time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I am in NYC today. I ran the NY Mini 10k last year and convinced 4 of my running friends to run with me this year. And we all got in (which wasn’t an easy feat.)
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that the race will be just a small part of the visit…
Just in case the race doesn’t go well, I want to make sure they have fun and there’s no shortage of things to do in NYC (Broadway, museums, food, drinks…)
we have tix for this show
3. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that with the hills of Central Park, this is definitely not a goal race… 2026 seems to be the year of the PW. But I’m just happy to be out there and crossing the finish line.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of crossing that finish line tomorrow, I have the same Achilles soreness that I had last summer… but in the other foot.
It bothered me after the Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler so I took it easy and it went away. Then, it was stiff after the Run for Women 5k. Again, I skipped my runs and went to see my Chiro.
Hopefully, she worked some magic and it will be ok to run 6.2 miles.
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m waiting until my three June NYC trips (June 17) are over to acclimate my new cat …
the newest Dali (F, 2-3 yrs)
to my 2 other cats.
L to R: Diamond (F, 3 yrs on 7/14), Domino (M, 3 yrs on 8/20)
This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 19th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 18th in-person FRW race.)
It has always been held the Saturday after Memorial Day except in 2021, when due to COVID, the race was moved to September. In 2022, it again returned to its regular date.
on their webpage…can you spot me in the pink cap?
My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:
I mentored a beginning running group of moms in 2010 which was very rewarding:
Unfortunately, I’m the only one from this group who still runs.
In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:
and this photo made the cover of our local paper.
I even ran it in 2013 after breaking my foot at mile 1:
And in 2019, it was the last race for my VT friend Andrea (who died of cancer).
As you can tell, there is a lot of history attached to this race for me.
In 2020, I was named an Ambassador. That honor continued through 2022.
Believe it not, I even chose to skip my high school reunion in 2022 in order to run this race!!
Then two years ago, they changed the name of the race!!
It’s now called the Sara Lee Delightful Run for Women.
Nevertheless, I knew that I would do this race (no matter what they called it). I’m pretty sure I will always do this race!!
Unfortunately, in 2024, I had food poisoning the night before the race but I showed up and walked it with my friends. And actually I had the most fun ever.
Last year, it poured and many of my friends did not go…
I did, of course.
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did in 2018. Even have to walk the whole race. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.
And this was also my tenth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC).
2022
This year, I decided again to become a Mentor. I wanted to support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And connect with my “past TC” buddies, as well.
I volunteered on Wednesday evenings on the rail trail near where I live.
Many years ago, the day before I would walk to the Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past few years, they have held it at a local college.
As I did the past few years, I signed up to volunteer on Thursday evening at packet pick-up (and picked up my & Deb’s bib, shirt, cookies and bread)
48th this year and the shirt was gray…
and then I rushed off to my trail run.
The day before the race, I walked all day around the NY Botanical Gardens. No rest for the weary.
Race Day:
I used to love to walk down Madison Avenue and see the race banners and see the giant poster on the bridge.
pics from 6 years ago…
They changed the course nine years ago. This course is supposedly faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.
course map
elevation according to my Garmin
I did run the newer course the past nine years and I also liked it better than the original..
heading downhill to the finish line
Now this year, they decided to change it again but only slightly.
start higher up on Washington Ave (less of an uphill) and more time in the park…
As I mentioned above, this was my 19th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak.
Most of my local running friends were not running the race this year. But Deb and I carpooled and parked in the parking garage. And for the second week in a row it was RAINING.
Being part of the Training Challenge group, I could hang out and stay dry and warm in their tent.
We all complained about the weather but knew that we would run the race no matter what.
Soon it was time to leave the tent for the Training Challenge group photo.
the group was bigger since many arrived too late for the photo.
Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I used to, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.
Then we returned to the tent and waited until the last moment to head out into the rain…
more familiar faces… (Gail, Jenny & Linda)
I was scheduled to start in the red corral and squeezed into the crowd. I had taken off my jacket and initially regretted it as I shivered waiting for the race to start.
