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Summer Bucket List (during the Pandemic)

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

The Topic for today was: Summer Bucket List

I think I posted about this last year and it included such things as:

  • Racing on the weekend
  • Long runs in preparation for fall half marathons (or marathon)
  • Playing tennis outdoors
  • Participating in ARE Trail Series and SOAR group runs
  • Running in different places around the state esp. in NYC
  • Going to Saratoga Race Track
  • Boating on Lake George
  • Hiking 

Now with this Pandemic, obviously my bucket list plans have changed:

  • Racing on the weekend

What races?

Last summer, there were many:

This summer??

There’s still a slight possibility that my August half marathon will happen…very slight!!  Hopefully a shorter small race or two will happen before Sept 22.

Druthers Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon

April 19th race postponed until August 29….

Checkmark Bullet Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | ShutterstockLong runs in preparation for fall half marathons (or marathon)

Yes, I am trying to keep up my 10 mile base.  So far so good.  But it’s hard with the heat and keeping the 6 ft distance from my running friends. But at least I’m not running all those miles alone.

  • Playing tennis outdoors

A big NO here.  My Tuesday evening group disbanded in favor of playing on clay during the day.  I am still working.  Though, I could pursue finding others to play with, I have switched my focus to running, walking and hiking after work.

tennis friends

I used to play tennis EVERYDAY especially in the summer. I miss it!! But at least I still see my friends. I am sure I will play again often if I ever retire.

  • Participating in ARE Trail Series and SOAR group runs.

The Trail Series that I did with my friends last year has been cancelled.

I am running mostly solo during the week, fitting it around my work schedule.

I may participate in some Ice Cream Group Runs that will be organized.

  • Running in different places around the state and in NYC.

No traveling for work.  That means just running locally in the same places!!

Last year:

  • Going to Saratoga Race Track

The races have been cancelled for spectators.  This has been a tradition for my friend and I – For over 30 years we have been going to breakfast and then watching the races.

Checkmark Bullet Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | ShutterstockBoating on Lake George

Yes, this will happen.  Many restrictions, of course. No fireworks, no events or craft fairs…. MASKS!

We’ll see how it goes.  The lake will be there. It will be beautiful but camping, docking, eating, socializing….????

Last summer:

This summer:

Checkmark Bullet Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | ShutterstockHiking 

I plan to do this all summer.  I have been hiking during the pandemic.  I have acquired a new hiking friend.  This is one the highlights of the pandemic for me.

One big downer is that the Hikeathon that I signed my hubby & I up for (for the first time) has gone virtual.

Hike-A-Thon 2020 logo

in fact, Pinnacle Pt, the hike we signed up for is still closed

Last summer:

This summer:

As they say: This too shall pass!

I am healthy.  My family and friends are healthy.

Life is good!

I’m  also linking up here:

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

Happy Running! What is on your summer bucket list?  How has it changed from last summer? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.15.20-6.21.20: Being Flexible

As things are opening up (We entered Phase 3) and the temps are heating up, it was often hard to fit the running and walking into my schedule.

There was work, of course, but also a haircut, get-togethers with friends, runs with friends, boating, etc.

Almost like old times…not quite. But trying to focus on the positives.

Some days the run was before work, other days during lunch, others after work and some days not at all. Gotta be flexible.

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

the LAST week for these virtual races and the theme was LIFE Un-Canceled

Certificate

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

Last Week –

  • Monday – A beautiful day all around.  A walk before work in the ‘hood …

yes, today was purple day

and then a walk at lunch on the waterline trail.

no flowers …just a cute little bunny

After work, I drove to Albany and ran around the Washington Park area for change in scenery.

the flowers were in the nearby neighborhoods…none in the park. the rainbow was where I worked at one time.

the last un-canceled virtual.. I was hoping to do a longer one but didn’t have it in me today and that’s LIFE!

  • Tuesday – A busy day.

I had to squeeze a short walk in before work

white and yellow were the colors of the morning..lots of sunshine

And then a run at lunch (around the neighborhood.)

a little warmer than I would have liked but it was noon…I guess I felt RED hot.

After work, I had a hair appt.  It felt so good to look decent again.  I wish I had somewhere to go to celebrate.

