Friday Five 2.0: Runfessions August

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

and it’s also Friday so, I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

My topic for today is: Five August Runfessions

1. I runfess…

I was really excited when I got a 6 month free membership to a gym back in March. I vowed to go use the machines twice a week.

Then once a week.  (Even the nearby Starbucks stopped motivating me.)

Well, the thrill is gone.  I have not gone once this month!!!!!!!

2. I runfess…

I took the day off from work (and did not travel to Liverpool) because I wanted to go to a friend’s funeral.  And I did go but I ran before and played tennis after.  I can’t let my free time be free.

on the Delmar rail Trail

3. I runfess…

I am been purging big time from my closet. I have too many things that I no longer wear. I definitely don’t need any more running clothes.  I mean I only run 4x a week at most.

So why did I buy another running skirt or two?

Gym Girl Ultra (my fav) – FWC20 for 20% off at skirtsports.com

4. I runfess…

Speaking about temptation, I cannot stop eating ice cream.  Every day!!!  It’s my reward after a run. It’s my reward after a bad day.  It’s my reward…just because.

just being patriotic

I need an intervention.

5. I runfess…

I’m already picking out my races for 2018.

But I’ve decided (for now) on quality rather than quantity.  In the past I’ve run as many as 7 half marathons in a year.  This year, I had planned to run 6 – 3 in the spring and 3 in the fall but (may only run 5).

I think for next year, it’ll be 4 – 2 in the spring and 2 in the fall.

Here’s the plan so far:

March:

FLA – bridges, ocean views, friend meet-ups and baseball (Mar 18)

May:

largest half in US, NYC weekend, fun fun (May 20)

 

Sept:

hilly but with beaches, staying at my college roommate’s new house in RI (Sept 9)

Oct:

Paris what else can I say? This will probably not happen but a girl can dream… (Oct 6)

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Do you slack off on your gym membership?  What food do you have a weakness for? Do you buy too many running clothes?  Any big races planned for 2018?

 

Ultimate Coffee Date – April

Since today is the first Saturday in April, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I signed up for my free 6 month gym membership.  My goal of using the machines twice a week hasn’t happened yet but I did go last Saturday and I plan to go today.  It’s a start.

6 mos free gym – but their selection of classes is lacking and my membership does not include the pool, hot tub & sauna 😦

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the gym mentioned above offered a free fitness analysis (E3) so I signed up for it.  They test for strengths and weaknesses, etc. Well, I have weak hip flexors. No surprise. But I have a strong core.  They were surprised that I could plank for one minute. LOL.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that that part of the E3 analysis was a body analysis.  Green is normal so I guess I should be happy there.

But here’s the bad part, I got WEIGHED!  My scale has not had a battery for a very long time so I can’t weigh myself.  I like it this way.  Ignorance is bliss.

But now I know.  And I don’t like it!!!  I’ve never weighed this much!

The guy who weighed me said that I don’t look like I weigh that much.  It must be muscle.  He was being nice.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I was a little upset about my weight gain.

Don’t worry. It didn’t last long.  That same day, I had popcorn at the movies and went out for pizza.

I went out the next night (for shrimp & hard cider).  Tuesday after tennis, I went out and had salad & pizza and then on Wednesday, I went out and ate pasta and birthday cake.

Life’s too short.  A girl’s gotta have fun.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I have a race scheduled for EVERY weekend.  I know I am supposed to be training for a half marathon on April 30.  But I can’t help myself.

It’s not a good way to get in those long training runs.

Tomorrow and next weekend, I am running two of my favorite races – Delmar Dash (5 miles) and Bacon Hill Bonanza (5k) instead of 10 and 11 mile long runs.  So I just have to add more miles after the race (and eating and standing around).  Not ideal, coach!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I almost left April 15 open for a long run and to do my taxes but I found a new race – an 8k.

its a challenging hilly race and automatic PR 🙂

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

Ultimate Coffee Date – February

Since today is the first Saturday in February, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I am excited for my third year as Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. In addition to loving their products, I have never met such an enthusiastic and supportive bunch of women. If  you’re not an ambassador yet, you should apply next year!!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that at the moment I am running a hilly 4 mile race about an hour from my home.  I probably should have skipped it and done my long run with Judy instead tomorrow.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that to take my mind off the cold, I am planning my outfit for my March 5 half marathon in Florida. Cold or not, I am wearing a new skirt and new hat!!

from Skirt Sports, of course

Brooks

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am trying to motivate myself to work out.  So far, it is not working.  So I am putting it on my calendar for one of my rest days.  There are three each week.  I am going to the gym TOMORROW!

