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Weekly Run Down for 1.11.26-1.18.26: The Week That Started Out Well…

Sun, Mon, Tues – 12 week miles… no bad weather and WFH 🙂

Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat – 0 miles… rain, work, sickness, snow 😦

Last Week –

  • Sunday – WS#3. For this free race, you could choose from a 3.5 miler, 10k or 25k. I thought I had signed up for the 3.5 like I ran on New Year’s Day.  But it turned out that I had registered for the 10k.  The weather was great and it started at 10 am.  So I decided to give it a go.

There were so many familiar faces (and food) which made it such a fun event. And as I did last time, I came in 2nd in my age group.

After some errands and other household chores, I went to dinner with two former co-workers that I hadn’t seen in ages.

  • Monday – WFH so I hit the gym first thing (as I hadn’t been there since last Tuesday) and then I was able to meet Jenny for a short run at lunchtime.

snow almost gone!!

  • Tuesday – Another gym morning…

with beautiful morning skies…

and then I met Jenny for the same run as the day before but in a different location.

warmer, windier and felt a lot harder 😦

  • Wednesday – Last WFH day but I had to go set up for my live teaching the next two days after which I planned to meet two friends for a late run (if it weren’t raining.).  When it’s dark, as I’ve mentioned before, UAlbany is the safest place to run.

After I set up, it started to rain and my friends cancelled.  I also started to feel crappy (so I was relieved not to run  for a 4th day in a row).  Instead I walked around the mall.

  • Thursday – No WFH today so there was Starbucks and my voice was raspy… (Was I coming down with something?)

Good news was than my voice improved as the day went on but I still didn’t feel great.  Again my friends bailed on an after work run but it was cold and drizzly so I did too. I even cancelled a visit to my granddaughter.

  • Friday- Still not WFH…and it appeared that I was coming down with a cold.  I survived the day of teaching (with a box of tissues) but decided to cancel hosting mah jongg and relax at home.

I’m NOT a TV person but I got sucked into this series and finally finished it… Anyone else?

 

And it was our 27th wedding anniversary.  Hopefully we’ll celebrate next weekend.

  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.  As I mentioned above, our snow had melted and all our running paths were clear.  That unfortunately didn’t last as it snowed during the night and continued on and off during the day.

Some of my friends did venture out to run, some chose the treadmill.  I waited for the snow to stop and it snowed all day… I guess it was rest day #4!!

  • Sunday –gym, long run, stay in bed?

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – DAY OFF (HOLIDAY) – run
  • Tuesday – gym, walk
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday –mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – Long Run or Walk and Brunch
  • Sunday – WS#4 – 3.5m or 15k?

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Staying Motivated during the winter blah months
  • Friday – 5 Healthy Comfort Foods to fuel your winter miles

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  How ‘s your winter weather? Any plans for the long weekend? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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FFF: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated When It’s Freezing

Today’s Topic is: Ways to Stay Motivated When It’s Freezing.

All I usually do on this blog every winter is complain about how cold it is and how I hate it! I mean I live in the NE, I should expect it to be cold and snowy.

So to motivate myself to enjoy this winter more, I decided to point out what is great about winter running:

1. It doesn’t usually rain.

not a fan!!! but it was a race so I had no choice.

I will run in the snow and cold but I will not run in the rain. Hence, no rain is a good thing for my running.

happier here than above…

2. You don’t sweat (as much).

So I have less laundry because I can wear my running clothes more than once.

IMG_4793

However, it is a challenge to pack everything you may need to wear when I don’t WFH.

And I can run after work, change my clothes and then go out with friends (Don’t judge. LOL).

img_3216

3. It’s pretty outside.

IMG_5082

Well, at least most of the time.

IMG_4404

4. There are free races (in my area.)

Race fees add up. I am lucky that our local running group (HMRRC) sponsors 5 free races during the winter. There are 3 distances to choose from at each race.

It’s informal so it’s just a run with friends and with good food after (and age group awards)

5. There’s not a lot to do in the winter and it’s get me outside.

IMG_5050

In the summer, there’s boating, biking, hiking, tennis, pickleball, gardening…many things to do outdoors.