Instead, I went on a walk at a nearby preserve.

my 2nd visit to Lishakill Preserve

  • Wednesday – Another busy work day and a hot one.  I declared this a rest day. With the temps heating up, it seemed to be a great idea.

I did get in two short walks in my neighborhood (before work and at lunchtime).

I liked the mixture of colors here

I figured you may want to see my HAIR – colored and several inches chopped off – however it looked better before wearing a cap yesterday and this morning. My shirt reminded me of my LAST race (got it when I was an ambassador several years ago)

After work, I got together with my tennis friends for dinner in the park.

Once they all left, since I was in a park where there were trails, I took a short walk on them.

this deer just would not get out of my way!!

  • Thursday – Another hot day so I started the day with my run.  Best idea ever!! And it was cloudy!!

Ever try to see how fast you run with a speed zone device? I got it to 10 mph WTH?

Then I took a short walk at lunch.  The sun came out and it sure warmed up.

always searching for new wildflowers on the waterline

And then after work, I drove to meet my running friends to explore some trails.  We walked at Schodack Island State Park where I had always wanted to go.  We had planned to do the 4.7 mile loop but missed the turn…we ended up walking 8.5 miles…. Oh, my aching feet!!

we laughed as it was still fun.

  • Friday – Fridays are my rest days due to a long run scheduled the next day.

I still try to get in 2 walks (before work and during lunch break)

legs did not feel as sore as I thought they would but it was warm out even very early in the day

took a different route at lunch …boring as you can see

 and then explore a preserve or trail after work. After Thursday night’s experience, I want to find a short, flat trail. I decided to go back to Five Rivers (as I hadn’t been there in months.)

I was so nice there that I did TWO trails.

so relaxing being by the creek and flowing water

enjoyed this one as well

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  Again with the heat and everyone doing different things, the easiest part is to plan where and when to meet for brunch.  This time it was BYO at Chris’ house.

I drove to Corning Bike Path and ran 4 miles solo and then met up with some others for the rest of miles (6 for a total of 10 for the day.) It was steamy (and not a cloud in the sky) but I ran the last 4 miles with a friend using 30:30 intervals which made it almost painless.

After some gardening and laundry, I was rested enough to hit the trails.

This was a repeat and it is very pretty but sooo buggy!

  • Sunday – Father’s Day! And finally a day on our boat.  The weather was perfect and my stepson and his wife came along too. We all had a great time. We ate, swam and while they napped, I read a book in the shade.

can’t beat that view

And then I went out to a restaurant for dinner (an outdoor one, of course) for the FIRST time in forever.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday –  run or rest day
  • Wednesday – run 
  • Thursday – rest day, 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?  Have you gotten a haircut yet?  If so, didn’t it feel amazing? How did you celebrate Father’s Day? Please share.

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Breathing When Running

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: Breathing.

but NO I don’t wear one while I run

I think that wearing a mask has gotten to me.

Or maybe it’s adjusting to the heat and humidity.

And that awful pollen in the air.

Anyway, I’d had a hard time breathing.

So I got to thinking about Breathing when Running.

I’m not a coach or have any medical expertise.  All I know if what I’ve been told by coaches and what I’ve read so you can take what I say below with a grain of salt.

1.Deep Belly Breathing is better.

Deep belly breathing is also called diaphragmatic breathing. (Here’s how to do it – https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-breathe-with-your-belly-89853)

How to Do Belly Breathing Like a Pro | Yuri Elkaim

It is said to be more efficient because it uses the entire capacity of the lungs. It helps to increase your VO2 max. (This site will tell you what this is – https://www.cnet.com/health/your-vo2-max-explained/)

VO2 Max: Compare your cardio fitness to your peers.

2.Breathe Through Your Mouth 

You need to take in oxygen and expel C02 as efficiently as possible when you run.

Obviously, you can’t take in as much air through your nose as you can through your mouth. So it makes sense to mainly breathe through your mouth when running.

Image titled Control Breathing While Running Step 4

I remember when I started running, my coach stressed to us to NEVER breathe through our nose.  He said to keep your tongue against the back of you bottom teeth and concentrate taking in air through your mouth.  I don’t always remember to do that but when I am out of breath, I do and it works!

Yes, of course, you can breathe through your nose but it will slow you down!! (Nose breathing is harder.)

