April 5, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.30.20-4.5.20: Continuing to be Socially Distant

Still working at home (at least until April 15) … 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).

I am grateful for having a full time job, paycheck and being healthy.

That being said, I have be sensitive to the fact that even if the above is true, many of you are struggling with:

homeschooling your children
not seeing your family and friends
working from home
not going out to restaurants, movies, shows, sporting events…
running alone
cancelled races
closed gyms
unhealthy snacking

Your friends may say they are ok but make sure that they are and give them support (even if nothing has changed much for YOU!!)

We are in this together!

Last Week –

Monday – A dreary day with rain forecast. I decided to mix things up and run during lunch and hopefully walk after work. It’s easier now when you can dress for work in your running clothes and stay that way for the rest of the day (I’m alone, right?) But that meant I had to run in my neighborhood which I never do (boring!!) In between raindrops (almost made it back dry), I ran looking for signs of spring (and positivity).

not my daffodils, yet

The right call since it poured the rest of the day. So I got out my raincoat and umbrella and went for my post work (breakout) walk. The rain stopped almost immediately as I drove in search of a new place to walk.

Tuesday – .Another dreary day although the sun did come out for a minute during my lunch walk.

back on the trail behind my house (for lack of time to drive anywhere)…if only the mud would dry up…

This was supposed to be a rest day but work was stressful so I decided to drive to UAlbany (where when I was NOT working from home, I used to run most of time)

and I bumped into a running friend. We chatted for awhile (from a distance).

Wednesday – Hard to figure out when to rest and when to run…

Modeling mittens that I got in the mail from a friend who knit them. The sun actually appeared at the end of my lunch walk on the (muddy) park trails.

Working from home has me sitting all day. I always feel antsy at the end of the day. So I drove to Washington Park and went for an easy run.

warmed up quite a bit from my lunch walk…made a new cat friend

Thursday – Decided on a rest day after 3 days in a row of easy runs. Of course that meant 2 walks.

One during lunch:

clouds and wind but grateful for a trail behind my house that seems to go on forever…

And one after work:

drove to Five Rivers and explored some new trails… unfortunately chillier than at lunch…where is spring?

And although we don’t currently run together, we are chatting virtually once a week:

Can you believe we talked for TWO hours!!

Friday – Since I was planning on a long run the next day, I took a second rest day in a row. Perfect planning since it was rainy and chilly (Spring…I am waiting…).

I still went for my lunch walk with an umbrella…not on the trail but in a new neighborhood. Trail was too muddy!

oops my cat sign is backwards. My first daffodil hates the weather too

Fortunately, the rain had mostly stopped by the end of my work day so I drove into town for another walk. Nasty, raw and it even started to rain again. Ugh!

bunnies chasing each other was the highlight of this weather-shortened walk

Saturday – Long Run Saturday…alone but with perfect weather. I decided to run an unofficial virtual Cherry Blossom 10 miler. I debated on where to run (and where to get take out after). I decided on the Corning Bike Path so at least I would have a water view. For many reasons, this was hard (tired, hot, hungry, lonely, etc.) But I got it done and rewarded myself afterwards.

the only cherry blossoms to be seen were on my shirt (so over dressed – could have worn a skirt & tank). Not pictured was the French toast that I took out for lunch later)

Thanks to Zoom, I participated in a live Coffee Date with other bloggers later in the day.

so fun…recognize everyone?

Sunday – Rest Day and catch up day.

Started the day with a ZOOM chat with my tennis friends. Sadly, we had to cancel our 16th annual trip to Naples, Fla.

20019

2010

After errands and laundry we done, the hubby and I decided to go for a long ride up to Lake George. Just needed new surroundings.

unfortunately too rainy and damp to do much

Of course when we came home, the weather cleared and even the sun came out.

got some ice cream and walked it off on some trails.

This Coming Week –

Monday – run
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day, walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, ~~mah jongg~~ walk
Saturday – LONG RUN
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? Please share.