Winter_4-145

But in the winter, I don’t ski, snowboard, ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile. Running is my only outdoor activity.

There is No Bad Weather, Only Inappropriate Clothing: Winter Clothing Guide

Happy Running! Do you run outside when it’s freezing?  How do you motivate yourself to get out there? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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The Best of 2025

2025 Best Of Awards Winners | Lynchburg Living

I do this post every year and I almost forgot this year. But when you run so many races, it is HARD to choose!!!

  • Best Picture from a Race: RUNFLUENT CHRISTMAS RACE

  • Best Weather during a Race: LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM and RUNFLUENT CHRISTMAS RACE (cool and sunny, no wind)

  • Best Race Swag: LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM (shirt, bag, glass, discount coupons)
  • Best Age Group Award: MALTA 5K

$25

  • Best Race Refreshments: RUN 4 THE RIVER HM (beer, pizza, mac n cheese) and BARN 2 BRIDGE 5K (cheeseburger & fries)
  • Best Scenic Race Course: SQUIRREL STAMPEDE 10K and FORT LAUDERDALE HM (I’m a sucker for water views)

  • Best Race Finish: RUN FOR WOMEN and STOCKADEATHON(downhill finishes!)

  • Best Race Finish Time(s): MALTA 5k, TROY TURKEY TROT 10k, HELDERBEG TO HUDSON HM
  • Best Organized Race: HELDERBERG TO HUDSON HM and MILES ON THE MOHAWK (and ALL A.R.E.-sponsored races)
  • Best Race Medal:  LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM and FORT LAUDERDALE HM

  • Best New (to me) Race: ROCK N ROLL DC and NYC MINI
  • Best Race Outfit: FIRECRAKER 4 and TRICK OR TROT PUMPKIN 5K

  • Best Race Location: ROCK N ROLL DC and LAKE PLACID CLASSIC HM

 I enjoyed all of my 32 races in 2025. Each one was special in a different way.

Happy Running! What are some of your race highlights of 2025? Please share.

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and on Wednesday:

 

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

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Weekly Run Down for 1.4.26-1.11.26: A Warm Up and a NYC Visit

No single digit temps this past week.  In fact, we saw 40 degrees.

Unfortunately, I was NOT working from home for three days (so that meant a lot of Starbucks).

But the week ended on a high note…

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I started the day at the gym.. After using the machines, I walked on the track.  Zumba on Sunday is always below.  One day, I’ll leave my comfortable zone and give it a try…

I had planned on brunch/walk with my BFF and then drinks/apps with a friend in the evening.

My BFF cancelled. Luckily I was able to change my plans and have a later brunch with my friend.

That left me with some free time for errands, stuff around the house and a walk around the mall.

  • Monday – WFH so I was able to meet Jenny for a short run at lunchtime.

the sun peaked out for a millisecond… it was cold but not that much wind 🙂

Lucky us.  It started to snow as soon as we were done.

  • Tuesday – I hit the gym before work and then for my last WFH day this week, I met Jenny for the same run as the day before.

a big warm up. 30 degrees!!

  • Wednesday – Live teaching today… and an extra early day. And a rainy one…

  • Thursday – No WFH again today but I did meet a friend after work for a run.  When it’s dark, UAlbany is the safest place to run and the paths are salted and clear.

  • Friday- Still not WFH…

pretty sunrise…

A very windy day so I wasn’t sad not to get in a run.

The day ended with mah jongg…

  • Saturday – One of my college friends (Valerie) was not able to join us for our reunion back in September.

So I planned another mini one (but it turned out to be just the two of us). The day had a French theme since we went to France together our junior year of college.

