I wanted my ice cream lol).

Eventually I got to my car.  I wanted to kiss the ground.

I’ve never felt so beat up after a race (not even after my full marathon.)

Since I was running alone, I did not TIME my race. I did not care if if I finished in 2 hours or 3 hours. I think it was closer to 3 hours LOL.

And after, I had my chocolate milk AND ice cream cone.

Additional Race Reflections:

Sorry this is such a Debbie Downer race recap.

As with every race, you learn something.

I learned that I am STRONG.  I will not give up.  My feet suck (and I need to pay more attention to socks and shoes). I am glad that I did it and I am grateful that I did not pay money for this one!!

The Good:

  • The weather
  • Flexible start time
  • Downhill course the 2nd half
  • Slept in my own bed the night before
  • No clock, no pressure.
  • Great post race food
  • Bib and virtual support

The Bad:

  • Tired legs
  • No water stops
  • No crowd support
  • Running alone
  • No mojo to run fast
  • My achy feet

The Ugly:

  • Everything listed in Bad

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. But the real thing would have been a lot more fun. Or if I could have run it with friends.

Next Up:

May 17 or so

Yes, another virtual half marathon.  Maybe with some company, maybe solo. My next REAL half marathon will not be until August 29 most likely.

There is now a new link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

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 been training for a big race? Are you running it as an unofficial virtual race?  Have you done any Virtual Races?  If so, how did they go? Please share.

** Today is your last chance!!!

If you haven’t done so yet, enter my giveaway for a free entry to the Freihofer Run for Women Virtual 5k.

Click here to enter.

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Weekly Run Down for 4.13.20-4.19.20: And another one bites the dust..

I am talking about another Half Marathon that I signed up for.

postponed from May 17 to October 11 (which is the week after Smuttynose HM!!)  No refund. I can run 13.1 virtually before May 17 OR on Oct. 11. I decided on the virtual option. I still get all the swag.

Otherwise things are the same. Still working at home (now at least until May 15!!!!) … all social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!! Taking advantage of Zoom. I used it on Tues, Thurs, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!! But I just want to HUG someone…

Trying to get outdoors twice a day so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

Always looking for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing. I can’t believe how many places I have yet to explore.

signed up for a few of these FREE races – why not???

Last Week –

  • Monday – A rainy windy rest day. I was too busy at work to walk at lunch and it was raining even harder after work – The first day since the lock down that I did not venture outside AT ALL.
  • Tuesday – The sun was out during lunch and I took  advantage and went for a walk.

Thanks Judy for the “rainbow” idea for a scavenger hunt.

Not as warm or sunny after work but I had already decided that I would go to the Crossings for a run.

hardly a soul there and spent most of my run on the trails to escape the wind…yes, that’s a Christmas tree.

Every month, my tennis friends and I go out to dinner. Instead we had a ZOOM chat tonight (15 of us!!)…Hope it’s our last and we can see each face to face next month.

  • Wednesday – I guess you can say that I’ve settled into a routine…WORK, walk, Work, run or walk, dinner, knit/read/TV.

lunch walk – pretty chilly when the sun went in and even saw flurries but then pretty nice for the few minutes when the sun came out

I decided that today would be a good day to complete my virtual 5k. I drove to the Corning Bike Path since the distance is marked there. I can’t say that I “raced” especially since I was too warm and had to stop to take off my extra shirt, tie my shoes, rest my weary legs and of course, take pics (=my usual easy run). Still an enjoyable 3.5 miles outdoors (with hardly a soul on the path)..

  • Thursday – Ok, I woke up to snow on the ground but it did melt by lunch so I could take a chilly walk.

just a few flurries but brrr

I was debating on whether to or not to run after work but I just decided to go for an easy one and rest tomorrow. Per my plan to run in different places, I drove to Albany end of the rail (where I have never started my run).

running uphill into the wind was not fun but the scenery was worth it

In the evening, there was our weekly Sole Sister Zoom chat.  Not the same as running together but still enjoy seeing their smiling faces.  Miss my running friends!!

  • Friday – Officially a rest day. That meant NO running but two walks.

a short one on the trails behind my house at lunch

a longer one at my new favorite after work spot (Pine Hollow Arboretum) – the tree are STARTING to bloom up north

  • Saturday -Today was supposed to be the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon – the one I was supposed to be running with all my friends.  The race has been postponed until Aug 29 but they added a free virtual option.