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I will be sad when our FREE races are over.  Now I need to look for long run partners, places to run and food to eat post-race.

only ONE more left

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that it is Declare It Day and I declared…

For more info on this, go to: http://fellowflowers.com/declareitday/how-to-declare/

I have registered for FOUR half marathons already.  Still need one more in the late fall. Hoping for a #holottafun girls weekend again.

love Sarasota so this one looks tempting.

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

Friday Five 2.0: Where do you work out?

It’s Friday and I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the topic is: Gym/Workout Space

You have heard whine about how I DO NOT work out. So you are probably wondering why or how I was going to write this post.

I do not have a workout space at home.  My basement is a unfinished cellar full of my hubby’s junk. None of the other rooms are large enough to work out in (except for maybe the family room where my hubby’s hand is permanently attached to the remote.)

At my last job, there was a bike, treadmill and elliptical available behind the stage in the gym. And when the weather was so terrible that I could not possibly run, I did go there. and use them.

I have to pay to use the machines in the gym where I work now.  But I do have access to a free gym.

So here’s what there is:

1.  Treadmill

2. Exercise Bikes and Elliptical Machines

3. Machines to work on your arms

4. Machines to work on your legs

5. Weights and all other kinds of cools things:

But here’s the problem:

Happy Running? Do you belong to a gym?  Or do you work out at home?

Ultimate Coffee Date – October Edition

Since today is the first Saturday in October,  I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

And since it’s late evening, it would probably be more appropriate to be having a glass of wine…but maybe you’re having some decaf coffee or herbal tea:

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I have been working at my new job for over three weeks.  I’ve met a nice woman ( a year older than me) who was hired a month before me.  We have lunch together everyday.  That’s the highlight of my day.  I still feel unprepared, overwhelmed, unqualified, etc.  But I will give it at least 6 months before I admit defeat.

stuck in my cubicle all day trying to make sense out of the training manual.

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell  you that I decided not to be a running buddy for the fall Girls on the Run program.  I don’t have the time and I didn’t enjoy my involvement with the program the last 2 springs.  I may give it one more try this spring.

my buddy didn’t even show up for her race

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I am glad that I re-joined the Turkey Trot training program.  The women who participate are great and it will get me to do some (painful)  drills once a week.

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I started drinking coffee again.  I had given it up so that I would sleep better.  And I didn’t sleep any better.  I still drink tea in the morning but it’s now caffeinated tea.  And at work I either make my own coffee or go to Starbucks…and it’s caffeinated. I do LOVE coffee!!

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I skipped my long run last weekend and I skipped a run this week.  And I am ok with it.  It’s probably the first time I’ve done that so close to a half marathon.  My half is next Sunday!!

heading into my taper

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that even though I bought the new Apple Watch, I still wore my Garmin 205 to today’s race.  I haven’t had the time to figure it out.

Garmin on my right wrist and Apple Watch on my left

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I love the fall colors but I miss the warm weather.  I hate stressing about what to wear.  I hate having to wear or bring extra clothes. And don’t get me started about the lack of daylight.

the leaves are beginning to change

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that this time of year makes me crave sweets. I love apple everything and pumpkin everything.  Soon there will be Halloween candy … I need an intervention.

rum cake on Thurs, cider donuts yesterday and apple cranberry pie today

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that I can’t remember the last time I went to the gym to work out.  Good thing I don’t pay for any gym membership.  With working and going out every night for something, there’s no time.  Yeah, I know I could get up early and go before work.  (But if I did getup early, it would be to run.)

Over decaf coffee or herbal tea…

I’d tell you that my mother-in-law just turned 91!  She’s very healthy but does nothing…just sits around… I hope to be very different at her age.  Maybe I will still be running!!!