3. Slow Down if you are out of breath (or have a side stitch).

If you are out of breath, just slow down your pace, take some deep breaths and then you can speed up again.

How To Ease Painful Side Stitches When Running | Wilderman ...

Many times if you have a pain in your side, it’s because you are holding your breath or breathing too shallow. Just breathe in deeply several times and it should go away.

4.Use Proper Breathing Rhythms

I admit that I rarely do this.  I have tried but as with anything else, it takes practice.

  • Easy runs – 3:3 (three steps while breathing in and three steps while breathing out)
  • Medium-intensity runs: 2:2
  • Maximum and high-intensity runs: 1:1  (For me this is only crossing the finish line at the end of a race lol)

What Is The Best Way To Breathe While Running

5. Do What Feels Natural

In other words, you are more comfortable breathing through your nose, then run that way.  There are many breathing patterns.

Do whatever works for you.

Happy Running! Any other suggestions related to breathing? Do you get out of breath when you run? Do you even think about breathing correctly when you run? Please share.

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Training Philosophy…what training?

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

My Topic today is: Training Philosophy

Unfortunately, with NO races on the schedule, who is training anyway?

That being said, there will be races again and we all have run races in the past.

I personally do not believe in ONE training philosophy.

Many runners would even say that I DO NOT TRAIN.

Every runner is different. Every race is different. And so my version of training is probably different from yours.

And I think there are many variables to take into account when we talk about training:

  • Is this your first race at this distance?

If it is, I would recommend any of the following options:

    • Follow a training plan.
    • Join a running club
    • Get a coach
    • Read some blogs
    • Join some social networking groups
    • Google 🙂

For my FIRST 5k, I joined No Boundaries, a running program sponsored by a local running store.

some NoBo friends

I downloaded the training plan from the website of my FIRST half marathon and followed that.

Hey, I finished!!

And of course, for my FIRST marathon, I downloaded a plan or three, got advice from others who had run the race and joined a FB group for the race.

26.2 miles!!!

  • What is your goal for the race? Do you even have a goal?

Do you want to try for a PR, have a course PR, run negative splits or maybe win an age group award?

Or do you just want to finish?

Are you running the race just because your friends are or is it part of a vacation?

Obviously, your training philosophy would be different depending on if you have a goal and what you goal is.

My recommendation for training with a goal in mind would be the same as if you were running that distance for the first time.  Plus most likely, your plan would include a variety of drills. What kind of drills would depend on your goal and maybe even the race course and surface.

Many times, my training philosophy related to a goal is not worry about anything but enjoy the race and enjoy the runs up to the race.

It is still training in my book because I do complete my runs.  I just may not wear a watch or keep track of my pace.

just a weekday fun training run

And then there may be a race where I do want to do my best and try for a course PR.  In these cases, I have joined a training group.

my Freihofer Run for Women training group

  • Is it a long race or a shorter distance?

Of course distance is relative.  For someone who runs ultras, 13.1 may seem short.

For me, I consider long, any race that is a 15k or longer.

Personally, I do not train for races that are shorter than a half marathon.  In fact, many of my shorter distance races are now part of my weekend long run.

For longer races, my philosophy is to make sure you do your LONG runs.  How I do that is work backwards from the race date.

Half Marathon – 8/10 miles, 12 miles, 11 miles, 10 miles, etc.

Of course, where you start your long runs varies.  That will dictate how many weeks you need to train for the race.

I personally do not pay attention to my weekday runs.  I do them and they are squeezed in (3-4 miles) depending on my work schedule.

I was able to complete the NYC Marathon doing it this way.  But then again, my goal was only TO FINISH.

I did it!!

  • Are you injury-prone (or recovering from an injury)?

No one wants to be injured.  Sometimes they are unavoidable (like a fall) but either way, they impact your training for a race.

My philosophy for training when injured or recovering from an injury (unfortunately I have experience in this area) is to cut back in your training.

See a doctor.  Do the PT exercises and what else is necessary so you can do your race.

Don’t worry about your training.  Let go of any race goals.

You can skip runs and long runs in this situation.  You will not heal if you keep to your plan (as if you were healthy).

got to run the NYC half even though minimally running for 5 weeks before due to calf injury

As I have said above, there is no ONE way to train.

I bet that your training philosophy has changed as you have run different terrains, different distances and as one ages and becomes a more experienced runner.

I know mine has.

I’m  also linking up here:

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

Happy Running! What is your training philosophy?  Has it changed over time? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.8.20-6.14.20: Same old, Same old

Things are changing but most things are not.

I am working from home.

I am seeing my friends but at a distance.

I am running casually a few times a week with a long run on the weekend.

I am walking daily and visiting nature preserves as often I can.

NO RACES!! Another Half Marathon has gone virtual – Saratoga Palio (my September race cancelled)!!

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

this past week was PERSEVERANCE Un-Canceled

Certificate

Signed up run/walk 500k but just switched to 1000k – have until Aug 31.  Wish me luck!

Last Week –

  • Monday – A beautiful day.  I started it with a neighborhood walk.

my focus this morning was looking for peonies…

I had to squeeze in my run at lunch since I had a few things scheduled for after work.

wore my aftershoz headphones for the first time in a long time.

I was warm and tired but persevered through this run

After work, I had an appt with my podiatrist.  I got there early so went for a walk (on the trail nearby that I had discovered the last time I went to my office.)

After my dr. visit and dinner, I met my BFF for a walk and talk at an outdoor mall.  (Gotta get those steps in – 6 miles a day to meet the 1000k challenge.)

in front of the bookstore…all the stores are now open with limited hours.

  • Tuesday – The temps are heating up.  I should have RUN before work but I didn’t. I walked in the ‘hood.

the roses are comin’ the roses are comin’

Getting tired of the neighborhood so I drove to the rail trail but walked on the road and the waterline – for variety.

Then after work, it was almost 90 degrees…yikes.  I drove to the Crossings and dragged myself through 3 steamy miles.

is it creepy to run through a cemetery?

  • Wednesday – After that horrible run in yesterday’s heat, I decided to get up early and run before work. The only negative is I don’t have time to drive somewhere so I am limited to my neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Some runners like to look for rainbows. For me, it’s flowers. I used to like rainbows (in fact I bought a wind chime at the end of last summer) but now it makes me sad. It reminds me of this pandemic.

Best idea ever to get my run done before it hit 90 degrees.  At lunch, I took a leisurely walk at the preserve.

I saw a huge blue heron by the creek but he flew away before I could get a pic.

After work, I drove to hike at another preserve. I decided to re-visit Bozenkill Preserve.  I wasn’t able to hike the whole trail last time due to the mud. It was dry this time and much cooler there in the shade of the trees.

I walked the blue and white rails and most of the red… It’s an out and back (not my favorite) so it got kinda boring.

As I started to drive home, it started to rain… That was a surprise.

  • Thursday – Woke up to wind and POURING rain…so no pre-work walk or run.

Actually, it was a rest day anyway.  I walked at lunch since the rain had stopped and it was sooo HUMID. So glad that I didn’t try to run.

pink flower day

My running group has decided to visit the trails every week.  Tonight we chose Tawasentha Park. It was so fun (not the hills but having company and the ice cream afterwards.)

just walking the trails on a steamy evening

  • Friday – I had planned to be in NYC today and running the NYC Mini 10k the next day. So sad!!!

The pattern lately has been two rest days before my long run. And if the weather cooperates, just a few walks and/or hikes.

Of course today’s weather was perfect for running.

Hope you’re not sick of my neighborhood flower pics. But after yesterday’s pink flower day, I decided to pick a color and focus on that during my walks.

pre-work walk

lunch walk

After work, my new hiking buddy agreed to come walk with me.  I re-visited Pine Hollow Arborteum.

I was a little disappointed on how overgrown things were and that most of the trees were past bloom..still a relaxing way to end the week.

On the way home, I stopped off at another trail that I hiked early on in the pandemic – Normanskill Preserve West.

loved this loop down to the creek and back

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY.  The challenge is to find a route where we can easily gather afterward and have brunch (while 6ft apart).  So far, we have been returning each week to the Rail Trail.  For the 3rd week in a row, I started earlier (ran 4 miles) and then ran with others (6 more with Karen & Sherry).  Another 10 mile run completed!!  The temp was perfect and this run was sooo much easier than last week.

2 others missing from the pic. so happy that we are back “together “again.