Too bad rain was in the forecast…

We both arrived in Manhattan by Amtrak around the same time (Valerie was coming from RI).  Our first stop was the Brooklyn Museum (via the subway) to try to get same day tix to the Monet in Venice exhibit (the online ones were sold out). Unfortunately with subway cancellations, we had to change trains and then walk.  The available tix were too late in the day so we headed back to Manhattan. We grabbed a quick bite to eat and walked to Bryant Park (since it hadn’t started raining yet.)  We wanted to check out the new French pastry shop there.  Then we walked to the Morgan Library to see the Renoir exhibit (and now it was raining).  We enjoyed it but since we didn’t visit Monet, we had extra time.  So we walked (in the pouring rain) and stopped at the NY Public Library to check out a few free exhibits. Finally we decided to call it a day and walked back to the train station and to hang out at the bar while waiting for our trains.

Well, sometimes things just don’t go as planned but it was fun to spend the day together with an old friend.

  • Sunday – WS #3 Race  (5k or 10k). Since I missed my long run this week, I may run the 10k but I’ll decide at the last minute.

In the evening, I have a re-scheduled dinner with two former co-workers…

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – gym
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run
  • Friday –mah jongg chez moi (and my wedding anniversary – 27 years)
  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
  • Sunday – gym, ??

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Best of 2025
  • Friday – Staying Motivated when it’s freezing

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  How did you celebrate NYE  or NYD? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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FFF: 5 Goals for 2026

When I look back on my older blog posts, I see that I had once posted weekly goals.  Then I transitioned to monthly goals.  And onto race goals and eventually yearly goals.  Some recent years, I had set NO goals.

My older goal posts always included numbers, pace, finish times, awards, etc.

I don’t know if it’s age-related or being more realistic, but numbers no longer matter much to me.

  • I may run a lot of races but only because I enjoy them.
  • I may win a lot of age group awards but only because I belong to an age group where there is not always a lot of competition.
  • I may travel to NYC often but only because it’s a train trip away and I earn perks through work.
  • I read because it’s relaxing and I’ve always been a big reader.
  • I go to the YMCA because I have paid for a membership and I need to strengthen my arms and hips.

I will try to tie my 2026 goals into my word for the year… (Suspense… post coming on 1/20).

Here are my top FIVE:

1.RUN CONSISTENTLY.

Long runs on the weekends, short runs solo or with friends several times during the work week (where and when they  fit.) 

2.KEEP WALKS, HIKES, GYM VISITS IN MY ROUTINE.

Walks when work schedule allows, hikes on days off or weekends, gym workouts before work on non-running days.

3.CHOOSING RACES THAT BRING ME JOY.

New races, scenic courses, racing with new and old friends and/or in different places.

4.MAKE TIME FOR LEISURE-TYPE ACTIVTIES. 

Plays, movies, dining out, reading, brain games, knitting, pickleball, etc…

5.MAINTAIN FAMILY AND FRIEND RELATIONSHIPS.

Making time with others a priority.

NO NUMBERS!!

Ok, if I need mojo on any of the above, here are my number goals.

In 2026, I will try to:

  • Run 900 miles
  • Complete 30 races
  • Read 50 books
  • Visit the gym 100 times
  • Walk or hike 50 times 

Happy Running! What are some of your 2026 goals?  Do they include numbers? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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TT: 2025 Year End Review

Microsoft Dynamics GP Year-End Update

MY TOPIC TODAY is  2025 Year End Review

Overall, I had a pretty good year!!

Running-Related:

  • 855 Miles (lowest total since 2013)

2024 – 861 miles
2023 – 955 miles
2022 – 1028 miles
2021 – 1018 miles
2020 – 1017 miles
2019 – 947 miles
2018 – 894.5 miles
2017 – 1041.5 miles
2016 – 1046 miles
2015 – 969 miles
2014 – 911 miles

My annual goal was usually 1000…

However, without marathon training and a few glitches here and there, I just ran fewer miles this year.

Jan – 78 miles
Feb – 76 miles
Mar – 79 miles
Apr – 65 miles
May – 69 miles
Jun – 54 miles
Jul – 50.5 miles
Aug – 88 miles
Sept- 67.5 miles
Oct – 73 miles
Nov – 81 miles
Dec – 74 miles

 It’s all good.  I ran as many miles as I was able.

