hello fall

By | September 26, 2021

maybe even more than the Target junk aisle?

I love you. You’re my favorite season.
Actually I love spring too, but fewer allergies give the nod to fall.

Project Repat Quilt

And what comes after fall? Quilt season! Well, my apartment is so toasty it’s never truly quilt season, but I can’t wait to wrap up in this near the window while I read. So many running, sports and travel memories in this gorgeous Project Repat quilt, including the Joyful Heart shirt (third row down, second from right) that I ran the NYC marathon in.And why yes, I did have a Hard Rock Cafe obsession for a while šŸ˜€

Fun fact, the San Antonio shirt on the left was from 1989 and still fit since we bought it as a sleep shirt. And now it lives on forever. I started assembling these shirts about fifteen years ago when a family member was starting to make these, and it was great to see it come together. If anyone hasn’t done a Project Repat quilt, the quality is amazing and price is reasonable. I bought this on a Black Friday sale so I think it was about $70 all in.

view south from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Do you know what else I love? Small doses of normal. I’m not ready for full time in person events, but I had missed a lot of what made work so much fun. So I was excited to be invited to preview SUMMIT ahead of their October 21 opening. It’s going to be an amazing addition to the city’s landscape and skyline, and was pleased to see it was so fear of heights-friendly. More photos here. We also had a hybrid Board meeting, and while I love all of what we do, the view stole the show. A further slice of normal was a museum happy hour and exhibit preview. The Whitney’s Jasper Johns show, also on view in Philly, was supposed to open last fall and it is well worth the wait.

this? Is not apple pie

Part of why I went to mom’s was to go apple picking. The weather was not conducive, so we ended up making Cookie Brownies. Need I say the word delicious? I had to laugh though-usually the challenge is getting cookies not to spread. This time we wanted them to spread, and they didn’t.

Pergola dining

One of mom’s pandemic projects was expanding the patio so the seven of us could sit around the table. Not just in these uncertain times, but it’s a great space that we should use as much as we do the front porch. This doesn’t fully capture the pergola/patio, but if you look closely you can see the velociraptors waiting to pounce. We’d just plated our entree for dinner with neighbors when the skies opened and we had to mad dash indoors, but the thought was there.

I’m not even going to try a two week run down since most weekday runs were I Ran. So have some random highlights as I link up with Deborah and Kim

Virtual Running Shenanigans

in a picture perfect place

Deborah, Kim, Michelle and I decided to run the Back on my Feet Running Festival. I’ve stopped doing virtual races, but I am always up to running for a cause. Homelessness has been a major issue that has become even more visible during the pandemic as traditional shelters were not safe when it came to COVID. One of many inequalities that the pandemic brought to the surface. I did love how neighbors made sure the woman who has lived in front of a nearby store for the last five years or so always had a supply of clean masks. It’s amazing how much of a difference little things can make.

I touched on this in my Hudson Valley post, but I did my 15K-ish along the Hudson River Greenway Trail between Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach State Park and Haverstraw and it was absolutely magic. The route wasn’t exactly what I planned-is it ever?-but I really, really have appreciated my time out of the city lately. New sites, but also truly fresh and refreshing air. Humans were not meant to live in concrete.

Am I half marathon training? Not really. I seem to have stalled out at 15K-10miles each Saturday and I’m OK with that. I could absolutely run three more if I had to, and I just don’t want to when I hit the 10ish mile mark. I actually contemplated 13 since I was doing the 2021 Hook route due a parking issue but couldn’t make myself go the extra mile. I know I’ll be fine on race day.

Looking south from DeMarco Park toward HellGate

Oddly, this weekend I went over ten courtesy of my fat fingers and my not knowing how to math without coffee, which further reinforced that I’ll be fine on race day. Roosevelt Island and Astoria Park were a nice distraction and beautiful course even if I had a whole lot of do not wanna leading me to an early warm up so I wouldn’t miss the fourth ferry of the morning. I thought that distance, plus accidentally stopping it when I went to pause to buy more water, plus cool down to the ferry home was going to come in around 9, which I was fine with. Nope, 10.11. The run didn’t feel great as I was slightly dehydrated and it’s that time of the month, but nothing to worry about.

walkway to Memorial Park

Can I totally digress into land use and tourism? Memorial Park is about a quarter of a mile from where I grew up and it went through fits and spurts of being usable. I have childhood memories of watching fireworks there, and then years of it being off limits due to needles and crack pipes. In the last decade or so it has been rejuvenated with a skate park, water park, giant slide and in the last year, a walkway from the municipal lot. There was an uproar about that when they removed all but accessible parking, but I think it makes sense. Parks are for people, not cars. And cars drove so unsafely that it was only a matter of time before someone was seriously hurt or killed. Given the proximity of the lot to the playground, it was likely to be a kid. This isn’t the perfect solution – park parking was free and muni is metered, but I think it’s part way there. Rockland County is really trying to improve their greenways, and this is a huge first step. It also made for part of a wonderful walk Sunday morning to stretch out the legs after Saturday’s run.

