I went out to dinner every evening except Sunday and Saturday.
Just so happened that all dinner invitations were squeezed into one week and there was also a work trip to NYC.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym. And finally the rain stopped and they started work on our new deck.
getting a smaller Trex deck
Lots of outdoor home maintenance today…
Monday – My new routine is to run before work and I did today!
Roses and horses…
After work, I had dinner with my stepson, his GF and my sister-in-law. After dinner, we stopped the house that he had bought (to see the improvements.)
Tuesday – Another morning at the gym. Of course it was raining!!! (Poor deck workers.)
progress…
Tonight was my monthly dinner with my tennis friends. I had to miss the last month’s so it was nice to see everyone again.
Wednesday – More rain overnight and when I woke up but it stopped so I crossed my fingers that it would stay dry long enough to squeeze in my run.
My new AM running friend was away so I also had to motivate myself to do this run/walk workout alone. I did it but it wasn’t as fast or as much fun.
After work, I went out to celebrate my friend’s (who I used to teach with) last day of school.
lobster roll & a beer
It was an early dinner so I had time to meet my BFF after for a walk.
Thursday – Juneteenth and a Day OFF but I had to take an early train to NYC to work in Jamaica, Queens the next day.
No surprise that thunderstorms were predicted as well as high temps (yup, summer has arrived.)
So after I dropped off my bag at the hotel, I hopped the subway downtown. I was wearing my running clothes but had a jacket and umbrella so my running plans got scrapped and I just walked along the East River and then over the Brooklyn Bridge..
best plan ever since it was raining in Manhattan and and blue skies in Brooklyn..
I had never really spent much time in DUMBO and I enjoyed it esp since I could see rain across the river and I stumbled along a awesome outdoor photography exhibit.
Eventually I took the subway back to my hotel because I had dinner plans with a college friend.
Well, the rain had temporarily stopped so I walked to her apt….
We had drinks there and then went out to an Indian restaurant for dinner.
Friday – Just a long work day returning home late by train.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
Of course I was tempted to race since there was a 7 miler that I have done several times in the past
But actually I had signed up for a 5k today but it got re-scheduled to July 5. I was relieved since I had gotten home late from NYC the night before.
With all the races I’ve been running, I was happy to meet up with my local friends again and just run for fun and meet them after for brunch..
our first dry Saturday but it was quite warm…
I spent the rest of the day doing errands and yard work…
and our deck is done…
Sunday – gym, more home projects or maybe boating (weather dependent).
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – DAY OFF –TENNIS, hike, run?
Tuesday – run
Wednesday – Teacher Reunion Dinner
Thursday –run, STEM board meeting ZOOM
Friday – mah jongg
Saturday – Long run and Brunch
Sunday – gym. boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Summer Racing Plans
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do eat out often? 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.
If you training for a big race: a half marathon, a full marathon or an ultra, it is tempting to skip races during your training cycle so you can complete all the weekend runs on your plan.
If you are not training, you also may feel that there’s no reason to race. You can just run for fun on the weekend.
Here are my Five Reasons to Race Often:
1. Races are more fun.
Running is supposed to be fun, right?
I don’t know about you, but I rarely have fun during my weekend runs. I get them done. Period.
The atmosphere before a race is inspiring and the feeling of accomplishment after a race is addicting.
2. It’s a speed drill in disguise.
Even if you say that the race only a training run or you don’t care about your pace, most likely the enthusiasm and crowd support will have you running faster in a race than in your weekend run.
3. Free water stops, porta-potties and post-run refreshments.
Ok, not free because you have to pay to run the race but you know what I mean.
It’s welcomed support before, during and/or after your run.
4. You can practice race pace.
You may often run your weekend runs too fast or too slow.
Obviously it’s easier to practice “race pace” in a race.
5.You connect with other runners and make new friends..
When I first started running, I had no running friends so I would race on the weekends.
Now I do have friends to run with on the weekend but I always enjoy meeting new runners.