As always, my favorite miles were those with friends…

  • 32 Races (5 Half Marathons, 1 -10m, 1 -15k, 5 -10ks, 1 -5m, 2 -4m, 1 -3.5m, 12 -5ks, 3 -other distances)

Though I ran fewer annual miles, I ran MORE races!!

I’m pretty sure they were all COURSE PWs… (but who cares?)

    1. Winter Series #2 (3.5m 4.1m) –
    2. Winter Series #4 (3.5 3.8m)
    3. Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon
    4. Winter Series #5 (3.8m)
    5. Electric City 10k
    6. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
    7. Delmar Dash (5M)
    8. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
    9. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k
    10. Tropicool 5k
    11. CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge (3.5M)
    12. Miles on the Mohawk (10M)
    13. Run for Women 5k
    14. Mastercard NY Mini 10k
    15. Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k
    16. Firecracker 4
    17. Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k
    18. Silks & Satins 5k
    19. Run for the Roses 5k
    20. Ellen’s Run
    21. Run 4 the River Half Marathon
    22. Malta 5k
    23. Squirrel Stampede 10k
    24. Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k
    25. Lake Placid Half Marathon
    26. Carlo Cherubino Memorial 5k
    27. Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k
    28. Stockade-athon 15k
    29. Upstate Classic 5k
    30. Troy Turkey Trot 10k
    31. RunFluent Christmas Race (7k)

  • 12 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

    1. Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon
    2. Electric City 10k
    3. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
    4. Tropicool 5k
    5. Mastercard NY Mini 10k
    6. Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k
    7. Ellen’s Run
    8. Squirrel Stampede 10k
    9. Lake Placid Half Marathon
    10. Carlo Cherubino Memorial 5k
    11. Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k
    12. RunFluent Christmas Race

  • 7 Race-cations

I would say, however, that only 3 trips* were booked specifically for the race and the other races were just added to an existing trip.

    1. Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon
    2. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon*
    3. Tropicool 5k in Naples, FL
    4. Mastercard NY Mini 10k in NYC*
    5. Ellen’s Run in Southampton, NY
    6. Lake Placid Half Marathon*
    7. RunFluent Christmas Race

  •  20 Age Group Awards (11 -1st, 6 -2nd, 3 -3rd)

None were speedy but it depends on who shows up, right?

    1. Winter Series #4 – 1st
    2. Winter Series #5 – 1st
    3. Electric City 10k – 2nd (but no awards given).
    4. Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon – 3rd
    5. Delmar Dash – 3rd
    6. Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon – 2nd ($10 off another race)
    7. Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – 1st
    8. Tropicool 5k – 1st
    9. Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 3rd
    10. Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k – 1st
    11. Silks & Satins 5k – 2nd
    12. Run for the Roses 5k – 1st
    13. Ellen’s Run – 1st
    14. Malta 5k – 1st
    15. Squirrel Stampede 10k – 1st
    16. Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k – 2nd
    17. Lake Placid Half Marathon – 1st
    18. Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k – 1st
    19. Upstate Classic – 2nd
    20. Troy Turkey Trot 10k – 2nd

  • 2 DNSed  Races
    1. Winter Series #3 (free local race) – Work commitment
    2. Keep Moo’ving 5k – Rain
  • Mentored 2 Running Groups

It’s always rewarding to help other runners reach their goals.

    1. Race for Women Training Challenge group in the spring
    2. STEM (victims of Domestic Violence) in the Fall
  • 10 Blogger Meet-Ups

6 with Cari, 1 with Jenny, 2 with Coco and 1 with Deborah

Fitness-Related:

  •  94 Gym Visits

When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 2-3 times each week…

  • Several Hiking Days

I work full-time but I was able to take a few days off (though my friend and I got a late start this year due to scheduling conflicts).

It’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places. This year, we even made two new hiking friends.

Non-Running Related:

  • Many visits to NYC

Sometimes due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.

  • Three Florida Vacations
    1. In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach)
    2. And in May, I traveled with tennis friends to the West coast (Naples)
    3. In December, I visited running friends who winter in Florida.