The good news was that the rain had stopped but it was quite windy and chilly.
a few elites… (Steph Bruce, Masters winner, on the right)
Mile 1:
my friend Gail (black leggings) so I am behind her somewhere…
The race began with a long steep uphill. And of course, it was super windy. With the new course, the hill was shorter. It was crowded but it was the wind that was the issue.
But I did run most of the hill… it was slow but I did it.
Mile 1 continued as we turned left and entered the park (and the hill ended).
There were rolling hills throughout the park. They were not bad and even I could run them without walking (but barely).
The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…And the puddles. You had to weaving back and forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes peeled to the ground to make sure you didn’t trip.
Mile 2:
There was a water stop around mile 1.25. I wasn’t thirsty but I used it as an excuse to walk for a bit.
More rolling hills during this mile as you went around the park circling the lake. Only one of the hills was steep but it was very short.
I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop but I did several times.
Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.
Mile 3-3.1:
There was a second water stop around mile 2.5. Again, I stopped for a drink (even though I didn’t need one) and walked longer than before.
Finally, we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.
It was a downhill (but unfortunately not as long as the previous course) and I had to remember not to start sprinting too soon. I’ve made that mistake in past years. Besides it was slippery from the rain.
Eventually I saw the 3-mile sign and I started to run as fast as I could while posing for the photographers and running though the finish line…
I crossed at 33:xx, a big PW…
I was surrounded by so many smiling faces. It was hard to be disappointed.
Post Race Activities:
I got my medal and then headed toward the refreshments. I grabbed a bagel, choclate milk and some pastries.
Then I returned to the tent to wait for Deb.
Our tent was next to the “elites'” tent but they were not there so they told us to grab some food – roast beef sandwich and potato salad 🙂
I checked my phone for the results. 5th in my age group. No award thisyear.
Additional Race Reflections:
Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run a PR or even close. In fact, it was a course PW but I still really enjoyed myself.
Since I can never remember my finish times. I looked up my recent ones after the race.
2014 – 28:51
2015 – 29:22
2016 -28:50
2017 – 27:48
2018 – 27:37 (PR)
2019 – 27:47
2021 – 28:16
2022 – 28:24
2023 – 29:41
2024 – walked
2025 – 31:28
I am pretty used to the fact that as I get older, I will be slower. So my expectation for each race that I repeat is to have a course PW.
So this race did not disappoint and I had fun.
I guess I just enjoy racing.
When I checked the age group awards, I discovered that in my 70-74 age group, there were 50 runners!!! (So 5th out of 50 ain’t bad.) In the 75-79 group, 25 runners!! This makes me so happy! One of many things I love about this all-women’s race!
I plan to keep on running it and walking it when I am not able to run.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
Interesting course (through a beautiful park).
Downhill finish.
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Two water stops (for a 5k)
The electric atmosphere.
Virtual option.
Free photos
Immediate results
Nice Swag for a 5k (tech shirt, medal, cookies, bread)
Cool medal
All women – all ages, all paces…
Negatives:
Uphill first mile.
Uneven pavement in the park
Slow pace.
Long line for the refreshments
Name change (it will forever be called the Freihofer race)
WEATHER!!!
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a great local race. And having it be ALL WOMEN makes it even more special.
Final Stats:
So FRW #19 is in the books!
The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with many women running or walking it. Can’t wait to do it again next year. I hope I can talk more of my local running friends into running it again too.
Next Up:
June 6
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year? Do you prefer 5ks or longer races? Have you ever run an all-women’s race? Please share.
A very busy week: 10 mile race, first boating day on the lake (rained out), lots of gardening, dinner out with tennis friends, a visit to the NY Botanical Gardens and my all time favorite race.
AND WE GOT ANOTHER CAT!
her original name was “Pulka.” Can you guess why her I renamed her Dali?
Last Week-
Sunday –Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler – I have run this race several times in the past so I was familiar with the logistics. It’s point to point so you park at the start and have someone drive you back after the race.
Unfortunately the weather forecast was accurate. It rained the whole race. But actually, we were only cold and uncomfortable before and after the race.
Monday – DAY OFF – Memorial Day.
I had booked a dock on one of the islands on Lake George and was hoping to take our boat our for the first time this season
Nope, too cold and rainy.
Eventually it was nice enough to do some gardening. So Plan B worked out fine.
Tuesday – Back to work and a beautiful day.
I started the day at the gym.
You may remember that we have 2 tuxedo cats . One is very sweet and the other is a BIG nuisance. My hubby thought that a 3rd may help. I wanted a kitten but they are hard to come by. And I happened upon this 2 yr old female who had been in a small cage for several weeks. I fell in love.
She is still in her own room and our nuisance cat is in hiding!?
Weather perfect for lunch on our deck (we redid it last summer).
the grill is to the far left and down the stairs is my hot tub…
After work, I was meeting my BFF for a walk so beforehand, I decided to run a little to see how the legs felt. Sluggish but not too bad.
sunset during our walk 🙂
Wednesday – Another nice day and I decided to run in the AM around the neighborhood
plenty of photo stops and I started too late as it had already gotten warm
and then after work, I went to my monthly dinner with the tennis ladies.
always fun to catch up (since I don’t play tennis anymore)
Thursday – I started the day again at the gym.
I left work early because I had signed up to volunteer at the expo for this weekend’s 5k. I took the opportunity to pickup my bib and shirt as well as my friends’.
Afterward, I rushed off to attend ARE’s first summer trail run. Or for me, trail walk.
and yes we had dinner and drinks afterward…
Friday- I took the day off to go on my annual visit to the NY Botanical Gardens. We drove part way and then took the train the rest of the way to the Bronx. This year’s the was Flower Power (the 60’s). And we were old enough to be nostalgic.
we were even treated to a warm sunny day!! (manyy more pics on FB & IG)
Saturday – Race for Women 5k – The only race that I have completed every year since I started running – so this was my 19th time.
I had to get there early as I was a mentor for the training challenge.
Deb did the race too and we carpooled to the start.
It was cold, windy and rainy … but everyone seemed to be smiling. Can’t ask for more!
Sunday -A gym visit and weather permitting up to the lake.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual in 2020, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races in 2021. This was one of them and unfortunately, it POURED the whole race.
In 2022, I ran this 10 miler again but on a very hot day. I did it with several friends and had fun.
I ran it in 2023 but skipped it on 2024 (don’t remember why…)
and then ran it again last year.
This year like last year, they offered this race as part of a 3 race challenge. Of course, I signed up for all 3.
The race is advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”
As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)
The logistics were also complicated. Either you parked at the start and got a ride back to your car after the race or you parked at the finish and got a ride to the start (or pay for the shuttle).
I signed up for Miles on the Mohawk 10m for several reasons:
FOMO. Many of my racing friends were doing it.
It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
I am familiar with the course. I’ve run it 4 times.
It’s a flatish course, mostly on a bike path.
It was part 3 of a 3 race challenge.
10 miles is easier than a half marathon!
This is now the only local 10 mile race.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I have run several 10 mile races. My slowest was last weekend: (1:54:31), and my PR was back in 2014 (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between as well as 2025’s at 1:48:33. If you’ve read any of my recent race recaps, you know that there’s little speed left in these old legs. And I am always prepared for a course PW and just happy to cross the race (without pain.)
Usually on the weekends this time of year, I run short races (which helps me work a little on my speed.)
But this year, I actually ran a 10 mile race the week before. Hopefully that helped my legs get ready for this race.
I also squeezed in 2 short runs during the week before the race.
I met my running friends Saturday morning to walk and after have brunch. I gave one my friends a bag of dry clothes since she was planning to be at the race finish thenext day.
Then I did some errands, gardening and then went out to dinner to celebrate my hubby’s birthday.
I normally carb load before races with pizza or pasta. It was a celebration (and no pizza or pasta on the menu) and so I had all those things I would never eat before a race: salad, wine, shrimp, ice cream. (Finger crossed for no digestive issues then next day.)
I debated about what to wear the race. I was hoping that it would not rain but…
Forecast:
Saturday Night: Rain, mainly after 8pm. Low around 46. Southeast wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Sunday: Rain. High near 52. Southeast wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
I changed my #flatme several times. First tank and skirt, then added compression calf sleeves and changed to a short sleeve shirt with DIY arm warmers.
Race Day:
I got up early and it was cold and raining already. (And my stomach was complaining from the food I ate the night before.)
I changed my outfit to capris and a long sleeve shirt.
Deb and I met at 7:15 am and carpooled to the start..
Mabee Farms is a really nice place to walk around before a race (when the weather is nice) – animals, the river, real restrooms, etc. when it is nice weather!!
But as predicted, it was raining!!!!
So we just grabbed our bibs, used the porta potties
and then sat in Deb’s car hoping the rain would stop.
The race started at 8:30 am. So soon it was time to head to the start area. Nope, the rain had not stopped!!!
I had decided to keep on my windbreaker as I thought that it was cool enough.
There were no formal corrals so I just entered into the crowd somewhere in middle or perhaps closer to the front. Deb moved farther back. I chatted with friends until it was time to move.
Sorry to be a broken record but my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) Throw those time goals out the window!!
Get to that finish line, and change into dry clothes.
Miles 1-3:
I started already wet but with my jacket (and hood) on…
From Mabee Farm, the first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S.
this year (thanks FB)
We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path. It was very crowded, lots of puddles which kept me from starting at a fast pace.
last year when the weather was nice…
In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. As I ran the first mile, everyone appeared to be passing me by. But I didn’t look at my watch, just kept going with the flow. In fact, wearing a jacket and long sleeves had my watch covered the whole race.
The scenery is pretty but I was cold and getting wetter by the minute. Of course, my pace was decent at first. I was feeling good… until I wasn’t.
Unfortunately I should left my jacket off. It was humid and I got very warm right away even though it was raining hard.
By mile 2, I stopped and tied it around my waist.
The Mohawk river changed to being on the left.
yup, last year again
The first water stop was at mile 3.3 (Kiwanis Park). I was very thirsty and decided to take a Gu as well.
Miles 4-6
Most of the race is a blur. I walked and ran. Those runners around me were doing the same. I tried to run more than walk. Not sure at times if I did or not. Some runners did continue to just run. But we played leap frog as I passed them when I ran and they passed me when I walked.
My bib obviously was getting very wet from the rain and I had it, as always, attached it to my belt. I noticed that one side had ripped off. Luckily I had a safety pin and was able to pin it to my belt. This, however, took more time that it should have.
halfway LAST YEAR – thanks to Bethany for the pic…
There was finally a second water stop at mile 5.6 (Lock 8 Park).
running even though I didn’t see the photographer…
Again I was glad to stop and drink. My friend Linda was volunteering. The volunteers deserved medals today!!
last year!!
Miles 7-10
The third water stop was around mile 8.1 (SCCC Bike Path Parking Area). More water and I took my 2nd Gu.
yup, I saw the photographer…
Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared. Maybe there weren’t big hills and I was just getting tired. I tried to run up them but it was more like a slog.
I was very happy that I did not get a blister this week (I wore wool socks instead my normal ones.). My lower back had the usual achiness and the neuroma on my left foot seemed more annoying. Otherwise, I just ready to be done and had to walk.. A lot.
the other runner is feeling better than I was…
The crowd was also thinning. And I was walking more and running slower.
But eventually we headed toward Mohawk Harbor where you could hear the roar of the crowds.
As I headed toward the finish line, I got one last burst of energy as I saw my friend waiting.
I crossed around 1::54:xx .
Since my watch was covered the entire race, I had no idea what my finish time would be. I actually felt better during this race than the week before as it wasn’t hot and humid. So I thought that my time would be better and maybe closer to last year’s time.
Nope.
A course PW but happy to done and upright.
Post-Race Activities
I got my medal and some water.
My friend Heidi was waiting for me. Most of the post race activities were supposed to be outside but they had to be squeezed inside (including a live band.)
yes, it was cold enough to need the firepits lit!!
