Well, actually I *think* I will still be going on vacation, but there’s more aide drama — why does this always seem to happen around my vacations? — and I’m going to feel guilty leaving my sister to deal with it, even though she’s telling me to go. Life can just be hard sometimes!
I also had to juggle being at my mom’s and the closing of the preserve I run at (duck hunting) this week, which meant I was constantly running when I didn’t want to, but I survived. On the upside, there was a lot of time in parks and on the trails this week, which is lovely this time of year.

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner — and taking solace from time in nature.
Workouts update
- Monday: Yoga (30 min), Hilly 2.5 miles at moms, 2.5 mile walk/hike @ Greenport Conservation Area
- Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 4 mile tempo interval run, Pilates (15 min), Yoga PM (20 min)
- Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Cardio Toning (25 min)
- Thursday: Yoga (35 min), Dogwalk, Pilates (20 min)
- Friday: Yoga (20 min), 11 mile LSD, Pilates PM (20 min)
- Saturday: Dogwalk, 2 mile recovery run
- Sunday: Yoga (20 min), PB Cardio Toning (20 min), Dogwalk and or walk at a park
Running Mileage: 17 (+2)
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
Running Update

Tuesday intention: push speed a little
The last thing I wanted to do the day after I got back, but I knew I needed to get my long run in on Friday (before the trails closed) so I did it. Extended the tempo intervals again — slower than last week, but I got it done.

Friday intention: go long — endurance
It was warmer today (which is why I didn’t want to run today when I tried to schedule out my week), but not that warm. I told myself I’d just run, and not stop to take photos, but nope, I stopped — many, many times. It was just too pretty! I got to test out a skirt for a longer run — although this one would work, I don’t think I’ll be bringing it with me.
Positive splits. Again. I didn’t feel as wiped out by 11 miles as I did by 9 miles last week (when it was even warmer), so there’s that.

Saturday intention: endurance + recover
A beautiful day to run. Very chilly morning so I waited a while, walked Bandit first, then got after it. Still wasn’t really feeling the running but pleased that my body seems to have handled 11 miles well.

Favorites of the week
It’s peak week up here! Just walking around the neighborhood brings me so much joy.

There are more photos on Facebook (here if you don’t follow me already) — in fact, there’s a lot of photos on Facebook this week — because I was busy besides the running. Stopped back at the same park we were at the previous week but got much further around the lake since I was on my own.

Then stopped at another park on the way home. This one has miles of trails and I only had time for 3 miles! I will definitely be going back there.