Happy Running! Do you ever use a race as a training run? Do you race often? Why or why not? Please share.
I had taken a break from this race and then a few years ago, I started running it again…
This year was actually the 7th time that I had run this race.
I ran it back in 2010!!
they gave out free ice cream that year,
Yes, 15 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time.
This is the race where I met a new running BRF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her there twice.
Kelly and Mary (on the right)
Then I ran it again in 2016. I knew a lot of runners by then. And it was even more fun.
here with my friend Tom
and my age group competition, Carolyn
My time back in 2010 was 29:40 but improved to 28:47 in 2016. Both years, I was 2nd in my age group (won a cap, then gloves).
2022? 6 years later. Anything could happen… no expectations.
A course PR! 28:43
2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….
The good news in 2023 was that Carolyn didn’t turn 70 until later in the year.
so I won my age group!!
But my time was slower: 29:11 (GT).
Last year, I had a course PW with a 31:10 (GT) finish!
still snagged 2nd in my age group.
And this year, I expected an even slower time…
It’s all good. I’m thrilled when I am ABLE to race.
My friend Heidi said that she would be running it with me again. It is always fun to run a race with a friend.
2022
2023
2024
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
Last weekend, I ran a 10k in NYC.
and then during the week, I ran a few short runs/walks:
Race Day:
I dragged myself out of bed and had my usual race breakfast (coffee and oatmeal).
As it has EVERY Saturday since forever, it was raining!!!!!
I was definitely going but packed some dry clothes, race poncho, raincoat, umbrella, etc.)
Unfortunately, my friend Heidi decided not to go so I was solo.
The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:30.
I grabbed my umbrella and put on my rain jacket and went to get my shirt and bib (and Heidi’s)
In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game.
I went back to my car to get rid of the shirts and tix and returned to the stadium to hang out and chat with runners that I knew. The conversation revolved around why does it rain for every race but that it’s better than sun/heat.
pretty nasty out…
Below is the course map and elevation:
“their” elevation chart
and “mine”
It had been about 2 weeks since my last 5k… and one week since a 10k.
I had not been thrilled with my lack of speed and thought I would do some speed drills on a nearby track. But nope… that never happened.
So again, my race goal was to finish happy and uninjured… zero expectations of a fast finish time…
As you can see from the pics above, this race began and ended at the home of the Valley Cats, a local baseball team that plays at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College.
There was no chip timing at the start line so I probably should have moved closer to the front (but I didn’t really think about it…)
Mile 1:
The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods. (A different but similar start to last year.)
lots of familiar faces…
I had started with several friends but they quickly got ahead and kept gaining on me as the race went on. My goal became to just keep them in sight and cut as many tangents as possible.
I don’t remember much about the first mile other than I was dragging.
I think I willed myself to run and not walk… until a hill or a water stop.
Mile 2:
Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile. I tried to run up it but the legs just weren’t having it. So I ran/walked it.
We repeated most of the course afterwards in 2022 so here are some pics from the neighborhoods
My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep, out of shape? All three?
And was there a mile 2 marker or did I miss it?
Actually I don’t think there were ANY mile markers.
Mile 3-3.1:
A few more walks, I think. And then there was a welcome downhill during mile 3.
We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything (which wasn’t much at this point).
I didn’t expect a course PR however I thought of finishing under 30 minutes. (I think that’s just a dream now…)
As I approached the finish line, 29 turned to 30 minutes and then I crossed…
Carolyn who won my age group was way ahead…
Post Race Activities:
I may have come to accept my lack of speed because I was not really disappointed in my time.
After I crossed, I bumped into my friend Gail (who ran RnR DC with me)
and the mascot..
We headed for the food. There was a decent spread: bagels, popcorn,, bananas, apples, coffee, water. There was also a barbecue. I ate 2 hot dogs!!
Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.
I checked the results and I did win an award as did several of my friends.
So we waited around for the awards ceremony (which took place after the kids race.)
insulated cooler/lunch bag
Additional Race Reflections:
When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was not feeling good about running this race. I wasn’t sure I wanted to get soaked.
As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, ran a decent race and don’t regret it one bit.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
4 free tickets to a game as swag
Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Free photos
Decent post-race food
Useful age group award (my hubby likes it)
Negatives:
Gun time (not chip timed)
Hills (but don’t most races)
Unisex tee shirts
No mile markers
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a nice local race. And very well organized. Maybe someone will twist my arm to run it again next year. LOL.
Final Stats:
SPLITS
PACE
Gun Time = 30:10
Garmin Time = 30:06
Not a course PW and actually it was my fastest 5k this year.
Next Up:
Happy Running! How did you celebrate Father’s Day Weekend? Running any summer 5ks? 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.
I signed up for the Mastercard NYC Mini 10k for several reasons:
I love NYC.
I love running in Central Park.
I hadn’t run a race there since Dec. 2022.
I had enough pts for a free hotel room.
I thought my NYC BRF Cari may be running it too or at least we could meet up during the weekend.
All woman’s race – so inspiring.
Elite runners do it! (Last year Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, Dakotah Lindwurm, Sara Hall, Molly Huddle, Jessica McLain, Nell Rojas and others ran it.)
10k is one of my favorite distances.
No Harlem Hill for this race (just 3 sisters).
Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do try to do those weekday short runs (Mon, Tues, Wed this week).
and get in some longer runs on the weekend (although the weekend before this race, it was only a 5k race): 10m, 8m 6m
Miles on the Mohawk 10m
I knew about the HILLS that would taunt me during the race. I have run in this park and I ran the Shape Half Marathon, Fred LeBow Half twice, Central Park Half and many other shorter races.
Shape Half ’17
Fred Lebow Half ’22
Central Park Half ’22
France Run 8k
Grete’s Great Gallop 10K
Poland Springs 10k
Shape 5.8 mile loop
Ted Corbit 15k
I’ve always wanted to run this race. However, it often conflicted with the Freihofer Run for Women or work. I finally got in in 2020 and then it was cancelled due to COVID.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Believe or not, my friends picked June 5 to visit the NY Botanical Gardens.
So I stayed in a hotel in the Bronx that night
and then the next morning, I took a subway into Manhattan and immediately got busy with all my scheduled activities.
First I headed to NYRR Run Center to pick up my bib and race shirt and also attend a panel discussion.
that’s Emily Sisson (who didn’t end up running the race)
I walked back to my hotel but my room still wasn’t ready. So I took the subway downtown to visit the Anne Frank exhibit.
Afterward, I walked back to my hotel stopping on the way for a late lunch (pizza). I finally checked into my room and then headed uptown to the newly renovated Frick museum.
Cari met me there and accompanied me to my next activity, a Broadway show. But first a gelato stop.
I walked back to my hotel and called it a day. Don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before this race…
#flatme ready
Race Day:
I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:30 am. My hotel was on West 36th and 6th Avenue. I have in the past taken an Uber but I decided to leave super early (6:30 am) and take the subway from 34th St & 8th Ave.
And it was super crowded with runners! I chatted with one who was running her first race ever.
I got off at 86th and followed all the runners to the start at 90th.
The rain in the forecast disappeared and insane humidity replaced it.
It was already warm and I had decided not to do bag check (besides it was a mile from the start). I was originally worried that I would get soaked from the rain. I changed my mind. A little rain would have felt good.
It was still early but the time passed quickly.
My Race Plan:
Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!
I would most likely do a lot of walking… because there would be hills!!
I planned to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a gel around mile 4.
I was worried about the humidity so I brought salt chews and took 2 before the race and planned take 2 more at the halfway point.
My estimated finish time would be around 1:15 (far from my 57:xx PR at this distance).
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
Course Map:
Elevation according to Strava:
Miles 1-3:
I started in Corral F:
It only took 5-10 minutes to get to the start line.
the elites
We started running on Central Park West (W90th St) and eventually entered the park at 72nd.