I grabbed some chocolate milk, a brownie and a turkey sandwich but I really wasn’t hungry at all.
I checked the results and I actually won an age group award. Amd I chose $10 off another race (instead of a shirt).
At 10:30 am and COLD, I decided not to gte my free beer and then waited on a LONG line to get my additonal medal.
this was part of a 3 race challenge (10k+13.1+10) = 29.3
By this time, Deb had finished.
Instead of eating our lunches, we decided to go out to brunch.
HOT drinks!
Additional Race Reflections:
So yeah, I finished slower than I wished. A course PW. But hey, I felt good. Nothing really hurt. I didn’t even feel that tired. (A minute faster than the week before!! So not a PW)
I never regret a race that I’ve run, even a wet one.
But I think next year, there’s a smaller local 15k the day before and so I think I may take a break from this 10 miler.
Positives:
Ample parking at the start and finish.
Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
Bag check
Well marked course.
Varied scenery including river views
Lots of course marshals
Shuttle to the start (if needed).
Well organized.
A lot of pre-race information.
Familiar faces
Decent Post-race food.
Race shirt optional for more money
Cool medal.
Free Beer (in Druthers)
Free photos
Immediate results (and live tracking)
Firepits post race.
Live music post race.
Negatives:
My slow finish time due to lots of walking.
If it were hot, I would have wanted more than 3 water stops.
The rain!!!!!!
Crowded due to post race events moved inside
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when the weather is warmer/sunny and runners could hang out before and after the race comfortably.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
5k on May 30.
Happy Running! Have you run a 10 mile race? What is your favorite distance? Are you planning to run a long race this summer? Please share.
A 10 mile race last Sunday and another 10 mile race today (in the rain)….
Last Week-
Sunday – Boilermaker Erie Canal 10 miler – a new race for me and I carpooled with two other runners (and the hubby of one drove us.). It was an early morning since it was almost 2 hours away and we needed to be there by 7 am.
It turned out that our weather went from winter to summer… so it was a humid warm morning. But we all endured and finished. Tired but ready to do another.
I was almost surprised at how many local runners made the drive as well..
I did some errands (too sore to garden) but we had our first barbecue of 2026.
Monday – Today was my normal running day but no, I decided it wasn’t a good idea so I went to the gym first thing. Then I met Jenny for a lunch walk (WTH? Feels like 90!!)
and after work, I went to my pickleball lesson.
Tuesday – Again back to the gym and and a walk at lunch and after work.
It was 95 and felt even hotter so my friend Jenny cancelled our lunch walk.
I had another walk planned with 2 former co-workers but when I arrived at our meeting spot, I found out that they also thought it was too hot.
I grabbed some water and walked on the rail trail… there was a breeze and it was shaded so not as bad as I feared
Wednesday – To prehab for my next race, I had an appt with chiro… then off to the office.
Unfortunately my chiro had to cancel but luckily I was able to get in to see her the next day.
After work, the training challenge preview run was scheduled. IOW, we all ran the race course.
I felt really sluggish and walked a lot but it was nice to see that so many runner showed up…
Thursday -Summer over? Back to spring temps but a live teaching day 1…
and finally had my chiro appt and a run afterward.
love to see all the flowers that are starting to bloom
Friday- Day 2 teaching live so just mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Since I had a race the next day, I met my running friends but walked instead and had brunch after.
In the evening, the family and I went out to dinner to celebrate my hubby’s b-day.
Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler – I have run this race several times in the past so I was familiar with the logistics. It’s point to point so you park at the start and have someone drive you back after the race. Deb will be carpooling with me. Fingers crossed that the rain holds off (but the forecast doesn’t look promising)…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday-Holiday – DAY OFF, boating (weather permitting)
Tuesday – run, walk w/BFF
Wednesday – PM run (training challenge group) Tennis dinner
Thursday -AM run, volunteer at expo, ARE Trail run
Friday- DAY OFF – visit to New York Botanic Gardens
Saturday – Run for Women 5k
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler Race Recap
Friday –Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Do you race often in the late spring? Any exciting plans for the long weekend? How do you feel about racing in the rain? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
When you are running, your body releases certain chemicals and hormones that help with neurological resilience. Studies show running lessens your brain’s stress responses.
