In 2021 when most of the local races either cancelled or went virtual, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races.

In March, I ran their 5 mile race and then in May a point-to-point 10 miler.  The courses were along the Mohawk River and the bike path, mostly flat or downhill and in Schenectady, NY. (Both these races are now part of their regular schedule.)

In September of 2021 and again in 2022, another organization (NARK) offered a half marathon (Run 4 The River) on a similar course.  Of course, I signed up (and convinced some friends to join me.)

And I signed up for the 3rd annual Run 4 The River Half Marathon for several reasons:

• It was local and I could sleep in my own bed the night before.
• It was local so I would know a lot of the runners.
• I was familiar with most of the course as it was similar to the 10 miler that I ran in May and I had already run this half marathon twice.
• I convinced some friends to run it too.
• It was advertised as having a Net Downhill Course and FREE BEER, Food, and LIVE MUSIC
• I could run it as a training run for my November MARATHON.

Honestly, this year, I mainly decided to run this race because my NYC Marathon plan called for 13 mile this weekend.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a half marathon training plan. But I was in the midst of training for my  marathon and so I ran at least three times (3-6 m) during the work week.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have company of several running friends.  Due to the extreme humidity this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk intervals.  It really helped me get through the long runs done.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since it was a point-to-point race, the logistics were complicated. Either you parked at the start and got a ride back to your car after the race or you parked at the finish and got a ride to the start (or pay for the shuttle).

We had several plans and they kept changing but we finally figured out the best option.

I’ve always carb loaded on pizza the night before all my runs and races.  For some reason, after a long day on my feet, I decided to vary and ate pumpkin ravioli and then a PINT of rum raisin ice cream (YES, a pint!!) Not sure what I was thinking (It was a mistake…)

Then I debated about what to wear the next day.

It was supposed to be little cooler and less humid than my previous long runs. But still warm and in the 80s by afternoon. (Wish they had an earlier start time!!!!)

My running friend Deb was nice enough to pick up my bib so that was one less thing to worry about in the morning.

Race Day:

As it did the previous two years, the race started at 8:00 am at Mabee Farms in Rotterdam. The race again ended at Frog Alley Brewing near Schenectady Community College (SCCC). The first year,  it ended right at the college.

So I got up around 5:30 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 6:30 to meet Barbara & Deb. Then Deb drove us to the start.

Some other friends had left their cars at the finish so I knew that we could get a ride back.

When we arrived at Mabee Farms, there was plenty of parking in a grassy lot.

Then we met up with our other running friends. Those that did not run the race were volunteering at packet pick up.

We were early so I had time to chat with other runners and use the restrooms.

We also knew that in addition to porta-potties, there were REAL restrooms (always a great perk.)

Finally, it was time to head to the start.

First I checked a bag with a dry shirt and my Oofos for after the race and then I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle (since it was already hours since my breakfast).

The race started promptly at 8:00 am. There were no waves or corrals… They did ask the faster runners to line up first.

The NYC Marathon is my focus this fall so my goal for this race and my next race is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

All my long runs have been done slowly and with short intervals. I found out during my last race (which was a 5k) that it didn’t exactly make me slower (or maybe it did?) but I found it hard to run for more than a minute or two without walking… I used to be able to run 1-2 miles straight (not that it matters…)

Miles 1-3:

As I already mentioned, the race began near Mabee Farm Historical site. The first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path.

There was an un-official water stop around mile 1 but I did skip it. That was the only one I skipped.

In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

The scenery was pretty. The Mohawk River changed to being on the left eventually. Unfortunately it was misty/foggy…

The first official water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was my first walk break.  Yes, running 3 miles without a walk… Amazing (but dumb on my part)! I also took advantage of the walk to eat a Gu.

I chatted with several runners that I knew during the beginning miles… but they each eventually ran ahead.

I was trying to keep a slow pace… but if you look at my splits, it obviously was not slow enough.

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. But I was feeling pretty strong. Until I wasn’t. My stomach ached the WHOLE race and I felt nauseous. But I really don’t think it affected my running. When I ate each of my Gus, I felt worse but I knew that I needed to fuel.

I walked again at the second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path. And I continued to add walk breaks whenever there was a slight hill/incline.

Around this point, the crowd thinned out and I was running mostly alone and my lower back started to ache…

My feet felt ok… a miracle (or maybe my Topos Cyclone 2s).

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising but not too bad. I was glad to have worn a tank and skirt.

I realized too late that I was NOT strong enough to run without walk intervals and so the second half the race, I ran/walked… not timed but just whenever I felt like it… and I felt like it a lot!!

Plus, now both my right feet started to ache.  It’s my good foot!! Bunion? Stress fracture? As these thoughts ran through my head, I ran slower and walked more.

There was another water stop was a little before mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again and then ate another Gu. This time longer.

It seemed that every time I walked, someone asked me if I was ok.  There were no other runners around me that were walking… They were running at a consistent pace… I wish I could do that.

Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared. Maybe there weren’t big hills and I was just getting tired. I tried to run up them but it was more like a slog. Though the course was advertised as flat and downhill, there were hills (not big ones) throughout. (Aren’t there always?)

Miles 11-13.1

The final water stop was a little before Mile 11 at MH Bike Path lot. I stopped again but ate my last Gu. I passed a young guy on the ground who was being attended to by an EMT… An ambulance was nearby.  Scary!!

The race finish was the same as last year. We headed into the city of Schenectady.

I tried to pick up the pace and sprint through the finish line… My friends who didn’t run the race were there cheering.  It was sooo nice to see familiar faces.

At least, this year, I knew that you had to turn right to get to the finish line…

I was out of gas but at least it was downhill!!

Boy was I glad to be done!! I grabbed my bag and a several minutes after me, Barbara finished.  We had to go into the restaurant to get out medals and find out if we won an award.

And in the 70-99 age group, I came in 3rd!

Post Race Activities:

I joined my non-racing friends near the finish line to cheer in the others who had not finished yet.  Everyone was happy with their race results.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. at the restaurant where the race finished (the sponsor for the race)

It was crowded but fortunately we got a table outside near the band. Rather than a boxed lunch (as the first year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food below from a buffet or a whole pizza:

We stayed for several hours listening to the band and chatting…about running, of course.

Additional Race Reflections:

Of course, I am glad that I ran the race.  Much more fun than a boring 13 miler on the bike path…

I was not disappointed in my finish time but how I ran the race.  I guess I need to accept that my endurance is not what it used to be. Maybe walk intervals are the answer.

Positives:

• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
• Bag check
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• Flatish course.
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Free Post-race food.
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards.
• No photos of everyone.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I liked the course. It was well-organized. The after-race party was so much fun.

Final Stats:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace the second half of the race. But my finish time was what I expected.

I finished this race in 2:20:57 in 2021 and last year in 2:20:53.  My finish time at my last half marathon in May was 2:21:41. 

Next Up:

Another Half Marathon in 3 weeks!!