Decluttering & Organizing: 1/3 – 9 WRD

January 8, 2022January 9, 2022 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

I didn’t feel great in the beginning of the week (left over from last week), rested but did stuff (more on that in the Favorites of the Week), felt better, got more active — and then had to rest some more. I still learned a lot this week and accomplished a lot while moving (some) and some major rest, too.

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and organizing for a new year.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min) AM, Yoga Midday (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), 3 TM miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga (40 minutes), 1 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, PB Weights (25 min)
Friday: Yoga (45 min), Dogwalk
Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Moved Treadmill — that was a workout!
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), perhaps a walking workout inside later, we’ll see how I feel

Running Mileage: 4 (-4)

Not off to a great start, but hoping I will get in a few more miles next week.

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

**It was another blustery, cold day. Treadmill came at right about the right time!**

Wednesday Intention: take it easy
It was cold and blustery, and as I was finally feeling a bit better, I wanted to stay nice and warm inside. I did a couple of the Taylor Swift runs (one run, one cooldown run) and I enjoyed both. I took it very easy and am glad to report I felt no worse for wear the next day — okay, maybe some slight muscle protest at being used again, LOL!

**It was pretty cold today, too, but far less windy. Roads were okay & I got myself out to a park I hadn’t been to in a while.**

Thursday Intention: recover
After quite a few days at home, except for walking Bandit, it was time to bust out of the house! I decided to take a short walk around a local park and take photos, and then do my recovery run there. We’d had a dusting of snow overnight which allowed me to try out my new hiking boots and I used screw shoes for the run, just in case.

I doubled up on jackets while walking around, and I was fine — except for my hands! I’d chosen my medium weight convertible gloves and my hands were so cold. I ditched the overcoat & grabbed my heavier gloves — and of course you can do anything for a mile. On the faster side for a recovery run but it was nice to walk around and look for photos.

**Despite the smile this was quite the project!**

Favorites of the week
Although I wasn’t filling great in the beginning of the week and rested a lot, I also got a lot of stuff done: decluttering digitally and in the house., and worked on the Spring Yoga Challenge I hope to offer.

I had also signed up for a iphone photography course, and I did a lot of that when I was relaxing, too. I was trying out some of the stuff I learned during the week. I learned a lot but I’m not quite sure my photos improved! I had fun taking photos though.

Here are a few of my photos this week (as seen on FB here too):

**We had some really stunning sunrises & sunsets this week. I climbed all over Mr. Judy to take these photos.**

So nothing truly amazing but I did learn a lot & am still absorbing it. You have to take a lot of photos to get one really good one; I don’t think I got a really good one this week but I did take a lot of photos, LOL!

ICYMI: If you want to wind and calm down so you can sleep deeply, I’ve got the perfect practice for you! The holidays are over and it’s time to go inside, destress, and practice a little self care. I also have another very short vlog with the two questions you must ask yourself each morning. This is quick, folks!

Deep Sleep Restorative Yoga click here * 2 Must Do Morning Questions vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Tuesday: do you really need to exercise so much? Friday I’m sharing five ways you can connect body and mind while you run — and why that’s a good idea!

Getting What I Need: 12/27 – 1/2 WRD

January 2, 2022 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

Pretty sure I’ve used that title before! I was supposed to be at my moms for New Years. Then a couple of days before there were several cases of COVID in the workers, the day before more and cases in the residents as well. It was a difficult decision, but I decided to stay home. The upside to that was I was already feeling very run down, so I have been able to rest a lot.

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and trying to welcome a new year — cautiously.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (40 min), 1 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min) <== Treadmill Arrives!
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), 5 miles easy, (20 min), Dogwalk
Thursday: Yoga (40 minutes), 2 mile treadmill recovery run, Dogwalk
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Saturday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Sunday: Yoga (30 min), probably more Yoga later & hopefully it stays dry enough for our Dogwalk

Running Mileage: 8 (+3)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

Monday Intention: Recover
It was a cold one with no sun, but also very little wind. I was tempted to go more than one mile, knowing this week would still be iffy weather-wise and travel-wise, but I felt that after a week of little running better to be cautious rather than push it.