April 3, 2020 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for April

It’s that time of the month…

Life Is Better When You're Running 11-oz Mug Marathon image 0

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do not own any exercise equipment. So I could take some online classes. Many are even offered free.

I have not.

I actually miss my little gym

Have you taken any online classes? Do you miss going to the gym?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran the NYC Half Marathon Virtually. Does it count as my 42nd half??

: NYC HM

Do you plan to run your cancelled races virtually?

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I hate working from home but at least I am making the effort to get dressed (does workout clothes count?) and go for a 30 minute walk at lunch every day. I am lucky to have a few nearby trails.

How are you coping with working from home? Are you getting outside more?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I can work from home thanks to technology.

my work helper

We use ZOOM for meetings and Webex to teach.

I’m even using ZOOM for meeting up with my friends.

Anyone else using technology more? ZOOM meet ups anyone?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I normally either cook or go out to eat. Rarely do I do take-out but I want to support local businesses so I’ve ordered here many times (do not judge):

so glad that my favorite ice cream place did not close

How are you supporting local businesses?

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!

March 31, 2020 by Darlene

How to Support Your Running Friends While Running Alone

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

My Topic today is: How to Support Your Friends While Running Alone

Now more than ever, runners need support.

I know, you may think this doesn’t apply to you. You mostly run alone. You follow your own plan and run whenever you choose and wherever. You pretty much worry about your own running concerns, needs and goals.

I bet at one time or another, another runner has helped you at a race, a run or even provided online support.

I know when I was training for my marathon, I was very lucky to have friends who cared about and supported me. They offered to run parts of my long runs, cheered me on at the end my 20 miler and even tracked me during the big race.

And although my friends and I are currently not running together, I want to still support them, encourage them to keep running and make sure they know I care about them.

So here are some ideas that you can use to support your friends even if you are now running alone:

Text them. Ask them how they are? What they are doing? How they are keeping active?

Mass Texting: Keeping Your Church in the Know

Set up Video Chats. ZOOM is free and easy to use. You can discuss running, of course (or anything else) and it’s nice to see their faces and hear their voices.

Organize Virtual Running Dates. You can run at the same time but in different places. You can even text each other pictures from the run.

Cari and I even planned our outfits for an after work run.

Participate with them 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

Post Your Scheduled Runs (when and when). Your friends will know where and when you are running. They may even choose to run WITH you (but of course, 6 feet apart.)

3-21 – 8 am at Peebles Island

Encourage Signing Up for Summer or Fall Races. Always motivating to have something to look forward to together.

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Registration Page

August 29, 2020

We may feel alone. We may feel isolated. Some of us even may feel depressed and unmotivated due to so many races being cancelled.

But we are really in it together. We can help each get through these difficult times.

those were the days…back in January, I think

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 you are supporting your running friends? Please share.

March 29, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.23.20-3.29.20: Surviving the Lock Down

Still working at home…all social activities cancelled. (Even introverts enjoy adult conversation lol)

Grateful that I was pro-active and got my eyes examined, new supply of contacts, ordered new glasses, got my hair cut and colored and my nails done…all before lock down.

Only things left to do are run, walk, hike and bike.

I will survive!!!

everyone participating?

Last Week –

Monday – That nice weather we had last week was gone. Snow/rain mix all day. I did not let that stop me from my lunch walk in the snow.

not too bad but then afterward, it started snowing harder!!

But my after work walk… snowing too hard out. sigh.

Tuesday – My new normal continued…. lunch walk…

Unfortunately, work was too busy to even take a lunch break. 😦

Followed by an after work run or walk.

I plan to run every other day depending on the weather. So today was a run day. It was chilly but at least it was dry on the trail trail (in spite of the recent snowstorm) and since I didn’t do my lunch walk, I ran 4 instead of my normal 3 miles.

Wednesday – Back to our new normally scheduled program…

Lunch walk

After work walk

bumped into an old friend and we chatted a long time (from 6ft apart)

Thursday – Sorry if you are getting bored with my life. I am too.