  • Many Summer Sundays on Lake George

The weather cooperated for the most part… Sad that it’s over!!

  • Many Starbuck visits

It’s my reward when I can’t WFH and I drive past a Starbucks…

  • 43 Books Read

  • My Granddaughter got older and cuter!

And yes, for the most part, I think that I met my goal of being

Happy Running! How was your 2025? Please share.

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Weekly Run Down for 12.28.25-1.4.26: Welcome 2026!!

Happy New Year!!

Hope 2026 started out well for everyone…

Of course, I started my year with a race.

Last Week –

  • Sunday – With rain in the forecast for Monday, I decided to go out into the cold… I had to wait until Jenny was available and we ran at UAlbany due to the snow and ice on all the other paths.

It was slow going but we got it done and I also got all my errands done (including my nails)…

  • Monday – Yup, it rained all day. I had planned to hit the gym since I was WFH all week but the roads was so icy that I decided that it wasn’t safe to drive.

In the evening, our annual running group party was held. Luckily the weather and roads had improved.

missing a few “sole sisters” but there was a lot of food, gifts and laughter all the same!!

More snow, sleet and freezing rain overnight.

  • Tuesday – I woke up to find that it was so windy that the umbrella, table and  chairs from our deck blew over…

But I did get my run done after work. I didn’t feel like driving to UAlbany so I ran alone on the roads in town.  I feel like a broken record but it was cold, windy and icy!! Boo Hoo!!

some pretty houses like this one were still lit up…

  • Wednesday –  NYE – Started the work day at the gym and ended it with a family dinner at Delmonico’s. WFH and a lunch walk with Jenny in the middle…

My SIL was there  too but took the photo..

  • Thursday – DAY OFF – WS #2 Race  –  It was free and starts at noon so a fun way to start the running year.

You could choose a 3.5 miler or a half marathon. I chose the shorter distance. There were so many familiar faces (and food) which made it such a fun event.

Unfortunately, it was cold and WINDY (and slippery in spots)….

Since I was already dressed, I had planned to run the UAlbany loop so I could count today as a long run… (Who knows what Saturday weather would be like?)

Nope!  Too cold and windy… I went home and took a nice long HOT shower.

The Boxing Day dinner that we were invited last week (that got snowed out) was re-scheduled for that evening.

  • Friday- Another gym morning… WFH all day but Jenny accompanied on a frigid walk at lunch

and then mah jongg in the evening.

  • Saturday – Long Run and brunch.

Since I didn’t run long on Thursday. I had to run at least 6 miles today. Due to the road and bike path conditions, again I had to run at UAlbany (yup, it’s getting boring!!)

Glad to have Heidi join me on my 2nd loop… and it was cold but much warmer than Thursday!!

After brunch, I had a hair appt.

  • Sunday – A gym visit is planned and walk/brunch with my BFF. And drinks/apps with a friend in the evening.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – run
  • Tuesday – run
  • Wednesday – PM gym or walk
  • Thursday – PM run
  • Friday – PM gym or walk, mah jongg
  • Saturday – NYC meet-up with college friend (Renoir exhibit at Morgan  Library/Monet exhibit at Brooklyn Museum)
  • Sunday – WS #3 Race  (5k or 10k)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 2025 Year End Review
  • Friday – Goals  for 2026

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  How did you celebrate NYE  or NYD? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for January 2026

It’s that time of the month…

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

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that yes, once you start (with ChatGPT), it’s hard to stop…

Christmas in Florida?

Running through the snow?

2. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that you don’t have to travel… ChatGPT will take you there…

back  sipping a cafe au lait at a Parisian cafe (40 years later?)

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my first non-race of 2026 was yesterday…

wind chill of 2 degrees… but we survived!

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that my next “real” race is in NYC.

2025 NYRR Manhattan 10K Race Reviews | New York, NY

Feb. 1

This was not on my radar but for some strange reason, I entered the lottery and then I GOT IN!!

