time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that the mug above was made for me.
I have races scheduled for:
06-06-25 – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k
06-14-25 – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k
06-21-25 – Adirondack Race to the Lakes?
07-04-25 – Firecracker 4
07-05-25 – Indian Ladder Farms Hard Cider 5k
07-12-25 – Silks & Satins 5k
07-27-25 – Keep MOO’ving 5K
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I gave up serious tennis when I started running in 2008. And I gave up tennis totally in 2017 when I started travelling for my current job. I continued to play only during my annual tennis vacation in May.
But this summer I play to play again a few times.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that Sarah from Another Mother Runner has sung praises for pickleball and it seems to be the latest craze.
I’m not sure when I would have the time to play but I signed up for lessons this summer.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I was obsessed with hiking during the Pandemic. And since then I have hiked less and less.
with my hiking buddy
I really enjoy it so I hope to get back into it.
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that boating season has started. We have given serious thought to selling our boat as we both have lost interest and our boating friends have given it up.
good ole days
However, it’s not sold yet so starting in 2025, in order to boat, you have take a boater safety class and pass a series of quizzes and test.
Don’t tell anyone but I took the class and passed it so that my hubby could drive the boat. (I mean he’s driven a boat for over 40 years.)
This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 18th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 17th in-person FRW race.)
It has always been held the Saturday after Memorial Day except in 2021, when due to COVID, the race was moved to September. In 2022, it again returned to its regular date.
on their webpage…can you spot me in the pink cap?
My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:
I mentored a beginning running group of moms in 2010 which was very rewarding:
Unfortunately, I’m the only one from this group who still runs.
In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:
and this photo made the cover of our local paper.
I even ran it in 2013 after breaking my foot at mile 1:
And in 2019, it was the last race for my VT friend Andrea (who died of cancer).
As you can tell, there is a lot of history attached to this race for me.
In 2020, I was named an Ambassador. That honor continued through 2022.
Believe it not, I even chose to skip my high school reunion in 2022 in order to run this race!!
Then last year they changed the name of the race!!
It’s now called the Sara Lee Delightful Run for Women.
Nevertheless, I knew that I would do this race (no matter what they called it). I’m pretty sure I will always do this race!!
Unfortunately, last year, I had food poisoning the night before the race but I showed up and walked it with my friends. And actually I had the most fun ever.
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did in 2018. Even have to walk the whole race. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.
And this was also my tenth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC).
photo from 2022
This year, I decided again to become a Mentor. I wanted to support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And connect with my “past TC” buddies, as well.
I volunteered on Wednesday evenings on the rail trail near where I live.
Many years ago, the day before I would walk to the Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past few years, they have held it at a local college.
As I did the past few years, I signed up to volunteer on Friday evening at packet pick-up and then I skipped playing mah jongg in order to prepare my #flatme.
Race Day:
I hate parking garages and traffic so I usually parked on the street and walked to the start. However, with the new(er) course, it was an even longer hike. Like almost 2 miles!
But I used to love to run down Madison Avenue and see the race banners and see the giant poster on the bridge.
pics from 6 years ago…
They changed the course nine years ago. This course is supposedly faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.
course map
elevation according to my Garmin
I did run the newer course the past nine years and I also liked it better than the original..
heading downhill to the finish line
As I mentioned above, this was my 18th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak.
Most of my running friends were not running the race this year. But Deb and Denise said that they would walk it.
So the three of carpooled and parked on the street and walked to the start.
Did mention the weather forecast? RAIN! This has been a trend for every Saturday!!!
It rained most of the night before and I woke up to rain. So I grabbed a raincoat, umbrella and rain poncho… It was close t0 60 degrees which wasn’t bad except for the WIND!!
We were soaked by the time we arrived at the a park near the race start.
Being part of the Training Challenge group, I could hang out and leave my stuff in the tent.
We all complained about the weather but knew that we would run the race no matter what.
Soon it was time to leave the tent for the Training Challenge group photo.
Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I used to, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.
Then we returned to the tent and waited until the last moment to head out into the rain… And it was raining even harder now.
I was scheduled to start in corral 3 and squeezed into the crowd. I had taken off my jacket but kept on my poncho for the last few minutes and then tossed it.
Mile 1:
It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years (due to the weather, most likely.) I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to run comfortably.
The race began with a long steep uphill. And of course, it was super windy and rain blowing in your face.
But I did run most of the hill… it was slow but I did it.
Mile 1 continued as we turned left and entered the park (and the hill ended).
There were rolling hills throughout the park. They were not bad and even I could run them without walking (but barely).
The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…And the puddles which were often lakes. You had to weaving back and forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes peeled to the ground to make sure you didn’t trip.
Mile 2:
There was a water stop around mile 1.25. I wasn’t thirsty but I used it as an excuse to walk for a bit.
More rolling hills during this mile as you went around the park circling the lake. Only one of the hills was steep but it was very short.
I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop.
Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.
Mile 3-3.1:
There was a second water stop around mile 2.5. Again I stopped for a drink (even though I didn’t need one) and walked longer than before.
Finally we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.
It was a long downhill and I had to remember not to start sprinting too soon. I’ve made that mistake in past years. Besides it was slippery and so many puddles.
Eventually I saw the 3 mile sign and I started to run as fast as I could while posing for the photographers and running though the finish line…
As you can see below, I crossed at 31:xx, a big PW but considering the weather conditions, I was not disappointed.
Post Race Activities:
I got my medal and then headed toward the refreshments with a stop at the results table.
nope, no award this year – 5th out of 58!!
The food lines were very long so I just returned to the tent.
I was soaked!!!
Deb and Denise were waiting for me there. In the end, they had decided due to the wind and rain to not even walk the race. They just waited for me in the tent (and took that photo of me heading to the finish and crossing.)
So we all walked back to the car (in the pouring rain) and then went out for brunch.
Additional Race Reflections:
Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run a PR or even close. In fact, it was a course PW but I still really enjoyed myself.
Since I can never remember my finish times. I looked up my recent ones after the race.
2014 – 28:51
2015 – 29:22
2016 -28:50
2017 – 27:48
2018 – 27:37 (PR)
2019 – 27:47
2021 – 28:16
2022 – 28:24
2023 – 29:41
2025 – 31:28 (PW)
I know. How can you have fun running in the pouring rain? And running one of your slowest 5k…
I wasn’t cold while I was running just before and after. Yes, I got soaked but it wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last.
I guess I just enjoy racing.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
Interesting course (through a beautiful park).
Downhill finish.
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Two water stops (for a 5k)
The electric atmosphere.
Virtual option.
Free photos
Immediate results
Nice Swag for a 5k (tech shirt, medal, cookies, bread)
Cool medal
All women – all ages, all paces…
Many free photo stations
Negatives:
Uphill first mile.
Uneven pavement in the park
Long line for the refreshments
Name change (it will forever be called the Freihofer race)
WEATHER!!!
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a great local race. And having it be ALL WOMEN makes it even more special.
Final Stats:
positive splits thanks to the downhill finish
not exactly a steady pace – watching for all those puddles…
So FRW #18 is in the books!
The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with many women running or walking it. Can’t wait to do it again next year. I hope I can talk more of my local running friends into running it too. The weather has to be better, right?
Next Up:
June 7
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year? Do you prefer 5ks or longer races? How do you feel about racing in the rain? Please share.
Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk (10 mile) Race. I got lucky with the weather. It rained before the race and all afternoon and evening but NOT during the race.
I finished slower than I had hoped but I felt good so I’m not complaining.
I got a little bit of gardening done before the rain and then went out to dinner to celebrate belatedly my hubby’s birthday.
My granddaughter came which was the highlight.
Monday – DAY OFF- Memorial Day Holiday. The gym was closed but my running friend who was injured and couldn’t run yesterday’s race decided to walk it today. I walked 5 of the 10 miles with her.