**Snow had melted by the time I finished**

Wednesday Intention: go long-er
I again missed the gently falling snow of earlier in the day. I wore trail shoes, just in case, and there were some snowy patches going out, which were almost all melted by the time I came back. Took exactly as long as last week’s snowy, slightly slippery in spots run. Slow but upright.

**Who doesn’t have two treadmills in their family room? I still manage to practice yoga in there too!**

Thursday Intention: recover & treadmill test
Yup, I have a functioning treadmill again. It goes up and down, too (the old one stopped doing that years ago). Man, this slow run on it still felt hard! But quieter. I actually used the incline with the Peloton recovery run I did. I even made it 2 miles because there still wasn’t a whole lot of running this week.

**No, we didn’t go to an actual theater** | Photo on Pexels.com

Favorites of the week
We did watch some of the new movies released to streaming this week. Mostly hits, with one big miss: Don’t Look Up (Netflix). Well, if you enjoy dumb humor and a boring movie — seriously, I didn’t even want to finish watching it. And it was a long movie. Such a waste of talent!

We enjoyed Unforgiveable (Netflix). We also enjoyed Being the Ricardos (Amazon Prime) — Javier Bardem totally nailed Desi Arnez.

There was also the annual viewing of Love Actually last week, and I also watched Sleepless in Seattle too.

Having a functioning treadmill again is definitely a favorite!

ICYMI: I got talkative this week! Above is the thumbnail from post-run where I’m talking about what you can do instead of resolutions (although resolutions are fine too). I also counted down my top ten most viewed videos in 2021, with a few surprises — to me, anyway. Another short talk about how to battle the loneliness of the season, and yet another one about how to do a quick morning routine.

Top 10 videos click here * What will you resolve vlog click here
Feeling Lonely vlog click here * Quick Morning Routine click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Tuesday borrowed from my Channel video countdown and am sharing my most viewed blog posts in 2021. Friday of course I’m grabbing some hot chocolate to catch up with y’all!

A Plan B Kind of Week: 12/20 – 26 WRD

December 26, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

I did have a reaction to the booster, but it wasn’t as bad as with the second shot, thankfully. Still ran a fever for roughly 24 hours which kept me on the couch all last Sunday. Couldn’t even walk Bandit — and therefore Bandit refused to walk with Mr. Judy. He often refuses to walk with Mr. Judy when I first leave, but then when he realizes I’m not coming back quickly, he’s happy to walk with him: must patrol the neighborhood.

If you celebrate, I hope that you had a very Merry Christmas!

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing how even a little movement can make a big difference in how we feel.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), 3 mile hike at Falling Waters Preserve
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), PB Walking with Weights (25 min), Walk
Thursday: Yoga (40 minutes), PB Cardio Walk (35 min), Walk
Friday: Yoga (40 min), PB Walking with Weights (25 min), 1.62 mile hike at Montgomery Place
Saturday: Yoga (60 min), PB Cardio Toning Walk (35 min)
Sunday: Yoga (60 min), 5 miles easy, a dogwalk after lunch, maybe weights & Yoga later

Running Mileage: 5 (-6)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

**Falling Waters Preserve, larger falls**

Tuesday Intention (hike): Self Care
When I’m at my mom’s, even with a live in aide, it’s beck and call time. The apartment is very warm. There are clocks chiming, oxygen machine going, and I sleep on a couch. So yup, I need a little time in nature before and after these visits.

**Montgomery Place view of Hudson River & Catskill Mountains**

Friday Intention (hike): self care
I had planned to stay through Saturday, originally, but the forecast was for freezing rain on Saturday and I would be back for a few days next week. So I left Friday, stopped at Montgomery Place and explored the trail to the lake. After our light snow it was a tiny bit slippery, but I just went very slowly and had a walking pole too.

Then I decided to walk out to get a closer view of the mansion. Turns out there’s beautiful views of the Hudson and the Catskills from behind the mansion! There’s a trail that takes you closer to the water’s edge, apparently, but I needed to get home and again — a bit slippery. Another time maybe. Like Spring, LOL!

**I didn’t get far on the path, which wasn’t as icy as the parking lot, but there was just enough ice to make me decide to head back home.**

Sunday Intention: maintain some semblance of a base
Ironically I had brought my running stuff with me to my moms (although I did forget the water bottles that fit in my pockets), but I ended up not running. Either bad weather or too busy helping the temporary aide and my mom.

