As I have mentioned in previous years, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free.

Usually, I try to run 4 of the races and volunteer at one. That gives you Winter Warrior status and a prize.

Last year, of course, the series was cancelled. So I was very excited that this year they decided (with some restrictions) to offer the five races again.

Unfortunately, I had out of town races scheduled for the last two dates and I would be only able to run the first three (and could not volunteer at all.)

Winter Series #1 – 12/12/21

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

There was a choice of a 3 mile race or a 15K.  Though I had 8 miles on my training plan, I signed up for the 3 miler.  I had run a 5k race the night before

and so I planned to just run and add some more miles after.

Race Day:

I was happy after a late night

that the race did not start until 10 am.  I arrived around 9:30 and signed in (you had to prove a negative COVID test or vaccination).  I was greeted by so many familiar faces. Most of whom were as crazy as I was and had raced the night before.

I also noticed when I looked at the course map that they changed the start from previous years and now it was a 5.5k or 3.4 miles rather than the advertised 3 miler..

Elevation according to my Garmin:

The temperature had dropped from the night before but at least it was sunny and not raining.  I was content and dressed appropriately.

As usual, these are very casual races so we all walked to the new start (the 15k racers started in a different location) and off we went.

I realized after a 1/2 mile that I never started my Garmin.  Oops. I guess it didn’t matter but I decided to start it anyway.

The course is just a loop starting and ending at the college campus. In the middle you are running around a NYS Office campus. There are rolling hills here and there and lots of wind.

I ran much of the race with my neighbor Kathy (who has cancer) or actually trying to keep up with her.  In the end, I could not catch her.

And until the last mile, I tried to run at an even easy pace. I even skipped the water stop.  I did walk up that last hill lol.

When you cross the finish line, there is a clock and they hand a piece of paper to record your time.

My finish time was 32:18.

Post Race:

I chatted with Kathy for a bit.

and then two more of my friends crossed the finish line and we walked inside together.

The best part of these races are the refreshments.  I had some delicious soup, some cookies, chips and then some hot chocolate.

There are awards but for 10 year age groups and with only 1st and 2nd place given, I rarely win. I was 3rd.

Although I felt like going home, I decided to add some more miles so I could call it a “long” run.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Winter Series #2 – 1/1/22

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

There was a choice of a 3.5 mile race or a half marathon.  I had run the half marathon one year and it was deadly (4 loops!!)  And besides I had gone out with friends the night before to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Race Day:

I was happy after a late night

that the race did not start until noon!!.  I arrived around 11:30 and signed in.  I was greeted by so many familiar faces. Most of whom were as crazy as I was and had celebrated until after midnight the night before. Due to the surge in COVID cases, I was more cautious than usual and did not spend much time chatting indoors.

It seems that at least for this race that they did not change the distance or course but I did remember thinking that it was usually 3.75 miles NOT 3.5!!

Elevation according to my Garmin:

Most of runners waited outside for the race to begin. We got lucky with the weather. Although very overcast, it was 50 degrees! On January 1st? I’ll take it.

No beanie, no vest or arm sleeves, and no gloves!!

There was both a 3.5 miler and half marathon.  Both races started at the same time and location.

The course was similar to the last race but started in a different location so it was longer.

I made sure this week that I started my Garmin.  I don’t care about my pace at all but there are no mile markers so it helps to see which mile I’m in.

As I said, all runners started together. Some of my friends were running the half. Shortly after we started running, we had to either turn left or right.  I started to run left and then I realized that I was going the wrong way. I quickly turned around and ran the other direction (glad I realized it right away).

Not much to say about the race.  Although it was afternoon, my stomach felt unsettled from the food/drink of the night before.

I did my best to run at a nice even pace but it felt harder and harder to speed up… so I didn’t. It seemed like runners were passing me by and those half marathoners sped by at incredible speeds.

Since I wasn’t running that fast, I didn’t need to stop for water and didn’t have to walk.

Finally, the finish was in sight, I gave it all I had.

As I mentioned above, there was a clock and they called out times but you recorded your own time on a piece of paper. Mine was 35:45.

And yes, it was 3.75 miles!!

I put on my mask and waited for some friends to finish.

The race is named after this guy… isn’t he cute?

Post Race:

We all went in to get something to eat.  There was the usual delicious soup, lots of bagged snacks and coffee and hot cocoa.

Being so warm, we were able to eat outside.

I finally went back inside for the awards… Not a chance with 10 year groups and only 1st and 2nd places.

Though my legs were ready to call it quits, I knew that rain was forecast for the next day.  So I had to continue running and decided to stay here again and do two loops around campus.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Winter Series #3 – 1/9/22 

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The usual short runs squeezed in around my work schedule.

I had decided to do things differently for this race.  NOT RACE IT!

I scheduled my 12 mile long run the day before rather than adding on miles after the race (Post race miles never go well anyway.)

For this race, I would just go run it to hang out with friends and eat some food.

Unfortunately due to the spike in COVID cases, they decided to cancel the race.

As I mentioned above, even if the last two races happen, I would not be around to run them.

Hopefully the Winter Series will be held again next winter.

Additional Race Reflections:

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• FREE if you are a member of HMRRC. $5 if not
• Indoor restrooms
• Warm place to congregate before and after
• Several distances to choose from.
• Many familiar faces.
• Awards – gift certificate for Bountiful Bread
• Post race refreshments – delicious soup, snacks, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and more
• Free Photos

Negatives:

• Self reported finish times (sometimes I forget to look at the clock or start my watch)
• 10 year age group awards and only 2 deep.
• Usually windy.
• Boring course.
• Several loops if running more than 3 miles.

Would I recommend these races?

Absolutely. Great way to stay active during the cold winter months.

Next Up:

a hilly half marathon in NYC on January 23, 2022.

Happy Running! Have you run any races in 2022 yet? Any in-person races on your schedule? How do you stay motivated dung the cold weather? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

---