Where we started and ended our walk was the start of the town Memorial Day parade. It was pretty impressive.
Normally this would have been a day to take out out boat. Nope. But actually it was nicer than predicted. Sunny!!
I got more gardening done and then went out to dinner with a friend.
Tuesday – WFH all this week.
I started the day at the gym and then at lunch went for a run.
with summer-like temps
After work, I met two former co-workers for a walk.
This cat is back… we see her on our walks here.
Wednesday – Tried something different this morning. Instead of the gym or a run, I went for a walk in the ‘hood.
scenes from my walk on the water line…
I had a meeting a lunch with my contractor (still trying to get my old deck replaced) so no run.
Tonight was the dinner for volunteers of the Run for Women but I had time before to squeeze in a run but I didn’t feel like it so I just went for a walk before the dinner.
Thursday – Back to the gym before work. No time to run at lunch so I squeezed one in before work…
the flowers are prettier than my selfie..
After work, I had an appt with another deck guy. Then 3 things on my schedule: monthly tennis dinner, first ARE summer trail run and STEM board meeting ZOOM.
I chose the least fun one – the board meeting since I just got elected and missed the last meeting. (Besides, I had already gone to the restaurant they chose and rain was predicted for the trails.)
Friday – WFH today and so I could go to the gym first thing…
Instead of mah jongg, I volunteered at the race expo.
Then afterward, we went out for ice cream and a walk.
Saturday – Run for Women 5k Race. Rain was in the forecast…
And boy, they got it right. Torrential rain and wind the whole 3.1 miles! But I did it!
We went out to brunch after and then I spent a long time in the hot shower warming up…
Sunday – gym, gardening, re-scheduled garden tour planned for today.
glad we had changed it from yesterday
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, run, hair appt
Wednesday – run, walk with BFF
Thursday – visit to NY Botanical Gardens (and stay overnight in the Bronx)
Friday – NYC activities and bib/shirt pick-up
Saturday – Mastercard NY Mini 10k Race, brunch, train home
Sunday – gym, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Run for Women Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do anything exciting on Memorial Day? Would you race in the pouring rain? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual in 2020, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races in 2021. This was one of them and unfortunately, it POURED the whole race.
In 2022, I ran this 10 miler again but on a very hot day. I did it with several friends and had fun.
I ran it one more time in 2023 but skipped it last year (don’t remember why…)
This year, they offered this race as part of a 3 race challenge. Of course, I signed up for all 3.
The race is advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”
As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)
The logistics were also 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).
I signed up for Miles on the Mohawk 10M for several reasons:
FOMO. Many of my racing/running friends were doing it.
It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
I am familiar with the course. I’ve run it 3 times.
It’s a flatish course, mostly on a bike path.
It was part 3 of a 3 race challenge.
10 miles is easier than a half marathon!
This is now the only local 10 mile race.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I have run several 10 mile races. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between as well as 2023’s at 1:43:12. If you’ve read any of my recent race recaps, you know that there’s little speed left in these old legs. And I am always prepared for a course PW and just happy to cross the race (without pain.)
Usually on the weekends this time of year, I run short races (which helps me work a little on my speed.)
But that also means that I have skipped some long runs. At least I did manage to get a 6 & 8 miler prior to this race.
I also squeezed in (between raindrops) 3 short runs during the week before the race.
Deb was nice enough to pick up our bibs on Friday so neither Barb not I had to arrive early and pick them up before the race on Sunday.
I met my running friends Saturday morning to walk and after have brunch.
the rain even stopped!
Then I did some errands, gardening and carb loaded on Saturday evening. I debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that it would not rain or snow like the previous races in this challenge.
2025 – 4th H2H HM
Forecast: Mixture of clouds and sun. Between 46 and 66 degrees. So most likely in the 50s during the race.
#flatme:
not easy to dress for… I may start out with long sleeves and then tie it around my waist… or I may wear short sleeves with arm warmers.
Race Day:
Deb got injured but was able to drive both Barb and I to the start (and then drive to the finish and meet us there after the race.) We met at 7:15 am.
Mabee Farms is a really nice place to walk around before a race (when the weather is nice) – animals, the river, real restrooms, etc.
Believe it not, it was raining!!!! Yes, as it had been most of the week.
So we just sat in Deb’s car hoping the rain would stop.
The race started at 8:30 am. So soon it was time to head to the start area. And the rain had stopped!!!
obligatory pre-race pic…
I had decided to keep on my half zip as I thought that it was cool enough and that it might start to rain again.
spotting some racing pals…
There were no corrals so I just entered into the crowd somewhere in middle or perhaps closer to the front. Barb moved farther back. I chatted with friends until it was time to move.
Sorry to be a broken record but my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) Throw those time goals out the window!!
Miles 1-3:
From Mabee Farm, the first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path.
In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. As I ran the first mile, everyone appeared to be passing me by. But I didn’t look at my watch, just kept going with the flow.
The scenery was pretty. Of course, my pace was decent at first. I was feeling good… until I wasn’t.
Unfortunately I should have left my half zip in the car. It was humid and I got very warm right away.
By mile 2, I stopped and tied it around my waist.
The Mohawk river changed to being on the left.
The first water stop was at mile 3.3 (Kiwanis Park). I was very thirsty and decided to take a Gu as well. It wasn’t that it was so warm but humid and lots of pollen. I really had a hard time breathing.
Miles 4-6
Most of the race is a blur. I walked and ran. Those runners around me were doing the same. I tried to run more than walk. Not sure at times if I did or not. Some runners did continue to just run. But we played leap frog as I passed them when I ran and they passed me when I walked.
halfway – thanks to Bethany for the pic…
Amazingly I was running here (and I didn’t see the photographer)…
There was finally a second water stop at mile 5.6 (Lock 8 Park). Again I was glad to stop and drink.
Miles 7-10
The third water stop was around mile 8.1 (SCCC Bike Path Parking Area). More water and I took my 2nd Gu.
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.
I was very happy that nothing hurt. Not my feet. Not my lower back. I just was out of breath and had to walk.. A lot.
The photographer even cough me running:
15k mark
The crowd was also thinning. And I was walking more and running slower.
But eventually we headed toward Mohawk Harbor where you could hear the roar of the crowds.
As I headed toward the finish line, I got one last burst of energy as I saw my friends Deb and Heidi waiting.
I crossed at 1:49:XX . Happy to done and upright.
and my official finish line picture:
lol
Post-Race Activities
I got my medal and some water. Barbara was waiting for me as she had finished several minutes before me.
and the post-race pic!!
Next, we grabbed our box lunches (that I would give to my hubby when I got home.)
turkey sandwich and a brownie
I stopped by the results table and unfortunately I only came in 4th. No age group award!
and Martha turns 75 next year… yay!
I did get an extra medal as this was part of a 3 race challenge (10k+13.1+10).
Instead of eating our lunches or getting our free beer, my running friends and I decided to go out to brunch.
Additional Race Reflections:
So yeah, I finished slower than I wished. A course PW. But hey, I felt good. Nothing hurt. I didn’t even feel tired.
It was also nice that finally, I ran a race where it didn’t snow or rain or was windy.
I never regret a race that I’ve run. I might even run this one again next year.
Positives:
Ample parking at the start and finish.
Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
Bag check
Well marked course.
Varied scenery including river views
Lots of course marshals
Shuttle to the start (if needed).
Well organized.
A lot of pre-race information.
Familiar faces
Decent Post-race food.
Race shirt optional for more money
Cool medal.
Free Beer (in Druthers)
Free photos
Immediate results (and live tracking)
Negatives:
My slow finish time due to lots of walking.
They ran out of medals.
If it were hot, I would have wanted more than 3 water stops.
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes.
It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when the weather is warmer/sunny and runners could hang out before and after the race comfortably.
Final Stats:
of course, I remained the queen of positive splits
no walks for miles 1 & 2
Next Up:
5k on May 31.
Happy Running! Have you run a 10 mile race? What is your favorite distance? What would you prefer PR and pain or PW and no pain? Are you planning to run a long race this summer? Please share.
There have been a few fun 5ks recently but today, I am scheduled to race a 10 miler.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym and then did some errands and yardwork.
Monday – I went to the office so I decided to do my run at nearby UAlbany after work. It was COLD and WINDY!!!
brrrrrrrrrr
Tuesday – I went to the gym first thing and then after work, I went out to dinner with my BFF as a belated b-day celebration.
Wednesday – I had to teach in-person today.
I skipped the gym but rewarded myself with Starbucks.
Today was week 9 of the Training Challenge group. Instead of our normal location, all groups met for preview run on the race course. It was actually one of my better runs…
drizzly and chilly… where is spring?
Thursday – I had to teach in-person again today. So I skipped the gym again and of course, bought myself with Starbucks.
After work, I had planned to run on the Corning bike path since it was near where I worked. RAIN!! And cold. I bailed.
Friday – WFH today and so I could go to the gym first thing… and at lunchtime, I decided to try to get in a run before the rain (and I did… barely).
the lilies were pretty but I was COLD!!!!
Mah jongg was back on the schedule for the evening.
Saturday – Long Walk and Brunch. Since my race was the next day, I just walked with my friends and then we met for brunch after.
thumbs up for the rain stopping…
Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk (10 Mile) Race
Deb (who is injured) is going to drive Barb & I to the start. It is a point to point race mostly on the flat Mohawk River bike path along the Mohawk River. I hope it goes well and we have fun.
In the evening, I am going out to dinner with the family to celebrate my hubby’s b-day (that was on Wed.)
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – HOLIDAY – Day off – gym (closed), walk, too cold for boating
Tuesday – gym, run
Wednesday – gym, Volunteer Dinner
Thursday – run, Tennis Dinner
Friday – gym, Volunteer at the expo
Saturday – Run for Women 5k Race
Sunday – gym, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Miles on the Mohawk Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? How’s the weather? Have you ever run a 10 mile race? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
The CDPHP® Workforce Team Challenge is a 3.5-mile road race open to teams of employees from corporations, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, not-for-profit corporations, and financial institutions. Participating companies, organizations, and agencies use the event as a platform to provide health and fitness opportunities in the workplace while promoting goodwill and camaraderie among their employees.
It takes place at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on a similar course to the old Freihofer course. It usually sells out early with a cap of 10,000 runners.
At my former job, I ran this race once (in 2011), the only year I convinced them to have a team. It was fun so I signed up to be part of a team at my new job in 2017. We didn’t actually have enough runners for our own team so we partnered with UAlbany. I ran it with this team in 2018 and 2019, as well.
I enjoyed it and it was a good way to get to know others where I work. (Obviously purple is UAlbany’s color…)
2011
2017
2018
2019
Then there was the Pandemic. The race was cancelled in 2020. In 2021, it was postponed to August and moved to a new location.
a super hot and humid evening for a race… on a hilly course
Happy to report that in 2022 and years after, the race returned to its original date and location.
2022
I didn’t run it in 2023 and 2024. I don’t remember exactly why but it was probably because no one I knew was running it.
I hesitated this year too but I talked my friend Eleonora into it so I registered.
1.Race Day:
Anyway I remembered the course from many years ago. It starts with a steep uphill and then flattens out. You run through the park which has rolling hills and then it ends with a steep downhill.
elevation according to my Garmin
It is actually more of a run than a race. With thousands of participants and many walkers, you feel (at least I do) no pressure to do anything but finish.
The week before the race, I had returned from 3 days in NYC and 8 days in Florida. Two weekends in a row, I ran a 5k race.
During the days before the race, I was soooo tired. I considered skipping this race many times. But I knew El would be mad if I did.
So I did run (slowly) on Monday and Wednesday.
