Yes, me and Montel ran this race at the Great Escape Amusement Park in Lake George.

I got up around 5:30 am and dressed as Christmasy as one could in the middle of the summer and drove about an hour north.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. No humidity and warm but not too warm. (I decided on a white tech shirt, red skirt, white socks…)

I tried to tell myself and that I wasn’t in racing condition yet. (My goal for that is Sept.) So I should just try to have fun.

I got there early enough to get my shirt and swag and go back to the car and put it away.  I am glad I decided not to wear the shirt.  I would have been too warm.

The atmosphere was pretty festive. Christmas music playing and a lot of excited walkers.  (The serious runners were racing in Saratoga at the Silks & Satin 5k.) There were less than 150 participants.

Montel Williams really did show up.  He started the race and then left.

I found out the course in advance but wondered how hilly it would be (since it is the Adirondacks!)

The race started at 8:00 am in the park and then went around one side of Glen Lake and then ended at the park.

As I have done before, I started out too fast. The first mile was up and down hills…rolling hills and I ran without stopping.

I was planning to take it slow and walk at the water stops.  However, NO WATER!! Very odd for a summer race…even if it is only 3 miles.  I did not drink any water before and I was very thirsty.

As a result, I was tired during mile 2.  The hills weren’t as steep but it was straight uphill.  I started to walk and walked several times..too many times.

Mile 3 had some downhill but when it entered the park, it never seemed to end.  We ran up one bridge and down, then another and another and another.  My Garmin said we should be done but we weren’t  I walked so that I could at least sprint across the finish line if there ever was one.

Finally crossed at 33:20!!! I was disappointed because I wanted to do better than my last one (32:50).

People was complaining that their times were so slow.  When I looked at my Garmin, it said 3.21 miles.  My last race was 3:12 miles.  So actually I did better! YAY!

I am happy with my first mile.  I should have pushed myself more on mile 2 but I am still worried about the ankle.

After the race, I grabbed some refreshments and asked someone to take a picture.

They posted the results but since it was a small race, they only gave out awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd overall.

After the race, I headed to Bolton Landing (20 minutes away).  I spent the rest of day with friends on an island in Lake George.

Sunday, I went on a quick 2.5 mile run/walk and then back on the lake.

After some relaxing, we went to Basin Bay to meet friends.  The day ended with dinner on the lake.

So I am very glad I ran a race.  It is always so motivating to race rather than just run. 

Yes, my time was slow compared to last year but it was better than I expected.  (I will not whine about PRing until next year!!!!!)

The course was fun but too long and hilly so I may go back to Silks & Satins (I have done that one 3x in the past).

I haven’t registered for another 5K until August 18 but you never know.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend?