The 4th year for this race.  A downhill course.  A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up again??

Big negative:

I was training for a half marathon the next weekend and needed at least a 8 mile long run that day.

Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in more miles, as well.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I ran a 10k last weekend (instead of a 12 mile long run.)

I did get in a few short runs during the work week

But yesterday, I took the day off to rest… No, to go hiking!!

Needless to say, I was pooped and seriously considered staying in bed.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The race extends from the Hilton Barn area of New Scotland to the finish line across the bridge in Slingerlands. The race kicks off the Fall Fest at the Slingerlands trailhead that will feature live musical performances, food trucks and vendors, as well as fun games and activities as participants come down the home stretch. Shuttle service will be available. T-shirts and one free meal ticket for all participants. Awards for top 3 overall Male/Female. 

Race Day:

I had my standard breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I guess I’m a creature of habit.

Since the race didn’t start until 11 am, my plan was to run to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run back to my car… that would be my 8-10 mile taper long run (as half marathon was the following week).

Perfect, right?

And I did just what I planned pre-race.

Since I ran this race three times already, I was familiar with the course (as pictured below)

Race Course (according the web site)

There was no elevation chart but now I have one from my Garmin:

I arrived at the start in plenty of time.

I got my bib.

I bumped into many friends. We chatted and took a few pics.

The weather was beautiful like the first year and last year…

Unlike two years ago when it RAINED!!

There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember.

Can it be called a “race” recap if I didn’t race? LOL.

Mile 1: 

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started.  And there were not going to be any age group awards for me.

Plus I was already tired from my 5 mile pre-race run…

So I stood just somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Although it was advertised as starting at the barn and going downhill from there on the rail trail, you actually had to run around the nearby neighborhood (in order to get to 3.1 miles by the parking lot).

At first, my feet felt like I was running in cement boots and my pace was very slow…

And running through the neighborhood, it was not down hill yet…It didn’t seem to bother the leaders.  Many were running at a 5 minute pace.  I think the winner actually finished the race with an under 5 minute pace.

The only positive part about circling the neighborhood was that I could run the tangents…

Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.

Soon my legs loosened up and I was able to up my pace…

Mile 2: 

I believe the first year, there were no water stops but this year there was one around mile 2.

It started to feel very summer-like.  I was thirsty and so I stopped for a drink.

Believe it or not, this was my FIRST walk… You may remember from previous races that I walk often… even during a 5k.

Today for some reason, I felt stronger.

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

I started to tire during the last mile and my pace slowed a bit but I was determined to keep running and not walk!

Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was little crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail.

I could see the finish line ahead and sprinted through it as Josh (the RD) called my name.

My running friend Barb (and grandson) were there, as well as, my BFF.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some water and an apple and headed to get my shirt and food coupon.

Then I went back to the finish line to cheer Heidi in.

This race was also part of a Fall Festival put on by the county.

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out many freebies.)

I hung out with my BFF for a while.

I picked up some freebies (that I gave to Heidi) and even a free hot dog, cookie, shot of flavored vodka.

My running friends went to get some food from the food trucks…and so I joined them.  The wait was forever so we ordered our food and went exploring.

Still waiting so we resorted to a free hamburger.  Eventually our food came and I only had the drink and fries (brought the rest home to my hubby).  But we sat and listened to the band (that was excellent) enjoying the beautiful weather.

Unfortunately I needed to get back to my car… a LONG HOT 2.5 miles away.  I dragged myself there (running some but mostly walking).

Additional Race Reflections:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this race. If I am around, I will probably run it again next year.

The past few years, I’ve mostly focused on half marathons but maybe next year, I will try to work on my 5k speed.

I doubt I’ll ever PR again. But I’d like to go back to sub-30 finish times.  But I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

However, I am happy to be healthy, to be running regularly and interacting with others.

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Positives:

• Well organized
• Participant guide provided beforehand
• Inexpensive ($10)
• Well marked course
• Shuttle to the start from the finish and vice versa.
• Cute race shirts
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Downhill course
• Immediate results
• One free meal ticket for all participants.
• Free hamburgers & hot dogs
• Entertainment after.

Negatives:

• I could run here for FREE!
• Late start (11 am)
• Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-35, 35-55?)
• Long wait for food
• No photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!  A good race to try for a 5K PR.

Final Stats:

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) 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