Now what do you eat for a race that starts at 6:25 pm?
I ate a banana and hoped that it would be enough.
To avoid the crowds, I parked my car in town and walked about 1.5 miles to the start.
The weather was sunny and warm with a slight breeze. But very humid.
My team was pretty organized. Again this year, they had set up a table and canopy. I walked around for a while searching for their table but finally located it (in a place not far from where it was in a previous year.)
I had not already picked up my team tee and bib so I got that and since it was still early, I walked around the plaza. I didn’t know many runners but I did bump into many who were volunteers.
I also picked up my race shirt.
Then I returned to our team table and met up with El.
skirt sisters
Soon we all gathered for a team photo.
I wore the team shirt over my existing shirt for the photo but it was uni-sex and too big and so I stashed it and wore a tank to race.
El and I headed to the start.
Although, you were supposed to line up according to your race pace. It was obvious that most did not. El and I started too far back and were hampered by the walkers for the first mile or so.
What was cool about this race is that I knew so many runners and they were all running/walking with their work teams.
Several years ago, Sawyer Fredericks (winner of The Voice and a local) sang the National Anthem. This year, it was an unknown local however, she was great.
Eventually, the race started.
Of course, it took awhile before we even moved. And we had to walk for awhile.
As I mentioned above, the walkers were missed in with the runners. So unless you were in the front and very fast, it was impossible to gain any speed. Even with the corrals, I was playing bumper cars the whole race. It seemed even more crowded this year even without the walkers in front of me. So middle of the packers, like me, just weaved in and out, bumped into people saying “excuse me” throughout the entire race.
But then again except for a chosen group of runners, it was not a “race.” It was just a way to get out of the office (or for me “home”) and get some exercise with their co-workers. Some businesses had 200-500 employees participating. There were 450 different businesses represented and 7,6000 total runner/walkers.
I think it’s a great thing. So I tried not to get annoyed or take it seriously.
In fact, this was great for me. I had the goal of NOT racing it… walking up the hills and keeping my pace between 10 and 11 minutes!!!
Back to the race…
We started up a long uphill climb which flattened until we entered the park. I ran slow and chatted with many runners that I knew.
The course continued through the park with rolling hills – one or two being rather steep. Yes, I did walk.
There was a water stop in the park around mile 1.5. I stopped and walked. It was much warmer than I had thought..
We continued in the park but eventually left onto the streets of Albany.
There was a second water stop around mile 2.5 and I stopped and walked even longer.
It was warm and very humid, so I didn’t beat myself up and walked often.
Eventually, you headed toward that downhill finish.
I was tempted to go into an all out sprint but it was a steep downhill so I had to hold back.
But when I saw the clock in the distance, I picked up the pace so that I could at least finish strong.
I crossed around 40:xx (gun time)
I was pretty happy… I had done just what I had planned and I was glad that I participated. (It’s so amazing about that “runner’s high.”)
2. Post Race Activities:
I slowly made my way back through the crowd to the team table to get the shirts that I had left there. There was no one there. In past years, there was quite a spread of refreshments and runners there planning an after race get-together. Not this year!
I was very impressed by the race organization again this year. After you picked up water, you proceeded to a tent to get your time (if you wanted). I just logged onto my phone and skipped that line.
Then you continued on to get your race shirt (if you hadn’t picked it up before the race), followed by another stop to a get fanny pack filled with some snacks. The lines moved very quickly. There were lots of volunteers to make sure everything went smoothly.
I bumped into many running friends and we chatted as we walked around the Empire State Plaza.
Eventually, I had to make the long walk back to my car…
It was over an hour after I finished but there were people still on the course… Everyone looked happy and to be having a great time.
It made me smile but I quickened my step to get to my car since it was getting late with a quick detour through the park…
sadly many of the tulips had died
But I did see this on my way back to my car:
3. Additional Race Reflections:
My finish time may have have been the slowest on this course.
