***************April 13, 2024******

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

I ran the first annual one in 2019. Due to COVID, in 2020, I ran the race virtually and in 2021, I ran it on a completely different course (a hilly one). I ran it againon its current course in 2022 and then last year, I was recovering from a broken foot so I had to skip it.

So I signed up for 2024 Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon as my 67th Half Marathon for several reasons:

• FOMO. Many of my racing/running friends were doing it.
• It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
• I am familiar with the course.  I run on it often.
• It’s a downhill course. (470 ft. elevation loss)
• I was unable to run it last year.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on March 17 in NYC. However, I was coming off a sprained ankle so I was happy to just cross the finish line.

On weekdays, I tried to run 3x a week…sometimes it happened, sometimes it didn’t (and usually only 3 miles).

And then on the weekends, I scheduled my long run. I didn’t get the 11 and 12 milers done that I had planned to do in order to prepare for this race.  Work, weather, work, weather, etc…

I was counting on some muscle memory from the 13.1 miles that I completed 4 weeks prior.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I picked up my bib (and Barbara’s) on the way to work on Friday at the race finish. It was pouring (and it rained ALL day!!!)

and then I ate pasta for dinner.

I checked the weather and it looked to be cloudy, cool with a slight chance of rain.

So what do I wear?

the usual with some added throwaways.

Race goals?

Also the same as usual. Finish happy with no injuries.  I have realized that having a time goal is difficult at my age. Having any expectations of a PR or even a course PR is unrealistic, as well.

thumbs up in 2019 as my 2:11 finish time qualified me for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon & Marathon.

again a successful 2:12 finish in 2022

That being said, since this race did not have the hills of NYC, I was hoping to have a faster finish time than my last half marathon … but again, anything can happen on race day.

Race Day:

Since I had run this race before, I was familiar with the start and finish logistics. But they still were tricky. There was a bus from the finish to the start (and no parking at the start). However this year, I knew when to get there and where to find nearby parking.  Over 2,000 runners had signed up for this race!!!

Well, I woke up to 40 degrees and rain!! The rain stopped but it was also windy so I completely changed my mind on what to wear – capris and long sleeve shirt (see pics below).

I added a throwaway shirt, sweatshirt, and gloves.  I decided against bag check since I parked near the finish (and I had given a friend who would be at the finish line cheering my jacket.) I also brought a mylar sheet from a previous race.

I met Barbara at 6:00 to carpool and we arrived around 6:15 am, found parking in the lot near the finish and then we walked to the bus. There were so many busses and as soon as one was filled, it left.

We arrived around 7 am and the race did not start until 8:30.

checking out the empty start area

There were so many familiar faces.. from former running groups, training groups, other races, etc..

with Renee who was gearing up to run the London Marathon

Barb & I were freezing!!

While we waited in a dugout (in case it rained and to shield us from the wind), we made some new friends.  They were from CT and MA. and super nice. It helped to pass the time and keep our minds off the cold.

Debby & Linda

Eventually, it was time to enter the start area. I entered near some racing friends (10-11 min. pace) but Barb went further back.

It appeared to be warming up a bit so I tossed both of my throw aways but kept on my gloves.

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

Course Map:

from my Garmin

Miles 1-5:

Thanks FB – view of the start (the Helderbergs)

The course started in the park and then we ran just over 2 miles on the roads of Voorheesville so runners could spread out before they got on the rail trail.

There were a few steep downhill sections and I am sure that I ran them too fast.

From there, the course headed east for about 9 miles into Albany on the rail trail. If you read my blog, you may remember that this is a trail near my home and that I run on often. It was nice to only have to run on it one way…going downhill.  It was not steep and I was able to run at a comfortable pace.

The problem was that I run warm and I could have kept on my original outfit.  I took off my gloves and rolled up my sleeves.

As per my plan, I walked at each water stop.  I think there were 2 in the first 3 miles.

There were clocks at each 5k.  I saw when I passed the 5k mark that I was running a little too fast. I slowed down so I wouldn’t run out of gas at the end (but obviously not enough.)

My breakfast was at 5 am so I was getting pretty hungry.  I was hoping that there would be a water stop soon… Nope not yet…

Eventually around mile 4, I just ate my first GU.

