Thanks to Laurie from Meditations in Motion, I discovered a new link up started by blogger Heather Gerwing. The last Monday of each month, Heather invites other bloggers to share their “Four Somethings”: Something Loved, Something Said, Something Learned, Something Read. If you are a blogger, you may post your Four Somethings too!
So here are mine:
Something Loved.
My vacation in France. I pretty much loved everything about it.
the people
the buildings
the gardens
the public transportation
the food
Something Said.
“Vous parlez bien le francais.” (You speak French very well.)
I was a French teacher but that was over 20 years ago. I was able to get my point across and spoke French the whole time. My French was far from perfect so I loved getting this compliment (and more than once!!)
Something Learned.
I learned that it (running) doesn’t get any easier. You have to respect the distance.
Distance running is hard for me. Even after 32 half marathons.
Especially when you walk over 12 miles the day before a race, it is sunny and warm and you have NO water to drink.
Halfway through the race, I really wanted to quit. In fact, I wasn’t sure that I COULD finish. I was feeling that bad….
I don’t know how but I finished that race…
with a smile!
Something Read.
Ok, I read the Girl on the Train and saw the movie. Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it either. Well, this book was a waste of time. Confusing. Too many characters and it just dragged on and on. Eventually I stuck it out and did finish it. What a let down.
Happy Running! What are your FOUR somethings? Share at least ONE.
Traveling is great but it’s tough getting back in a routine.
Last week –
Monday – My last day in Paris. I was wondering whether my legs would be tired but they felt as fresh as a daisy. So I went for a run in the same park as my first Paris run with Karen but in a different part of Bois de Vincennes.
We spent the rest of the day outside of Paris in Saint Germain en Laye. (Since I’ve been to Paris many times before, I tried to do different non touristy things on this trip.) It was fabulous.
Ended my trip with a delicious dinner and a walk down the Champs Elysées.
Tuesday– Rest day. Shuttle, plane, and 3 trains home. No problems…arrived home safely!
Wednesday – Back at work and having trouble adjusting to the 6 hour difference in time. it was raining but then it stopped so I thought Id go for a run. Temperature drop and wind… I thought that I could run in a long sleeved shirt and capris and would warm up as I ran. Nope… in the 40s but felt like 30s. Quit after one mile. Brrrrrr.
Thursday – So today, I packed tights and a jacket. I was determined to not let the weather stop me from running.
Friday – Rest Day cuz there was unpacking, laundry and mah jongg to squeeze into the evening.
Saturday – Long Run with my “Sole Sisters.” With a half marathon coming up, I wanted to run 9 or 10 miles. The fall temps were perfect as was the company (esp. breakfast afterwards).
Sunday – Today I drove 3 hours with my stepson & his girl friend to go to my future daughter-in-law’s bridal shower. I am so excited for this wedding in March.
This Coming Week –
Monday – 3 miles (Turkey Trot Training Group)
Tuesday –3 miles, tennis sub
Wednesday – rest day, dinner out with tennis pals
Thursday – 4 miles. mall walk with my BFF
Friday – rest day, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – 4 miles (if time), bus to NYC
Sunday – Poland Spring 5m Race, lunch with friends, Broadway Show, train home
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
Since I just returned from my trip to France (where I did do some running), my topic for today is again: Five Tips for Running in a Foreign Country
1. Bring a running belt.
At home, I could get away with running naked (just clothes LOL) or with just my phone in my pocket. In a foreign country, I wanted to make sure I had metro tix, ID, money and a credit card. Even with my pockets, I was glad that I had my running belt with me.
2. Don’t depend on weather forecasts. Bring clothes for ALL running temperatures.
At home, you can just change your clothes if it is warmer or colder than predicted. And yes, in a foreign country, you can buy what you need but you’d be surprised how hard it is to find running clothes. So yes, I brought tanks, short and long sleeved tops, a jacket, DIY arm warmers, gloves, skirts and capris. The weather varied. It was cooler in Paris than in Sanguinet (which is located south of Paris) but when I returned to Paris, there was a heat wave!!
the weather the first day was cool but it didn’t stay that way for long
7 days later
3.Schedule your runs.