2025 – 38:47 (PW)
2022 – 35:14
2019 – 32:56 (PR)
2018 – 43:19 (walked with a co-worker)
2017 – 33:40
2011 – 33:41
Nevertheless, I had lots of fun chatting with friends and meeting new runners.
To quote a past winner of the race: “Just the fact that you’re there representing your company as opposed to being in a race on your own is definitely something else that makes it extraordinary,”
Normal:
Sleeping my own bed.
Mostly WFH but one day in person.
Gym, runs, walks wherever they fit.
Last Week –
Sunday – Mother’s Day was low key.
I went to the gym, did some errands and the family then visited my (almost 100 year old) MIL.
In the evening, I met a friend for wine and it was free (being Mother’s Day) 🙂
Monday – Back to work. It was a WFH day but I did go to the office in the afternoon.
In between, I went for a short run
breezy but summer-like
and afterward, met a friend for a walk at UAlbany.
Tuesday – I started the day at the gym
and went for a walk at lunch
and another after work with two former co-workers/walking buddies.
Wednesday – I had to teach in-person today.
I skipped the gym but rewarded myself with Starbucks
I had missed 2 weeks of the Training Challenge group. Today was week 8. Barbara & I met and ran 2 miles before..
one mentor took the photos so yes 6 mentors and ONE runner…
Thursday – WFH but I squeezed in a walk at lunch. I haven’t been on the water line behind my house since last fall. I was disappointed that they haven’t maintained it this year.
overgrown and barely a path to walk…
After work, I participated in CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge. My office doesn’t have enough runners for a team so we joined the UAlbany team. It was a warm, humid evening but it was very inspiring to see 7,600 workers from 450 offices come together to run or walk 3.5 miles.
Friday – WFH again today and so I could go to the gym first thing…
Instead of mah jongg, I attended this event which was created by a tennis friend…
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Trying for prepare for next Sunday’s 10 mile race… I carpooled with Deb and Barbara. I ran 4 miles with Barb and then 4 slower miles solo. Afterward we met the walkers for brunch.
I really struggled with the humidity today or maybe my legs were tired from Thursday’s race…
In the evening we got together with my SIL as an early b-day celebration for my hubby.
Sunday – Plan to head to the gym…and some gardening if the weather permits.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run, walk with a friend
Tuesday – gym, belated b-day dinner with my BFF
Wednesday – TC run (week 9) – race preview
Thursday – PM run
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – walk and brunch
Sunday –Miles On The Mohawk (10 mile) Race
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – CDPHP Workforce Challenge Race Recap
Friday – 5 Essentials to Your Fitness Routine (and 1 you skip)
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? How’s the weather? Ever run a team race? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
They say with running/racing, it’s more mental than physical…
Here are 5 Tips for Building Mental Toughness:
1.Never compare yourself to another runner. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. Pace is not the only thing that matters.
And pace is such an individual thing. To some runners, I may appear fast and yet to others, I am a turtle. That’s one of the great things of running. You are only competing with yourself. Pace should not be your only goal.
2.Find something good in every race/run. It’s never ALL bad.
Let’s face it, some runs/races just suck. But either you got it done or the scenery was awesome or whatever. Focus on the good and try to forget about the bad.
3.Surround yourself with other runners. They get you. Running/Racing is more about sharing the experience with others than your finish time.
It’s great to have non-running friends but they won’t sympathize with your positive split times, sore feet, hilly course experiences, stomach issues, DNSes, etc.
4.Every race will not be a PR. Most likely you will get slower as you age. Accept it and keep moving.
Even if you run on the same course, you may finish XX minutes slower. Just sayin’.
5.A bad run/race is better than no run/race. Plan your next run/race ASAP. It’s the best way to forget…
Tough one to remember when we wanted or expected it to be a good one. More often than not, it isn’t.
Happy Running! How do you build mental toughness? Please share.
Anyway I remembered the course from many years ago. It starts with a steep uphill and then flattens out. You run through the park which has rolling hills and then it ends with a steep downhill.
My First 5K and More... 