Tag Archives: running

Let’s Hear It For Perseverance!

Posted on June 15, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I woke up this morning saying, “I don’t want to run.  I’m not going to run.”  I am happy to report that I ran anyways. Now I shall attempt a Saturday Running Commentary post.

One good reason to run was that it was not raining.  Yesterday I thought I was getting out between showers, but it did not work out for me, either when I ran or later when I walked to the post office and Historical Society. Also, today was not windy and cold, altogether a much better day.

Unfortunately,  to begin with, it was not a better run.  My legs felt tired, my whole body felt tired.  I figured I would feel better as I went on, so I,  you know, went on.  I felt I should run a hill so decided to go out Main Street.  There are two chances to turn right and go back down the hill before you have to run all the way out Highland Boulevard (I may have that street name wrong; I haven’t run it yet this year).  I took the second right last time I ran it and thought to do the same today.

As I started up the hill, I did not feel happy.  I almost took the first turn but persevered to the second.  For one reason, my plan was to run for 36 minutes, my last longest time, then up it by the recommended ten percent on Sunday.  I made a long diagonal on the turn.  That was a little steeper but less time running uphill. Ugh.  Am I getting any better at running,  I wondered.

I reminded myself that sometimes my runs did not start to feel good before I had been at it for at least 20 minutes.  I looked at my watch.  Damn.

Fortunately, perseverance sometimes pays off.  My first reward was to pause VERY briefly and smell some peonies.  I had a few chances to do that.  Toward the end of the run, I got to pet a nice dog. And as I neared the 20 minute mark, I did start to feel better.

By the end of the run, I felt perfectly happy about going for 36 minutes.  It was no problem at all to keep going!  I could rock this!  I decided that long runs are the Way to Go (yes, yes, 36 minutes is a short jog for some of you; let me enjoy my little triumph in peace).

I felt glorious walking my cool-down.  Yes “glorious” was the exact word that repeated itself in my head.  I love running.  I hope it doesn’t rain too hard for me to run again tomorrow.

 

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Fourth Time the Charm?

Posted on June 12, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am hoping some of the readers of Monday’s post are curious to know if I once again found that running four days in a row is the Way to Go. I’m afraid I’m still on the fence, but I ran and thought I’d make a Running Commentary post.

The weather reports said it was cooler out today, you’ll need a jacket.  I didn’t go that far, but I did put a sweatshirt on my deck to wear on my cool-down walk if needed, and I made sure to wear a headband to cover my ears.

Right away it did not feel terrific. My legs were not happy and my knees hurt.  What the hell, body? I thought.  However, as long as I had gotten that far, I would continue.   I could make it a short run.  You can do those things when you run a few days in a row.

Kids were walking to school.  Maybe I’ll try leaving earlier next time.  We don’t usually  get in each other’s way, but I feel a little self-conscious,  especially when I am headed in the same direction as them and it takes me forever to catch up. I saw a young woman cross German Street, which was what I wanted to do, since I had it in my head to run up the hill by Valley Health.

My good time to cross made me practically run into her.  She looked amused (I probably do look comical) and wished me a good morning.  As I ran on, I heard behind me a car stop and offer the woman a ride.  From her grateful “Yes, please,” I hypothesized that she was headed up the hill to Herkimer College. I may be running that hill myself later this week.

For today,  however, I contented myself with the smaller hill.  It was enough of an effort at the time.  I continued on into the residential area, avoiding the hills and working my way back in the direction I came from.

As I went, it became not a bad run.  I don’t think I got a dose of endorphins,  but I did feel some of the antidepressant effects of exercise.  My legs settled into things, even my knees,  and my breathing felt OK.

I ended up running for 25 minutes.  As I started my cool-down walk,  I said good morning to a neighbor sitting on her front stoop.

“Good morning,” she answered.  “Do you feel good after your run?”

“I sure do,” I said.  “And the best part is the walk around the block after.”

I did feel good.  I wonder how running five days in a row would feel.  Maybe I’ll see how many days I can go.  As always,  I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Monday Run After Sunday Slump

Posted on June 10, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I missed making my Sunday post, Wrist to Forehead,  Cinema, or other.  I was working on that post about the tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.   I’d add more to it, say, “Oh, I can’t do this today,” repeat process.  I think I will be able to finish it today, but in the meantime I thought I would attempt a Running Commentary post.