Don’t let the bright blue sky fool you — although a “warmer” day, there was a lot of wind that made it harder to run and certainly made it feel colder. Plus I ended up back in my neighborhood. But five miles done.

**Thanks to Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly for this collage. I didn’t run this week until today & shared a selfie from one hike just for fun but she included me anyway — thanks, Kim!**

Favorites of the week
A temporary aide was found! There was a tiny bit of drama where the regular aide thought her replacement wasn’t going to come, but I had faith and she did. The good news is she’s extremely attentive to my mom. The bad news is she’s just there for two weeks. My mom always seems to like the temporary aides better (and so far both have had the odd coincidence of sharing the same name), but I don’t know if they could keep up that level of attention for months on end. I know I couldn’t, not 24/7!

So very grateful that it didn’t all fall to me.

Oh, I also took my mom to the audiologist while I was there. She was complaining she really couldn’t hear even with her hearing aids. Now she’s complaining that everything is too loud because she can actually hear.

Finally, of course, this week’s hikes. I do treasure my time out in nature.

ICYMI: I have a short Vlog with tips to keep you healthier this Winter. Most are based in the science of Ayurveda. I’ll also explain a bit about the energetics of Winter according to Ayurveda. While most of us are happily making our way through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there are many people who struggle at this time of year. I created a short, guided meditation for you — or pass it on to a friend that’s struggling.

10 Winter Tips Vlog click here * Guided Light into Darkness Meditation click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Tuesday I’m wrapping up 2021 and Friday I’m getting a few things off my chest at the Runfessional — take a break from the holiday bustle and join us here.

The Rain Washed it All Away: 12/6 – 12 WRD

December 12, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

There were a couple of snowy runs this week, but yesterday it rained, and the snow is all gone for now. I am much happier without snow!

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and just moving through the stress.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (45 min), Dogwalk, PB Walking with Weights (20 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (45 min), 5 mile run, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (40 minute)
Thursday: Yoga, (60 minutes), 5 mile run
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, 1 mile recovery run
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Walking with Weights (25 min), 2ish mile hike at Montgomery Place Campus, Bard College

Running Mileage: 11 (+2)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

It wasn’t even supposed to snow this day yet I ended up running in a snow squall that pelted me from every direction

Tuesday Intention: go long-er
I rebooted last week’s plan — try for a couple of long-er runs and one recovery run. The second long-er run never happened last week, hopefully it will this week. You know how I’ve been frustrated that the snow flurries stope when I start to run?

This run wasn’t snow flurries, it was a full-on snow squall for the first half that was not fun (think snow basically pelting you from every direction). It was also an unusual positive splits run, but hey, it happens. I know just how tired I was, and forward is a pace, after all!

**At least it was supposed to snow this time. The neighborhood roads were clear, thankfully.**

Thursday Intention: go long-er
I managed to get in two long-er runs this week, despite the snow, cold, and wind. It was another slow run with positive splits with a “speedy” last mile. I guess I’m just ready to be done by that last mile!

**Now it seems penguins are a Christmas thing**

Friday Intention: recover + endurance
The recovery runs have gotten shorter, but I’m still doing them with no walk breaks. This one was a bit on the “speedy” side for recovery, but only a mile and no walk breaks. I was a bit surprised by the pace when I finished, as I’ve been on the slow side this week.

**I was at moms today, briefly, although with the driving it’s still an all day thing; Bandit’s waiting for my return**

Favorites of the week
We finally ordered the treadmill! At the moment it looks like it might arrive when I won’t be here — hopefully we’ll be able to actually get a time when we’re both home.

My mom doesn’t get moving early in the morning, so I stopped at Bard College, Montgomery Place campus to do a little hiking — I was so happy the bathrooms were open, too! I only had time for a couple of trails, and not sure it’ll stay snow free long enough for me to go back and explore more any time soon, but with the Winters the last few years, it could happen (we get a lot of snow, then it warms up & melts).

I’ve got an appointment for my booster next weekend. It was not easy to get an appointment near me and it wasn’t really on the day I wanted, but I’ll have time to get stuff done before it just in case there’s a reaction — and enough time to recover before I’m at my mom again.