A muddy lunch walk

the exercise equipment were unused but the tennis courts were FULL

A post work run (done virtually with my NYC pal, Cari)

drove to the Crossings – perfect weather and so many people outdoors (so many that the next day, they decided to close the park)

First ZOOM video chat (with some of the Freihofer Run Ambassadors):

Second ZOOM chat with my running friends:

Gotta love technology!! Miss them!!!

Friday – Same old, same old.

Lunch walk on a rest day:

beautiful weather, still exploring part of the fit trail at a nearby park

Then walk number 2 after work on the rail trail:

same direction as Wed but for a longer distance…hey, what else was there to do?

Then when I got home, I did a ZOOM chat with my mah jongg friends (we normally play on Friday nights) and we planned to play online together. (realmahjongg.com)

Saturday – Long Run Saturday but for the second week in a row without my running friends. I decided to drive to the Zim Smith rail which I hadn’t run on since fall.

love all the carvings on the trees.

I ran 3.5 miles in one direction and turned around and then 2.5 in the other direction (with a detour on a new path) and turned around. It wasn’t easy and as usual, a lot of walking photo stops but got it done (as I train for my April 18 unofficial virtual half marathon).

I made sure to order my (take-out) post run treats before the run. The chocolate milk at Leah’s Cakery is one of the reasons that I love this trail.

Sunday – A rainy rest day…hopefully the rain will stop so I get in a walk…otherwise my non-working, non-running time is filled with knitting, laundry, cooking and housework. Miss my friends!!!

: always try to have floweres around as it cheers me up (along with the wine)

: part of a sock

Update: The rain did stop and I got in a long walk.

the rail trail again but in the opposite direction from Wed & Fri

and de-cluttered many drawers:

only the beginning…

This Coming Week –

Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, ~~mah jongg~~ walk
Saturday – ~~5k race~~. LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, walk

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Anyone running virtual races? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

March 27, 2020 by Darlene

Runfessions for March

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 finally graduated from PT and doctor appointments.(Perfect timing considering what is happening right now.)

So I have extra $$ for racing. LOL (if there were any happening…)

But I am slacking off on any of those exercises that I should be dong to strengthen my hips, calves, glutes, quads, etc.

Do you continue your PT prescribed exercises once you are healthy?

2. I runfess…

I broke up with my chiropractor. (and that was before she closed her practice…)

I started going for ART when I strained my calf and then I was going monthly for tune-ups but once my foot started hurting in November, I stopped. And now she is pregnant.

Do you regularly go to a chiropractor?

3.I runfess…

I have now registered for SEVEN half marathons for the year…. (if they were cancelled, I ran them virtually)

Now that my foot no longer hurts, I’m thinking about #8. Crazy, right?

hot, hilly and humid

Update: My April Half has been postponed until August 29 so this one won’t have to happen. Since I am running all my races (virtually), I am sticking with one half per month. 3 down…9 to go. LOL

4. I runfess…

I almost registered for the Cherry Blossom 10 MiIer.

I have always wanted to run this race. I didn’t enter the lottery but I found out that so many runners offer bib transfers. Flights were cheap. It was tempting but I only worked two days at the Bar Exam instead of three. That meant I lost my extra $$$ plus Bermuda was expensive.

(Turns out it didn’t matter because the race was cancelled.)

Next year…Perhaps?

5.I runfess…

I did not register for the 2020 NYC Marathon because at the time I was still experiencing foot pain. I wasn’t sure if it would ever go away. I did not want to run 26.2 miles like that. It was hard enough without foot pain.

But when only 2% of those who entered the lottery got in, I felt guilty that I had a timed entry (from Helderberg to Hudson Half 2019) and I did not register.

The race was cancelled after Hurricane Sandy so technically 2021 is the 50th running of the race.

So maybe next year… (If that foot pain stays away and I can get back to running at a decent pace or I get in by the lottery.)

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.

March 24, 2020 by Darlene

United Half Marathon VIRTUAL Half Marathon Race Recap

Image result for united new york half marathon 2020

March 15, 2020

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. I got a guaranteed entry last April based on my finish time at the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon (2:11:15).