I can never turn down a NYC visit so I will do it…

I know nothing about the race except that it’s a 10k and in Central Park.

So I assume that it’s a similar course to the Mini and/or Greta Gallop… (Cari will know!)

New York Mini 10K 2022 Race Recap - The Runner Beans

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I do plan a non-racing day in NYC next Saturday with a college friend (a French theme since we went to France together):

Paris-based Fouchon is bringing its famed macarons, chocolates 🍫 and other delicacies to 42nd Street near Sixth Ave, across from Bryant Park. 🍽️ Keep up with New York at Cititour.com #french #patisserie #

The Morgan Library Opens a Landmark Exhibition of Renoir's Drawings - Galerie Magazine

at the Morgan Library

Monet and Venice: Inside NYC's Largest Monet Exhibition in 25 Years | Brooklyn Museum | 2025 - YouTube

Happy Running! What’s new with you?  Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

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TT: 2025 4th Quarter Update

Narrativa Betting Services and Quarter4 Announce Strategic Partnership for Sports Betting Groundbreaking AI Technology

MY TOPIC TODAY is: 2025 Q4 UPDATE.

Wow, the past THREE months have gone by pretty quickly. (You can read my Q1 Update Here, my Q2 Update Here and my Q3 Update Here.)

So we’re done with 2025!!

Things have not been perfect and so there’s definitely room for improvement.  Of course, many good things happened…

AND there’s 2026!!!

The best is yet to come (as they say…)

Running-Related:

  • 74 Miles 

No annual goal this year… (good thing since it was my lowest mileage since 2103 when I broke my foot…)

 But I ran as many miles as I was able. No major injuries just a few minor setbacks.

It’s all ok.

As always, my favorite miles were those with friends…

  • 8 Races (4-5ks, 1-7k, 1-10k, 1-15k, 1-13.1) 

I’m pretty sure they were mostly COURSE PWs… (but I’m trying to be positive here…)

  • 4 NEW Races

I love seeing new scenery and/or running new routes…

    1. Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon
    2. Carlo Cherubino Memorial 5k
    3. Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k
    4. RunFluent Christmas Race (7k)
  •  2 Race-Cations 
    1. Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon
    2. RunFluent Christmas Race

  • DNSed 0 Races 
  • Registered for 11 More Races (all for 2026)
    • 01-01-26 – Winter Series #2 (3.5m) – free
    • 01-11-26 – Winter Series #3 (3.5m or 10k) – free
    • 01-25-26 – Winter Series #4 (3.5m) – free
    • 02-01-26 – Manhattan 10k
    • 02-08-26 – Winter Series #5 (3.5m) – free
    • 02-14-26 – Race of Hope 5k (in Fl.)
    • 03-15-26 – United NYC Half Marathon (Brooklyn Bridge addition)
    • 03-21-26 – Asheville Half Marathon
    • 03-07-26 – Electric City 10k
    • 04-11-26 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon
    • 05-24-26 – Miles On the Mohawk
  • 1 Blogger Meet-up

yup, that’s Cari on the left.

So who can I meet up with next year?

  • Mentored 1 Running Group 

STEM continued and we ran our goal 5k in November.

It’s always rewarding to help others reach their goals.

Fitness-Related:

  • 0 Stationary Bike Rides

I had great aspirations but I seem to only get on the bike when I am injured.

  • 18 Gym Visits 

When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 3 times each week.

  •  3 Hiking Days 

Working full-time so no longer always an option to have the day off. But it’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places.

My partner-in-crime has recovered from her injury so these have resumed each month. And we met two new hikers and they now hike with us.

  • Finally Some Walking Tuesdays

Whenever I’m in town and have friends available, there were walks on the local rail trail or in a shopping mall or at the gym track.

  • 0 Tennis Mondays

I enjoyed playing tennis so much in Florida and wasn’t as rusty as I thought so I played this summer when I could.

 I hope to play again when I visit friends in February (in Florida) and then again during my tennis vacation in May.