Since I did Runfess several things here, I am also linking up with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

Happy Running! Anything to Runfess?  Or tell me about something that’s going on in your life?

 

TOLT: August Recap

Wow, the summer is flying by… Pumpkin lattes will be here before you know it…

So here’s how August went…

Weekday Runs:

Like July, August was HOT and humid most days and we had very little rain.  I was able to run at least 3-4 times each week. But I do not have a treadmill at home so they were mostly slow sweaty ones.

Because I was not working, I was able to run wherever. I was not forced to run near home or near work. So I tried to do my runs in many different places – Chestertown, Crossings, Corning Trail, Colonie Town Park, Nisky Trail, Zim Smith Trail, Rail Trail, UAlbany, etc.

I also ran with Alyssa 4 times. I met her on FB. These were, no doubt, besides my 5k races my faster runs. I struggle when I run with her but she gets me to run faster. She says that I make her faster .  Win-Win.

I re-connected with Barbara and Judy and ran with them each once. It’s more fun running with friends.

with Judy

Long Runs:

There were TWO!!!.  I ran races or went boating on the weekends. So I managed to move these runs to Monday.

Total Mileage:

I ran 89 miles this month – finally some improvement.

Races:

I ran three races this month – a 8.4 miler, a 10K and a 5K.

Aug 20

Aug 13

2016

I was generally happy with how they went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster.  I won age group awards in all three. That’s an achievement. The 8.4 and 10k races were very HILLY! The only one I felt could be better was the 5k.  We are, though, our own toughest critics.

Cross Training:

 I was STILL unemployed and I played tennis. But not as often as in the beginning of the summer. 

I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! Someday I will do, I promise.

I did workout at the gym at least three times.  I know that I could go more often but it’s better than nothing.

I walked to the tennis courts when I played nearby and occasionally did go for a walk. But not as often as when I worked.  I think that the tennis and the hiking (see below) made up for it, though.

my favorite place to walk – rail trail

Other News:

I went hiking again…by myself and with some friends. Love it. Once to Pinnacle Point in Bolton Landing and then on four trails in Chestertown.

I took a trip to NYC with my two of my friends. We listened to Broadway tunes in Bryant Park and then walked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Costume Institute. What a full but exciting day!!

I also took a day trip to the Saratoga Race Track with a friend.  We had breakfast, watched and bet on the races and then stopped by the Casino (where I won $77).

I spent two wonderful weekends with my knitting and mah jongg friends on the Schroon River. I did some running but mostly played tennis, knit or played mah jongg and ate.

Boating season continued and the weather was great.  I love it at the lake. It’s my “happy place.”

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

And I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!!!!!! I will be working starting Sept.7.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is September 18 and I am excited.

I do have a bunch of races coming up.  This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

• 9-5-16 – Sefcu 5K
• 9-10-16 – Malta 5k
• 9-18-16 – Saratoga Palio Half Marathon
• 9-25-16 – Arsenal City 5k ???
• 10-01-16  – Apple Run 5K
• 10-09-16 – Ramblefest Half Marathon
• 10-15-16 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 10K

No monthly goals.

my motto for 2016

Since it is Thursday,  I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Happy Running! How did your August turn out?  Anything exciting planned for September?  

Monday Running Update

Last Week: 

• Monday –  For the past 33 years, my friend (former co-worker) & I had gone to breakfast at the race track.

Sometimes after breakfast and watching the horse warm up, we stay for the races.  We did this year and had a lot of fun betting – mostly successfully but I don’t bet a lot of money so I don’t win a lot of money.

Afterward we decided to stop off at the casino cuz I had never been. Beginners luck had me winning $77.  We celebrated with ice cream.

• Tuesday – After another day of car shopping, I ran at the Colonie Town Park and then played tennis.

unfortunately I waited until 4 pm when it was 90 degrees! At least there was shade.