This is the same as if you are at home. If you don’t schedule your runs, they may never happen. However, when in a foreign country, there are so many other things to do besides running. It is soooo tempting to skip your run. So you need to make running a priority and pick a time to get it done. This may just involve getting up earlier than you would like to. I guarantee that you will never regret your run. And besides, while running you will get to see some interesting sites in the city that you are visiting.
so excited to run along this lake
4.Don’t forget to have rest days.
Again, if you run everyday at home, you may be wanting to run everyday while in a foreign country. But you will find that you don’t need to because you will likely be more tired (hello jetlag) and you’ll be surprised at how many steps you’ll get in while visiting this new city without taking a single running step.
boat ride + wine = 🙂
5.Make sure you are safe.
At home, you know where you can run safely and where you should not run at all or should not run alone. But in a foreign country, don’t assume that you can run anywhere. Don’t assume that it is safe where you want to run. So ask around and do your research and find out which places are safe to run. And depending on what country you are in, you may have to change how you normally dress when you run. I would recommend dressing modestly, just in case. (maybe not just in your running bra and short shorts.)
proudly showing off my recent race shirt
Happy Running! Have you eve run in a foreign country? If so, any other tips that you can add?
Back in August, my Russian friend Anna was in the US and we planned to meet up in NYC.
You wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not run a race, would you? Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine. She wanted to run a race with me and this race was happening the weekend of our meetup..
I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there. So we both registered even though I didn’t know much about the race besides what was on the website:
THE RACE – This great midsummer’s race features a great course with world class views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty, starts off with a ferry ride and features a great post-race party.
COURSE – We have an exciting new course planned that improves on the one we used last year. The 5K is one loop and the 10K is two loops.
AMENITIES – Bag check and toilets will be provided. Water and Gatorade will be available on the course, and bagels, spreads, fresh fruit and more will make up the usual great NYCRUNS post race spread to greet you at the finish line. Free finish line photos and video will be available on the results page. The giveaway for this race will be a great tech t-shirt*. *Sizes are guaranteed – if we don’t have your size at the race, email theteam@nycruns.com within two days of the race and we’ll ship your shirt to you a few weeks later.
RESULTS, AWARDS, FINISH LINE PHOTOS & VIDEO – Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall in each race. Age group awards in the 5K will be awarded to the top three in each the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Finish line photos and video will also be available on the results page.
DIRECTIONS – There’s only one way to get to the island – the Governors Island ferry, and your ferry ride is included in your race registration. You must arrive at the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. no later than 7:30 AM to check in and you must have your race bib. The 4,5, R, and 1 trains are closest to the ferry terminal.
This was the same group that organized the Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k that I ran back in June and that was well-organized. So I was pretty psyched for the race.
waiting to board the ferry – no rain yet…
We boarded the ferry, got to the island….and…
Rain…Wind…Thunder…Lightning…
Then we got the bad news. THE RACE WAS CANCELLED!!!
And back on the ferry all the runners went.
Boo!!!
So the race was re-scheduled for Sept 29 and NO REFUNDS!!!
I emailed them that I lived almost 3 hours away and would have to pay for a train and hotel room plus my friend lived in Russia!!
Their response was: No refunds!
So I wavered back and forth but signed up for the Sept 29 race.
As race time approached, I was thinking of skipping the race.
I had been in Montreal the weekend before and would be in France the following two weekends. Plus work travel during the week. Ugh!!
But I had paid for the race, had enough points for free hotel room (near the ferry) so I took the (cheap) Megabus to the city Friday night after work.
Luckily I had saved my bib from August and did not have to pick up a new one. There was NO day of race pick-up.
So what to wear?
Last weekend, it was chilly. So I packed my gloves, throw away shirt, jacket, arm warmers to be prepared.
Nope. I woke up to temps in the 60s already.