I worked in the yard rather than run on Saturday (please believe that it was a workout), then surprised myself on Sunday by increasing my run time by the recommended 10 percent, to 36 minutes.  Compared to some of my running friends, that is not at all impressive,  but we all do what we can.

This morning I was feeling tired and inclined to let myself off the hook — after all,  running every other day is acceptable — but then I saw on my Facebook On This Day where I had posted, “Running four days in a row is the Way to Go.”  I thought it would be nice to echo that sentiment.  We’ll see on Wednesday whether or not I do.

In any case, I got out and started.  It did not feel great.  No matter, I was running and intended to keep going.   A short, easy run would be OK. The point was to do it.  Maybe I would feel better as I went along.

Eventually I did feel better.  It did not take long to realize my legs were quietly chugging along as if they knew what they were doing.  My breathing did not feel so great, so I concentrated on taking slow, deep breaths. I felt tired but able to continue.

The highlights of my run were the quick pauses I took to sniff lilacs and peonies.  A couple of times I had to take a few steps up a driveway or onto a lawn, but I felt sure nobody would mind.  Beautiful sights, sounds, and smells are to share!  At least so I believe.

Going up one street, a young man was sharing his music.  It wasn’t my favorite kind of music, but to each his own.  I passed a number of young people walking to school or waiting for the bus.  It’s a new thing for me to be running at this time on a weekday,  but never mind that.

I ended up running for 30 minutes.  I thought that was OK. I’m halfway to the aforementioned fourth day on a row!

 

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Blame it on Keith Morrison

Posted on June 8, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

A bad post is better than no post at all.

A bad run is better than no run at all.

These are both statements I made during this week.  I thought they might be worthy of some half-baked philosophy suitable for Lame Post Friday, but now I am not so sure.  Now it seems to me they are pretty self-explanatory truths.   Not even truisms, if you see what I mean.

Obviously not everything is better bad than none at all. For example,  husbands (I need hardly say that my husband is a GOOD husband, far better than none at all) (yes, wives too, I do not mean to be sexist. Sheesh!).  Where was I?

Ah yes, Lame Post Friday,  and I do intend to post lame.  Incidentally,  looking again at the second paragraph of today’s post,  I feel obligated to say, today’s run was not bad at all.  Yesterday’s and Wednesday’s were not so great,  but, well, you know, as I said.

I completely forgot where I was going with this.

I am obsessed with Dateline.

I panicked and looked for an illustration to pep things up.  In fact, I want to stop blogging and knit while watching TV.  Isn’t that what Friday nights — indeed, any night — are for?

He is fine, yes.

Keith Morrison is my favorite Dateline host.   His voice is marvelous. And I am missing one of his episodes! We can’t have that.

So this is my Friday Lame Post.  At least I am over 200 words.

 

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A Little Walk, a Little Post

Posted on June 5, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went for a walk with my Tablet and the specific intention of making a Pedestrian Post.  The other reason was that I had not gone running this morning and thought exercise would be a good idea.

When I ran yesterday, I was struck by some overgrown bushes with overgrown grass opposite.   It was not a problem to run through,  but there would not have been room for two abreast.  I reflected that when I was a kid, I would have pretended it was a tunnel.

I had a vivid imagination as a child. I guess I still do.

I turned onto Church Street and walked towards my beloved Herkimer Historic Four Corners.   First, however, I passed Temple Beth Joseph Synagogue and admired their rhododendron bush.

At least as good as mine if not better.

Next I noticed one of those garden balls I have always liked, in front of a nearby house.  I read a great thriller in which one was figured prominently.

One day I’ll have one in my garden. When I have a garden.

I turned down Main Street at the Four Corners and walked to Basloe Library.  Some major construction is going on there, so I took a couple of  pictures.

I made sure to get the sign in one.

 

I made a mental note of days the library will be closed.

When the construction is completed, I will have to do a whole post about it.  I was at Basloe yesterday (I should have made a post about that!), and it looks like great changes are in store.

My walk was not that long, but I enjoyed it.  Tomorrow I hope to go for a run.  A woman my age needs to keep up on her exercise!  And her blog posts.

 

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Not Much of a Run, Not Much of a Post, Happy Memorial Day

Posted on May 28, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I ran this morning, wearing my ARMY t-shirt so I could run in honor of our fallen veterans.  I thought I might make a blog post about it. Just now I thought I couldn’t,  but let’s give it a try.