ICYMI: Need some help getting a great night’s sleep? How’s that digestion been? This Restorative Yoga practice will help with both issues! If you have a heating pad or hot water bottle, grab it for this one! Trust me this is a soothing practice that can really help those muscles relax with the addition of heat.

30 Minute Better Sleep & Digestion click here * 5 Minute Do You Need Music for Yoga? Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Tuesday I’ll help you keep running through the holidays and Friday it’s time for the big reveal — my word for 2022.

Getting the most out of Fall: 11/8 – 14 WRD

November 14, 2021November 14, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

Unfortunately the storm clouds were metaphorically (and literally!) moving in again this week, although the actual weather was mostly quite nice — except Friday & Saturday, maybe this evening. There were definitely some bright spots to the week, though!

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and enjoying the sunshine this week. Literally walking on sunshine — yup, I went there. 🙂

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (60 min), ~~recovery mile~~3 mile hike
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk
Thursday: Yoga, (50 minutes), 5.79 mile long-er run, PB Walking with Weights (20 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Rest Day
Saturday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk, 3 miles easy
Sunday: Yoga (45 min), Dogwalk, 1 mile recovery run, Yoga later

Running Mileage: 9.79 (NC)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

Thursday Intention: go long-er with a fast finish
Yup, it’s Thursday and it’s my first run of the week. I’ve been feeling run down off & on over the last couple of weeks, no doubt due to stress, so after our hike on Monday I took it easy. I deliberately wore my “slow” shoes today. I ran slower, too, but don’t know if that’s really due to the shoes or just how I’m feeling.

This run wasn’t really good or bad, and I did decide to pick up the pace for approximately the last mile. Otherwise it was quite consistent. I wanted to get it done before the 100% rain on Friday, plus the uncertainty of whether or not I might have to go down to my sister or my mom this weekend.

**Interesting sky. It poured later in the day—even some thunder!**

Saturday Intention: easy with a little cadence work
My plan was to do a recovery mile on Friday — on the treadmill (it works for about a mile) but my body said he!! no. Good thing I listened to it, I felt much better when I got up this morning & also had a better night’s sleep.

This was what I call a bell curve run — faster in the first & last mile, a bit slower in the middle mile. Worked on cadence just a bit in the last mile, making it the fastest mile.

**Catching the last bits of Fall**; **that burlap bag is “Lola”**

Sunday Intention: recover
I was sorely tempted to run on the treadmill. It would just have been faster. Instead I warmed up (a loose term as it felt colder than the 40s temp) by walking Bandit and then just did it.

**A good time was had by all. Luckily I didn’t have cell service so was unaware my mom was back in the hospital.**

Favorites of the week
I know our hiking days are numbered, but I also knew Monday was going to be a very nice day. Had a great time at Huyck Preserve and a good lunch afterward. Unfortunately came back to the news my mom was back in the hospital. It seems it’s the new normal — but it irks me that she saw both her cardiologist and her primary care doctor just days before this happened. She came home on Friday.

The iphone 11 we bought from a friend arrived this week. Transferring everything was easy peasy (seriously, Apple makes it easy). My iphone 6 was bought refurbished, and always had a couple of things that never worked.

The first wasn’t really a big deal, but you couldn’t turn off the shutter sound when taking photos, which was occasionally annoying. No seriously — my nieces said “oh that’s easy”; I assured them I had tried quite a few things and nothing worked. Even they were stumped.

The next thing was much more annoying: it never kept a good sync with bluetooth. So I didn’t always get text notifications, for instance. I couldn’t use wireless headphones/pods of any kind unless I basically held my phone at chest level.

Sometimes it rang when I got a call, and sometimes it didn’t. Once I got a call & it rang and just seconds after there was a second call and no ring!

Finally, the voicemail on my old phone never worked. I once spent hours on the phone with support, and it was working when we finished. At some unknown point it stopped working. I actually haven’t tried to set up the voicemail on the new phone yet — simply because I didn’t even think about it.

Last, but certainly not least, the dishwasher is fixed! Thanks to Mr. Judy.

No, Bandit, That bolster isn’t for you. At least he doesn’t unmake the bed like Lola used to.

ICYMI: Lately I’ve been a bit obsessed with neck release. It feels great to get the tension out of there — and out of our much neglected face, too. We’ll do that in the above short practice — plus I have a demo of face rolling for you, too. They all feel great!

Face & Neck Release click here * Face Rolling Demo click here * Kali Mudra Benefits click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Tuesday I’m sharing something I learned from one of my worst half marathons. Friday it’s about getting inspiration from teabags.

Grateful for Simple Things: 11/1 – 7 WRD

November 5, 2021November 7, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 31 Comments

I apologize for last week. I had a bit of a meltdown. I literally felt like I was walking around with a dark cloud hanging over me. Things have been looking up this week. Mr. Judy fixed the dishwasher. The new phone ~~got mailed~~ arrived (today). I had two solo walk/hikes and didn’t get lost. I do not have to go for jury duty next week (three more weeks to go). Bandit’s heart murmur hasn’t progressed but we won’t get the results from his bloodwork back until next week and he has lost some weight.

Not to mention the abundant sunshine and mostly no wind this week!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and enjoying the sunshine this week. Literally walking on sunshine — yup, I went there. 🙂

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 1 mile recovery
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), AM Dogwalk, .5 mile Walk to Saugerties Light
Wednesday: Yoga (40 min), AM/PM Walks
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), 2.5 mile hiking
Friday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk PM, Cardio Toning (25 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk x 2 (second with a friend), Rest day
Sunday: 6.06 (or 15 minute) long-er run, Yoga & ST later maybe

Running Mileage: 10.06 (+1ish)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

**We’ve moved on from Halloween to Thanksgiving**

Monday Intention: recover + endurance
Woke up to a beautiful, sunny, windy morning but had errands to run. Lost the sun but not the wind by the time I got out there. Another speedy recovery run due to lack of walk breaks. You can do anything for a mile.

**This guy was staring me down as I warmed up for my run**

Friday Intention: easy
Who wants to see a temp with a 2 in the start of November? Sunshine and little wind (plus gloves, leggings, a warm coat, and a beanie) meant not so bad after all. Normally I’d wait until it warmed up but Mr. Judy had somewhere to be and I had to take Bandit for his annual at 2. A somewhat sluggish run, but not surprising it’s always exhausting when I’m at my mom’s, sleeping there and taking her to the doctor. I considered strides but decided easy was the word for this run.

**Noticed the reflection of the trees on my hood & thought that was cool!**

Sunday Intention: go long-er and appreciate nature + fast finish
I wasn’t planning a fast finish when I started this run. The run was strong and relatively consistent. This is my kind of running weather! I decided on a whim to try to pickup the pace on the last mile — and yup, it was the fastest mile.

**Quick walk to a Lighthouse/BnB on the Hudson River in Saugerties**

Favorites of the week
I decided to skip Olana and explore a couple of new places this week. Even South we’re past peak, but there’s still some color here and there. First was a short walk to the Saugerties Lighthouse.

**More Hudson River views while hiking on the way home (Poet’s Walk Park in Red Hook)**

Then Poet’s Walk Park in Red Hook, NY on the way home. Both stops added a little more driving time — which is why I enjoy Olana so much, it’s a perfect halfway stop on the way to my mom. You can see lots more photos on my personal Facebook page here.

GWYWalking Meditation

ICYMI: Speaking of Olana, I filmed a short walking meditation when I was there a few weeks back.

Walking Meditation click here * 5 Physical Benefits of Pranayama Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Tuesday I’m sharing 3 things I learned from one of my best half marathons. Friday it’s five things I learned in my RRCA Coach course that surprised me.

Are We Done Yet???: 10/25 – 31 WRD

October 29, 2021October 31, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

**We were heading out the other way when I turned around for some photo op & then saw this path! We had to go down it it was so beautiful (although wet after that Nor’easter).**

The beginning of the week was spent at Lake Minnewaska State Park, and despite the meh weather (including a Nor’easter) it was amazing! I can’t wait to go back someday and explore more. If you follow me on FB here you’ll see a lot more photos of our hikes there.