Still I thought that it wold be chilly on the ferry so I brought a bag to check my jacket but left my throw away at the hotel.
passed these on the way 🙂
sunrise on the East River
Getting to the ferry was no problem — just an easy 15 minute walk. I got there around 7ish and while waiting inside chatted with a runner doing her FIRST 5k. So exciting!
The ride to the island was very short. I wound up chatting with a Music teacher preparing to run a half in Disney and who had been at the cancelled race (he recognized my crinkled bib).
I arrived around 8 am and had an hour to stroll around the island.
It was relaxing not to rush to the start and I could check out the course — scenic with water views and pretty flat!!
tempting… but the line was long!
so many of the runners were wearing the race shirt
Eventually it was time to check my bag,…
use the bathrooms (there were real restrooms and tons of port-a-potties and then head to the start.
I lined up close to the front but not too close.
But as soon as we started, it seemed that for the first mile, EVERYONE was passing me by.
I had decided that I would enjoy the race as I did during my recent 5k in Montreal and especially since I had just run a half marathon less than a week before.
The course was one loop around the island so you had gorgeous views throughout. The biggest problem was that there was NO shade and it was very sunny. I have run in warmer weather but for some reason, I was very warm. Even my legs were sweating in my compression socks.
The only water stop was around mile 2. I supposed that it was placed there for the 10k because it was too late for this warm 5k. I instinctively grabbed a cup but just took a quick sip and tossed it.
As usual, I ran out of steam during mile 3. I was surprised because I didn’t think I was putting it all out there but maybe, it was because my legs were tired and/or I was very warm.
Still I was shocked when I approached the finish line and saw that I could have PRed. But it was too late. (Watch me cross the finish line HERE)
checking my watch LOL
And happy with my time!!
I immediately ran into the runner running her first 5K and we congratulated each other.
Then I got some food.
a welcome surprise after the Montreal races.
There was an interesting outdoor art exhibit:
The first ferry back was not for another hour so I decided to re-do the course walking but in the opposite direction and cheer on the 10k runners who were still on the course (They had to run 2 loops).
tents for glamping
Soon it was time to head back to Manhattan on the ferry.
After a quick walk to my hotel, a change of clothes, I hopped on the subway and spent a few hours meandering around the Village with fellow runner/blogger Cari before heading home It was a beautiful day and she was great company.
Back to my race:
I loved the course. The weather was perfect. I can’t believe that I hesitated coming to NYC for this race (yes, most people would think I’m crazy. But I’m a crazy runner!)
It didn’t hurt that I got an email telling me my finish time and that I won my age group.
NYCRuns personally engraves your award and mails it to you later.
I also realized that my finish time for this race tied my PR. My 5K PR was gun time and this was chip timed. My chip time 5K PR was 27:01 (but I don’t know if that counts?)
Yes, part of me wishes that I had pushed more and gotten that PR. At the time, it never crossed my mind for this race. But I’m not getting any younger. Someone please tell me to do speed drills and get that 5k time lower before it’s too late.
Happy Running! How is your running going this fall? Any recent races? Ever had a race cancelled due to weather? Do you train for a 5K PR or do you just race for fun?
I spent last week vacationing in France. The purpose was two-fold: to accompany my friend Lisa in visiting her old friends who lived in the Bordeaux region and to run a race in Paris. Yes, both were accomplished,
Last week –
Monday – Though probably jet-lagged, I had decided that although Karen was no longer able to race with me, I wanted to meet up with her and possibly run with her. She chose Bois de Vincennes which was only a few metro stops from my hotel. The run was leisurely and it was great to see her again.
Later that day, Lisa & I took the train to Bordeaux where Chantal met us and we rented a car and drove to her home in Sanguinet.
Tuesday– My first day in Sanguinet. So of course I had to go for a run. The house where I am staying is a mile from a huge lake. I ran there with no problem. But got lost on the way home. Good thing I speak French fluently and I was able to get directions back home.