I knew it was warm.  For one reason, I didn’t get out till 7 a.m.  However,  that meant I had some coffee before running.   That sometimes helps.  It helped today.

In previous runs to honor fallen soldiers,  I ran up to the Veterans Memorial at Herkimer College.   I was not up to that today.  Still, I thought I should make an extra effort.  I decided the hill by Valley Health would suffice.  I’m sure a greater effort would have been a greater tribute,  but one does what one can.

I actually felt it was a pretty good run.   I went for 30 minutes,  which was up ten percent  from last week (full disclosure: I ran for 30 minutes yesterday).  I stopped and petted two nice dogs.

While we’re being honest (referencing that full disclosure in the previous parenthetical comment)  it is becoming evening and I have been drinking since before noon.  In my defense,  I put in great efforts in yard work.  I don’t know that I achieved great results,  but is that really the important thing?

Is not the important thing that I have made a blog post on the third day of a three day weekend?   It has not been a Monstrous Monday and it hasn’t been a Running Commentary post.   But it has been a post.

You can judge me if you are so inclined.   As always,  I try for a better post tomorrow.   I hope you are all having a delightful Memorial Day weekend.

 

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Billy Wilder, Can You Help Me Now?

Posted on May 27, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought of making another Running Commentary post,  but that was much earlier today, while I was actually running.  Going for a run was about the extent of my usefulness for the day.  Well what do people expect out of me on a Sunday, anyways?  Regular readers know I often spend the day looking for a chaise lounge to swoon upon, dramatically posed with the back of my wrist against my forehead (hence the feature Wrist to Forehead Sunday).

Speaking of dramatic poses…

I shall attempt to peel my wrist off my forehead long enough for a Sunday Cinema post.   Earlier we watched Sunset Boulevard,  with Gloria Swanson and William Holden.  It was directed by Billy Wilder.  I suggested we continue the Billy Wilder theme with Double Indemnity.

They are an unsavory pair in this flick.

There are Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck.  Edward G. Robinson plays a supporting role,  my favorite character in the picture.

Steven wanted to take a break from movie watching, so I have a little time to ponder our next cinematic feature.

Classic.

We could continue the Billy Wilder theme but on a lighter note with Some Like It Hot.

Two of my favorites.

Another Billy Wilder movie we love is Witness For The Prosecution.

I haven’t reached my breaking point yet.

Or we could forget Billy Wilder and movies, and just watch Snapped.

 

 

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A Run to Start my Day

Posted on May 25, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

How about a Saturday Running Commentary to start the day?  Well, technically it does not start my day, because I had to run, then I showered and did a couple more chores… but you know what I mean (didn’t call you Shirley that time).

Full disclosure:  I had meant to be running in Liverpool this morning, from my sister Diane’s house.  But I did not have my act together to get packed and make the drive last night.  Did I mention that in last night’s post?  I’m too lazy to go back and check.  Uh, I mean I am too pressed for time.  Yeah, let’s go with the second one.

In a rare move for me, I got dressed and out running before coffee and a chance to change my mind.  I put on shorts and short sleeves before even checking the temperature.  It was 51 F, so that was OK (45 is my arbitrary and sometimes ignored cut-off for long sleeves and leggings).  It was foggy out, or “froggy” as my husband, Steven likes to call it.  He likes frogs.  I wished I was up to running up the hill to Herkimer College (formerly known as HCCC), to get a really good view of it.  Then again, the view from up there is prettier without the fog, and I am NOT up to running that hill (at least, I might make it up out of sheer stubbornness, but I sure wouldn’t feel good afterwards).  Anyways, I could see plenty of fog just looking down the street.

I turned right onto German Street.  The air felt cool on my ears and hands, but I felt secure in my wardrobe choices.  I crossed Main Street, since there was not much traffic that early, and decided to turn down the path over what used to be a hydraulic canal.  I want to walk down it with my great-nephew Sheppie sometime, because somebody painted places with certain steps:  march, jump, crab-crawl.  We used to call it crab-walk in my younger days.  It was my favorite, but I am not sure I would encourage anybody to do it on blacktop.  We used to do it in the grass.