  • 2 Pickleball Lessons 

It seems that everyone is playing pickleball so I signed up for lessons at a nearby park. It was actually fun and I met some nice folks.

Then in September I signed up again…

Next step I guess would be to find folks to play pickleball with.

Non-Running, Non-Fitness Related:

  • 3 visits to NYC

Two for work. One to spectate the NYC Marathon. None for a race.

  • Many Dinners/Outings with Friends

Who doesn’t enjoy a meet-up that includes food/drinks/entertainment?

  • 0 Lake Visits

I was away the last two weekends of our boating season (and our marina closed on Oct 13.)

Looking forward to next year!!

  • 0 Knitting Projects Completed

I have lots of wool and plans but never got around to starting anything. Stay tuned for 2026. I hope to start something…

  • 8 Books Read  

My reading took a dive as I started binge watching some Netflix series (Emily in Paris, Younger).

But I really enjoyed Broken Country and cried through The River is Waiting.

Did you read any of these?  Do you have any to recommend?

And my quest for activities were still

Happy Running! How has your year gone? Any plans made for next year? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

by

Weekly Run Down for 12.21.25-12.28.25: Happy Holidays!

I do love it when Hanukkah and Christmas are around the same time. Since I celebrate both.

Of course, Christmas is much more festive.

Gotta love ChatGPT!

In case you missed it on FB and IG, here is this year’s card:

Last Week –

  • Sunday – Since my granddaughter would be visiting her other grandparents on Christmas Day, we had breakfast with her this morning and gave her our gifts.

After that HUGE breakfast, I was thrilled that my friend Jenny asked me to go for a walk with her.

It was so cold and windy… frozen but we managed to get in 6 miles…

And I worked off enough calories (maybe) to be able to go to my SIL’s for dinner.

lots of food and this was dessert…

  • Monday – WFH this week. Hooray.

I started off the day at the gym and then After work, I got in a short run before another predicted snowfall…

same route as last week but this time, Jenny accompanied me…

  • Tuesday – I kept waiting for the snow… It never arrived… just  some drizzling so I able to go out to dinner to belatedly celebrate my BFF’s birthday.

  • Wednesday – WFH (and I slept in instead of going to the gym although my cat woke me up at 4 am so I didn’t really sleep…)

Today Jenny and I were able to squeeze in a short WINDY run during lunch.

dry roads…

How did I celebrate Christmas Eve?

Eating leftovers and binge watching the rest of the Emily in Paris episodes.

Emily In Paris Season 5 Release Date, Cast, Plot - All You Need To Know About The Netflix Show | Outlook India

yes, I know it’s very silly and unrealistic but I love the fashion, food and sights…

  • Thursday – DAY OFF – Christmas Day!

more help from AI..

Looking ahead to the weekend weather, I decided to get in my long run since my family dinner was not until 3 pm.  Jenny who was training for Tokyo joined me for some of her miles.   She ran 12 miles and I did 8 (with some big hills!!) Thanks again to AI for making it look like Christmas. LOL

  • Friday- WFH again… finally dragged myself to the gym.

feels like 1 degree but a beautiful sunrise.

I had planned on skipping mah jongg in favor of a Boxing Day party with the hubby.

But it got cancelled due the impending snowstorm.

  • Saturday – LONG RUN and Brunch. Luckily, I had already done my long run on Thursday.

And yes, we did get that snowstorm…

I waited until my hubby cleared our driveway, bundled up (as it was FREEZING) and headed to UAlbany where I hoped there would be a clear path or road to run on.

mostly clear … glad that I remembered hand warmers!!!

  • Sunday – Run w/friends, nail appt, ???

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – gym, running group holiday party
  • Tuesday – run, walk
  • Wednesday – run, NYE dinner out
  • Thursday – DAY OFF – WS #2 Race (3.5 m)
  • Friday – gym, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, hair appt.
  • Sunday – gym,??

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – 4th Quarter Update
  • Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races?  Any vacations planned?  How did you celebrate the holidays? Have you joined the AI bandwagon? Anyone watch Emily in Paris? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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.