Many of my weekend running friends used to run this race every year.

I had never joined them because it was always hot, the race is crowded and I’d prefer to head up to the lake early.

Then in 2021,  I decided to do the race for the first time. And I loved it

So I signed up last year and more of my running friends joined me

I was hoping that they would sign up this year but if not, I knew there would be many others there whom I knew.

Then I had to break it to my hubby as it would interfere with any lake plans.

But rain was forecast, so he went to play tennis. We had planned to go on the boat after my hike the next day so he was cool with me racing.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since the race was on a Tuesday, I was still able to get my long run done on Saturday but had to skip my Monday run.

To save time on race day, I picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet on Saturday after our run an then came home to plan my patriotic outfit.

I worked on Monday but my running friend organized a full moon kayaking party on the lake where she lives.

Yes, a late night but this race was just a fun one so I wasn’t worried…

The weather for race day, unfortunately, was hot, humid with possible thunderstorms.  I added a rain jacket, poncho and umbrella to my race gear.

As I’ve said in most of race recaps, my goal in racing these days is to do my best but more importantly, have fun and not get injured. However, racing in cool dry weather, I think would be more fun. LOL.

Race Day:

I ate my usual oatmeal and coffee breakfast and checked the weather – yup, warm, humid and already drizzling.

Last year, I carpooled with Heidi and she knew exactly where to park.  I was thrilled when she again offered to meet me and Debbie. We met at Leah’s Cakery at 8am (which was only a few miles from the race.) Stand and Sherry planned to meet us at the race.

It was raining the whole drive up but stopped as soon as we arrived.

We easily found parking on the street and walked toward the start…

We passed the finish line and made plans to meet there after the race.

Then of course, we took our obligatory pre-race photos.

And then we mozied on down to the start area. It was cool to see how creatively everyone was dressed for this July 4th holiday race.

I was happy to see so many people racing… many more than last year (although I think they still offered a virtual option.)

No more staggered starts. Everyone just lined up together. There was so much excitement in the air. Live racing rocks!!

Heidi, Deb and Sherry and Denise headed toward the back.

I stayed toward the front and chatted with some runners whom  I knew.

Though I had run this race the year before, the only thing I remembered was that there was a BIG hill during mile 4.

Mile 1:

As I mentioned, this was a crowded race. The bottleneck at the beginning slowed me down which was probably a good thing as I always start out too fast.

We began running down Broadway which was a slight downhill but eventually we did hit a hill before we turned left and ran past Congress Park. I already felt the need to walk… I started thinking that this wasn’t going to be a good race…

And it seemed like everyone was passing me by but when I glanced at my watch, it showed that my pace was 9:XX minutes!! WTH?

Mile 2:

I was surrounded by runners the whole race. Several times I bumped into runners or they bumped into me.  Then again, it was a big local race with over 2000 finishers.

As we ran through neighborhoods, spectators enthusiastically cheered us on. There were musicians or bands throughout.

The best part was that there were many folks spraying the runners with water as well as sprinklers set up.  I made sure that I ran through each one.  It was very humid and very uncomfortable…

There was a water stop during this mile.  I did stop and walked for a bit to catch my breath.

I did feel a little stronger during this mile (but that was short-lived.)

The humidity was sucking the life out of me.

Mile 3:

We ran into a few rolling hills during this mile but none too bad. As I mentioned above, there were many different groups playing music. That was a nice distraction.

Saratoga is such a pretty town. I enjoyed running through its streets.

But I started tiring and decided to just walk if I needed to.

I was surprised that there was a second water stop since the race was only 4 miles. I did appreciate it and I stopped again.

In addition to the official water stops, there seemed to be many spectators giving out bottles of water.  I did not stop at any of those since I didn’t want to carry a bottle of water or waste it.

Mile 4:

I think there was one more water stop… I was getting dizzy so I don’t really remember.

I was expecting the steep hill in the last mile. And it did not disappoint. I was wishfully thinking that I could run up the whole thing and finish strong (for once.)

Nope! I had to walk many many times.

I bumped into a friend and she was walking as often as I was.  We tried to motivate each other to get it done.

Again this year, they gave out ice pops. I took one and tried to eat it as I continued to run/walk up the hill very slowly. Eventually I threw it away since it was getting me nauseous.

Finally I spotted that big American flag which meant we were approaching the finish line.

I sprinted as fast as I could at this point. I saw 38:xx on the clock as I crossed the finish line and was pleasantly surprised that I beat 39 minutes (barely). I knew I was running slower and walked a lot more than the previous year but I expected worse.

Post Race:

I immediately went to grab a bottle of water and a banana and chatted with those I knew that had already finished.

Stan finished around my time and Sherry finished soon after.

Eventually we spotted Heid and Deb and they did great.

I checked the website to see if I won an age group award. Last year, I came in 2nd.  This year, in my new age group, I came in 5th (no surprise since I had slowed down…)

Like last year, we decided to stay in Saratoga to have brunch.  First we walked back to our cars to change into dry shirts. We had hoped that at this point, all the runners would have left and the restaurants wouldn’t be so crowded.

Several were closed and one was full. I put our name on a waiting list but then we found a table in another restaurant farther down the street.

After a delicious breakfast highlighted by mimosas, we all felt a lot better.

We walked back to our cars and also decided that we needed to reward ourselves further with ice cream (now 85 degrees, humid and sunny!!)

Additional Race Reflections:

I felt that I could have done better if I didn’t walk as much (but I always say that AFTER the race.)

Of course, I think the weather had a lot to do with my pace.  I suck at running in humidity.

But probably the most important factors why I enjoy running the race are connecting with friends, challenging myself and the feeling of normalcy on this national holiday!

Win. Win. Win.

Positives:

• Ample parking (parking garage and street parking)
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course.
• Friendly volunteers.
• Music entertainment along the course.
• Enthusiastic spectators (sprinklers and ice pops)
• Easy and organized packet pick-up on Saturday, Sunday. and race day.
• Real restrooms before and after and ample number of port-potties
• Two or three water stops for a 4 mile race.
• Additional unofficial water tables.
• Awards (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
• Photo Booth
• good air quality

Negatives:

• Steep hill at mile 4
• Weather (hot, humid)
• $$ for photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I enjoyed it.  I hope that I can make it work and run it again next year.

Final Stats:

2021’s race was a big PR for me – 36:26.

Today was not my day.

As you can see below, I’m still the Queen of the Positive Splits.

Next Up:

Another July 5k and possibly a 5k in August before the half marathons and full marathon arrives in the Fall.

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Happy Running! Did you race on July 4th?  Any summer races on your schedule? Please share.