• Wednesday –  We finally got the rain that we needed but the result was oppressive humidity. I was running with a friend which made it more bearable.

at the Corning Bike Path

• Thursday – I played tennis in the am and I couldn’t believe how humid it was!!! (I don’t know how you Southerners do it.)  Since they predicted a heat index of 100 degrees, I reluctantly ran (3 slow miles) on the treadmill at the gym. Then worked out with a friend, went out for dinner and a walk on the rail trail.

• Friday – AM tennis was cancelled so I did stuff around the house. Then I went with my hubby to pick up his new truck. We had two parties to go to – one at our marina and one for the hubby’s tennis team.  Yup, we managed to go to both.  (carb loading for my race the next day, right?)

• Saturday – Ran a HOT, HUMID, HILLY 10k.

a course PR and won my age group

After the race, I headed up to spend the rest of the day at my friend’s house on the Schroon River.  This was a “knitting” weekend. Rained on and off all day so only managed a walk. Perfect knitting weather.

• Sunday – I got in a run before everyone got up. After breakfast, I talked them into 2 hikes.

Then there was lunch, more knitting and some swimming. 
20 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  

• Monday – 4 mile run, hiking 
• Tuesday – AM tennis, tennis pizza party, PM tennis
• Wednesday – 4 mile run with a friend, mall walk with bff, mini  golf /dinner
• Thursday –  AM tennis, pool party, 4 miles with a friend
• Friday –  AM tennis, rest, mah jongg
• Saturday – 5k race + 7  more miles
• Sunday – boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races?

Monday Running Update

Last Week: 

• Monday –  I was planning on playing inter-club tennis but it had rained all night and the courts were too wet to play on.  Instead I went to the gym and then on a long walk on the trail trail. No running despite the good weather.

perfect weather on my rest day – darn!

• Tuesday –  I played tennis in the AM with my Troy Tennis Group and afterwards we had a barbecue.  Then did some errands which included a trip to Target.

I couldn’t resist

all natural ingredients – who needs to bake when you can buy these?

I had planned to run with Alyssa in the evening but she had to cancel. So I went to UAlbany to run alone.  My hubby was playing an important tennis match there. (But I got done running right after the finished and he had lost 😦 )

• Wednesday – A lazy hot day. I did drag myself to the gym which was nice and cool.  Ran 1 mile on the treadmill.

Then went for a short sweaty run.

• Thursday – I played tennis early in the am and then since my good friend from Florida was in town, a few of us decided to go on a day trip.

We went to The Mount in Lenox, Mass.  We took a tour of Edith Wharton’s house, had lunch and then a tour of her gardens.  We also strolled around the town of Lenox afterwards.

• Friday – A run before AM tennis, lunch with old friends and then I took off for the lake.

teaching & quilting buddies

afternoon on the beach with a good book and then evening with friends at the marina

• Saturday – Today began my tennis weekend with my besties at a house on the Schroon River. Got in a short run before everyone arrived. The day included lots of tennis, eating, swimming, laughter and more….

• Sunday – I had slept on my boat at the marina (it’s not from the Schroon River house) and got a great run in before returning to the river house..

The rest of the day was spent with my friends…playing tennis, eating, swimming, relaxing, chatting, eating …

Great to get away and spend time with these wonderful women.

Celebrated National Ice Cream Day 3 days in a row.

After everyone left, I went back to the marina and went out to dinner with my hubby and some boating friends.

Yes, diet starts tomorrow. Wait…I’m going to NYC.  Diet starts Tuesday!!!

 15.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  

• Monday -rest – day in NYC
• Tuesday – tennis Am, tennis PM
• Wednesday – mall walk with BFF,  4 mile run
• Thursday –  AM tennis, 4 mile run, rest, hair appt
• Friday –  AM tennis, rest, mah jongg chez moi
• Saturday – 5K race + more miles
• Sunday – rest, boating

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races? How are you celebrating July 4th?

Monday Running Update

Last Week: 

• Monday –  I drove up to Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today.  I managed to squeeze in a short run before everyone wanted to head out on the lake.

We spent the whole day on the lake – at a dock on an island and then in the bay before heading back to barbecue at the marina and watch the fireworks.

• Tuesday –  While everyone had to drive home to go to work, I again decided to take advantage of my free time and stayed up at the lake. My legs were tired but I dragged myself for 3 slow miles.