I was feeling good but tried to keep it slow due to the weather conditions. Although I thought I had started my Garmin, somehow I did not. I realized it about a half mile into the race. No big deal except for not knowing what mile I was at. At least there were clocks at each mile.
Once in the park, we ran south. I think I ran until the first water stop about 1.5m in before I walked… I was sweating (and I rarely sweat) so I grabbed some Gatorade.
Eventually we turned and ran up the east side of the park.
It was crowded but I didn’t really need to weave in and out. I was not running that fast and for my pace, many runners walked intermittently.
As the race went on, the humidity made me feel weaker and so I paced myself by walking up the hills and sprinting whenever I had enough energy.
There was a 2nd water stop around the 5k point… More Gatorade!
Miles 4-6.2:
Once we reached 102nd St, we looped around and headed back on the west side of the park toward 72nd where the race would finish.
I finally ate my Gu at the next water stop (around mile 4.5).
Still no rain. Even the sun peaked out. So humid!!!!!
And now came more hills.
I am pretty sure I walked more the 2nd half of the race.
I didn’t care. I just wanted to finish upright.
I did give it my all on any straight away and/or downhills.
And somehow, my Garmin stopped and I lost my stats for the last .5 miles (?).
I think there was one more water stop (around mile 5.5) but I skipped it as I just wanted to be done…
I did feel good enough to sprint across the finish and was pleasantly surprised at the time on the clock.
I saw many runners with flowers but I guess they had run out by the time I finished.
Post Race Activities:
I immediately got my medal, grabbed a heavy bag of food (water, Gatorade, apple, pretzels, bar…)
reusable cups
and posed for a quick pic. or two!
While I was waiting for Cari to finish, I met two lovely runners who would be running their first NYCM in November. We became instant friends.
Soon Cari arrived…
showing off our “skirts”
with her friends. Another photo op.
So two Cari meet-ups in one weekend. Always a pleasure and hopefully, we’ll meet up again soon.
As I exited the park, it was so inspiring to see all the runners happily finishing their race.
The rain finally arrived but not until around 1:30 pm.
And luckily I had indoor plans (the Morgan Library and Museum) for the rest of the day:
Additional Race Reflections:
Running in the heat/humidity may not have been exactly fun. But at least without the rain, I could enjoy the pre and post-race experience.
can you spot the bride and groom?
I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was almost 9 minutes slower than a 10k that I had run in this park
back in Oct. 2019
but it was not a PW and faster than I expected on this course and in these weather conditions.
Enough whining…I am so grateful to be able to visit NYC and run a race. And a race that included only women was just icing on the cake.
I am unbelievably happy that after the race, my legs/feet felt fine.. no pain anywhere (always a good thing at my age.)
All in all, I thought this was a fun race.
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up at Run Center and also race morning near the start).
NYRR sponsored events before race dy.
Cool purple tank
Bag Check if needed.
Water at almost EVERY mile. Gatorade at most.
Many porta-potties along the course in addition to real CP bathrooms
Well marked course.
Timing Clock at every mile.
No Harlem Hill.
Great crowd support!
Los of volunteers as course marshals and at water stops
Very cool medal.
Immediate results.
Blogger meet-up with Cari
No Blisters. No pain.
The Bad:
Humidity.
Hills in Central Park. I did not do any training on hills (my bad)
Post-race food – just pretzels and apples but I guess I missed the bagels and cookies
They ran out of flowers.
Photos?
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
Do it if you can. You won’t regret it (unless you hate hills lol).
No, it’s not an easy course. Only a little over 10,000 women runners usually participate so not a big race by NYC standards. And not an expensive one.
Final Stats:
1st and last 1/2 mile missing
No age group award but 8 out of 64 ain’t bad.
Next Up:
June 14
Happy Running! Ever run this race? Have you raced in NYC? Do you like 10Ks? Have you ever run an all women’s race? Please share.