We spent the rest of the driving around and getting lost but I did get to see the Atlantic and walk around the town of Biscarrosse. On the way home, we stopped so I could climb the famous Dunes of Pyla. It was one of my favorite activities of the trip.
Wednesday- I ran again to the lake and did not get lost this time but ran along a different trail and fell. No injury so all was good.
Today we drove to Arcachon and then took a boat to Cap Ferret. We had oysters (the specialty there) and took a boat tour around the Cap and a train ride to the ocean and back.
Thursday – One last run in Sanguinet. Instead of my lake run, I just ran around the neighborhoods. No falls and no getting lost. 😀
Today was a rainy day so we took a train to the city of Bordeaux and took a few bus tours of city and a wine tasting boat ride on the Garonne river. Such a beautiful place.
Friday – Rest day. We drove to Bordeaux to return our rental car. After one last wander around the city and a lunch with Chantal, we took the train back to Paris.
We stayed in the same hotel as our first night of the trip. As soon as we checked in, I headed out on the metro to get my race packet. It was a perfect time to visit the expo since it was near closing and not too crowded.
Saturday – Another rest day. Instead I put in over 12 miles walking. I took a long walk on the above ground walkway where runners go. In the afternoon, we took a BatoBus on the Seine river. This ride allows you to get in and off the boat so we did at the Jardin des Plantes and Tuileries.
Sunday – Race Day. I finished the 20km de Paris on a very warm sunny day. It was much harder than I expected but I loved the race. I am happy that I was able to take it slow and enjoy the whole experience.
We celebrated with dinner and walk around the Latin Quarter.
This Coming Week –
Monday – 4 miles (in Paris)
Tuesday – rest day, fly to JFK, train home
Wednesday – 3 miles
Thursday – 4miles
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – 10miles, Ellms Family farm with mentee & sons
Sunday – rest day, bridal shower for future daughter-in-law (in MA)
It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
Since I am currently in France (and hopefully doing some running), my topic for today is: Five Tips for Running in a Foreign Country
1.Download maps.me
maps.me allows you to download maps for offline use – perfect for those trips where your phone stays has to stay in airplane mode. You can even mark places on the map and pull up directions to them later while you’re offline. On the map, note street names surrounding where you’re staying and major landmarks nearby so you can get back to where you started even if your language skills are limited.
In addition to maps.me, you can take screen shots of the map itself to save to your phone, and step-by-step directions of the route you’re trying to run – just in case the app won’t open or in case something else goes wrong with it or especially if WiFi access is limited.
2.Carry something with the address of where you’re staying on it.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel or an AirBNB, grab a card or key that’s imprinted with the building’s name and address. (Or just add this info to your phone). Even if you’re limited in your foreign language capability, you can show this to a friendly passer-by so that they can help you if you’re lost.
hopefully you don’t have to carry around this old-fashioned key
3.Follow an out and back route
Keep it simple. An out and back route leaves little room to get lost, since you’re following a straight line. I don’t know about you but I am directionally-challenged so I easily get lost (even on an out and bar route. LOL)
4.Do your research beforehand.
Chances are, runners before you have been to the city you’re staying in and have suggestions for running routes. Do a little Googling before you leave the your home or check out routes on Map My Run, and bookmark any routes that you want to try.
You may also want to ask locals or the hotel staff about good running routes. Take their suggestions, and then back them up with your own maps, step-by-step directions, and screenshots.
I also recommend taking a professionally-led running tour. There usually several companies that offer them in larger cities. They may be expensive but I think they are totally worth it. You get to run and learn about the city while you are running.
5.Run without headphones … but take cash and a credit card with you.
Not only is it a safety practice to run without headphones (you can hear cars and horns, etc.) but it also helps you pay more attention to your surroundings.
You should also have some local currency on you in case you need to hail a taxi. If you need to stop and purchase food or water, you may want to use your credit card instead of cash.
I will probably have a lot more suggestions when I return from my vacation…so stay tuned.
Happy Running! Have you eve run in a foreign country? If so, any other tips that you can add?
