Tag Archives: herkimer ny

Busy Day Before 15K

Posted on September 13, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had a pretty good Scattered Saturday.  I had to be careful not to overdo it, because I might be running 15K again tomorrow.  I believe I mentioned the mini-maker at Copper City Brewing in Rome, NY Sept. 13.  Even though I ran my official Virtual Boilermaker last Sunday, I am signed up for the run in Rome.  I messaged Copper City and offered to act as a volunteer instead, if they needed another one.  In any case, I will be up early in the morning and off to Rome.

With a possible 15K in mind, I took a short run this morning.  On my cool-down walk, I stopped at a neighbor’s house, where they were setting up a garage sale.  They did not mind me taking a sneak preview.

Before garage saling, however, I had other chores to do.  I put a load of laundry in the wash and wrote a few post cards.  After the laundry was in the drier, I headed to Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative, where I planned to have a cup of coffee and write.

Note to self: try to get a better picture.

For a picture of the Co-op, this shows a nice view of the opposite side of the street.  After that pleasant interlude, I went back home to Herkimer to consider further options. I went to two neighborhood garage sales, where I made a few fun purchases.  Then I decided to walk to Main Street to the Mohawk Valley Community Market, which includes Renewed and Rescued, and Wakefield Furniture.

Unfortunately,  it was close to their closing time when I got there.  I went across the street to the End Zone Pub and Grub for a beer.  When I was in the army, a drill sergeant said it was a good idea to have one beer the night before a PT test.  YES, I had just one beer!

Now I am home and taking it easy before my big day tomorrow.  I had a bowl of pasta and I am hydrating.  Am I better prepared to run 15K than I was last week at this time?  I don’t know.  However, I had an enjoyable Saturday and I am looking forward to Sunday.

 

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Without Hoopla or Help

Posted on September 11, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I did a thing last Sunday.  I ran 9.31 miles.  Yes, it was my Virtual Boilermaker 15K, and I pretty much backed into it.

I ran for one hour one minute on Saturday.  I had a bad headache, which running seemed to help.  Unfortunately, I started to get nauseous.  Now, I have the idea that I can run pretty much as long as I make up my mind to.  Not so on Saturday.  Quite abruptly, I felt, “No.”  I don’t know if it was from my mind or my body, but I stopped running.  I walked home, wanting nothing more than to stay perfectly still, which I was eventually able to do.

Still, I think an hour is a pretty good run, and I had included a few hills, so I was not entirely dissatisfied with myself.  Sunday I thought I would try for seven miles, however long that took me.  Then I would be in good shape for the Mini-Maker at Copper City Brewing in Rome on Sept. 13.

For a hill, I went out Main Street.  Part of the road is closed to traffic, but they don’t say anything about overweight, middle-aged runners, so I feel free.  It is steep and long-ish, and if I go all the way out Highland, I can come down Steuben Hill.  Sometimes I go up Steuben and down Highland, but I prefer to go up where it is steeper and down the more gradual slope.  Just my preference.

The run was going pretty well.  My first mile was almost 15 minutes, which I was not pleased about, but I told myself not to worry, just keep going.

It was sometime after the second mile that I began to toy with the idea of going for the 15K.  I had a bottle of water in my hand.  I could re-fill it at the spring.  That was almost as good as having water stations. I had not planned my entire route, but I could just keep going till Map My Run told me nine miles.  Then I could keep going till it was 9.3.  I should be able to look at my phone (strapped to my upper arm) enough to ascertain that.  I just couldn’t finish on a sprint, as I like to do.

The phrase occurred to me, “without hoopla or help.”  That’s it, I thought.  Without hoopla or help, I will run my 15K.  It kind of went against the grain, because one of my mottoes of life is “I get by with a little help from my friends.”  In this case, however, I decided to do something by myself, for myself, to prove I could do it.  I was running through some fairly level streets in Herkimer, NY while I thought this.  I tried to keep up my pace yet told myself that it did not matter how long it took me, as long as I went the distance.  Then I started thinking about hills.  I had gone up a big hill.  I did not need to do any more.  Did I?

The fact is, Herkimer is not that large, especially if I did not want to cross Route 5, which I did not.  Additionally, I wanted to be at least an hour into my run before I finished my bottle of water and stopped by the spring.  All things considered, I decided my best bet would be to go up the kick-buttest hill in the residential area behind Valley Health.  I suppose I could have gone up the hill to Herkimer College, but I felt more comfortable in the other area.