It’s odd that this is my first race in NYC this year.
In the past, I’ve done Fred Lebow Half in January, Central Park Half in Feb, NYC Half in March and/or Brooklyn Half in May.
With a goal of running new races, this year, I only registered for the Mini 10k in June and Squirrely 10k in Sept.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym, did some gardening and errands and then went to a Floral Show and Tea Tasting.
at the Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany
Monday – WFH again this week so I had time to go to the gym before work.
I squeezed in a run at lunch..
spring temps and sunshine returned finally
After work, I met a running friend for a long walk on the rail trail followed by burgers & beer.
Tuesday – Since I had a hair appt after work, I got my run done before work and visited some horses..
another sunny day and perfect temps…
Wednesday – A very early morning run with a new running friend on Global Running Day…
very cool sunrise!
I asked Jenny to run with me… she is mostly a marathon runner and has complained about her lack of speed. She asked how I am so fast (and I laughed) but I replied “Walk intervals.” We did 90:45. She has never walked during a run or race. So it was hard for her to adjust but she wants to do it again. I ran faster but she walked faster. Good for both of us and better than my 2 solo miles, I did 4. (in the 9s for the run and 15s for the walk.)
After work, I met my BFF for a walk.
Thursday – I drove with 3 tennis friends to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. In addition to the gorgeous roses, this year, the Garden’s theme was Van Gogh (which happens to be one of my favorite artists.)
it was a scorcher of a day but we still had a good time
After our garden visit, I checked into a nearby hotel and stayed there overnight.
dinner in Little Italy
Friday – After I checked out of my hotel, I took the subway to my new hotel in Manhattan.
There were many activities on my to-do list including picking up my bib/shirt for the race the next day. I also had tickets for a panel discussion so I stayed for that.
got to meet Emily Sisson. and hear stories from a very diverse group of women…
I walked back to my hotel and my room still wasn’t ready. So I took the subway downtown to visit the Anne Frank exhibit.
so moving… I loved The Diary of Anne Frank as a kid…
Afterward I walked back to my hotel stopping on the way for a late lunch. I finally checked into my room and then headed uptown to the newly renovated Frick museum.
gorgeous…. wish they allowed photos…
Cari met me there and accompanied me to my next activity, a Broadway show. But first a gelato stop.
the show was great!!
I walked back to my hotel and called it a day. Don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before a race. It’s NYC!
Saturday – Mastercard NY Mini 10k.
The rain in the forecast disappeared and insane humidity replaced it.
I took the subway to the start which was on W90th St.
I got there early. So many women runners!! Some were new to the race. Others had run it many times. Some were young and some were older.
Eventually the race began and somehow my Garmin didn’t start. I noticed it about a half mile in. (It also died the last .5 mi. WTH)
It was warm and so humid. I even drank Gatorade and ate salt chews and still felt like dying.
So I ran slowly, walked up all the hills and didn’t die!!
While I waited at the finish for Cari and met two runners training for their first NYCM. We became instant friends.
❤ this race
Eventually I exited the park fearing that it would pour on me. It didn’t. I walked until 59th and took the subway the rest of the way.
After a long hot shower and some lunch I headed to the High Line. Finally the skies opened up.
Luckily I had an umbrella and tickets for the Morgan Library museum.
I stumbled upon a group tour the the Jane Austen exhibit…
I also visited more of the museum & library…
By the time I was done, the rain had stopped. And I retrieved my bag at my hotel and headed to the train station.
Another busy NYC weekend on the books.
Sunday – Gym first thing and more gardening unpacking laundry, errands…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, walk, dinner with former co-workers
Wednesday – run, wine tasting benefit
Thursday –run, trail run/walk
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Father’s Day 5k Race
Sunday – gym. boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k Race Recap
Friday – Unlucky at a Race
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Rain, heat? How’s your weather lately? 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.
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.
My First 5K and More... 