Though the race would have had you running point to point on the rail trail, I would have to run it as an out and back (But at least the back would be downhill).

You were allowed to run the race either Saturday or Sunday.  When I got up on Saturday…it was cold and snowy so I decide to postpone my virtual half until Sunday.

AM view. The silver lining of this pandemic was that I didn’t HAVE to run today!!

Just spent the day doing errands, stuff around the house and going for a long walk (once the snow stopped). I decided to check out another NEW place.  What a treasure!! Wish I had more time to spend there.

can’t believe there are so many places nearby that I have never been to…I can’t wait to go back here when I have more time.

Later in the afternoon, we had our 2nd ZOOM Blogger Ultimate Coffee Date.

always enjoyable chatting with these lovely ladies

  • Sunday – So today I set out to complete the H2H Half Marathon…solo.

I was originally supposed to run this yesterday, right?  And I had a college reunion (we spent out junior year of college in France together) scheduled in NYC for today.  Oops. I forgot that we had replaced it with a ZOOM chat.

over 3 hours…. would have lasted longer if I didn’t have a half marathon to run lol

Good thing about virtual races is that you can run them whenever. So this one happened in the afternoon.  The weather was a lot warmer than I had hoped for but not complaining (as I was planning to wear a skirt no matter  what.)

As with all my virtual races, I didn’t really “race” it but just put in the miles and tried to enjoy the scenery and being outdoors. But no lie, this one was tough. I struggled from mile 4 on. Right now, I am trying to put it out of mind.

Onward and upward. Next one is May 17 or so (it’s virtual,of course.)

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – rest day, walk
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday – Virtual Earth Day 5k
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – Virtual Un-Canceled Project 15K
  • Sunday – rest day, walk

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 is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having  hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut? Have you been running any virtual races? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t done so yet, enter my giveaway for a free entry to the Freihofer Run for Women Virtual 5k.

Click here to enter.

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All your races are cancelled…Now what?

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: What To Do When Your Races Are Cancelled

Another post about the pandemic! Sorry! It’s our New Normal.

1.Just Run for Fun.

No training plan!

Just run whenever you want. Wherever you feel like.  And run as many miles as you feel comfortable with and at any PACE.  Leave that watch home!!

2.Sign up for a Virtual Race.

There are so many offered.

Many are FREE!!

all distances and all at no cost

There are also ones that you pay for and it will support an important charity.  They may even send you a shirt and/or medal.

for $20 you get a medal and shirt. use code AMBSS5 at freihofersrun.com

3.Find a New Way to Stay Active.

You had no time before because you were training for a race.

Why not try biking? Spinning? Yoga? Hiking?

4.Explore Locations where you’ve never been.

Again when you were training, you were looking for maybe flat routes and ones that allowed for a certain distance.

Now it is the time to explore places that may never be used for running.  Those beautiful trails!!!

5. Stay Positive and Look Ahead. Plan for those Future Races.

Races scheduled for the fall may not work out because there will be so many re-scheduled races lumped together in the same month.

So look ahead to 2021.

2018 Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon - February 18 ...

next February in Florida!!!!

** One More.

Just run the races that have been cancelled as “unofficial” virtual races.

You just run the distance on any route you choose.  Definitely is not the same but it will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Happy Running! Have you used any of the above? Any other suggestions that you can add about dealing with cancelled races? Please share.

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The Good News

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

My Topic today is: Pandemic Good News

It is so easy to think about how awful these times are for runners and everyone else.

Don’t kid yourself.  It is bad.  We cannot see our family and friends.  We are stuck in our houses. People have lost their jobs and can’t support themselves and even worse, people are sick or dying.

So here are some good things to ponder (related to running):

  • More new runners.  Some bloggers have mentioned that being cooped up in our homes has prompted an increased interest in becoming a runner.  Kudos to anyone who has started running and I hope you continue even after this is over.

  • More Online Options for training, working out, yoga, etc.. ZOOM is free and easy to use.  There’s FB live.  There have been so many opportunities to remain active even if your gym or yoga studio is closed.