It was not too awful getting up that long hill, and I was slowly racking up the miles.  I was just over an hour when I refilled my water.  Now where to run?  I thought of a route that would bring me by my beloved Historic Four Corners.  I’ll do that!  Then I added in a few more turns and streets, because I needed to run longer.  Soon I was wishing I had fully charged my phone, because it started making a noise which I was afraid meant low battery.  Please, phone, please, last for me!   At last I was at nine miles!  I was headed down Prospect Street, almost at Bellinger Avenue (not to be confused with Bellinger Street).  I could enter where it said Do Not Enter!  My favorite!

As I headed up my own street, I twisted my arm enough to see my phone.  Map My Run, don’t fail me now!  It did not.  I stopped running when it said 9.31 miles.  Yay!  I was right across from a neighbor sitting on his front stoop, one I often greet as I run by.

“I just ran my Virtual Boilermaker 15K!” I told him.

“Good for you,” he said.

And I just finished my blog post about it.  Phew!  I guess I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

 

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By the Way, It’s Raining Again

Posted on August 30, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, I have the Type It In Backspace It Out Disease.  However, I want to make a blog post, so let us see what I can come up with.

I loves me some dark clouds, yes!

I took this picture of the sky outside my house while waiting for my friend, Kim, to pick me up.  We have had an off and on rainy day.  I felt a few sprinkles when running this morning and heard a downpour earlier this afternoon.  I got the front lawn mowed before the downpour, so that was one thing in my favor.

Not quite pumpkin time yet, but…

Kim and I had a nice lunch at Salvatore’s in Herkimer, NY.  This is a picture from October 2019.  They do not have the fall decor yet, but I hope to see it soon!

A more recent picture.

This is not a picture from today, nor yet a picture from Salvatore’s.  But it is my friend, Kim, having a glass of wine, so I feel it is apropos.

Also not a recent shot.

I went through my Media Library looking for another picture to share and found another shot of storm clouds moving in.  I do so love a thunder storm!  Perhaps we will get one tonight, and I will have a chance to watch a scary movie!

In the meantime,  I am over 200 words.  Phew!  I’ll see what I can come up with tomorrow, on Wrist to Forehead Sunday.  Or will I have a Severed Head Sunday?  A little suspense adds interest to my evening.

 

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It’s Scattered, It’s Lame, It’s Late

Posted on August 29, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

What’s wrong with making my Friday Lame Post on Saturday morning?  Maybe a few things, but here we are.  It is prior to 6 a.m., although my timestamp may disagree.  I can’t worry about these things.

This is a really awesome place.

I drove to Richfield Springs, NY to check out the Food Co-op.  I loved it!  I will write more about it soon.  I took went a different way out of town and drove over a scenic route to Little Falls.  Unfortunately,  I did not stop and take any pictures. Maybe next time.

In Little Falls I went to the Little Falls Public Library’s book sale.  I did not have as good luck as I did at last year’s sale, but I found a couple of books and DVDs (including a Bela Lugosi movie, yes!).  Once again, I do not have a photo to share.  What’s that all about, me?

It looks longer and less steep in this shot, I think. 

Here is a picture of my Friday I can share!  Earlier in the morning I ran up the hill to Herkimer College (H-trip-C to locals).  I ran all the way up onto campus, around the stadium, past the Veterans Memorial, down Reservoir Road, and THEN into the residential area behind Valley Health and up the kick-buttest hill!  I guess I should have made a Running Commentary Post and bragged about it.

So it was kind of a Scattered Friday.  In case anyone was wondering: no, I did not have to work.  I took my last discretionary day off, just to get rid of it in case my place of employment abruptly shuts the door.  And if they do not shut the doors and I have to work the rest of the year with no extra days off, I have promised to do a happy dance each day.  Won’t that brighten up the workplace?

 

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I Ran! I Was Tired!

Posted on August 28, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wednesday afternoon I went running with the intention of making a running commentary post.  I’ll say it was the run that tired me out too much to make said post (there may have been other factors, but as I often say, explanations are so tiresome).  Therefore I sit at work (BEFORE my shift, not when I am supposed to be working), pen in hand (my Tablet is at home), trying to remember the run.

I put my smart phone in the arm band, trying to put it on so that it would NOT rub part of my arm raw (I am so incompetent at these thing) and set out.  I had a vague idea of running up the hill to Herkimer College, but my body was definitely not on board with the plan.  Nevertheless, I persisted.

I have signed up to run the MIni-Maker at Copper City Brewing in Rome, NY on Sept. 13.  Before signing I exchanged a few messages and  comments with the venue and the guy that mapped the route, wondering if it was right for me, or I was right for them.  They emphasized that I had to train.  Well, I have been training right along, but I am not any faster of a runner than I have been at any time these past few years.  They said I could start early, since they want to wrap it up in two hours or less.

With all this in mind, I thought I should perhaps train a little harder.  That is, to not let myself off the hook on a weekday run (as I often do) but to make a good length of time on a challenging course.  Hence, the hill to the college.  Of course I waffled and weaseled but ended up running what I call the kick-butt way up to the college: by the dormitories.  You run up a steep hill, through a parking lot on a more gradual upslope, repeat two or three times (I can’t remember how many, but it seemed like a lot), with the last steep part pretty steep and fairly long.  Or so it seemed to me.  I certainly did a bit of huffing and puffing along the way.

I ran the back way down to the village.  This is currently closed to traffic, so I got to feel all rebellious.  Additionally, I entered where it said, “Do Not Enter,” around a traffic triangle on my way there, and turned left at a “No Left Turn” at the end.  We middle-aged ladies have to get our kicks somehow.

My Map My Run app had dutifully told me when I was at one mile.  My rate was less than 14 1/2 minutes! Score!  It is not a great time, but it is a little better than previous runs.  I picked up speed going downhill, thinking to make further improvements, which I did.  I thought I should try to run three miles, which would take about 45 minutes, less if I kept up my pace.  I have to perception of distances.  All I can do is keep running and let the app track me.  I considered my options.  Up this street? Down that one?

I ran through the high school parking lot, down Bellinger Avenue to Graham, then down Church to Bellinger Street (yes, we have a Bellinger Avenue and Street in our little village; don’t get me started!).  I went by the house to the apartment building two doors down, then up their driveway.  I saw a lady I know sitting out front.  We greeted each other and she praised my running.

I felt pretty happy, because I ended up doing 3 miles in 43 minutes.  I don’t think I can run 15K in less than two hours, but dammit I will get as close to that as I can!

 

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A Walk By The Corners

Posted on August 26, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today I agreed to run a couple of errands for my husband, Steven.  I decided to walk to do the second one, carrying my Tablet for blogging purposes.  Never mind what the errand was; there is no point in advertising my husband’s vices.

Any time I walk or run, I am happy when I can go by Herkimer Historic Four Corners, and so it was today.

I love old gravestones.

The first corner I encountered was Herkimer Reformed Church.  I love the graveyard that surrounds the church so took a couple of pictures of it.

The front of the church.

Before I crossed the street, I took a shot of the Herkimer County Courthouse.

A majestic building.

Once across the street, I took a picture of the Suiter House of  Herkimer County Historical Society.

Must visit there again soon.

There was a person in the vehicle you see.  I called, “I was taking a picture of the building, not you!”  The fellow smiled and waved.  I tried to get a picture of the 1834 Jail, but it did not turn out very well.  Perhaps I can find a previous picture to share.

Temporary home of Chester Gilette and Roxalana Druse, among others.

After enjoying the four corners, I continued down Main Street.  I did not take any more pictures, but here is an older shot of Christ Episcopal Church, which I also walked by.

A lovely building.

It was a pleasant walk, and I quickly accomplished my errand.  I may or may not have stopped by the End Zone Pub and Grub for a beer (speaking of vices) but did not take a picture.  In any case, I avoided making a Tired Tuesday Post.  I hope to see you all on Wednesday, whatever it turns out to be.

 

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More Commentary Than Run

Posted on August 23, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have not done a Running Commentary Post in a long time.  I thought I would be doing more, and perhaps this blog would become All Virtual Boilermaker 15K All The Time.  But not so much.  I took a long run this morning, though, so let’s see what I can come up with.

As my runs go over an hour, which the longest ones do, I realize the Herkimer is not that big of a village.  The places I particularly like to run are more suited to runs of 40 minutes or less.  My body tends to prefer runs of those lengths as well, but I’m training for a 15K over here.

Today I ran where I could later drive, so I could see how far I ran.  Regular readers may remember how I delight in entering where it says, “Do not enter.”  I guess that is under the heading It Takes So Little To Please Some People.  I have started using the Map My Run app on my recently acquired smart phone.  Unfortunately,  the arm band I got for it has rubbed both arms raw.  I’ll have to figure out how to fix that.

