This is the 2nd year that I have run this race. I did it 2 years ago and enjoyed it.  There are several turkey trots in the area with the big one (10,000 runners) being in Troy. Most of the elites run that one. But the best thing about this race is that it is so close to home and it is flat.

Last year, they changed the race to be informal in that there are no chips or bibs and only prizes for the winners of the race (No AG awards or any timing.) I didn’t realize that when I signed up and the competitive me was a little disappointed.

My last 3 races have been two 10Ks and a 15K.  It has been awhile since I have run a 5K race (like Oct 5) .  I wasn’t sure that I would remember how to run fast.  I definitely was not expecting the 27:xx that I ran this course 2 years ago but I was hoping for something around 30 minutes.

Unfortunately it was VERY COLD and WINDY (8 degrees with the windchill) and I am a weather wimp.  I wanted to wear a skirt and compression socks but probably not too smart when the temps are in the teens. So I put on my tights under my skirt and bundled up as much as I could.

I got to the race early and got a great parking spot. But I had a long wait.

Eventually it got very crowded – about 2000 runners. I waited inside until the the very last minute. I was even cold waiting inside. I never found my friend MaryPat who called me but I didn’t hear the phone.

With no timing, there was no pressure.  Just run and get it done. And that’s what I did.  I just started my Garmin and stopped it at the finish line.

I won’t lie, it was cold but the wind died down a bit and the sun was shinning.  My face and hands were cold but the rest of me was fine. I am glad I didn’t add on as many layers as others.

I had done NO speed work and I felt it.  I was dying by mile 2 but I willed myself to continue and not walk at all.

So although it is not official, I finished at 29:38.

(My Positive) Splits:

mile 1 – 9:28
mile 2 – 9:38
mile 3 – 9:48
.1 –          8:32

Afterward, I texted MaryPat and we met up inside for a donut and pic.

I think this is the first race that I have done without timing.  I am not sure if I will do it again.  When I pay for a race, I want to be timed. Otherwise, I can just run for fun for free. (That’s just me.)

But I do love starting Thanksgiving Day with a race.  And I am happy with my time. I finished under 30 minutes!! All my splits were under 10 minutes!!

There’s always room for improvement!! (On Saturday I have another 5K race and it is timed.)

To celebrate Thanksgiving, my hubby & I went out to the same restaurant as last year. (It has a great view of Lake George and a nice buffet.)

The food was good…not as good as home-cooked and no leftovers but it was relaxing not having to shop, cook and clean-up.

What happens with a buffet is that you eat too much…and I did.

Afterwards, we drove up to Bolton Landing to our marina & the Sagamore… just needed to walk around a bit.  Then on the way home, we promised to stop by some boating friends’ house.

Believe it or not, I turned down dessert there!

Hope you had a

Happy Running! Did you race today? Would you run a race that is not timed?