It seems like I’ve been planning to run this race forever. I signed up to run RnR Montreal as my 32th Half Marathon for several reasons:
I am a (first time) Rock n Blogger.
I enjoyed my RnR race experience in Vegas.
I love Montreal but haven’t been there in ages.
I wanted to run an International race.
I convinced some of my local runner friends to join me.
I was hoping the hot weather would be over by this time of year.
I apologize in advance that this post will be long. You may want to skip ahead to see what I liked and disliked about the race itself.
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on May 18 in Brooklyn and since then I have completed easy weekday runs and longish runs on most weekends. I was so happy that only one of my long runs was done alone. That one was the worst one, of course.
3 instead of 10
solo 😦
Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I do like to get in a 10, 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.
I skipped my 10 mile long run entirely the weekend that I was in NYC with my Russian friend Anna. I normally add extra miles to my weekend 5k races. But this summer, I skipped all my 5ks in favor of my long runs with friends.
I didn’t expect to run this half marathon at a PR pace. I was running it purely for the experience. But I hoped with the long runs done, the 13 miles would be easier and I would enjoy the race more.
However, we all know that anything can happen on race day and the weather and the course have so much impact on your results.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
On Friday, I drove to Montreal with Jeri, Heidi & Sherry (Jeri graciously agreed to drive.) Our two other friends, Chris & her hubby Mike would be arriving the next day. After a rainy drive which took longer than expected due to some wrong turns and construction (like 5 hours instead of 3), we arrived at our hotel pleasantly surprised at how nice it was (our last race-cation hotel was not LOL). We even got adjoining rooms.
Though we were hungry, we instead headed straight to the expo. Even with a map and directions, we still went in the wrong direction but eventually found it. This was a prelude to the whole race experience. No signs, everything hard to find, no one seemed to know about anything related to the “big” race. We picked up our bibs and although the lines were not long, some runners were picking up so many bibs that it took forever. Eventually we realized that you could just go on any line even though they were marked according to bib number.
The swag bag was empty except for a note telling you to buy your subway tickets to get to the race before race day. Apparently this was the first year that they didn’t give you a free subway ticket.
We wandered around the expo for a while. It was very disappointing. Just a few vendors and expensive Brooks race-related items. The only thing we scored was a Larabar, some yogurt and a sample piece of a Kind bar.
Since it was too late to have lunch, we went back to hotel to drop off our stuff and change for dinner. We walked to the Old City and had a delicious dinner (at Jardin Nelson) before it started to pour and necessitated an Uber ride back to our hotel.
Jardin Nelson used to be a hotel – it was where I used to stay when I brought my students to visit Montreal
The next day was my 5K race and Jeri’s 10K. (I recapped it here.) After the race, we headed back to the Old City for lunch. (Runners think about food all the time, right?)
at Place Jacques Cartier across the street from Jardin Nelson
and then walked around the Port area and eventually back to our hotel. So much for resting the legs. But it was a beautiful day in a beautiful city.
We finally met up with Chris and her hubby for dinner. Pizza, of course, to carb load for our big race! And then we walked back to our hotel discussing where to meet before the race. (The hotel lobby was the chosen spot.)
As I was setting out my clothes for the next day, I realized my strips of mole skin (that I use to prevent blisters on my feet) were missing (Jeri & both saw them on the desk). I looked everywhere and we concluded that the maid must have stolen them (lol) so we searched out a drug store and I found what I needed (plus a scissor to cut them.) $20 CAD later, I was a Happy (yet poorer) Camper.
Race Day:
Alarm set for 5:30 am. After much debate, we decided to leave for the race at 6:30 am. (It started at 7:30 am.) I had originally picked our hotel because it was close to the subway. The race used to start on the Jacques Cartier bridge but this year, they changed the course. It now started 3 minutes from our hotel!! Score!
I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and ate in the hotel room.
My original race outfit was going to be a tank and skirt. But with each weather forecast predicting colder and colder temps, I kept changing my mind.