2.Running improves your mood.
No matter how long you may run, you are often in a better mood once you are running. One study found even 15 minutes a day can make a positive difference in your mood.
3.Running helps to lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression.
One recent study found people who took up running had a similar effect on their depression symptoms as people who took antidepressants.
4.Running improves resiliency and perseverance.
The more time you spend running, the tougher you are mentally. Going just a little bit further means convincing yourself that you can finish that distance. People who develop this mindset have a stronger sense of perseverance – a skill that carries over into other areas of their life.
5. Running promotes gratitude.
Being consciously grateful about having the ability to run carries over to other areas of life. When you may feel stressed out or struggling with other parts of your life, this mindset can put things into perspective. When you start to notice negative thoughts that creep in around home life, work life, go for a run. You realize that you can do hard things and you can manage difficult situations.
Happy Running! Has running improved your mental health? If so, how? Please share.
Apparently it used to be a half marathon but they changed it to a 10 miler and relay in 2023.
The Boilermaker 15k is very popular (and I plan to run it for the first time this July.) It ends at the brewery and you get FREE beer.
I ran the Boilermaker 5k back in 2008 (my first year of running.)
But my friends Jenny and Linda talked me into it.. the cost if you registered early was $26. They said that we would carpool and Linda’s hubby would drive us.
How could I say no?
DESCRIPTION:
rain last year!!
The Boilermaker’s Erie Canal Races include a 10 Miler & Relay as well as a 5K. The courses start and finish on the track in the Ed Wadas Athletic Complex at Whitesboro High School in Marcy, NY.
They will cover the trail along the pedestrian bridge over Rt. 49 and make their way to the scenic & historic Erie Canalway Trail and then back.
10-Mile runners will turn around just before the Harbor Point Lock and return on the trail to Whitesboro High School to finish on the track.
Elevation according to my Garmin:
no . the hills were not steep.. the hills were rolling…
Race incentives include a performance tee shirt* and a finisher’s medal Shirt is 100% polyester moisture-wicking short sleeve and is a crew neck for men and v-neck for women
Pre-Race Activities and Preparation:
I ran a half marathon on April 11.
Since there have been short runs on weekdays and a few longer runs on the weekends (8m, 10k, 5k, 6m).
Hopefully there will be some muscle memory in my legs because I definitely didn’t feel trained for the 10 mile distance.
But it was a new race for me, in a new location and with 2 friends.
And since I had another 10 mile race scheduled for the next weekend, I didn’t plan to go all out and get injured.
My 10 miler last year was Miles on the Mohawk – 1:48:33 so my expectations for this one would be around 1:55.
Race Day:
The plan was to meet Jenny at 4:40am and then drive to Linda’s house. Linda’s hubby was going to drive us to the race. Though the race started at 8am, we had to pick up our bibs and we weren’t sure of the logistics.
That meant 3:30 am wake-up, have my coffee and oatmeal and get out the door by 4:30 am.
How’s that for a Sunday?
It’s been chilly until the day before so I still packed throwaways.
Not necessary. It was humid and warm!!
We got there plenty early.
There was coffee and snacks and easy packet pick up.
and real restrooms!!
We just walked around…
the race started and ended on this track
getting ready
Surprisingly there were other runners from our area that made the drive…
grabbed a cup of coffee
Soon it was time to line up. No corrals. Everyone started together (the 10 milers and the relay teams).
And off we went.
I started behind Linda but quickly lost her.
The race looped the the track and then exited onto the road.
We ran along traffic and over two bridges before we finally entered the bike path.
It was sunny (but luckily the sun went behind he clouds until the end of the race.)
The humidity did not leave!!
As always I started out to fast. I’ll blame Linda because I was trying to keep her in my sight.
The bike path was a welcome sight. A little shady and views of the river and canal.
Not much to say other than there were rolling hills. Nothing too challenging but these days, even an incline seems hard.