  • Connecting More with your Running Friends.  One Thursday night, my running friends and I chatted for TWO hours via ZOOM.  One mentioned that it was better than post run brunches when we only chat with the person next to or across from us. And when we run together, it’s often hard to chat.

  • Increased Participation in Virtual Races. There are so many out there.  Some even send you a bib and a medal (and the fee often supports a charity). You don’t even have run an “official” virtual race.  You can just pick a race and a distance and then run it.

a great one for April

Plus there are so many FREE ones,  Why not??

Run the Edge – a different color each week and you can pic your distance – FREE!!

  • Increased Flexibility. Working from home may allow you more time to squeeze in a run, such as before work, during lunch or after work.

lunch run in the ‘hood

With everyone working from home, there is less traffic.  This gives you the opportunity to seek out a new place to run.

drive to Colonie Town Park for an after work run

  • More Late Summer/Fall Race Opportunities.  Many spring races have been postponed.  There will be quite a selection to choose from.  And you’re had all this time to train. LOL
Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Registration Page

August 29, 2020

This will end.  And if we come out of it healthy, that’s the best thing ever.

Looking forward to seeing these smiling faces in person.

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! Any positives in your running life during the Pandemic? Please share. 

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Weekly Run Down for 4.6.20-4.12.20: When will it end?

Still working at home (now at least until April 30) …

All social activities still cancelled.

Missing my friends!!

Trying to get outdoors often so I do not go stir crazy in my Office (aka a room in my house).

and it’s over…maybe the first challenge I’ve EVER completed

So bored that I even signed up for one free month of NetFlix (not really a TV addict)

Unorthodox: Season 1 Episode 1 “Part 1” [Series Premiere] – Recap ...

Any watch this? It enjoyed it. Next up is binge watching Schitt’s Creek.

and I am knitting again.

one done…I call them my quarantine socks.

But if there is a silver lining in this, it’s that running solo has motivated me to vary my running routes. I am running in different places each day. It’s easy to get in a rut and run in the old same, same old. Thanks  to IG and FB, I have discovered some new routes to walk or run on. Plus there is usually traffic after work.  Now with everyone working from home, I can drive to places that I normally would not.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Hooray for sunshine!!

Lunch walk on the trails near my house:

blue skies!!

Post work run: Trying to avoid crowds but not run on the roads… Decided to drive to The Crossings because they closed the park to cars.

windy and maybe a little early for the skirt but couldn’t wait…I parked at a nearby church and had almost all the trails to myself. 🙂

  • Tuesday – Sunshine two days in a row!!

First my lunch time walk:

different route everyday on this nearby trail

I had planned a rest day but rain was predicted for the next two or three days so run I did. Today I picked Washington Park in Albany.

found some signs of spring and not too many people

  • Wednesday – Sun has left for a few days. The morning rain had stopped so I was able to get in a walk during lunch

left, right, straight??

and a run after work. Today I decided to drive up to Colonie Town Park. Normally I would not since there would be too much traffic at this time of day. It was refreshing to check out the scenery in a different location (haven’t run here in ages.)

some bikers but not many but bumped into a running friend and we chatted for a long time (from a distance)

A little nostalgic as it was the first night of Passover and in past years I celebrated at a Seder with my mah jongg friends.

  • Thursday – A miserable weather day – pouring rain and WIND. Skipped my lunch walk and hoped to rain would end by 4 pm.

Declared it a rest day from running but did get in at least one walk. It was chilly and very windy and I almost bailed but I remembered a place that looked interesting from a friend’s IG post. (Pine Hollow Aboretum) Boy, am I glad I went…it was amazing – 22 acres, 11 ponds, trees from all over the world, trails galore.

can’t wait to go back when the trees are in bloom

And although we don’t currently run together, our running group is chatting virtually once a week:

  • Friday – Yes, another unseasonably cold, rainy, windy day. Since there was no rain  at lunch time, I decided to search out a place to walk that would be shielded from that awful wind. (Elm Avenue Park Fit Trails)

the tall trees at the park did the trick & I even discovered a new path. will go back when I have more time to explore

Normally a rest day but no mah jongg this evening and a postponed long run so I decided why not run. I just drove to the Albany rail trail  for a quick one since I needed to be home early for a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends.

holy wind…froze on the way out but warm on the way back

Miss my game night…not the same playing on the computer.