My previous longest run was 27 minutes last Sunday (in this latest bout of getting back into running).  My runs during the week were shorter, after working all day.  Since I am not currently building up for a specific race, I decided not to worry if this was a short run.  For one reason, I was getting thirsty.  That is one advantage of pausing for coffee: I also drink water.  I just kept encouraging myself to keep going, bearing in mind that a nice bottle of water awaited me at my house.

The run ended up lasting 28 minutes. Woohoo!  I never got any of those endorphins, which quite frankly I could have used.  However, as usual, I felt good that I ran.  And now I feel good that I made a blog post.  On with the weekend!

 

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Tired From My Ego Trip?

Posted on May 22, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went running after work today,  so I thought I c

ould make a Running Commentary post.  Since finishing the run, I have been running around doing all kinds of useful stuff (at least I hope it was all useful), so no promises as to how much of the run I remember.

Mostly I remember that it started bad but ended good.  Oh dear, should I have included a Spoiler Alert? Maybe I am not up to a Running Commentary post and should content myself with my usual Tired Tuesday (check it out, the predictive text thingy guessed I was about to type Tired Tuesday).

Writing has not been coming easily lately.  I can’t add “tired or not” because it seems I am always tired.  However,  I persevere.  I was rewarded earlier with some good ideas for the novel I am working on.  After I hit Publish on this piece of nonsense,  I may work on it some more.

Then again, if this is all I can manage for a blog post, what business do I have embarking on a novel?  What an ego!  Well, I have always maintained that there are worse things than having an ego the size of Manhattan.

In the meantime,  I just hit 200 words.  I am going to put the Tablet down and pick up my notebook (I mean the regular spiral-bound paper kind, not another computer).  Happy Tuesday and I hope to see you all on Wuss-out Wednesday (BONUS!  The predictive text thingy guessed Wuss-out Wednesday! ).

 

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I’m Pleased with my Mid-Week Run

Posted on May 16, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

At least I have a good reason to be tired tonight:  I went running.  Although, considering the pace (slow) and distance (short) I managed, perhaps I don’t have a good reason but merely a lame excuse.  What a situation when it is NOT Lame Post Friday!  Never mind.  My plan was to do a Running Commentary post in lieu of the threatened Wuss-out Wednesday.  Let’s see how I do.

I was actually pretty impressed with myself that I automatically went upstairs to put on running clothes and gather laundry (I love to multi-task like that on mid-week runs).  I had had the vague plan to run, of course, since I had not run Monday or Tuesday (rain was my excuse those days).  I knew it would be a pity not to run, since I had run both Saturday and Sunday last.  I really want to get my running mojo back (and my writing mojo, and my house cleaning mojo, and any other number of mojos I have lost, but let us not digress) (and I truly thought “mojo” was a word, but my computer does not).  Where was I?  Ah yes, putting laundry in and getting out to run.

It was the first day this week that felt like May.  At work, we have all been griping about the blankety-blank cold (only we don’t say “blankety-blank”) (in our defense, we work in a factory).  Where was I?  Ah yes, in shorts and short sleeves in the sunshine.  I forgot to put on a headband.  I knew I would not need it to keep my ears warm but thought I might need it to absorb forehead sweat.  Oh well, I would just make the best of it.  I hate to turn around and start a run again.

Right away the run felt terrible.  I’ve had a bit of a sore muscle in one thigh since Sunday, which is to be expected when one has not gone running for a while.  I encouraged myself to persevere.  Just go for 20 minutes, I thought.  Then I thought, my weekend runs had only been 24 minutes.  Maybe 15 minutes would be OK.  No, no, not 15, I argued.  Well, maybe 15, I wheedled.  Just keep going.

So I just kept going.  I admired some tulips and other flowers.  I especially like the wild violets, purple or white.  I even enjoy dandelions, although I am allergic to them.  Personally, I prefer a lawn that is not manicured to purely grass and nothing else.  I like a more natural look.  One nice thing about running around the village (Herkimer, NY, where I live) is that you get to see a wide variety of yards.

I had to really push myself to get the full 20 minutes, but I did it.  Full disclosure:  I also had to push myself to get this blog post written, and I left out a lot of the narration in my head, with which I entertained myself while I ran.  Oh well, there’s no saying my gentle readers would find it as entertaining as I did. However, it kept me going, so I feel pleased with myself.  And I did not entirely wuss out on my blog post.  So I say, Yay, me.  And if anybody wants to shake their head (or their finger or their booty, of course) and say something like, “It takes so little to please some people,” feel free.

 

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