One of my favorite races has always been the Albany Last Run where we run 3.1 miles through the holiday lights in Washington Park. This race happened for the last time on Saturday night.
There will no longer be lights during the holidays in this park. (Complaints about traffic…) I am assuming that this 5k race will no longer be held as a result.
Last Week:
- Sunday – A beautiful fall day. Perfect for a hike at Thunder Mountain in Greenwich, NY.
- Monday – A rainy morning and afternoon. Luckily it was not raining during lunchtime so I could get in my run. It wasn’t cold but the wind sure made it feel that way.
the wind even blew off the skeleton’s hat (bottom left)
- Tuesday – Another run through the lights in the park. This week, I had company and it was so much more fun than doing it alone.
2 miles solo and 3 with Alyssa
- Wednesday – A rest day and an ugly weather day. Even snow was predicted.
I woke up to snow on the ground but luckily the sun came out mid-day and it all melted.
Anyway it was a busy work day.
After work, I went to pick up my race packet for Saturday’s race. I also picked up packets for my friends (like 9).
Then I went for a walk nearby with friends and it started to snow again.
It was also the NYC Half Marathon Lottery day. They had recently announced that if you were not double vaccinated, you could not run the race. I was hoping selfishly that it made my chances better (judging from the angry FB posts.)
boo! maybe next year…
- Thursday – Again I woke up to snow but this time several inches. Fingers crossed that I would be able to run later.
I had a dentist appointment today and when I was done, I had enough time to get my run done on the rail rail before darkness. Always a treat not to have a mid-week run done at Ualbany (or in my boring neighborhood.)
mostly clear but slippery in parts – combined this route with some new neighborhoods
- Friday – Another rest day (due the next day’s race). The evening was spent with the mah jongg ladies.
Hmmm…60 degrees and rain predicted…do I change to a skirt?
- Saturday – A rainy day!! And Race Night. Albany Last Run. This is always a good time (not referring to finish time lol) because all my friends run it. And it never rained until later that night!!!
Afterward, we all gathered for a pot luck dinner and a farewell to one of our friends who is moving away.
- Sunday – The first local (free) Winter Series Race was held today. Always a hard decision. Do I run it? Or do I do my 8 mile long run? Or skip both options and just go for a hike.
Well, the sun was shining and I looked at the list of those signed up and they had all run the night before too…so why not?
I did not run the 15k which was another option in this race but I did come in 3rd in the 10 year AG (though they only gave out prizes for 1 & 2)
It was so much fun since it was smaller (150 vs 1500) and I was able to chat with so many runners.
After some soup, cookies and hot chocolate, I set out to compete more miles so I could count it as a long run.
my legs were more tired than I thought and the wind picked up so I called it at 7 for the day.
This Coming Week on the Run–
- Monday – run at lunch, volunteering
- Tuesday – run at lunch, after work BBF birthday dinner
- Wednesday – rest day, after work dinner out with walking friends
- Thursday – run before work, tennis holiday party
- Friday -rest day, mah jongg or full moon hike
- Saturday – Long Run, Holiday dinner with family
- Sunday – rest day, hiking, anniversary mah jongg sinner
and a few of us bloggers are offering a fitness challenge starting next week. Please join us!
This Coming Week on the Blog –
- Tuesday – 2021 in Bling
- Friday – Big Hairy Goal for 2022
I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for
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.
Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races planned? Did you run a Turkey Trot? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 
Love that you were able to do so many holiday light runs! So fun! Bummer about the NYC half.
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I’m not lucky with race lotteries. I’ve only gotten in twice with my times. Now I have to wait until I’m older lol.
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Who are the party poopers complaining about the traffic? What shame that there will be no more holiday lights at that park. Glad you were able to run the race one last time!
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25 years for this race. Very disappointed ☹️
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Your holiday lights run looks like a blast! So I have tried to get into NYC half for years. The other day I saw there was a guaranteed option for next year if you paid to run the virtual race this year. I signed up so I guess I will be there in 2023. have you looked at that? Would be fun to run it together!
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No I need to. I’d love to run it together. I also am looking into timed entries since I age up in 2023.
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The holiday light run is too beautiful and very scenic.
Sorry for the NYC half!
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Yes. Such a fun race.
Maybe nyc next year?
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Omg, I LOVE your race outfit! That sounds so fun- it’s a shame it’s the last one. Seems like you had a great week and got all your runs in. I know it’s hard to run in, but the picture with the snow is so pretty!
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snow is pretty as long it does not interfere with my running schedule.
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Lovely lights and great outfits! I managed to run three times this week so feeling like I’m back on it after my fall and loss of nerve then my Terrible Cold. Just need to get myself fitter again now …
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That’s so great that you have returned to running.
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That’s a bummer that the Albany Last Run will probably end. I think one of the best things about the holidays are the festive lights.
I really love your race outfit, especially the shirt!
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Thanks. I knew you would appreciate the costume.
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Oh, thats too bad that the race won’t happen anymore. People love to complain 😦 Glad you were able to participate one last time.
Love the festive race outfit Darlene!
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It was nice while it lasted…very disappointed about the race though. At least it happened unlike last year.
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You forgot to mention the crazy wind . . .
Nice job getting it all done.
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I blocked it out… not the wind unfortunately. Still was a fun race and week.
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How fun to run two races in one weekend! I’m sorry that you didn’t get into the NYC Half.
Looks like you have a busy and fun week ahead!
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Very busy in a good way.
Maybe nyc in 2023.
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That Last Run sounds like fun – what a bummer this is the last one. Your race outfit was on point! 🙂
I’m sorry the NYC Half didn’t work out. I had meant to enter the lottery and then forgot. I would love to run that one someday. Guess we’ll have to apply next year.
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Such a fun race. Glad I was part of it one last time.
Yes. Let’s apply next year.
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Your race outfit is adorable. Your lighted runs remind me that I need to get on the stick (like in the next couple days) to get the word out about doing our local lighted night run. We didn’t do anything last year (Covid), so it will be fun to regroup and try to have it happen this year. Looks like you had a busy week!
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I hope you get in your lighted run this year.
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mmm. Cookies!
Boo on light scrooges.
I think the vaccine policy came too late to help with NYC Half entry, alas.
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There’s always next year.
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So you got to be the race bib pickup person? Nice! Looks like you have been soaking in all the holiday lights around your area. I will be doing that soon! Love the running outfit too, so festive!
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I love the distraction of the lights and decorations. It’s a long dreary winter up here.
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