  • Saturday – One good thing about doing long runs alone is that if you change you mind, you don’t have to notify everyone else.  The weather looked better for Sunday so today was my catch up day. Errands and boring stuff around the house including some gardening. It was cold and windy but later in the day, the sun came out and the wind calmed don so I decided to again explore a new location (suggested by my an IG friend.)

Tivoli Lake Preserve…what an interesting find. Definitely going back here.

  • Sunday – Long Run Saturday postponed to Sunday. Today was my taper for my unofficial virtual H2H Half Marathon. I decided on the Nisky Bike Path for this run. When I woke up, it was in the 20s.. and so I waited until it warmed up a bit (50s) Still a little breezy but warm enough for a skirt 🙂

I was a worried when I saw a lot of cars in the parking lot but they must have gone in the other direction since I saw very few people during my run.

I have run on this bike path many many times but have never ventured off the path and I today I did twice. Once to explore a 1 mile trail and again for a short time to take in the views.

another trail that I want to go back to when I am not running.

Unfortunately the restaurant where we usually have brunch was closed since it was Easter Sunday so I had to settle for a post run chocolate milkshake.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – rest day, walk
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday – run or rest day, walk
  • Thursday – run 
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg walk
  • Saturday – VIRTUAL HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HALF MARATHON
  • Sunday – rest day, walk

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 is this virus affecting you and your family? Are you having  hard time finding safe places to run? Are you running in new places or are in a running route rut?  Did you use ZOOM to celebrate Passover or Easter with your family? Please share.

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Tips to Not Feeling Alone When You Run Alone

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: How To Survive Running Alone.

Another post about the pandemic! Sorry!

I know that due to the social distancing requirement, you are running alone.

For some, it is perfectly natural.  You usually run alone.  You have posted that nothing has changed with your running (other than some races may have been cancelled.)

But for those of us who do enjoy the company of others when we run, here are some suggestions that may help you:

1.Plan Virtual Runs with your friends.

Pick a date and time together and run.  Then afterward, text each other about the run and even send a picture.

2.Run a Virtual Race.

You can sign up for one and wear the bib or just run a race (unofficially). This gives your run a purpose.

3.Focus on Your Scenery.

In other words, run in a scenic location, forget about your watch and look around. Stop often and take pictures.  Be grateful for the opportunity to be outdoors.

4.Take Selfies.

Take those running goofy shots and even try jumping.  Post them or send them to friends.

5.Add Audio Distraction – Music, Podcasts, Audio Books.

When you run with others, you chat. Talking makes the run go by faster. Now… we need to be creative.

Cute Sport Girl Running With Music In Her Headphones. Morning ...

One More..

**Focus on YOUR running.

This is the time to work on your cadence, your posture, your foot strikes, etc. Try intervals or HR. Run naked (without that darn watch).

It will keep your mind off that you are now alone.

Happy Running! Have you used any of the above? Any other suggestions that you can add about running alone at this time? Please share.

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FRW2020: Good News and Bad News

Let’s start with the Bad News.

I have run the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k every year since I started running.  It is obviously my FAVORITE race and I have never missed one – in all weather conditions, recovering from ankle surgery and even with a broken foot.

I have run this race (FRW) 12 times!!

And this year, I was named an ambassador!!

Well, I guess 13 is an unlucky number.

This year, the race has been cancelled!! 😦 😦

The Good News:

The Freihofer’s Run for Women has switched to a virtual 5k run for 2020.

That means that YOU do not have to travel to Albany, NY to run this race.

You can run the 5k no matter where you live!!

For only $25 or $20 with the code AMBSS5, you will receive:

  • 42nd annual virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women t-shirt & bib
  • A finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home
  • Commemorative finishers’ medal
  • Coupons for Freihofer’s products
  • Automatic entry into Virtual 5k Sweepstakes with great prizes!

The t-shirts, medals and coupons will be mailed to participants the first week in June.

You will be getting exercise and supporting some great charities.

Please join me!!

For more info and to sign up, go to http://freihofersrun.com before April 30, 2020.

Here’s even better news:

As an Ambassador, I am giving away TWO free entries!!

To enter, click here:

I’ll be choosing TWO winners on April 23, 2020.

I’m linking here since it is Wednesday:

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! Will you be joining me and running the Virtual FRW 2020?