The subject, unfortunately, refers to the fact that in addition to researching a new treadmill, we’ve added researching a new dishwasher to that every-growing list of things we need. The new phone (which we bought from a friend) is coming? Maybe? Definitely #firstworldproblems but annoying. You know they say these things come in threes.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and enjoying hiking, a little running, and lots of Yoga, of course.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 5 mile hike/dogwalk
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min) AM & PM, PB Cardio Abs (20 min), major rest day due to Nor’easter
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 6 mile hike/dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), 5.3 mile long-er run, Yoga (45 min)
Friday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk AM, 1 mile recovery run, Filmed Yoga video (60 min)
Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk AM, Rainy rest day
Sunday: 3 miles easy-ish + surges

Running Mileage: 9.3 (-2ish)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

Thursday Intention: easy & long-er
I knew it would make more sense to not run long today, after a long, active day and a few hours in the car the day before, but I wanted to get a few runs in this week and there wasn’t a whole lot of options for juggling days.

**Definitely a gray day but the leaves are still colorful**

Stayed at same time for the run as last week — a little further than the previous week, roughly the same as a couple of weeks before. I’ll take it.

**Kinda Pirates if the Caribbean do Halloween**

Friday Intention: recover + endurance (no walking)
The weather is most definitely Fall and for the first time in a long time it was an afternoon run. The morning was chilly and foggy, and I had errands to run. It was just one mile, of course, and because I’ve been doing the one mile runs without walk breaks sometimes they’re faster than my long runs.

**Some really go all out for Halloween! There’s a cat pumpkin in there.**

Sunday Intention: a little speed (some surges and pick-ups sprinkled in)
Somehow I wasn’t really feeling this run. I was overdressed — it went from a chilly rain to warm-ish temps rather quickly. I thought about surges in the second mile but nope. I finally decided to do it in the last mile. Which made for a bell curve run.

**Halloween & Alma Mater spirit in my scarf. Yup, it was chilly & the lake is roughly 1700 ft elevation (where we live is around 300 ft)**

Favorites of the week
Our trip to Lake Minnewaska was a complete success, although we could’ve lived without the Nor’Easter in the middle of the trip. Plus the multiple roads closed to flooding and/or construction which added a lot of time to the trip.

Bandit, who did not do well the one time we stayed at a hotel with both him & Lola (today marks one year that we said goodbye to Lola, read more here), did just fine at an AirBnB. He was particularly fond of the weighted blanket. I’m not sure I really liked it, but for some reason he loved laying on top of it.

gwy restorative ahimsa

ICYMI: If you’re ready to let your legs relax and re-energize, I have the perfect Restorative Yoga practice for you. You’re going to need a lot of props, though!

Restorative Yoga | Post Run Stretch click here * 5 Benefits of Restorative Yoga Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: I’m wrapping up October. Friday it’s time to enjoy some hot chocolate and catch up on what’s going on in your world — and mine.

Getting in my hikes before Winter: Runfessions October 2021

October 29, 2021October 28, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

bfallhiking

I know plenty of people hike year round, but I have enough trouble getting myself outside to run during Winter. Sure, those frozen waterfall photos are cool — but so are the temps. Well, they’re downright freezing!

So I’ve been making a real effort to get in more hikes before the snow flies. Of course this is mostly a running blog, so there are plenty of runfessions to share from October too!

I runfess . . .
I liked the Saucony Endorphin Speeds so much, I went out and bought the Saucony Guide. They felt much heavier than the Endorphin Speed, but then I bought them for my easy runs.

I hikefess . . .
On a recent hike I told Mr. Judy I needed to move on (Bandit, too) while he was occupied taking photos. I did eventually text him which way I had gone. Apparently he was quite annoyed (and stressed) when I was “gone for half an hour while he walked up and down looking for me”.

No, I wasn’t lost, and no, it was nowhere near that long. I will apparently never live down getting lost (shared in my last Runfessions here). I also led the way on our anniversary hiking (which was thankfully quite clearly marked).

I runfess . . .
My Achilles has been behaving itself lately. Then the top of my foot started to hurt literally out of the blue one run. No, seriously, there wasn’t even a niggle there before it started hurting! I hate when that happens. I think it’s Extensor Tendonitis but luckily it mostly hasn’t bothered me since then (except that one time I wore rainboots at my mom’s).

I runfess . . .
I have been playing around, just a little bit, with doing my long-er runs for time, rather than mileage. Adding on about 5 minutes to the previous week’s long-er run’s time, although not every single week. Perhaps at some point I’ll actually get up to 90 minutes and it can be a “real” long run. Or not — because Winter’s coming!