There were 3 water stops but since this was an out and back, you passed them twice.
I ran as long as I could and added more and more walk breaks as the race went on. If there was a hill or a water stop, I made sure to walk and save my energy.
I only brought 2 Gus with me and ate one at mile 4 and the other at mile 8. (Since my breakfast was at 4 am, I had eaten a waffle before the race.)
Though Linda had been way ahead, I was gaining on her and after the turn around, I passed her. The humidity (and her speedy start) was getting to her.
Me? My lower back ached per usual and I developed a blister on my right foot.
There was a lot of volunteers along the course and they were very supportive. As were the faster runners that passed me by. I tried to do the same and cheer on the slower runners behind me.
Since it was an out and back, I knew exactly what was coming… the bridges and the roadway.
Finally I made back to the high school track.
I tried as best as I could to finish strong.
Yay! Done!
Post Race Activities:
Linda was right behind me.
I immediately grabbed some watermelon and chocolate milk…
Picture time?
While Iwas waiting for Jenny to finish, I ate some of the post race refreshments: bagel and cream cheese and a few other snacks.
The went to see if I won an age group award.
Yup, I did! 3rd place (70+)
I chose a gift card to one of our local supermarkets.
done and smiling!
Additional Race Reflections:
Well, another PW. But it was not unexpected. It was humid. I skipped my long runs.
I may have hoped for 1:47 but I predicted 1:55.
A 10 mile race completed. Win. Win.
Positives:
Well organized race
Lots of pre-race information
Relay option
Well marked scenic course
Carpooling with 2 friends
Free photos
Only $26
real restrooms
gift cards as age group awards
A great section of post race refreshments
Negatives:
70+ year age group awards
No Gatorade at water stops
2 hour drive (hence early wake up call)
Few photos (and none of me)
Would I recommend this race?
All in all, this was a fun race. I would recommend it if you live closer. But I’m glad I ran it once.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
10 MILER – MAY 24
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run many 10 milers? What is your favorite distance? Please share.
Sunday – Unfortunately my birthday run got rained out on Saturday so I tried to fit it in today.
I hate running alone and I procrastinated too long getting started so I didn’t get as many miles in as I planned.
6 miles instead of 9 but the weather was lovely
I rushed home as we were meeting family at 11 am for lunch out.
the highlights of my lunch
We stopped by after to visit my MIL and then I spent the rest of the day weeding…
Monday – I started the day at the gym and then met my friend Jenny for a run later.
first irises of he season…
After work, I had my pickleball lesson. And it was so windy and chilly 😦
Tuesday – After work today, my BFF took me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. We went for a walk afterward.
Wednesday – I started this rainy chilly day with a visit tot he gym.
Then I ran after work with the training challenge group. It was nice to be back since I had missed 2 weeks. The weather gods were on our side. It didn’t start to rain hard until the end…
I ran 90:90 with one runner…
Thursday – My dentist appt before work gave me time to squeeze in a nearby run (between rain showers)…
so damp and chilly that I never warmed up…
Since I had already gotten my run, I donated books to the library book sale and then visited my granddaughter.
Friday- Another rainy chilly morning gym visit and mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Since I had a race the next day, so instead of meeting my running friends, I parked at the library, walked in town.
you can’t tell but that house had old chandeliers hanging all over their yard…
then stopped back at the library book sale and had brunch with my friends after.
1/2 hour before the sale started, the line was around the lot… I quickly grabbed 10 books for Heather (@$1 ea)…
In the afternoon, I volunteered at the local library’s book sale.
Sunday – Boilermaker Erie Canal 10 miler – a new race for me and I am carpooling with two other runners (and the hubby of one is driving us.). It will be an early morning since it’s almost 2 hours away and we need to be there by 7 am.
Hoping for nice weather and a fun race.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday-AM run, pickleball lesson
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – PM run (training challenge group)
Thursday -PM run
Friday- gym, walk, mah jongg
Saturday – Walk and Brunch, dinner out for the hubby’s b-day
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
My First 5K and More... 