One of the things I love about the weather (finally) getting warmer here in Buffalo is the motivation to run in the morning.

When it is cold, I put it off until the warmest part of the day which is usually the afternoon.

I like to get up, eat breakfast and have my coffee (lot’s of coffee) and then hit the road before I do anything else. (By the way, did you know that conventionally runners give up caffeine the week before a race and then hit themselves with it right before??? SO. NOT. HAPPENING.)

I had a 6 miler scheduled on the day we were leaving for Virginia to see one of my sons who is moving to Oregon where he will be fighting forest fires in Deschutes National Forest.

Bird Island Pier

The day was cool, but nice for running. I ran to Broderick Park, which is part of the National Underground Railroad Network.

Bird Island Pier is connected to this park, and runs about 1.5 miles out. I ran under the Peace Bridge, and had great views of Canada. I haven’t been here in years and forgot how long the pier actually is!

Bridgewater, VA

Virginia is beautiful! Spring has arrived in Bridgewater and what better way to experience it than a run!

Our son joined us (part of training for fire-fighters) and we did 8 miles in wonderful weather and my husband and I were giddy at seeing the green grass, flowers and leaves on trees! I can’t tell you how this past winter has depressed us!

We went 8 miles, super easy pace, just talking and enjoying being together. Eric (our son) even saw some things he didn’t know were in town…two weeks before moving, lol!

The next day was another 6 miles, and I was pooped! Because of the weather earlier in the week I had been running every day and this was Day 5. Rest day the next day was much needed!

So I ran in just  sports bra…

So, I did something in Virginia I have never done before and don’t know if I would do again here in Buffalo…I took off my (hot) running shirt towards the end of the run and ran in my sports bra. Listen, at age 50 if you are having hot flashes and running in hot weather you do what you have to!

Since my son is moving, I will probably never be in Bridgewater again so if my 50 year-old body scared anybody they won’t ever have to deal with it again, haha!

Really, though, it felt great to run with a cool breeze and no sweaty shirt clinging to me! I’ll have to make sure I am wearing a nice sports bra for the marathon just in case!!