ICYMI: Strengthen your lower and upper back while also opening up your chest (and maybe boosting your immune system — flow with me here, On a subtler level this practice may help you release some grief. You can also listen to my Letting Go Affirmations here.
Coming up on Friday: Yeah, no, there’s nothing coming up other than me already prepping for this trip!
It’s nice that those preserves are on your way. I’ve visited both last year.
Really haven’t had much time this year. I seem to be racing or working all the time.
Good luck with your upcoming half. And vacation.
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I really enjoyed both preserves. I was lucky it didn’t rain — cause it sure poured at the end of my drive home.
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Oh wow it looks like things are in full fall bloom up there. It looks just gorgeous and perfect weather to extend your miles. Can’t wait to hear about your trip hope you can relax!
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I had actually targeted Sunday for my long run initially . . . had to move it up because of the park closure. But yes easier to go longer in Fall!
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Fall looks beautiful there! We’re still just shy of peaking here but we do have some gorgeous individual trees.
Good job on your 11-miler – it’s great that your body felt no ill aftereffects. Your training seems to be coming along nicely.
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I just wish I had a bit more time for running but I think it’s worked out well even with limited time. I really do love Fall! Too bad it’s over with so quickly.
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Those trees are spectacular! We just have a few orange trees around here.
I hope you get your vacation and enjoy it guilt-free!
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Thanks, Coco. We get all the colors! Bright response, wine, yellow, orange. I didn’t miss it when we lived in TX but I do enjoy it now that we’re here.
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Well, I’m VERY glad you stop to take pictures on your runs- your photos are amazing. That one of the orange tree is beautiful. Sorry about the aide drama- I hope you get your vacation soon!
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Thanks, Jenny. Glad you enjoy the Fall photos! If you ever take a trip out to see your son in Fall, there’s a place called Lost Maples — we went once but it was past peak. Actually just as pretty as up here! It would be a pretty long drive from Waco, though.
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I sure hope you get to go on vacation this week! Where are you going?
My trails only close during deer hunting season. I heard a lot of gunshots and saw hunters all over this morning on my run!
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Luckily the vacation doesn’t start this coming week. The big question is whether or not I’ll need to go again next week, which I really wasn’t planning on. Just have to see how it plays out.
Even on bike paths you can sometimes hear shooting because there are ranges not to far away! Really scared me the first time I heard that. But this particular park closes down completely for the duck hunting. There were signs all over on Friday— I don’t think they allow any other hunting. Some of the areas I’ve been eyeing on the way to my mom allow hunting. The one I couldn’t find does! Maybe that was a sign!
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I hope you can relax and enjoy vacation! Great job on the 11 miler. You will be ready for your half!
Wow, fall is stunning, isn’t it?
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Thanks, Jessie. Fall is amazing, but I also didn’t miss it when I lived in TX. Although I don’t know how I tolerated that heat, either!
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Beautiful fall colors! I hope you’re able to get everything worked out so you can go on vacation!
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Thanks Donna. We’ve been planning it for months, knowing it could be derailed . . . but my sister was fairly emphatic she still wants me to go. I have been dealing with stuff like this all Summer, but she works retail so it’s also her busy time. It’s tough!
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Your photos are always so lovely! I really hope you get to take your vacation – you deserve some downtime!
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Thanks. It’s a mess but I think we’ll be able to go. Now to stay healthy before, during & hopefully after. We have one more night to book too or it’ll be a long drive home!
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The photo of the big beautiful tree just screams Fall – it’s SO pretty!
So sorry that the aide drama continues. I know it can feel weird to go away when things are still unsettled. I really hope that you get to take your vacation and get in a few days of relaxation.
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Thanks, Kim. At least the current aide temporary aide is willing to stay until a replacement is found. They usually do find someone fairly quickly — then I just have to decide if I want to go and stay again to onboard. Which I really don’t. My sister has had a bit of a break since she didn’t have to go today, but the whole she is also anxious about the situation. We’ll see.
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That pic of the purple aster is breathtaking! The next pic looks a lot like the trail the goes around our in-town lake (not the hilly bike path lake). Tranquility 😉
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Yes, tranquilly is a great word for those paths! Anything with water. It’s also given me a break from the paths I run at so often.
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“was constantly running when I didn’t want to, but I survived.”
So so true. Love the fall colors.
Go. You need to take care of you too. Otherwise you have nothing left to give someone else
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Yeah well my sister has less to give than me, and she’s still working. Still planning on going but always knew something could happen too.
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Fall is definitely popping where you are! Gorgeous pics as always! I returned from Florida to find it cold and super windy so lots of leaves are coming down.
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Sadly it’s cold and rainy here, so same. Ah well, you had time in FL, the ocean, and lots of fun (plus work).
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Those leaves look like actual flames! How beautiful!
I’m so sorry. You must be feeling so frustrated and burned out. I hope you get a nice break (and vacation) soon ❤
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Thanks, Jen. Right now the plan is still to go. Someday all this drama will be over & I’ll just miss my mom — so I try to remember that.
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Fall is putting on a wonderful show of color. Too bad it’s always so short! So sorry for the frustrating situation with the aide. I hope it all gets straightened out so you can enjoy a vacation. Good job on your long run!
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Thanks, Lisa. It seems like the “good” seasons are short & then there’s Winter, LOL!
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