Many of my weekend running friends used to run this race every year.

I had never joined them because it was always hot, the race is crowded and I’d prefer to head up to the lake early.

Then in 2021,  I decided to do the race for the first time. And I loved it

So I signed up in 2022 and more of my running friends joined me

Last year, I convinced a few more friends to join me.

I was hoping that they would sign up again this year but if not, I knew there would be many others there whom I knew.

Then I had to break it to my hubby as it would interfere with any lake plans.

He went up on his own to do some repairs on the boat. Since we had planned to go on the boat after my hike the next day, he was cool with me racing today.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since the race was on a Thursday, I was still able to get in a few short runs earlier in the week.

To save time on race day, my friend Deirdre picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet on Monday.

The weather for race day: A chance of showers, mainly before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.

I hoped that they were correct and that it wouldn’t be too humid and we’d be done before the heat set in…

As I’ve said in most of race recaps, my goal in racing these days is to do my best but more importantly, have fun and not get injured. However, racing in cool dry weather, I think would be more fun. LOL.

Race Day:

I ate my usual oatmeal and coffee breakfast and checked the weather – no rain and already warm and humid… boo!

The past few years, I carpooled with Heidi and she knew exactly where to park.  I was thrilled when she again offered. Deirdre and I met her at Leah’s Cakery (which was only a few miles from the race) at 7:45 am. Stan, Sherry and Denise planned to meet us at the race.

We usually found parking on the street but it seemed much more crowded this year and so we had to park in the parking garage. Then we walked toward the start…

We passed the finish line passing many runners that I knew.

Then of course, we took our obligatory pre-race photos…

And we made plans on where to meet after the race. It was cool to see how creatively everyone was dressed for this July 4th holiday race.

I was happy to see so many people racing… even more than last year (although I think they still offered a virtual option.)

There was so much excitement in the air. Live racing rocks!!

Eventually it was time for the race to start (9 am).

Heidi, Deirdre and Sherry headed toward the back.

I stayed toward the front and chatted with some runners whom  I knew.

Though I had run this race 3 times already, the only thing I remembered was that there was a BIG hill during mile 4.

Mile 1:

As I mentioned, this was a crowded race.

The bottleneck at the beginning slowed me down which was probably a good thing as I always start out too fast (and still did.).

We began running down Broadway which was a slight downhill but eventually we did hit a hill before we turned left and ran past Congress Park. I already felt the need to walk… I started thinking that this wasn’t going to be a good race…

I was also wearing running shoes that I hadn’t worn in a while… I did wear them at this race last year and don’t remember a problem.

Blisters=big problem!!

And it seemed like everyone was passing me by but when I glanced at my watch, it showed that my pace was 9:XX minutes!! WTH?

Mile 2:

I was surrounded by runners the whole race. Several times I bumped into runners or they bumped into me.  Then again, it was a big local race with over 2000 finishers.

As we ran through neighborhoods, spectators enthusiastically cheered us on. There were musicians or bands throughout.

The best part was that there were many folks spraying the runners with water as well as sprinklers set up.  I made sure that I ran through each one.  It was very humid and very uncomfortable…

And my blisters seems to be growing…

There was a water stop during this mile.  I did stop and walked for a bit to catch my breath.

I did feel a little stronger during this mile (but that was short-lived.)

The heat and humidity was sucking the life out of me.

Mile 3:

We ran into a few rolling hills during this mile but none too bad. As I mentioned above, there were many different groups playing music. That was a nice distraction.

Saratoga is such a pretty town. I enjoyed running through its streets.

But I started tiring and decided to just walk if I needed to.

I was surprised that there was a second water stop since the race was only 4 miles. I did appreciate it and I stopped again.

In addition to the official water stops, there seemed to be many spectators giving out bottles of water.  I did not stop at any of those since I didn’t want to carry a bottle of water or waste it.

Mile 4:

I think there was one more water stop… I was getting dizzy so I don’t really remember.

And my blisters were getting more and more painful.

I was expecting the steep hill in the last mile. And it did not disappoint. I was wishfully thinking that I could run up the whole thing and finish strong (for once.)

Nope! I had to walk many many times.

Again this year, they gave out ice pops. I remember that it made me nauseous and I threw it away so this year I didn’t even take one.

I continued to run/walk up the hill very slowly.

Finally I spotted that big American flag which meant we were approaching the finish line.

I sprinted as fast as I could at this point.

I saw 40:xx on the clock as I crossed the finish line and was a little disappointed. I knew I was running slower and walked a lot more than the previous year but I expected to at least finish under 40 minutes (No biggie.).

Post Race:

I wanted to watch my friends finish

but it was getting too arm so I grabbed some water and headed to our meeting spot.

Stan finished around my time and Sherry finished soon after.

Eventually Heidi and Deirdre arrived and only a few minutes later, Denise who had walked. (She is a fast walker!!)

I checked the website to see if I won an age group award. Two years ago, I came in 2nd.  Last year, in my new age group, I came in 5th (no surprise since I had slowed down…)

Like last year, we decided to stay in Saratoga to have brunch.  First we walked back to our cars to change into dry shirts. We also knew from previous years that the restaurants would be crowded.  So before the race, I had made a reservation in the restaurant where we ate last year.

I made it for 11 am… oops, they stopped serving breakfast at 11 am… and so lunch and drinks it was.

Additional Race Reflections:

I felt that I could have done better if I didn’t walk as much (but I always say that AFTER the race.)

Of course, I think the weather had a lot to do with my pace.  I suck at running in the heat and humidity.

Then there was the painful blisters!!

Lots of excuses. LOL

But probably the most important factors why I enjoy running this race are connecting with friends, challenging myself and the feeling of normalcy on this national holiday!

Win. Win. Win.

Positives:

• Ample parking (parking garage and street parking, if you get there early)
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course.
• Friendly volunteers.
• Music entertainment along the course.
• Enthusiastic spectators (sprinklers and ice pops)
• Easy and organized packet pick-up on Mon-Wed and race day
• Real restrooms before and after and ample number of port-potties
• Two or three water stops for a 4 mile race.
• Additional unofficial water tables.
• Awards (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
• Photo Booth
• 15% discount at Fleet Feet with your bib

Negatives:

• Steep hill at mile 4
• Weather (hot, humid)
• Late start – 9 am for a July race?
• $$ for race photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I enjoyed it.  I hope that I can make it work and run it again next year.

Final Stats:

2021 –36:26 (PR)
2022: 36:37
2023: 38:49
2024: 40:09

Do you see a trend?

As you can see below, I’m still the Queen of the Positive Splits.

A 10 minute pace is not bad, in my mind, for a 71 year old runner who never does speed work.

No more complaining…

Next Up:

Maybe a July 5k or two