This was my 7th time running the Troy Turkey Trot 10K.

I really enjoyed this race my first time I ran it in 2014 (in spite of the snowstorm) and now I look forward to running it every year.

In 2018, it was FREEZING and I DNSed the race partly because of the weather but mostly because I was going to be running a hilly Half Marathon 2 days later (which seemed more important.)

In 2020, the race went virtual and I did not run it.

In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, I even ran both races – the 10K followed by the 5k.  Why not? I was already dressed and ready to run. Last year and this year, I was not as crazy. Just the10K as in my first year.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I did not sign up for the Turkey Trot Challenge this year. So there was no real training for this race.  I considered it just a fun event to get outdoors and justify all the food that I would consume later in the day.

Previous Troy Turkey Trot 10K times:

• 2014 – 57:03 (PR)
• 2015 – 59:33
• 2016 – 57:51
• 2017 – 57:42
• 20:18 – DNS
• 2019 – 59:06
• 2:20 – cancelled
• 2021 – 59:49 (PW)

However, I ran a hilly half marathon just four days before the race and did a very short run on Monday and Tuesday. During those short runs, my legs reminded me that they were in recovery mode.

So I guess my goal for this year’s 10k could be sub 1 hour but really just being out there and running with friends would make me happy!

I picked up my bib/race shirt the previous Saturday so I didn’t have to rush on race morning. It was just a drive thru at a local high school… and it went so smoothly!!

On Wednesday evening, I planned my Thanksgiving running outfit. I tried to be festive but also comfortable for the running weather that day. I was very excited that it would not be as cold as the weekend prior and not windy!!

Then I completely forgot about the race.  So much so that I had chili for dinner followed by a glass of wine.  Oops and ice cream for dessert.

Race Day:

I woke up with a headache and upset stomach but not feeling bad enough to DNS. I choked down my coffee and oatmeal and checked the weather. Clear, calm but in the 20s degrees. I added another layer under my shirt, my DIY arm warmers, grabbed a down jacket and sprinted out the door at 6:30am.

I was treated to a beautiful sunrise.

There was no traffic and I found parking in a lot across from a bowling alley where I parked in previous years. I was still early so I waited in my car until I saw some runners heading out.

I walked a few blocks to the Atrium where we used to wait indoors for the race to begin.

Unfortunately, the Atrium was closed this year but we were allowed wait indoors in the office space next door.  However, no coffee shop, no two floors of space and NO rest rooms.

At least bag check was back. I left my jacket there for after the race. Lots of runners were hanging out. It was nice to talk with runners whom I had not seen in awhile.

This is a very popular local race as I mentioned so I always bump into so many runners that I know. I chatted until it was time to brave the temps.

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race and then at 10 am, the most popular event, the 5K.

The 10K course this year was the same as previous years.

Elevation:

As someone was singing the national anthem, I squeezed into the crowd with the 10 minute pace group.

My plan for the race was to not to start out too fast and to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile. (I know. I say that for every race. LOL)

Obviously this race was a lot less crowded than before the Pandemic (since there was also a virtual option). But for my pace, I was running with others the whole race. Though, it seemed that they all were passing me by.

Miles 1-3.1:

The course is fairly flat. You start running down Broadway and then over the Green Island bridge, turn around and run back into the city. I knew from my first few steps that the legs were still tired from those hilly 13.1 miles on Sunday. I tried to pick up speed but the legs were begging me not to try. And I felt nauseous (from the previous night’s dinner.)

I enjoyed seeing the fastest runners sprint by, as well as, those behind me.  I tried cheer both groups on.

I glanced at my watch (because I wanted to keep a slower pace the first few miles) and I noticed that I must have changed the display. It only showed the current time.  No miles, no pace, nada.  I tried to play around with it but it was hard to do while running.

So I guess you could say I ran without a watch. Although there was a clock at each mile, I wasn’t sure how long it took me to cross the start line.  I kinda enjoyed not having the stress of knowing my pace.

After the bridge, we took a left and ran along the city streets for few miles. The roads were closed to traffic which was nice. The sun was shining and I was getting warm. I regretted that extra layer, took off my gloves and rolled down my DIY arm warmers.

I didn’t have to look at a watch to know that I was running too slow to PR. I wasn’t sure if I would even finish under one hour.

I started having to walk at mile 2 and then that need to walk frequently continued until the end of the race.

Miles 3.1-6.2:

Around this point, we again turned around and headed back toward the start. There a water stop but they were giving out bottles (due to COVID), It seemed like such a waste and since I wasn’t that thirsty, I skipped it.

There was great crowd support.  Better than normal since the weather was perfect. There were even tables passing out beer. LOL

 

And again since it was an out and back, you got to see both faster and slower runners.

I was running with other runners but as I mentioned above, most kept passing me by. Eventually my friend Carolyn caught up to me.  I was surprised because I am always behind her trying to keep her in my sight.

We ran together for a short time but I was struggling to keep a decent pace and she was not. I guess it pays to start out slow. Then my friend Linda  came up behind me.  She also seemed to have a lot of speed left in her legs.

I lost them both. I decided not to eat my GU and but finally did grab a bottle of water at the 2nd water stop.

With the Hudson river in view, I knew that I was getting toward the end. Then I spotted my friend Elisa cheering on the sideline (and she snapped of pic of me as I ran by.)

Finally I could hear the finish in the distance. I wanted to at least sprint through the finish line.

Another friend Holly was on the side line yelling my name but I had a hard time mustering up any real speed.

I crossed at 59:XX.

Almost a course PW but under 1 hour.

GOAL ACHIEVED!

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a bottle of water and they gave you a medal.  The only refreshments were packaged nuts, bars, cookies and other snacks.  No chocolate milk. Boo!

I hung out for awhile chatting with my friends.

Then I checked out the results and found out that I came in 3rd in my age group.

For 1st you got a blanket, 2nd, a fuel belt and 3rd, gloves.

I was used to hanging around to run the 5k so it was strange to be done running. But I was getting chilled (from sweating) and headed back to my car (but almost forgot to pick up my jacket from bag check.).

Additional Race Reflections:

No matter what my finish time was, I was glad that I decided to run this race.  I love the atmosphere of this race. I enjoy the challenge of a 10k as opposed to a 5k. It’s a great way to start off Thanksgiving Day.

Positives:

• The weather
• Race organization
• Easy packet pickup
• Race location – place to stay warm indoors
• Bag Check
• Mostly flat course
• Two distance options – 5k and 10k
• Virtual option.
• Knowing lots of runners.  Racing is fun with friends.
• Ample parking
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Timing clocks at every mile.
• Three water stops.
• Enthusiastic spectators.
• Cool medal.
• Lots of media coverage.
• Instant results
• Cool age group prizes

Negatives:

• Bottles instead of cups at water stops.
• Unisex shirts
• No indoor restrooms
• No post race chocolate milk or bagels
• You have to BUY the photos
• Wrong pre-race meal (my fault)
• No speed work (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Definitely.  It is well-organized and there’s a distance for everyone. Many runners are in costumes.

(However, if I run the half marathon the weekend before again, I may sign up for the 5k instead of the 10k. And there is also now a 5k right near my house.  We’ll see. I have a whole year to think about it.)

In pre-COVID years, 10,000 participated in these races. The attendance was still over 6,000 this year. A very fun way to start the holiday.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Then later that afternoon, I ate back all the calories that I had burned off. LOL

Next Up:

A fun 15K in NYC

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey? If so, how did it go? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

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I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.