I managed to get a sub for tennis so stayed up on the lake and spent a relaxing day by myself- got in lots of walks, beach time and reading.

• Wednesday – This morning I went for a hike up to the top of Thomas Mountain.  I had planned to repeat the hike I took last week, but accidentally took the blue trail instead of the orange one – a lot more challenging and a different view.

I didn’t fall and so it was worth it for the new view but I took the orange trail down… didn’t want to push my luck

I had planned to meet Alyssa and Barbara for an ice cream run sponsored by Fleet Feet and Saucony so I headed home.

It was very very hot and my run very very slow but the ice cream was GOOD.

• Thursday – I played tennis in the am with the Troy Tennis Group and went out for dinner with an old friend. No running today.

sorry I didn’t get a pic of the crepes with hazelnut sauce & bananas

• Friday – Again I played tennis in the am on the courts near my house. Still incredibly hot. I planned on running after dinner and before my weekly mah jongg game but I waited too long and it started to pour.  Another no running day.

• Saturday – This morning I actually got my run in before the rain.

And I stopped off at the gym before heading to the grocery store.

• Sunday – Started off the day with a 5k race (I ran the half there 2 years ago). It was just raining or pouring the whole race.  Got a medal, tech shirt and a pint glass for 1st in my age group so all is good.

When I got home, the rain had stopped. I was tired but managed a few more miles.

Then headed back to Saratoga for  mini golf birthday party.

18.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  

• Monday -tennis AM, rest
• Tuesday – tennis Am, tennis picnic, 4 mile run with a friend
• Wednesday – rest, work webinar
• Thursday –  AM tennis, 3 mile run with a friend
• Friday –  AM tennis, 4 mile run
• Saturday, Sunday – tennis weekend at Schroon River house – lots of tennis and maybe a run

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races? How are you celebrating July 4th?

Monday Running Update

Last Week: 

• Monday –  I stayed up at Bolton Landing (on Lake George) today.  Started the day with a slow scenic 4 mile run.

waterlilies at the Sagamore – ❤

I had planned to do some hiking but it started to rain so I headed to the outlets.  Believe it or not, I didn’t buy a thing.

• Tuesday –  Did some errands in the morning including an eye dr appt.  

An impending storm cancelled tennis so I went for a walk and then to the gym.

• Wednesday – Started the day with a run…solo. Decided on a road trip to Peebles Island and thoroughly enjoyed it.

For dinner I met my travel tennis friends at a new restaurant

• Thursday – Morning tennis and then later ran with my new running friend.  The run was followed by a mall walk with my BFF.

She suggested the ice cream – Not me!

• Friday – Again I played tennis in the am (with a different group). In the evening, I played maj jongg (which I hadn’t done in weeks) while watching the Olympic Trails on TV.

• Saturday – Planned on a long run and then a ride up to the lake but the hubby decided to stay home and I procrastinated until afternoon to run.

I ran my fastest mile ever (7:xx) to get to the bakery before it closed.

I begged and they opened the door & sold the only thing left – a strawberry muffin.

• Sunday – This should have been a lake day because the weather was perfect but it wasn’t.  Instead I took a SUP lesson in the am with Judy. It was actually fun. I am as clumsy as I thought. I fell twice but the good news is that I stayed up over an hour and want to try it again.

Sorry no pictures of us standing on the boards – maybe next time.

In the afternoon, I went for a butterfly walk at the Albany Pinebush Preserve.  It was about 1 mile and we learned about the insects, birds and plants in this preserve.  I hope to go back and run on some of the trails. (There are 11.) I did see a lot of butterflies and I was amazed at how small they were.

These butterflies are an endangered species so it is rare to see them

18.5 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:  

• Monday –3 mile run, boating, fireworks on the lake
• Tuesday – 4 mile run, tennis PM
• Wednesday – AM tennis, 4 mile ice cream run
• Thursday –  rest, tennis AM, dinner out with an old co-worker
• Friday –  AM tennis, 7 mile run, mah jongg
• Saturday – rest, boating
• Sunday – 5k race, birthday party (mini golf)

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin.   See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?  Any races? How are you celebrating July 4th?