I runfess . . .
I have had to do a lot of research helping my mom: did she actually get the new meds? will Medicare cover the bill if she has to go to rehab again? Does Medicare pay for the oxygen equipment? I haven’t had much time to research treadmills yet, although I have started. Definitely hoping when I make my decision one is actually available!

I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Sole F65 or 80 or Nordictrack 1750 (I think that’s the model number). Leaning towards Sole. I want to see if I can find a few reviews from real runners, but I don’t need a lot of bells and whistles — I just need something that will last as long as my first treadmill, or nearly as long, anyway! Sole has a longer warranty which is part of why I lean that way.

Do you ever self diagnose?

Are you winding down running for the year, or still training for something?

What do you have to runfess from October? Come join us

I am also linking up with:

Anniversary Hiking: 10/18 – 24 WRD

October 22, 2021October 24, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

A short visit to my mom, who seems to be doing well. I suspect the change in some meds and the fact that she’s on oxygen accounts for that — although the oxygen is literally a drag. The rest of the week was run, hike, rinse, lather, repeat!

Fall is in full swing here, so for those who don’t get Fall, you’re welcome.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and another week strong on activity, a bit weak on rest.

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy + surges, PB metcon (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), Anniversary Hiking Moreau Lake State Park, Yoga (20 min)
Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk AM, PB Walking with Weights (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
Thursday: Yoga, (40 minutes), 2 mile hike
Friday: Yoga (40 min), PB 5.17 long-er run, Yoga (20 min)
Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk AM, 1 mile recovery run, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Sunday: Yoga + Dogwalk + Rest Day (except, packing — for me & Bandit)

Running Mileage: 12.17 (+1.17)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

**I’ve been visiting local race courses lately (not on purpose); this one’s gone virtual though**

Monday Intention: mostly easy + a little speed
I seem to be visiting race courses lately — totally unplanned. Since I’d pushed myself a little yesterday, I wanted to take it easy — but also remind my legs they can go faster. So I inserted some surges randomly through the second mile. Started out slow but negative splits for the win. My Garmin seems happy with my efforts lately. Summer running just isn’t my jam, and we are clearly out of Summer.

Wednesday Intention: EASY!!!
It’s a busy week of run, hike, run, hike, visit mom, etc. Our hiking yesterday was about 2 miles easy, 1 mile moderate. So I was determined to take it easy today — except I don’t watch my pace. So negative splits again; sue me! Mr. Judy offered to walk Bandit, which I took him up on, only they hadn’t gotten very far by the time I was walking home, so I ended up adding another mile on so they could both get some movement in, too.

**Stopped in the middle of my long-we run to visit a place off the path I used to stop at for a post run snack (on the left)**

Friday Intention: go long-er (working on endurance)
Normally I like at least one rest day before a long-er run, and visiting my mom tends to be stressful. It’s easier to just visit for a few hours compared to staying overnight and driving her all over.

Today went out for a long-er run determined to take it easy, and I mostly did. Splits all over the place, last mile fastest, but the overall pace was easy and felt it. A bit windy but I told myself how much better that was than running in heat & humidity!

**More neighborhood color; it’s kind of spotty this year**

Saturday Intention: recovery + endurance
Walked Bandit as a warmup and then headed out for the one mile recovery run. Except . . . I can’t seem to run slowly (for me) for just a mile with no walk breaks. I definitely wasn’t trying to push the past like I did last week with my 1 mile run, but it still ended up a little speedy for a recovery run (okay, a lot). Just a mile, though.

**Annual Anniversary hike/lunch, new to us location**

Favorites of the week
We are making up for previous lack of hiking this month! This is the second week of day hiking (with a second hike for me on the way to see mom) — and guess what? Booked an AirBnB for next week to finally test out Bandit away from home and a short getaway. Fingers crossed that the forecast changes because there are just amazing hikes where we’re going — but a not-so-amazing forecast (including 90% chance of rain one day).

**Some hiking at Olana too on the way to visit mom**

Albie (and of course, many Alvins) still sighted on the regular. Mr. Judy finally got a nice shot of Albie!

**Gotta admit chipmunks annoy me. First, they’re dumb. Second, for such a small critter they’re very noisy. But great photo, Mr. Judy!**

GWY Yin Yoga to Destress

ICYMI: Are you ready for some de-stressing and self care? God knows I am and that’s why I created this video! This Yin Yoga Practice will help you open and strengthen your hips and lower legs and is perfect for runners even if you don’t need to destress like I do.

Relaxing Yin Yoga | Post Run Stretch click here * How Long to Hold Yin Poses? Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: Why pumpkin is good for runners & how to deal with pie pumpkins. Friday it’s time to cozy up to the runfessional with Marcia @ Marciashealthyslice!

Should I Stay or Go Now?: 10/11 – 17 WRD

October 16, 2021October 17, 2021 ~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 30 Comments

The week started out with my Mom on her way to the hospital. Seriously, I took her to the cardiologist the previous Tuesday and by the next Monday she was in the hospital with (supposedly) pneumonia. With assurances from my sister that she wasn’t at death’s door and the very limited hospital visiting hours, I stayed home — although every day I didn’t know whether or not I’d need to go down. I appreciate you guys listening to me go on and on about all this, but what can I say? That’s my life.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing a another surprisingly active week — gotta get it in when you can!

Workouts update

Monday: Yoga (45 min), 3 miles easy, PB Walking with Weights (25 min)
Tuesday: Yoga (45 min), Light Hiking
Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), 5 mile long-er run, Filmed Yoga Video (40 min), PB ST (25 min), Dogwalk AM/PM
Thursday: Yoga, (30 minutes), 2 Recovery Miles, Dogwalk AM
Friday: Yoga (45 min), PB Metcon (25 min), Dogwalk AM/PM
Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk AM, Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
Sunday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, 1 mile “speedy”, Yoga later & Abs maybe later

Running Mileage: 11 (+.68)

PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

Monday Intention: change the scenery, get in some miles before leaving again potentially
I got an early morning call from my sister. My mom was on her way to the hospital. Of course we weren’t sure what was going down, if I’d have to go down (probably), so I got out to do some grocery shopping and get in a few miles while I could. Consistent the first 2, then tried to — successfully — pick up the pace.

**Obviously I’m not the only one leaving off letters. Inspirational messages along local marathon route.**

Wednesday Intention: go long-er
Mom still in the hospital, I’m still at home, unsure of what the week will bring, so wanted to knock out my long-er run. It’s been incredibly foggy & chilly in the mornings the last couple of days, warmer by the afternoon. Glad I chose to wear a skirt.

Picked up the pace the last mile again — it’s just a long-er run, not a long run (that is, less than 90 minutes), but that last mile was the fastest I’ve seen in a long time. Have I slowed down? Probably. Maybe not with some speed work and some less stress.

**I think we’re about at peak but between wind & rain . . . not sure why it was a blurry pic**

Thursday Intention: recover
I couldn’t do recovery miles after Monday’s run because we wanted to hike on Tuesday, but today I had the time. Man I felt slow! It wasn’t actually as slow as it felt. Mom still in the hospital, no better, no worse.

**The winds & rain last night blew a lot of leaves & pine needles off our trees but this neighbor’s tree is still hanging onto its leaves.**

Sunday Intention: just run
As in see if I could just run a mile with no walking, which I did. As I often do, I came up with that intention on the run. It was a somewhat speedy mile for me. I originally was going to do 2 easy, but trying to not make the mistake of adding on too much again. So a little speed it was. Didn’t hurt that it had cooled off massively overnight (and the wind/rain took down a lot of the leaves). Mom now home.

**A good day full of gentle hiking & waterfalls**

Favorites of the week
We did get to enjoy a lovely hike on Tuesday.

We finally dealt with the pie pumpkins we got a couple of weeks ago. Mr. Judy has been asking me about them almost on the daily, but I knew it would be a big project — and it was! Done. Yes, you can expect a post about that in a little bit.

My mom finally came home from the hospital on Saturday. Fingers crossed she can stay home. Happy dance that she didn’t have to go to rehab again!

GWY Restorative Hip Release

ICYMI: Want to relax and open your hips and show your back some love all at the same time? I’ve got you covered with this 40 minute Restorative Yoga practice. Yes, I know there’s a typo — again!

Hip Releasing Restorative Yoga click here * Difference between Restorative & Yin Yoga Vlog click here

Coming up on Tuesday & Friday: How to fit in fitness when you’re not at home. Friday I share what you can do if you realize that you’re burning out on running.