66 so that was helpful as you can see. May get to run it again when I turn 70.

I was hoping to run the race when the course was only through Manhattan. (As of last year, it starts in Brooklyn.) And I had entered the lottery several times in the past but never got in.

So I signed up for the NYC Half Marathon as my 42nd Half Marathon for several reasons:

I got a guaranteed entry.
I love NYC.
I had enough pts for a free hotel room.
I ran it last year while recovering from a calf injury and wanted a do over.
I had friends running it.
They kept last year’s course which got rid of most of the Central Park hills at the end.
It’s such a prestigious race. How could you not?

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 February 16 in Bermuda with LOTS of foot pain.

happy to have survived the pain!!

I skipped or shortened runs and sought the help of PT who used CBD oil, massage, ART, heat ultrasound, laser therapy and every trick in the book. No relief!

My PT recommended that I see another podiatrist who gave me a B12/cortisone shot and a metatarsal pad.

Pain GONE! (mostly)

Do I wish I had gone sooner to her? Or was it not the shot but a combination of all of the treatments?? Who knows?

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I do like to get in a 10, 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.

For this race, I obviously did not. A few short runs each week and a longish one. All with some foot discomfort (until recently).

Yes, I was nervous that I was not prepared for run 13.1 miles and I was nervous about my foot pain returning.

So the goal for this half marathon was finishing!! If my foot started to bother me, I would just grit my feet and finish. It’s a BIG race, There would be many runners finishing behind me.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

And then it happened. As you know, the RACE WAS CANCELLED!!

Over 25,000 disappointed runners.

I ran it last year. I felt so fortunate.

running down Times Square was truly amazing!!

But I was still bummed.

You had the choice of a refund or deferring to next year with no refund for this year and having to pay again for the race. I opted for the refund.

Most runners will not get their shirt or medal because of some greedy persons (who took extras and are selling them on eBay) but I had a friend in NYC who grabbed mine.

: NYC HM

So the race was not happening, but I felt guilty about getting the medal and shirt and I wanted to run the race anyway.

I contacted my friends and two agreed to run 13.1 miles with me.

We decided on our normal long run day which is Saturday and planned to meet at 8:00 at the Nisky Bike Path.

running at Nisky Bike Path (on a warmer day)

I worked all day (standing) the day before but relaxed at mah jongg after my usual pre-race dinner of pizza.

Race Day:

I got up early and had my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee.

I checked the weather it looked to be in the 30s and heading up to 40 and a little windy. I didn’t have to worry about bag check and could just leave extra clothes in my car.

Our plan was to run 4 miles in one direction and turn around, make a stop at our cars for water or to remove layers.

As you see, I tried to incorporate some NYC in my outfit: last year’s half shirt, LeBow hat and NYC calf sleeves.

Sherry and I run about the same pace but Stan runs considerably faster. He was nice enough to slow down. I insisted on walking every 2 miles to simulate a water stop (and to catch my breath.)

The course we chose is fairly flat. It was actually warm running with the wind at our backs but then a little chilly running into the wind (but not bad as the trees protected you on this path,)

At the 4 mile turn around, I ate a gel and then had water at our mile 8 stop. I changed to lighter gloves, from my Hokas to my Mizunos, and almost shred my vest. Stan changed hats.

Then we continued in the other direction.

I was getting tired and struggled to keep up. But it certainly helps to have someone to talk to the whole way and we stuck together.

Again we walked every 2 miles and I had my second gel at mile 10.5, our second turn around.

Then we headed back to the car.

We bumped into another friend Chris who was running as she headed back with a cowbell to cheer us on.

And we finished…13.1 done!!

So no crowd support or bridges or parks or Times Square but we did it. Thanks to Sherry and Stan! I earned that medal and this:

Additional Race Reflections:

We finished at 2:31:39. Our average pace was 11:34. It felt faster but then we walked slowly and for longer than necessary and we chatted a lot. No regrets on that pace.

I am unbelievably happy to have run without that awful left foot pain.