As I ran, I alternated between wanting to stop now and coaxing myself to run a little further.  I seemed to go a long way then find only a little time had passed.  Then I wondered if I could remember where all I had run when I went to drive it.

To my surprise,  the drive was way more tiresome than the run.  I kept thinking, “This is taking forever!”  Imagine my chagrin when I found I had gone a mere five miles.   I feel certain I can keep going for the full 15K (9.3 miles,  in case you didn’t know), but I fear it will take me a while.

I also have a lot of logistics to figure out.  That will no doubt be worth at least another blog post or two.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Errands and Beer on Non-Sequitur Thursday

Posted on August 21, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today I went for a walk with a few stops to make.  I carried my Tablet thinking to take a few pictures to make a blog post.  We’ll see how well I did.

I hoped to get the hanging flowers in the shot.

My first stop was to pay our water bill.  I also took a picture of the memorial to K-9 Ape, who sadly died in the line of duty.

A very sad day in Herkimer history.

From there I walked down Main Street to Renewed and Rescued, a consignment shop which has expanded recently.  I was particularly interested in a vendor shot  occupieed by a friend.

I did not know how to get the picture without my reflection opin the mirror.

I mean to make a longer blog post about the various new vendors.  For today, I merely took some pictures and repaired to the End Zone Pub and Grub for a refreshing beverage.

This is a shot from a previous summer.

After enjoying a draft there, I decided to stop at Pete’s Tavern for one.  He has been doing some renovations and I wanted to check them out.

I did not get to sit at the bar today.

Another view showing the woodwork.

In the second shot, you really cannot see the neon signs.  In the meantime,  this is a few shots sharing with you my Thursday.   We shall see what I decide to share on Friday. As always, I hope you’ll all stay tuned.

It was an enjoyable afternoon.  I would now like to get on with enjoying my evening. I hope to see you all again on Lame Post Friday.

 

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Drinks and Friends

Posted on August 14, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

My idea was to have a Throwback Thursday Post,  but I wish to be sure I am throwing back far enough to be entertaining.  It does no good to throw back to something that everybody perfectly well remembers.

Good father and son team.

This is a shot from some time ago at the End Zone Pub and Grub in Herkimer.  It is the proprietor and his son.  I had a very pleasant time at the End Zone this afternoon. Monday I will be back at work with fewer opportunities for afternoon drinks at local watering holes.

Just to give an outside view of the place,

So that is a throwback and a current shout out.  Surely I can do better than that (and I will call you Shirley if feel like it).

Ah, memories of drinks past!

Here are Steven and I with our dear friends Phyllis and Jim at Herbert’s 1933 Tavern in Utica, NY.  That wonderful place is a little difficult to get to with construction the way it is in that area.  I must check out if it is still open and find my way there.

Another toast to friendship.

Here is a picture of our friend Tracy and me at the Waterfront Grille in Herkimer.  We have had many good times there as well!

So this is my Throwback Thursday Post, about different places to enjoy drinks and friends.  Naturally I can enjoy my friends with no alcohol involved! I will share those pictures in a future Throwback Thursday Post.

 

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Two Cafes, One Pub, Good Saurday

Posted on August 9, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

There was not a whole lot of scatter to my Saturday, by I hope enough to warrant a blog post.

First my friend, Kim, and I went to Zeina’s Cafe in Uitca for lunch.  They were doing a fundraiser for the Red Cross of Lebanon, in aid of the recent horrendous explosion.  They were donating 50% of profits, addition to collecting any donations patrons cared to make.

It is a really good place to eat.

They were doing a HUGE business.  I must return under more normal circumstances.

Next we went to the So Sweet Candy Cafe.  How could I be so close and not stop in?

My husband, Steve, with the proprietor, Margaret.

This is an old picture,  but I neglected to take any pictures today.

Next we went to the End Zone Pub and Grub in Herkimer.  We enjoyed a couple drinks and more snacks.

Also an older picture, but here is my lovely friend Kim.

I also neglected to take any pictures at the End Zone.  So sue me.  The above is a shot of an earlier occasion,  obviously during cooler temperatures.

I came home and sat down to watch movies with my hubby, who had declined to join us.

I’d scream too!

House on Haunted Hill was on of our selections.  We are continuing our evening with other cheesy movies, I hope.  Perhaps I will write about them on Cinema Sunday.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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