Got home and did some strength training.  No, I pulled weeds and trimmed bushes.  Same thing LOL

  • Sunday – Finally a Boating Day.  Not as warm as I would have liked so instead we decided on yard work.  The hubby mowing the lawn and me again weeding and trimming bushes.

I had to take advantage of the awesome weather and go for one more hike for the week. This time, it was some place new – Christman Preserve.

I was hoping for a beautiful waterfall…no mud but unfortunately the waterfall was nonexistent… though it looked like it may have been crowded, but it was not and I enjoyed the hike. I plan to return and complete more of the trails rather than just the one to and from the upper and lower waterfall.

Looking ahead to summer temps and boating for sure, next weekend.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run after work
  • Tuesday –  run at lunch, hair appt (finally)
  • Wednesday – rest day, dinner with tennis gals
  • Thursday – run before work, trail walk with running friends
  • Friday – rest day
  • Saturday – LONG RUN 
  • Sunday – rest day, boating with family

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?  We’re almost at phase 3. Are you relaxing on the social distancing and seeing your friends or going out to dinner or even had a haircut? Please share.

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Taking the Challenge

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: Run/Walk Across a State Challenge.

When there aren’t any races, there are so many reasons to run a virtual race or sign up for a virtual challenge.  One of the popular ones is running or walking across a state.  I’m not sure if every state has this challenge but I know that the larger ones such as IL, NY and TN do.

What’s neat is that you do not have to live in the state to sign up for the challenge.

It started on May 15 and lasts until August 31. There are different distances that you can sign up for depending on how many miles or kms you want to complete.

Don’t worry if you haven’t sign up yet.  You have until July 5!! And you can enter your miles retroactively.

Originally I signed up for the Across NYS 500K (Thruway Challenge).

Then I realized that if I added my walking miles, I would be finished too soon so I changed to the 1000k option.  That’s 6 miles a day!! Yikes 🙂

Certificate

But here are my five reasons to sign up for this challenge (before July 5):

1.It’s Virtual

In other words, you can do your miles at any time and any place. You can fit your miles into your work schedule.  You can run or walk when the weather conditions are more favorable.

hot morning run

2.Keeps You Motivated.

You enter your miles onto the website.  You track them.  You see your progress and you can see how others are doing, as well (for those competitive people).

as of 6/9 – I’ve got a lot of work to do!!

Also when we pay for something, we are more likely to participate, right?

3. You Can be Part of a Team.

When you sign up you can choose a team.  Then you can track the team’s progress and ranking.

I’m on a team of 11 (SoleSisters).

there are 853 teams!!!!!!!! (as of 6/10)

4.You Can Walk.

Not everyone wants the pressure of running a lot of miles especially in the summertime.  Or you may even be recovering from an injury.

This challenge allows you record walking miles.  You don’t have to link up to a tracking device.  It’s on the honor system.

In fact, more of my miles are walking/hiking miles than running ones.

just a walk on a trail

5.Support an Important Charity

The donations and a portion of the proceeds of the challenge benefit Covid-19 Relief in Your State:

Image

Direct Relief works in the U.S. and internationally to equip doctors and nurses with life-saving medical resources to care for the world’s most vulnerable people.

One more:

6.Swag

One of a kind shirts and gaiters (face coverings) will be sent to ALL participants. Medals will be awarded to those that cross the VIRTUAL FINISH LINE!

Happy Running! Have you signed up for this or any other virtual challenge? Please share.

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It’s All About That Base

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

My Topic today is: Double Digit Long Runs

Ok, so there are NO races.

Time to slow down, right? Run fewer miles. Take it easy.

Yes, if you are injured.

But, NO, not necessarily.

Here’s why it’s good to run at least 10 miles on the weekend:

  • You’ve got the time.

No social events. Not much else to do.  Can’t say that you are too busy.

Printable Blank Calendar Templates

EMPTY!!

  • Burn off those extra pounds/calories.

Working from home does get you sitting around more.  No evening social events may have you watching more TV.

Let’s not forget it’s summer….ICE CREAM!!

  • Virtual Races and Challenges.

No races but there are still things to sign up for.  These long runs will help you meet your mileage/step quota.

Certificate

  • What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger

It’s cliche but we all know it’s true.

Yes, your legs will thank you (when you’re done.)