But yes again the bunion on my other foot hurt while wearing the Hokas. (I’m returning them.)

I may go back to my Mizuno Wave Inspires or try something else.

Yes, I am sad that I could not run the real United NYC Half Marathon.

Maybe when I am 70, I’ll be able to run it again.

The Good:

The weather
flat course
friends to run with
slept in my own bed the night before
view of Mohawk river
great post race meal

The Bad:

tired legs
no water stops
no crowd support
bunion pain

The Ugly:

Nothing 🙂

Would I recommend this race?

Sure but only if you cannot run the real thing!!!

Final Stats:

Next Up:

A local race. The second year for this race. A downhill course. Lots of running friends. Should be fun… IF IT IS NOT CANCELLED!!

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

Update: it was postponed until August 29, 2020

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

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

I’m linking up also with this link-up:

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! Was anyone else planning to run this race? If so, did you run it virtually? Would you run it virtually, if your race were cancelled? Please share.

March 22, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.16.20-3.22.20: Wondering When I’ll Race Again

I LOVE to race.

And everyday, another race that I planned on running is cancelled or postponed… NINE so far. The gyms are also closed…

A little hard to keep the motivation going.

My work trip to NYC was cancelled as well. And on Tuesday, I was ordered to work from home.

Last Week –

Monday – Cold temps have returned but at least it was sunny. My first run in my new Hokas. Unfortunately it was solo (and not because of social distancing.)

ran on the rail trail searching for signs of spring…the Hokas = meh

Tuesday – A rest day due to a scheduled hair appt (not necessary since the Sat wedding was cancelled…oh well.) But I woke up to finding out that I am now working form home. SURPRISE!! So I had to drive to work to get my files, laptop, etc. Definitely not a fan of being at home. At least I could now walk during lunch…

a short drive away

Wednesday – Day two of work from home and another lunch walk.

in my neighborhood

Back out there after work. Not in NYC’s Central Park with Cari and Elizabeth as planned but instead I drove to run in Albany’s Washington park. Solo!

unfortunately I lost the sunshine but found my first sighting of spring

Thursday – A rainy rest day but eventually it stopped so I could go for a walk during lunch

you can see my house in the top photo

and then again after work.

on the rail trail after stopping off to pick up my new glasses and a new chain for a necklace – both places will be closing after Friday.

Friday – Working at home. Getting into a routine. Lunch time walk.

muddy from all the rain

Online work meetings- thanks to ZOOM.

69 degrees…had to go for a run. Tired of staying home so I drove to the Crossings followed by a trip to Trader Joes.

could have worn a tank!

No mah jongg. We are taking a break (social distancing….) but I had a second ZOOM video call of day catching up with my mah jongg friends. Gotta love technology.

Saturday – Normally our Sole Sister Long run day but it got postponed until tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone would want to run with me (even 6 feet away.)

My Yoga for Runners class got cancelled too. Instead, Samara offered it through ZOOM. My first online class and I enjoyed it (and so did my hamstrings). I’m not seeing this as a trend because I’m picky about my yoga instructors but I am comfortable with how she teaches. Next one is in April.

Afterward, I engaged in my usual Saturday activities of cleaning, laundry, etc. Although home, I still work from 8-4 on weekdays.

In the afternoon, I decided to go for a walk since although it was chilly, it was sunny. I decided on Five Rivers (and so dd so many others. I even ran into a running friend.)

I so enjoyed the sunshine and being out in the fresh air.

Sunday – Long Run day. It was supposed to be our H2H preview run but that got cancelled (as did the half marathon). I tried to convince my friends to run with me from 6 feet away but no takers. Sigh!

But the advantage of running alone is that I could run wherever and whenever. I decided I needed a different place and a scenic one. So I drove to Waterford. I ran toward Green Island for 3 miles and then back. Then I ran on the river trail in Waterford for 2 miles and back and the last mile was on an old trail.

perfect weather for running and the problem with scenic is that I had to make too many photo stops.