syzygy, the vision

Photoville installation, East River Greenway

Speaking of humands and water access…This piece of Lola Flash’s Photoville exhibition was installed after I last ran the river on Wednesday and Monday morning and it was a pleasant site on the four mile loop that has gotten very same-y. I love the route and am grateful for quick access to the river, but I needed something new. It also served as a good reminder to explore the other installations around the city. Hmm, do I smell a run tour like the one I did for our public art campaign last summer?

This last summer evening sky

I really have been trying to walk more since it keeps the hip loose and the weather has been amazing. Mother Nature rewards me morning and night and reminds me I should walk even when I don’t want to.

I <3 rain runs

This look says why do we do this? But this was actually my favorite run of the week. Office run group was schedule casualty so route was my own. I was going to do somewhere between 5-8 to catch up on some shorter runs earlier in the week and came in just over six when the lightning started. I’ll run through all the rain, but have no need to be electrocuted to prove I am A RUNNER or to hit an arbitrary number for the month.

The do not wanna and one favorite run makes it sound like running isn’t good right now — it is. It’s just a rut. Aside from one run, I’m in bliss when I’m out there.Ā  Just tired of the same routes and all the concrete. One of the most unsung upsides of marathon training was someone telling me where to run. I’ll be fine, it’s just one of those moments we all go through.

In the mean time, lots of foam rolling and self care in the form of new books, a pedicure and some time with friends.

 

33 thoughts on “hello fall

  1. Wendy

    That’s the essence of running, right? The do not wanna and the one favorite run? Looks like you had a wonderful couple of weeks. Your Hudson Valley run made me want to visit and I will need to do that. Meanwhile, I have to heal. Making apple crisp today with the apples we bought up in Wisco last weekend. Fall is also my favorite season.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      It really is, and all too often the do not wanna turns into the favorite run, although all day Thursday I wanted to run so wasn’t the case this week.
      You have some amazing trails and water near you/Wisconsin, but I think you’d enjoy these too. Such a pretty area. Love to show you around
      mm apple crisp!

      Reply
  2. Marcia

    How great to have so many fun memories come together in that quilt! I’ve gotten rid of so many race shirts but then again I probably have plenty of “meaningful” ones left too. What a beautiful fall patio table setting. I think the days out on our deck are numbered but I’m loving them while they last. That’s great you got to enjoy some “normalcy”.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yes, totally. And because a bag of these were out of sight/mind at my aunt’s, it was nice to rediscover ones from high school and college. A few mad it in, a few with the POV of adulthood got tossed. I didn’t end up putting as many race shirts as I thought, surprisingly.
      Me too on outdoor time, so I take all I can get

      Reply
  3. Darlene S Cardillo

    Love my quilt too…so many memories.

    You are enjoying the out of city getaways. I am dying to get back to the city. Today was my 7 year anniversary of my first ever Central Park run. I made my friend take the train and wait while i ran around the reservoir.

    Glad to see you enjoying some normal events…

    You will be fine for your half.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Did you spot “our” shirt in the bottom row?
      I think we all need a break from our 18 month every day routine. 7 years. WOW.

      Reply
  4. Coco

    Fall is my favorite season too! Yay on the accidental 10 miler. I aborted my Texas run when it was going to be an accidental 8 miler. I feared the wrath of the Achilles.

    Iā€™ m with you on ^small^ doses of normal. I was not ready for the crowed cocktail reception in a small hotel meeting room, but found some people in a distant corner to talk to instead. OTOH, I was OK eating indoors at a roomy restaurant with other vaccinated people, although Iā€™m still opting outside when possible.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Distant corner is my kind of conference session even in the before times. Glad you found somewhere you could feel more comfortable. Winter is going to be interesting as far as eating indoors. I don’t eat out often, but not sure I want to do sushi by blowtorch again this season. We shall see.

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks

    Looks like you have had a great few weeks of running. I did a number of 10 milers and one 11 miler for the half so we shall see how that works out for me. Loving all your photos lately. Have a great week

    Reply
  6. Liz Dexter

    New books I know about or new books I don’t know about? I have been shaken out of my rut by having a bit of a strained foot and now I can’t wait to be toiling round those familiar routes again. Oh and we do need another run tour!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      we do! Oddly I’d only read the first half of this comment before my runfession of not taking a Fred photo-Fredfie?

