I have run this race with blogger AJH several times and it was a tough hilly one but still fun.

I ran with her last year but only she got an award.

AJH was running it again and I was looking forward to seeing her.

Also the weather was better than it has been – meaning it wasn’t snowing yet and it wasn’t sub-zero.  But it was COLD!!! In the teens when I left with snow showers predicted.

So I bundled up in my usual running layers and drove the hour ride up to Lake George.

Believe it or not, the temps warmed up to the 20s (heat wave!) and I discarded one layer.

I was glad I got there an hour early because I barely got a parking spot.  This new location does not have enough parking,  Many runners parked elsewhere and may have had their cars towed.

When I got there, AJH was already there. (She is hard core – drove all the way from VT.)

I chatted with some runners that I knew who were trying to talk me into  running a maathon.

Then I hung out inside with AJH until the race was about to start.

I felt a little pressure to run fast since I didn’t win an AG award last year.  But you never know what will happen when you run a race and there are some fast runners in my age group. And this is a hilly course.

Previous Polar Cap Races:

2011 – 40:11
2013 – 41:40
2014 – 40:10

Runnin’ of the Green 4 milers (a flat course):

2014 – 38:07
2011 – 38:02 PR

Rabble Ramble:

2014 – 38:06

I have not been doing any 5ks or any speed work at all. My runs on the weekend have been long. So I was prepared for a slower time. Not a PR but maybe a course PR if I was lucky.

I remembered the race started going uphill and my legs felt sluggish. Luckily they felt better as the race went on.

I walked after the first mile when there was a steepish hill.

Then we went downhill for a while and it was slippery around the turns.

I just plodded along admiring the scenery and trying for a consistent pace.

This race has a very pretty course.  You run past the lake (which totally frozen & snow-covered)

I really suck on the hills, I walked part of each one.  On one hill, while I was walking, a woman yelled “Don’t walk! Shuffle.” I replied that I wish I could. (In the end, I did pass her!!)

Unfortunately, the last half mile of this race is straight uphill!

I think I walked twice on that hill because I wanted to finish strong. But I really had nothing left at the end.

I crossed according to the clock at 37:40! A NEW PR!!!!

I was generally happy with the race.  I ran it faster than I thought I would.

AJH finished a little after me.

We went inside to wait for the age group awards.

There was soup and fruit and baked goods – I am a sucker for home-made stuff and ate quite a few cookies. I also had the soup and 2 cups of chocolate milk.

And we both won awards!!! Woo Hoo!! AJH for the 8th time.  She keeps her streak going!

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:12
mile 2 – 9:31
mile 3 – 9:40
mile 4 –  9:44

(Garmin time: 37:38)

Positive splits!!.  What else is new?

After AJH left, I was debating on changing my clothes and leaving or running more.

But with a big snowstorm coming, I decided to take advantage.  So I decided to run to the Winter Carnival in town.

This was the first day of the event which is held every weekend in February.

I wandered a bit.

Then I visited with friends who were volunteering.

The outhouse races were beginning but I didn’t stay to watch.

I ran around the lake and through the town and then to my friend’s house.  I talked to her hubby for about 2 hours! Then I ran back to my car.

I covered 4 miles in total.

Next, I drove north  to Bolton Landing. I ran to our marina, through town and to the Sagamore.

I stopped in a few stores…

and inside the Sagamore before running back to car.

Another 2 miles covered!

I decided to call it a day and head home.  (My LG friends wanted me to stop back for the car parade and the bonfire but I was pooped and wanted to drive before the snow started.)

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?