The great thing about a local race was the the crowd support and volunteers.  Many called my name (since it was on my bib) and it was so welcome.

One of tennis friends’ son was running this race and I saw her many times.

Here are a few pictures from previous runs on this same trail:

Miles 6-9:

So the race continued on this same trail.  The elevation felt a little steeper on this portion but my legs felt more and more tired.  Or should I say my quads were complaining from running downhill. Finally around mile 6 or 7, there was the water stop. I walked even longer than before.

At the 10k clock, it was obvious that I slowed (as expected).

What was nice about this race was that I knew so many of the runners.  They kept passing me by. Some just waved, others slowed and ran with me for a while. I also had some friends along the course who cheered me on.

When I saw my running friend, Deb, who was a court marshal, I threw her my gloves that I had been carrying for miles.

I walked (too long) at the next water stop around mile 8 and ate my second GU.

15k point

another cool FB pic

More pictures from previous runs:

All of a sudden, it started to drizzle, then rain, even a little sleet!! Then all of a sudden, it stopped completely. Very weird since as we approached Albany, it was dry.

Finally my tennis friend got a photo of me not walking and drinking water or eating a GU.

Miles 10-13.1

The rail trail finally ended and we were heading into Albany. This was my least favorite apart of the course – not scenic at all – running through the city (and not the nice part) and then along a busy road.

my tennis friend took this one

My quads were toast at this point.  My lower back ached and I just wanted to be done.

A few more water stops and longer walks. One last GU.

The clock at the 20K mark indicated that surprisingly I was still having a decent race (not PR decent but faster than my last two).

The last few miles seemed endless. It was no longer downhill. In fact going to the finish line was slightly uphill.

I walked a few more times and tried as best as I could to sprint through the finish especially since a few running friends were cheering me on and taking pics.

I saw the clock ahead and I hoped to finish under 2:21:00…and I did NOT!!

Was I walking?

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal, some water and of course, took some pics.

I chatted with some other runners who had already finished and took some more pics.

I checked the results. What? An age group award. I was 3rd.

And I chose $10 off another race (rather than merchandise).

Next I headed off to find my friends and some refreshments.

There was the usual food box for this race and chocolate milk.

There was also beer. Nah. Too long a line and too early in the day for a beer!!

Barb and I walked back to my car (which was nearby) and then we met all our friends for a celebratory brunch.

Final Stats:

still maintaining the positive split award

I was trying not to run under a 10 minute pace and not over 11… I was pretty good for 10 miles…

Additional Race Reflections:

I have yet to figure out how to negative split a long race. Maybe I need to train better (You think??)

My finish time was way faster than my previous half marathon but NYC was way harder. (2:37:07 vs 2:21:44). It was also faster than the one last September (2:25;03) and similar to the Brooklyn Half last May (2:21:41).

In 2019, I wanted a sub 2:12 finish so I would qualify for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon. And I did!! This year, I had no glorious expectations.

As you can see from the stats above, my lack of training caught up to me after 10 miles.

I have confirmed that downhill races aren’t as easy as you may think. Rolling hills are actually easier on the body. (We runners are never satisfied.)

My quads were sore for a day or two.  No injuries. So happy that I chose to run this race. Win. Win.

The Good:

• Lots of race info emailed and on website including runner guide and spectator guide.
• Easy packet pick-up. Neat race-related items.
• Registration options – cheaper without a hoodie.
• Free bus from the finish to the start.
• Many porta potties at the start. Long lines but they moved quickly
• Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end
• Downhill course (except for first and last 2 miles)
• Water and Nuun stops.
• GU available at several water stops
• Decent crowd support
• Well marked course for each mile
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Very cool medal.
• Great post race refreshments
• Immediate electronic race results
• PR bell
• Free photos
• Nearby – no transportation or hotel costs.
• Support from friends

FB pic of the finish (Hudson R.)

The Bad:

• Enough water stops. 6. But too many at the beginning and the end. One needed in the middle. IMO.
• The boring, unscenic last 2 miles.

The Ugly:

• Nada.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. ARE did a fantastic job attending to every detail.  I may even do it again next year.

Next Up:

A few shorter races –

Then finally:

MAY 18!!

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.