As I have mentioned in previous years, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the year for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free. Usually, I try to run most of the races held in the winter because there no other races.

I decided to sign up for this race for the following reasons:

• There were 2 distances and I knew if I walked the shorter one, I wouldn’t get lost.
• With no boating on Sunday, I had free time.
• I would get to see many of runners that I know.
• It was early enough so I could also  participate in my scheduled afternoon activity.
• I ran 13 miles the day before instead of the plan’s 16 so this would add time on my feet.
• It was close to home.
• The award winner was a family friend of my hubby.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

There was a choice of a 3.3 mile race or a 10k.

Sept. 21

Because I had been recovering from an injury plus having run 13 miles the day before, I chose the shorter distance.

Since I planned to walk the race, there was no prep…

I got up, had breakfast and left.

Race Day:

I arrived around 8:30 and signed in. Everyone got a beer glass..

I was greeted by so many familiar faces.

I also noticed when I looked at the course map that they changed the start and finish from previous years.

last year’s

Elevation according to my Garmin:

I immediately bumped into my friend Barbara.

 She was running the shorter distance and she said “SLOWLY.” She wanted to run with me.  I explained that I planned to walk it but then I decided to start with her and see how it went.

The races started with the award ceremony.

Although there was both a 3.3 miler and 10k, they started at the same time and location but the 10k runners ran in the opposite direction to start and then had to do the loop twice.

No timing mat at the beginning or end (although there is a clock at the end.) Since we were going to be going slow, we started at the back. Not a big race (maybe 25 with more running the 10k).

The course was similar to previous races that I’ve run but it started and ended in a different location.

Since I was planning to walk, I didn’t wear a watch…

There were no mile markers because of the 2 different distances so I relied on the course marshals and those ahead to lead the way.

As I mentioned I started to run with Barbara.

She ran slow enough that I didn’t feel the need to walk.

She thought I was pacing her but actually she motivated me to continue to run…

We started the race at the UAlbany campus…

Then we continued to loop around the state office campus..

The course is boring but much less so when you are chatting the whole time.

There was one water stop but at the speed we were running, I was not thirsty. And it was a beautiful fall day.

As we got toward the end of the race, I was confused on which way to go. Luckily Barbara led me in the right direction.

Once I saw the finish line, I took off…

always smile for the photographer

I crossed at approx. 38:50 and Barbara shortly after.

You wrote your time and age on a card and handed to the RD.

can you spot me?

We waited to cheer on the 10k finishers, one of which was Barbara’s hubby and the other was the award winner.

Final Stats:

None!!

No Garmin…

#11 won the award in my AG.

Post Race:

There were apples, cookies and cider for everyone.

They gave out apple pies to the winner in each age group.

On a good day, I may have won… (previous 3.4 times were around 32 and 3.75 at 34ish)

Obviously since I was planning to walk, I was not disappointed at all.

I chatted with some other runners and then quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to attend a wool and sheep festival with friends.

yup, we twinned on Skirt Sports outfits

Additional Race Reflections:

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.  HMRRC races are fun but if you want to take them seriously, you can.  And with the longer distances offered, you could use them as training runs for a half or full marathon.

And then there’s the camaraderie of the local runners and free food!

Win Win for the HMRRC races!

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.
• Swag (glass for everyone)
• Awards  (fresh baked pie)
• Post race refreshments
• 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 1 deep.
• No mile markers.
• Boring course.
• Looped course if running more than 3.3 miles.

Would I recommend this race?

Absolutely. Great way to stay active..

Next Up:

miles, miles and more miles gearing up for a race-cation half marathon

and then finally

Happy Running! Have you run any free races? Have you done a race just to stay active (and not for time)? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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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