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.
As you may remember, this race took place during my annual non-running tennis vacation in Naples, Florida. I play tennis every morning and then spend the afternoon on the beach. Each evening I go out for drinks, dinner and dessert with my tennis friends. Eight days of pure relaxation and enjoyment… (every May since 2005)
I love it. It’s usually my only vacation that doesn’t include a race. You have to admit that racing during a vacation does add an element of stress.
Well, in 2017. we changed our dates and I happened upon a 5k race that took place on the Sunday during our stay. One of my friends offered to get up at the crack of dawn and drop me off and another offered to pick me up.
Despite the loops and warm temps, I had a blast and did fairly well.
I also unexpectedly bumped into a tennis friend, Rebecca, who had moved to Naples.
As a result, I signed up for the same 5k in 2018 and 2019. I won an age group award each time and met up with Rebecca.
Our vacation was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 and the race in 2021 did not occur during our time in Naples.
So I was pretty excited to run this race again in 2022. The downside was that Rebecca died suddenly in 2021 and I knew that the race would remind me of her sadly.
I decided to run the race anyway and each year, if I was able, in Rebecca’s honor.
and yes, again I won an age group award
However since I was still recovering from a broken foot, I decided to skip the race in 2023 but last year, I put it back on my racing schedule.
another age group award for a course PW
After I signed up for this race, I got an email saying that they had to change the course. I could have gotten a refund. But what the hell. A new race!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
The night before the race, we went out to an awesome dinner at a Peruvian Restaurant. No pizza or pasta on the menu so I had to skip the obligatory carb loading before a race.
Here is the NEW course map:
Apparently, it is the same course as the Baker Park 5k held in March every year.
Rather than being near the Beaches of the Gulf, it is along the Gordon River.
Of course, I checked out last year’s results:
Anyone look familiar??
at least, there’s hope for me here…
Race Day:
Sunday morning, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast at 5:30 am. As she did in previous years, my friend Catalina agreed to drop me off at the race start. I wasn’t familiar with the race location so I needed to arrive earlier than normal.
There was no packet pick up before the race. So I got my bib on race day. The swag was a shirt. And I had to hide it under a tree since I did have a bag or a car.
Since I was early, I walked around…. this was a really beautiful park… very conducive to running, walking, biking…
This was not a big race. There were about 275 runners – all ages and very friendly.
It was pretty cloudy when I got there and rain was forecast. At times, the sun did peak out. It was starting to get warm. I checked the weather app on my phone. Holy humidity!
I wore my usual race attire minus the compression socks:
As you can see from the map, the course winds the park and loops back toward the start.
pretty flat except for the bridges over the river
I had no plan for the race – just finish and get back to my friends so we could continue with our plans for the day. (Gone are the days when I finished this race in 27:xx!!)
I also haven’t raced in weather this warm since last August. This made me a little nervous. Can I run well in the heat/humidity? Will I die? LOL
I had no idea what the course looked like until after the race but I did take some photos before the race on what turned out to be part of the race course:
Mile 1:
the lady on the right was in my age group and finished a few seconds after me.
From the get go, my legs felt like lead but my biggest problem was that I had a hard time breathing and I felt dizzy. Was it the heat? Most likely it was not being acclimated to the humidity. I couldn’t wait to get to the water stop…
Actually I could not wait to walk…
Mile 2:
It seemed like forever but I think it was during mile 2. I stopped for water and walked for a while (longer than the first walk).
I continued my running which was painful and seemed to be like a slog…
As I mentioned above, the course ran through the park and it was very pretty. It was a mixture of flat paths and wooden bridges over the river..
I walked whenever I felt I had to… I really didn’t care about my time as long as I finished.
Mile 3 – 3.1:
I actually felt worse after walking so I ran and tried to just get to the finish line without puking.
Eventually the arch appeared and I gave it my all.
I was shocked when I crossed at 31:xx. I felt so much slower.
Post Race Activities:
I grabbed some water but skipped the refreshments which were only bars, bananas and navel oranges.
I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!!
first!
My friend Pat came to pick me up. She walked around the park while I waited for the award ceremony.
I was happy that they started with the oldest age groups first.
Additional Race Reflections:
Definitely a tough one and again one of my slower 5ks but hey, I did it.
And I will do it again!
Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least afterward.)
Positives:
flatish course
well organized
ample parking
nice shirt (gender-specific)
Instant results emailed/texted to runners
creative age group award (picture frame)
important charity (scholarships to HS students)
Nice park
River views
Real rest rooms
Negatives:
Rebecca was no longer there. 😦
Warm temps and humidity
Not near the ocean
Would I recommend this race?
Yes! There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
3.5 fun miles
and then:
10 miles – 5/25/25
Happy Running! Ever run a 5K race while on vacation? Do you find it hard to race in the hot weather? Please share.
Sunday – Since I had not done the extra miles I had planned after the rainy 5k the day before, I decided that instead of the gym, to go for a short run.
My ulterior motive was to see if any if the tulips had bloomed yet in Washington Park.
most had not but there were quite a few beautiful ones that had …. Tulip fest is May 10-11
I continued my run/walk around the park and spotted some cherry blossoms.
obviously they bloom much later up here.
I then spent most of the day getting ready for two different trips. Cooking countless meals for my hubby and packing!!
Monday – I took an early morning train to NYC. Once I arrived at Penn Sta, the plan was for a blogger meet-up.
Yes, Catrina, after her fantastic Boston marathon experience, with her hubby rented a house on LI. They drove into Manhattan and met me at Starbucks. Cari joined us, as well.
so fun to meet in person and chat
Afterward, I checked into my hotel and filled my day with some fun activities.
I ran to Rockefeller Center
and then took the subway to the Conservatory Gardens of Central Park…
So lovely…many more pics on FB & IG
I ran around nearby Harlem Meer, had lunch and ran some more around Central Park.
Eventually I took the subway back and visited Macys.
Flower Show time
In the evening, I went to a Broadway Show and then walked back to my hotel after..
I try to make the most out of my non-work time in NYC.
Tuesday – Work in the Financial District (in a new location).
After work, I took the subway back to my hotel and changed my clothes. I had thought I would have enough time to run but decided instead to go the Hudson Yards mall to see the Downton Abbey mannequins.
all the TV show’s characters were there and made out of flowers!!
After, I took the subway uptown to meet a local friend for dinner.
Wednesday – Work again in the Financial District, subway back to the hotel for my bag and then the train home.
Thursday – Early morning fight to Ft. Myers, FL (with a connection in Philly). NO FLIGHT DRAMA!
Once we arrived and got our luggage, we picked up rental cars and headed to Naples for lunch and then checked into our villas (the same ones we rent each year.)
We spent the rest of day relaxing at the pool, grocery shopping and unpacking.
Friday – First Florida run while the others were taking a tennis lesson.
When they were done, I joined them for some doubles (Grateful that they allowed this rusty player on the court.)
After tennis, we packed a lunch and headed to the beach. And after the beach, we had a lovely dinner out.
Saturday – Pretty much the same as Friday but a different beach and a Peruvian restaurant for dinner.
Last Week –
Sunday – Tropicool 5k.
Although I’ve run this race before, this year, they changed the location. It was held in Baker Park.
I was pooped from all that activity the day before but I can never resist a race.
It was warm and very humid but I was glad that I did it.
and I even won my age group
We had two newbies on our trip this year so we planned a trolley tour of the city instead of tennis and the beach.
That was perfect since it did rain!
Tonight we went to a dinner theater in Ft. Myers.
Monday – Another day of a short run, tennis and the beach.
But instead of going out, since it was book club night, we ate at the pool and had a lively discussion of the book, The Most..
Back in 2005, when we started this annual vacation in Naples, we went to The Dock restaurant and took a group photo. After our book discussion, we headed there for dessert/drinks.
Tuesday – More of the same… run, tennis, beach, delicious dinner out (with a birthday dessert)…
Wednesday – Last full day of vacation. In addition to our usual activities, tonight we went on sunset cruise…
Thursday – Last Florida run.
And we said good-bye to the lady who our rented us these villas for 20 years!!
I mentioned above that there was no flight drama on the way here.
I can’t say the same about the way home…
We left around 11:30am for the airport and waited several hours there while they fixed our plane. We would have missed our Philly connection so we changed to flying thru Charlotte.
Well, there were thunderstorms in Charlotte and our flight didn’t take off until 1am!!!
Yup, I got home around 3:30am. 😦
Friday – MY BIRTHDAY!
And it poured all day.
I had plans with a friend to visit the gardens at Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA, followed by retail therapy at our favorite consignment shop and then out for ice cream. In the evening, I was going to be playing mah jongg.
My friend cancelled and mah jongg was a no go, as well. My hubby made plans to go to a tennis party (since I was busy).
of course, I was getting my free drink no matter what...
My choice was staying home, unpacking and doing laundry or… going by myself in the rain.
It was wet but I’m glad I went and they gave me a dozen tulips as a gift. I did skip the ice cream and instead went out to dinner with that friend when I got home.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
The past two weekends, I had only run a 5k race and my runs on vacation were only a mile or two. I was lucky to have company to drag me though 6 miles. At least, the rain had stopped.
I finally did that laundry and went to dinner to celebrate my birthday with my hubby, stepson, his wife and daughter.
Sunday – Mother’s Day.
I plan to go to the gym and then to visit my MIL.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run, walk with a friend
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – TC run (week 8)
Thursday – CDPHP Workforce Challenge (3.5M)
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – gym
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Tropicool 5k Race Recap
Friday – 5 Tips for Building Mental Toughness
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? How’s the weather? Are you having a lot of rain? Any vacations planned? 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.
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... 