      Reply
  7. Kim G

    I went to NYC for the first time since February 2019 and I have to admit that I was pretty freaked out when I first got on the train but I calmed down a little but after a few minutes. Like you, I’m definitely not back to “full normal” yet but it’s nice to get out of the house every now and then.

    Thanks for running the virtual race with us!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yeah trains have taken some adjustment. I’ve done Metro North a few times, but this month was my first on NJ transit and that was a whole other level.
      Hope you had fun!

      Reply
    1. cari Post author

      It really is — the no stress realization that it is doable!

      Reply
  8. Jessie

    Great photos! Looks like a wonderful few weeks. If you’re okay with 10 miles, I’m sure a half would be just fine. Small doses are normal, but I’m still quite cautious. I also don’t know that I ever want to go back to normal normal, I never liked being packed in with people and their coughing and germs.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Same! Especially the subway at rush hour. I think run/walk commute is going to be a long term thing so long as it’s not icy rain.

      Reply
  9. Michelle D.

    I love that quilt – such a fun way to preserve some memories. I should look into one.

    You seem to be on such solid ground with your running I would think you’re in great shape for your half.

    Yay for small doses of normal – it does the soul good.

    Thanks again for joining in on the BOMF run!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Such good fun, glad you reminded us about the race.
      I had been talking about the quilt for so long, it was good to see it become a tangible thing, and to sleep under it last night!

      Reply
  10. Kimberly Hatting

    I love the pic of you with Kim and Michelle <3 I also love the quilt! I have gone back and forth on getting one (or several, let's be honest LOL) made. I have gone through my 'inventory" numerous times, and I have numerous shirts that I love the graphics, but detest the fit. Then, there are those that have significant memories, so I don't want them just lumped in with the other ones that I deem less significant. But, honestly, I really don't need more stuff cluttering up my furniture, sentimental or not. So, I'm in a holding pattern…. (but this just gave me an idea for a future blog post).

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I feel like you’re in that photo virtually since you taught me that app. šŸ˜€

      I had the best laid plans of a running or travel only quilt, but then distance from some of the shirts made a cull easier and I decided I was OK with a kitchen sink. I’m actually beyond OK when I look at it now because I think all the things. I have some super soft shirts that I thought would get quilted, but instead I sleep in them (Bix is one).
      If you do do tech shirts in yours, sharpen your scissors first. Those were a harder cut.
      Furniture clutter is real. I just sent the former blanket home to mom’s for a bath and vacation because I have no room — but I had no room for the shirts either. So many “problems” šŸ˜€

      Reply
  11. Debbie @ Deb Runs

    Your two sunrise/sunset pictures are gorgeous! I do love fall and we just got a heaping dose of gorgeous fall weather on Friday that’s still sticking around. Fingers crossed we have a long fall and late start to our winter.

    I’ve said for years that I’m going to make a quilt out of my race shirts, but I’ve never done it… Yours turned out great!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      FALL is the best and I think it’s finally here to stay after some weird summer weather

      Reply
  12. Jenny

    I LOVE THAT QUILT! And I love the thought of you wrapped up in it, reading on a cold day.
    It sounds like you seek out a lot of interesting places to run. I think everyone goes through phases of being more and less enthusiastic- hopefully the fall weather will yield some great runs for you. I think you’ll be fine for your half- a bunch of ten mile runs will serve you well!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      yes, reading on a cold day is going to be perfect, especially since my chair folds into a lounge (and then twin bed).
      Fall running has been great, knock on wood

      Reply
  13. Chocolaterunsjudy

    We stopped at one of the orchards we often stop at on the way back from my mom. It was really nostalgic, going further upstate for apple picking with family & friends is a fond Fall memory. Although how I managed to do it with the bees is beyond me.

    I think we all get in running ruts from time to time. I mean, routes get old, bad weather can get old, and there are times when it actually feels like a senseless thing to do. Or is that just me, LOL?

    Then a great run or a new place reminds you why you do this! You have so many great routes with fantastic views!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yep, Totally think ruts are normal and part of the mental part of running. A little fresh air and views is always good

      Reply
  14. Jenn

    I am so glad you are finding those bits of normal. They are creeping in here, too, although I still exist with a healthy (or not) level of anxiety. I just worry about all the things now.

    I love that you joined in on that run. We will be running for a local breast cancer foundation on Saturday, and I am so glad we can be there for it.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      had a long talk with a friend last night about anxiety v. reality for me with COVID. It’s a fine/weird line. HUGS

      Reply
  15. Lisa @ TechChick Adventures

    Running math is the worst šŸ™‚ Glad you enjoyed your 10 miler! Your water view reminds me I need to get down to our river and run again. It’s great that some normal-ish things are coming back to your area!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yes! Water views make it all so much better
      If I could run on coffee I wonder if I could math. Doubt it

      Reply

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