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

That 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 and 2023, 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 4th 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 I had already run this half marathon three times.
• 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 miles 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 did complete three short runs during the work week.

And on the weekends, I always try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have the company of several running friends.  Due to the extreme heat and humidity this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk intervals.  It really helped me get through the long runs. (We have also often joked and re-labeled them walk/run intervals since we walk so often.)

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.

As always, I carb loaded on pizza the night before. Then I debated about what to wear the next day.

It was supposed to be little cooler than my previous long runs. But still warm and in the 70s by noon and very HUMID.  Thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon.

Race Day:

As it did the previous three 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 5:15 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 6:15 to meet Barbara and then I drove us to Deirdre’s. She would be driving us and Kevin plus Kevin’s friend to the start.

Some of our other friends would have parked their cars near the finish so I knew that Barbara & I could get a ride back.

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

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 would be 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 called out finish times asking the faster runners to line up first.

The NYC Marathon was my focus this fall so my goal for this race and my next race was 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 10k) 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 Farms 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.

I was determined this year to start out slower so I would not die at the end. (Spoiler alert: I did but I still died.)

Although many of friends use run/walk intervals, I would do what I normally do: run and then walk whenever tired.

Unfortunately I already needed to walk by mile 1. That need continued each mile and the number of times I needed to walk increased as the race progressed (Ugh!)

Anyway, there was an un-official water stop around mile 1 but I did skip it. That was the only one I skipped. I did high five my neighbor who was there (she was recovering from an injury).

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.

The first official water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was where my running friends were volunteering.  It was great to hear them cheering us on.

Stan passed me by there and Barbara was catching up.

Instead of eating my first Gu, I ate some salt chews (something new!).  I was hoping they’d prevent me from cramping and feeling dizzy at the end of the race.

Miles 4-6

Most of what I remember is that my feet hurt (specifically the neuroma on my left foo and then a blister forming on my right foot).

Stan disappeared quickly ahead but I could see Barbara in the distance. She was getting farther and farther ahead and eventually disappearing from view as well.

I continued to walk at least once each mile.  Running just felt HARD!

There was second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path. Here I ate my first GU.

And I continued to add additional walk breaks whenever there was a slight hill/incline.

Around this point, the crowd thinned out a lot and I was running mostly alone. In fact I felt alone for most of the race after mile 3.  Whenever a runner caught up to me, they then passed me.  I guess I was running pretty slow!!

Besides the water stop areas, there were few spectators due it being a bike path.

What I enjoy about races are the runners, the crowds, the energy.  Since there was none, I obviously was not having fun!!

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising, the sun came out but it was not too bad. I have raced in a lot worse conditions.

Both of my feet continued to ache. Bunion? Stress fracture? Recurrence of the neuroma? 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 two more salt chews.  My neighbor appeared again and cheered me on.

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 and ate my second Gu.

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

All of a sudden, a racing friend who was way behind me caught up. We chatted for a minute as I struggled and then she passed me.

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!!

And that racing friend who had just passed me was in my age group and that motivated me to move my tired legs.

Yup. I beat her!!!! (She was very gracious. “Nice kick at the end,” she said to me.)

Boy, was I glad to be done!! I grabbed my medal and went in search of my bag (so I could put on my Oofos.)

Post Race Activities:

Barbara had finished already and so had Stan. I joined my non-racing friends near the finish line to cheer in Sherry who had not finished yet.

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. Rather than a boxed lunch (as the first year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food above from a buffet or a whole pizza. I chose the whole pizza (and I ate it ALL!)

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

I did check the results and noticed that I finished 2nd in my 70-99 year age group.

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… (at least at the after party!!)

Yet I was disappointed. Not in my finish time. But in how I struggled to finish 13.1 miles. I felt that I did everything right:

• Long runs on the weekend
• 3 Short runs during the week
• 3 Visits to the gym during the week
• Carb loaded the night before
• Fueled before and during the race
• The weather wasn’t perfect but not awful
• The course was mostly flat.

IOW, what should I do differently? (Wear newer shoes??)

Positives:

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

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards.
• No photos of everyone.
• Restrooms at Mabee Farms locked.
• Porta-potties only at one water stop.
• Running alone.
• Foot issues.

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. And my foot pain probably slowed down my running pace.  It just wasn’t my day!!

I finished this race in 2:20:57 in 2021, 2:20:53 in 2022 and last year in 2:19:21.  

Hooray for another course PW for 2024!!

(In hindsight, I am grateful that I completed the distance since I may not be running for a while. IOW, never take that gift for granted!!)

Next Up:

Another Half Marathon in 5 weeks.  Can I redeem myself? Due to injuries in a boating accident, will I even be able to run it???

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs