Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:
Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt lifefor
Today’s Topic is: Favorite Local Race
This is an easy one for me. It’s the only race that I’ve run every year since I started running. This year will my 10th time!!!!
FRW – 2008
FRW – 2009
FRW – 2011
FRW – 2012
FRW 2012
FRW – 2014
FRW – 2015
FRW – 2016
Here are some of the reasons why I love this race and why I run it every year:
- It is ALL women – all ages – all sizes – veterans – newbies – elites – walkers
- It is a real USATF race with Olympic runners in it. (Joan Benoit Samuelson runs it most years.)
- It feels so good to be a part of all the excitement.
- The results are printed in the local newspaper and even though I finish around 2000, I am happy if I finish in the top half.
- I always meet someone I know and someone new. Last year, I even met the mayor.
- Running it in 2008 made realize that I actually was a runner.
- Being part of other runners’ first 5k in 2010 made me so proud.
- 2011 was my FRW PR year. Maybe I’ll PR again?
- Finishing it in 2012 (after serious ankle surgery) helped me believe that I could be a runner again.
- I broke my foot at the beginning of the race in 2013 and still gutted out a finish under 30 minutes!
- In 2014, I ran as part of a team to raise money for a former student who was diagnosed with breast cancer. It made the race even more meaningful.
- In 2015 & 2016, I participated in the Freihofer Training Challenge Group. (And I will again this year.) It was fun being part of a group.
- You run around Washington Park.
- There is a lot of crowd support along the whole course.
- It ends with a downhill 🙂
- Everyone finishes with a smile.
- They give you a free box of Freihofer chocolate chip cookies and a loaf of bread
- Maybe I’ll make the newspapers again.. (I have several times!)
I’m the 2nd one on the bottom left
This 5k race is held on the first Saturday in June. So if you live near Albany, NY, come run it with me and 3,000 other awesome women runners!
I’m also linking with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.
Happy Running! Do you have a favorite local race?
My First 5K and More... 
I’m actually surprised that you can pick a favorite!
I have several favorites: Delmar Dash (still not sure), Last Run, yes, Freihofers when I’m here — not this year, Firecracker 4.
LikeLike
I like a lot of the local races but FRW is the only one I’ve run every year. I do like the Delmar Dash, Last Run, Troy Turkey Trot, and more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, Cohoes Turkey Trot. I think NYD run is actually my longest streak.
LikeLike
I could go on and on too. I thought the Winter Series wasn’t a race. Lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so weird, I get emails for this race. Why on earth would they send to me? It’s not like I’m remotely local.
LikeLike
You’re an elite or you’re famous, maybe?
That’s a compliment!
It’s a hint to come visit me LOL
LikeLike
That race looks wonderful! Might be worth the trip for me one year 🙂
LikeLike
You should come!!
LikeLike
Looks like we’ll both be running our 10th time at our favorite races on the same day 😉 My race, Dam to Dam, is always the first Saturday after Memorial Day…so sometimes it’s in (very) early June or (very) late May. Have fun!
LikeLike
Yes. How cool. June 2.
LikeLike
Oh my gosh on racing with a broken foot. I don’t like 5Ks, but you might have me at cookies!
LikeLike
The box of cookies is a nice perk.
LikeLike
Wow this looks like an awesome race! There are some that we just can’t help but return to year after year. And I LOVE that it’s all women 🙂
LikeLike
me too. I’m running a half in NYC that is all women.
LikeLike