It was too nice out to go home so I stayed and walked the perimeter of Peebles Island. There were lots of people taking advantage of the weather. I saw an eagle’s nest and two eagles.

As you can see from the top collage, I stopped for ice cream on the way home (a soft-serve kiddie cone:)= my fave )

This Coming Week –

Monday – rest day
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – rest day, walk
Thursday – run
Friday – rest day, ~~mah jongg~~ walk
Saturday – ~~5k race~~. LONG RUN
Sunday – rest day, walk

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Anyone training yet for a big 2020 race? Have any of the races that you trained for cancelled? Do you have a treadmill at home? How is this virus affecting you and your family? Please share.

March 20, 2020 by Darlene

The Low Budget Runner

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.

And NO I’m not posting about anything related to the Corona virus…I’ll leave that to the other bloggers lol

My topic today is: How to be a Runner Without Breaking the Bank

I know most of you love your gadgets and running outfits but you can spend little money and still be a runner.

Here’s what I recommend (from personal experience):

1. Buy an older version of a GPS watch. They will most likely do what you need (without the bells and whistles.) If the battery dies, surf the web and just buy another. I’ve found mine under $100 on Walmart.com.

I’ve bought the 205 three times already

2. Make some DIY items. For example, cut off knee socks instead of buying expensive arm sleeves. Wear two pairs of cheap gloves instead of lined expensive ones.

Like my arm warmers?

You can even use two tennis balls to roll tight muscles.

I put them in a sock and tied the end.

from https://www.sheknows.com

3. Register for races early or with discount codes. Many bloggers are race ambassadors and have codes. Discount codes are often offered on special dates like National Running Day.

4. Buy your running shoes online. Once you know what you like, you can find deals on them at various online stores like Zappos, Runner Warehouse, Amazon, etc.

5. Running clothes from Walmart, Kohl’s and Target work fine. If you have to run in name brands, try online sites like Poshmark, title9 and many others that offer cheaper prices.

This Target jacket is about 10 years old. I have it in white too. I am also wearing two pairs of Dollar store gloves.

Happy Running! Any other ideas for saving money? Have you used any of my ideas? Please share.

March 17, 2020 by Darlene

Spring Racing

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

My Topic today is: Spring Racing 2020

So what HAD I planned for this spring? (Now most are cancelled or postponed…)

Some of my Tried and True Races:

03-29-20 – Shamrock Shuffle – it’s a fun 5 mile local race that I have run several times. Hoping for dry weather this year.

POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

04-18-20 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon – It will be my 2nd time running this popular downhill local race. Most of my friends will be running it.

it hasn’t officially announced but I’m sure that it will be cancelled.

05-03-20 – Tropicool 5k – I have run this one several times while on my tennis vacation in Fl. It’s a HOT one but still fun.

DATE CHANGED to when I’m not there…

05-09-20 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k – This is a race I run because it is organized by Summer’s mother – Summer died of a drug overdose after her first 5k. And it’s on my BIRTHDAY!! I have to do it, right?

POSTPONED UNTIL???

05-17-20 – Steel Rail Half Marathon – This will be my 2nd time for this one – It’s my current HM PR from 2017. Can I recapture some of that old speed???

still on for now…

05-21-20 – Workforce Challenge – I will run this 3.5 mile crowded race to bond with some of my co-workers. Always a good time at least for the post-race eating and drinking.

I am scheduled to work in Buffalo that day…

05-30-20 – Freihofer Run for Women – This is my favorite 5k – I have run it EVERY year since I started running. And this year for the first time, I am an Ambassador. You shoild use AMBSS5 for $5 off when you sign up.

still on…for now…

06-14-20 – Betar Byway 5k and Moreau Mile – It’s on the way to our boat so I usually stop off and run both of them.

this conflicts with the NYC mini weekend

Some Possible New Ones:

04-03-20 – Salem April Fool’s Day Race– This would be just for something different. Most likely the I’d run the 10k as a training run for my April half.

CANCELLED

04-26-20 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run– My friends talked me into this 5k. It’s for a good cause.

POSTPONED to the weekend I’m in NYC for the MINI

6-13-20 – NY Mini 10k – When the NYC Half Marathon got cancelled, on an impulse I signed up for this women’s only race in Central Park.

should be on!!!!!!!!!!

So as you can see, my busy spring racing schedule is pretty bare.

Looking forward to 2021 anyone?

I’m linking up also with this new link-up:

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 exciting racing plans for spring 2020 or 2021? Which ones are you looking forward to? Do you have a lot of cancelled races? How are you are feeling about it? Please share.

March 14, 2020 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 3.9.20-3.15.20: Race Cancelled!!

We turned our clocks ahead so more daylight. Win, Win on my post work day running (except for the rain.)

Sadly the week ended with the CANCELLATION of Half Marathon #42 and #3 for 2020: NYC Half Marathon!!!

Very upset..all that training…for NADA!

I can get a confirmed entry for next year but I don’t get a refund ($130) for this year’s race and I have to pay another $130 for next year’s race.

That really sucks!!

I will probably take the refund and take my chances with the lottery (or some miracle that I can run fast enough again & get into the timed entry lottery.)

Unfortunately I did not register for the Brooklyn Half because I did not want to run two half marathons that started in Prospect Park.

Enough whining!!

Last Week –

Monday – I started the day with a PT appt…my last one!! It was like graduation.

Then after work, I went back to my podiatrist…the one who gave me the shot a few weeks ago. We talked about next steps… Nada! Continue wearing the metatarsal pad (instead of buying expensive orthotics) if it helps and if the pain starts to return, she’ll give me another B12 shot.

A beautiful spring day (74 degrees!!) and of course, it was a rest day. I was able to sneak in a quick walk before my meeting for the Freihofers Run for Women Ambassador Program. It was held at the Athleta store in the mall…(so that we would buy something with our 30% discount).

Tuesday – I planned to run with Chris after work and was hoping that the predicted rain would hold off. But it was obvious that if I waited for her to finish work, we would get rained on. I was right.

Wednesday – Another after work run. This time with Chris. We were as usual had the end of the day draggies but we got it done.

Back at UAlbany for the first time this week

Thursday – I cancelled my chiro appt. It didn’t seem to matter if I was not running the half marathon on Saturday. I may schedule another before my April 18 half marathon (if that race happens.)

My NYC friend did pick up my race shirt and medal.

: NYC HM

Instead of a run, I went out to dinner with a former co-worker. Unfortunately she had had to cancel her wedding due this this stupid virus.

Friday – Another rest day. I planned to stop at the gym before playing mah jongg.

UGH!!!

Saturday – I ran with Stan and the Sole Sisters. Since the NYC Half Marathon was cancelled, Sherry, Stan and I decided to run it virtually (I had to earn that medal and shirt!). It wasn’t easy and Stan is quite speedy so it was faster than my normal long run (but obviously slower than a race.) Chris was there too to cheer us on. And after, we all went out to a delicious and well-deserved brunch.

we ran in both directions on the Nisky bike path…it was a little breezy in one direction but quite comfortable (even warm) in the other

Sunday – Another rest day (with NO gym available). I got my nails done and did some errands and took a long walk with Barbara.

we chatted and chatted, saw an eagle and I wore my new HOKAs (yup, I returned the last pair and trying another…)

This Coming Week –

Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day, hair appt.
Wednesday – train to NYC, run in CP, meet up with Cari & Elizabeth
Thursday – run on HL or along the Hudson, ~~Billy Joel Concert~~ (cancelled)
Friday – rest day, train home from NYC
Saturday – Long Run, yoga, ~~wedding~~ (cancelled)
Sunday – ~~10.5 mile H2H preview run~~(cancelled)

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

Happy Running! How is your running going? Anyone training yet for a big 2020 race? Who was running the NYC Half Marathon? Ever have a big race that you trained for cancelled? How do you feel when you are done with PT? Do you regularly see a chiro (even if you are not injured?) What about orthotics? Have you spent the $$$ on custom ones? Please share.