  • More Miles = Less Speed

If you run longer, you’ll worry less about pace.

All you have to worry about is finishing…

Does he look stressed about his 13 m/m pace?

  • It’s All About That Base.

Races will happen eventually. Not sure when.

Maybe some of you will get to run one this fall.

No one likes to start all over.

And with 10 miles under your belt, you CAN even run a half marathon.

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! Are you still doing your long runs? How long? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 6.1.20-6.7.20: The Latest New Normal

13 weeks and still working from home.  The word is that I will not return to the office until at least after Labor Day.

I bought a patio umbrella so I can sometimes work outside.

Continuing to look for new and interesting places to run or walk and practice social distancing. This week I re-visited some that I had already discovered.

The New Normal was running, walking, working ALONE and in isolation.

My LATEST New Normal is re-connecting with my friends – picnics, running, hiking, boating, eating.  All with the appropriate safety measures.  Humans are not meant to be “alone” IMO. (No judgment against those who still feel uncomfortable being around others. I am fortunate that my friends feel as I do.)

Un-canceled Project - Run The Edge Store

this past week was COMMUNITY Un-Canceled

Certificate

Continuing to run/walk 500k until Aug 31.

No races yet but I got two new bling items.

Last Week –

  • Monday – Last week, it was 90 degrees one day.  Today when I woke up it was in the 40s. I went for my pre-work walk wearing a sweatshirt!!

no more daffodils or tulips but plenty of irises and azaleas around

I had made plans to hike with a friend after work, so I squeezed in a 5k during my lunch break.

breezy and cool but warm when the sun came out. This was on the water line line trail near my house

Thankful for the running community. As Kim said: We are running physically “apart but virtually together.”

I have already hiked 31 places during this pandemic. One with the hubby but the rest all alone.  More and more of my friends are open to doing things together (but 6 ft part lol).  So my former teaching BFF agreed to wait until I was done working to do a short hike together. I returned to one of the first places I visited back in March. You can see from the pic on the left that it is a lot greener now. And it was so nice to have company … finally. On the way home, I stopped by one more trail (that I also have previously visited in March.).

  • Tuesday – Another chilly morning and since rain was in the forecast for later, I had planned to run before work.  I didn’t get up early enough so I settled for a neighborhood walk.

always finding new flowers to take pix of.

As they forecast, it was raining around lunchtime. I waited until it stopped and took a quick run  around the neighborhood.

my legs felt like lead and I was way overdressed since I didn’t change from my morning walk…but got home before another rain shower

After work, I had a ZOOM video chat with some of my college friends. Always fun re-connecting with old friends (with whom I spent my junior year in Nice, France.)

  • Wednesday – Global Running Day. It was no-brainer not to run at some point in the day.  The challenge with working and the weather – WHEN?

Missing my NYC Skirt Sisters but we celebrated virtually as “triplets”

I started the day with a neighborhood walk and photo session (see above) and as always looking for new flowers in bloom.

it’s peony time!!

My running friends and I planned a short trail run for after work.  Just in case it did rain then, I ran at lunch. I started in the neighborhood and then continued on the waterline going in the opposite direction from Monday.  It started to rain (darn weather app) but stopped and then started and then stopped. Actually preferred it when it was raining because it was so muggy.

in the ‘hood and before and after the rain

Phew. The rain had stopped by the time I finished work. We all met at 6 Mile Waterworks for a trail walk and then hung out (at a distance).

we enjoyed so much that we want to do it every week.

  • Thursday – REST DAY.  After 3 days in a run of running, I took the day off.  That still meant a walk or three.

Pre-work walk: still managing to discover new things but the neighborhood is starting to get boring.

lunch walk in the park: different direction from last week…no coyote sighting 🙂

Before the last walk, I had my weekly picnic in the park with my tennis friends.

