As I have mentioned in previous years, the Hudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the winter for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free. Usually, I try to run 4 of the races and volunteer at one. That gives you Winter Warrior status and a prize. Although I signed up for all FIVE, unfortunately, I had to miss THREE of them this year.

Winter Series #1 – 12/15/24

My NYC work schedule got switched so I had to miss this one.

Winter Series #2 – 1/1/25

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

This week, there was a choice of a 3.5m race or a half marathon.  I had run the half marathon one year and it was deadly (4 loops!!)

The weather lately has been a challenge – cold, ice, rain…

I skipped Friday and Saturday’s runs but did get in a run on Sunday and Monday…

The hubby & I went out to dinner for New Year’s Eve but we got home early…

Race Day:

I was happy that the race did not start until noon. Not happy that the forecast was for rain!!

But it only drizzled the second half of the race and it was in the 40’s. Woo Hoo!

Deb and I carpooled and we arrived around 11:30 and signed in. I was greeted by so many familiar faces and more than I had expected. I bet there were close to 300 runners.

I’ve run this race many times because it’s a great way to start the year.

This year, it felt strange since the last time I had raced was the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3. It’s rare to have such a long time between races (unless I’m injured.)

Obviously, I was happy to be back out there… but a little nervous.

Since I’ve done this race so many times,  I didn’t look at the map. Oops.

Elevation according to my Garmin:

Although there was both a 3.5 miler and half marathon, they started at the same time and location.

All the runners started together. Some of my friends were running the half. Shortly after we started running, we had to either turn left or right.

I wasn’t paying attention and went the WRONG way!!

I wasn’t sure at first and ran around the tennis courts and back to the loop…

but once we joined the other 3.5 milers, I was running with the walkers. No bueno.

I obviously had an easy time passing them… then I caught up to the slower runners.

I had more energy at the beginning of the race but even when I tried to run fast, it wasn’t that fast.

Eventually my stamina left me and I started adding in walk breaks.

Those half marathoners sped by at incredible speeds.

I looked at my watch and at mile 3.5, I wasn’t near the finish yet. Boo.

I tried to pickup the pace and finally, the finish was in sight. I gave it all I had.

There was a clock and they called out times but you recorded your own time on a piece of paper. Mine was around 42.50 (at least according to my Garmin).

And yes, it was 4.10 miles NOT 3.5!!

I waited for some friends…

and some friends had waited for me.

This guy always races in a tuxedo each year … isn’t he cute?

Post Race:

We all went in to get something to eat.  There was the usual delicious soup, lots of homemade snacks, fruit  and coffee and hot cocoa. That hot soup really hit the spot!!

There were also the awards… Not a chance with 10 year groups and only 1st and 2nd place awards given. (Even if I ran 3.5 mile distance, I wouldn’t have won anything.)

Final Stats:

Initially, I was a little disappointed with how slow I was running compared to this race just 2 years ago.

But it’s all good!! I had fun and that’s the most important part of running.

Winter Series #3 – 1/12/25 

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

This week, there were 3 choices: 3.5m, 10k or 25K.

My half marathon plan had me scheduled for 9 miles. I was lucky to a have a friend join me for some of the miles on the snowy path the day before and because I would have to leave right away for NYC, I couldn’t have added on any miles or chosen a longer distance.

So I registered for the shortest distance and planned run/walk it for fun.

Race Day:

I had decided the day before that it would be too rushed to run/walk the race and probably not smart to do it as a race the day after a 9 mile long run.

Instead I went to the gym and even walked a mile on the track (that’s 15 loops)

Wouldn’t you know it and it was a beautiful day, blue skies, no wind… big FOMO when I viewed the race pics and comments.

I did get more steps in as I walked around Manhattan that evening.

Winter Series #4 – 1/26/25

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Three choices again this week: 3.5m, 15k or 30k

With 11 miles done the previous day, I definitely planned on run/walking the shortest distance.

Race Day:

Only Deb was willing to race the day after a long run and so we carpooled.

As always, I try to arrive early to get parking and have time to chat with my friends. Being sunny and warmer than previous days, it was pretty crowded. And there were so many runners that I knew.  That’s one of the things I love about these races and why I enjoy racing.

Many of my racing friends were running the 15k. I said that I would wait after my race to cheer them on.

All the runners started together. Everyone did the same first loop so there was no way that I could go wrong this week!!

It was very chilly when running INTO the wind but actually a lovely day to run.

I started out strong and tried to at least drag myself until mile 1 before I started intermittent walking.

Mind you, it wasn’t a fast pace but for how I’ve running lately, obviously it was.

There were annoying hills but the hardest part was running into the wind!!

And so I walked frequently and more frequently as the race went on. Those around me were mostly the speedy 15kers and every time I walked, someone asked me if I was ok…

I kept responding “NO, it’s hard running to the wind” (at least for me..)

Finally the finish line was in sight and I tried to sprint through it.

Although it was advertised as a 3.5 miler, actually, it was 3.8 miles. and similar to the January 1 course.

I crossed at: 41:05 (according to my Garmin) and wrote that down and handed the paper in.

I was happy with my time and to be done (although it was about 7 minutes slower than I used to run this race…)

Then I waited at the finish line for my friends:

Post Race:

We all went inside for some refreshments: chili, bread, baked goods, hot cocoa, fruit, etc.

I hung around for a long time chatting with racing friends and of course, discussing our racing plans for the year.

And guess what? I won my age group!

Final Stats:

Winter Series #5 – 2/09/25 2/16/25 3/2/25

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Last one of the season and three choices again this week: 3.5m, 10m or 20m.

I had signed up for the shortest distance as in all the others.  But the 10 miler would have been perfect for my taper.

As you can see the race was postponed twice due to icy/snowy conditions.

The first time, I was unavailable and the 2nd time, I was in Florida. So the final race day was convenient for me.

The downside was that I had run 10 miles the day before and that I had injured my ankle (tripping over a car trailer in the diner parking lot after brunch).

Race Day:

Again only Deb was willing to run the race with me so we carpooled.

We arrived early to get parking and have time to chat with my friends. Being so cold, there weren’t as many runners as usual but I bumped into many that I knew.

I had planned to walk the race.  I had 3 friends who were (as they were training for a 50k walk).

Then I thought that maybe I’d run it slowly with some other friends.

In the end, I decided to do run/walk intervals (90:45) with Deb the WHOLE race.

This was a first for me.

I have to say that I really enjoyed it.  Deb kept telling me to go ahead but I stuck with her.

I never felt tired and though we were passed when we walked, we passed others when we ran.

It was very cold, my face was frozen and the last 2 miles were into an insane cold wind.

I happily crossed the finish line with a smile around 43:20. That was definitely my slowest time ever for this race.

Post Race:

Deb finished right after me.  Then came Sue…

followed by Holly

and Barb.

We all went inside for some refreshments: soup, bread, baked goods, hot cocoa, fruit, etc.

I hung around for a long time chatting with racing friends and of course, discussing our racing plans for the year.

And guess what? I won my age group! Again!

Final Stats:

None!

I didn’t wear a watch because I hadn’t planned to run.

Additional Race Reflections:

I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity.  The 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 Winter Series!

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.
• Awards – gift certificate for Bountiful Bread
• Post race refreshments – delicious soup, snacks, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and more
• 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 2 deep.
• Usually windy.
• Boring course.
• Several loops if running more than 3 miles.

Would I recommend these races?

Absolutely. Great way to stay active during the cold winter months.

Happy Running! Have you run any races in 2025 yet? Any races on your schedule? How do you stay motivated during the cold weather? 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