I was already in the park so I stayed and walked part of the red trail. I didn’t expect flowers but there they were…wish I had had more time but it was getting dark…need to go back and finish this trail

  • Friday – REST DAY.  Another day off from running because I planned a long run for the next day. Back to summer temps and HUMIDITY. Yes Holy Humidity…so glad to not run today. I was sweating on my walks (both before work and lunch were in my neighborhood due to time constraints.)

an early rose

I forgot that I bought these – channeling my love of NYC

We had a huge thunderstorm when I finished with work.  I had planned a hike 😦

Instead I went for a short walk in the park before I met a friend there for happy hour. And then it started to pour again. Luckily there was a nearby gazebo and we hung out there and chatted over wine.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN DAY. There were thunderstorms in the forecast. But when I woke up it was sunny and no sign of rain. As I did last week, I went early to the rail trail so I could run 3 miles before everyone arrived. Yike! The Humidity!  I was dying and it was only 7 am.  My friends arrived and did a variety of mileage and walking. I ran with Sherry and we barely and I mean barely survived 7 miles.

The flag and bench was dedicated to someone I knew and my first 5k ever was in memory of him.

Same as last week, we all got something to eat and brought it to the library lawn and hung out (6 ft apart) and chatted until the rain drove us away.

I spent the rest of the day recovering…and doing errands and stuff around the house like weeding and laundry.

  • Sunday – The temps cooled off and it was cloudy so we decided not to go boating.  Instead, the hubby played tennis and I went hiking with a friend.  I think I got her hooked on hiking the local preserves..

I picked Huyck Preserve since she had never been and I had enjoyed it (esp. the waterfalls).  It was even more fun not being by myself.

we did the full loop around the lake which was longer than the hike I originally did.

More weeding and laundry.Took a break and went for another hike. This time I re-visited Hollyhock Hollow Preserve. I did the blue loop along the creek and then also part of the white trail to an old quarry.  So many more trails left to explore too.

This Coming Week – 

  • Monday – run, dr appt., walk with BFF
  • Tuesday –  run
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – rest day, 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?  How is this virus affecting you and your family? Have you done any parking lot or driveway get togethers with friends or family? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for June

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I ran my LAST virtual half marathon.

I had already signed up the real half marathons in March, April and May. But as you know, they were all cancelled.

I would be getting the swag so I felt like I should actually run them. I did not race them but just ran/walked that distance alone on three different routes.

I am DONE. I hope the next half marathon is a REAL one.

Did you run any long races that were cancelled virtually?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you before I was working from home, I would run after work for 3 miles.  Some days I did not run at all.

Now being at home everyday, I have been on most days running before work, walking at lunch and then hiking after work.

So I have gone from 0-3 miles a day to 6-10 miles a day.

Of course that will end…mostly likely when I return to the office in the fall.

Have you increased your mileage during the pandemic?  

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have started seeing my friends. After 10 weeks of self-isolation, we have decided to see each other…safely, of course.

Have you relaxed your social distancing yet?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I mentioned that I finally got a shot for my painful foot.  The pain went away immediately.  Though it appears that it does rear its ugly head from time to time. Still!!

like here between miles 4 and 7

Anyone else experience intermittent pains?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that there’s no shame in walking. To prove it, I had one of my slowest 5ks and even posted my time.

I believe this race last year may have been the last time that I ran FAST.  After that, there was marathon training, foot pain, then pandemic.

27:47 – FRW 2019

Do you RACE your virtual races? Have you lost speed by not racing?

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

Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
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Goals 2020 Update

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

My Topic today is: GOALS 2020

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

I actually ran January and February’s races.

Then this pandemic!! My March’s was cancelled and April and May’s have been postponed. I actually did not sign up for one in June. All were completed as virtual races (completed is a loose term meaning I did the distance.)

I decided to add a new goal in April:

Visit ALL the LOCAL 25 NEW NATURE TRAILS.

There are many nature preserves just in my local area.  So far, I have visited 21.

In addition to these preserves, there are many parks with trails, waterfalls, arboretums, and nature sanctuaries.  Plenty to choose from. I have visited 10 already.

Definitely one of the positives that has come out of the pandemic.  Normally I would be training and running with friends. For my job, I would be traveling.

I discovered places that were nearby and many of them have many trails so they were visited more than once.

And It’s only June 1 and I’ve already surpassed my Nature Trail goal. We are still in the midst of a pandemic.

Let’s see how many I can visit before the end of 2020!!!! 50??

I want to re-visit the early ones because of the increased greenery and of course, again the fall to see all the autumn colors.

You should follow me and view the gazillion pics through my IG posts (@dsc59).

The Best Nature Quotes (Here Are 450 Of The Most Beautiful)

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.