So in additional to the above, I added DIY arm sleeves, a throw away long sleeved shirt and gloves. I even had my aluminum blanket from a previous RnR race. I have been running in such hot, humid weather that it was strange to be cold. It was windy and high 40s and predicted to be in the 50s by the start.
in our hotel
outside the hotel
We walked to the start but we were so early and COLD that we returned to the hotel lobby to hang out for awhile. We tried to plan where to meet up after the race. Texting is problematic in a foreign country. The race advertised that there was a family meet-up spot by the first initial of the runner’s last name. We had decided on the letter S (for Sole Sisters, our group name.) But there was no sign of such an area during the 5k and 10k so we ditched that plan (Good thing!) and picked an intersection not too far from the finish line.
It seemed to be getting warmer so I ditched my foil blanket. Eventually we all headed to the start line. You were supposedly given corral assignments by estimated finish time. Sherry put 2:20 and was in Corral 8, Heidi put 3:30 and was in Corral 9 and I put 2:06 and was in Corral 10. Go figure. We can add that to my long list of complaints. There were pacers (with rabbit ears) but they seemed to be in the wrong corrals as well (2:30 was ahead of 2:15??) We wanted to start together but they were strict and I had to go back to Corral 10 (The last Corral, I believe).
It turned out fine. I befriended a fellow former French teacher who went to the same college as I did and graduated with a friend of mine. They were even in the same sorority.
As I waited, I shed my long sleeved cotton shirt but kept on my gloves and arm warmers.
Each corral started with fireworks and after about 30 minutes, my Corral finally crossed the start line.
What was my plan for the race, you ask?
I enjoyed running the 5k without any pressure that I hoped to do the same in the half. I wanted to run easy and take in the scenery. I had heard that the old course had hills but no one seemed to know what the new course was like.
I had HIGH expectations of a scenic course and lots of music to distract me from looking at my watch.
Anyway, here’s how the race went. My Garmin has the splits in miles. Being in Canada, the signs, however, were only in Kilometers.
Here is the course map:
And the elevation chart:
the chart was for the full so I just cut it in half.
Miles 1-3:
10:04, 9:33, 9:42
A very crowded start so there was a lot of weaving going on. We started near ChinaTown and made quite a few turns on the way to the Port area. I tried to take it slow and of course, cut all the tangents. The water stops were frequent enough…at least every 2 miles. I stopped at each one even though I gagged the first time I tried to drink the water (Ebola??)
We eventually ran over a short bridge and ran along the water.
Miles 4-6:
9:49, 10:12, 9:52
This part of the course was an out and back so you got to see the faster runners heading back into the city. The route was lined with factories and very UGLY and BORING.
I continued drinking the disgusting water (what choice did I have?) and finally ate a GU around mile 5. The music was sporadic … just some speakers at a few turns. Maybe a band or so on the whole course!!
Miles 7-9:
9:47, 10:05, 9:43
We headed back on this ugly route but the highlight was seeing my friends running in the opposite direction. When I saw Heidi & Mike (who had decided to walk the whole choice), I ran over and high fived them.
The legs were feeling fine. The course was flat for the most part. My feet hurt as usual (but that started at mile 1) and my lower back was achy too. Nothing to prevent me from running well.
Miles 10-12
10:03, 10:21, 10:18
I eventually took my second GU but I ran past the water and there was only Gatorade. I hate Gatorade so I saw a guy with two cups of water so I boldly begged for one of his cups. He graciously gave one to me.
Finally we headed back into the city. I was hoping that we would run through St Catherine Street which was so pretty (pink balls hung across the street) but we did not.
The full marathon did continue toward the park (as the half did last year) and the botanical gardens. It would have been nice to run by the prettier parts of Montreal.
Mile 13- 13.25
10:16, 9:36
I was told (afterward) that the last water stop (1Km from the finish) has banana halfs. I just wanted to be done so this was the only water stop that I skipped. Why would you want a banana before crossing the finish line??
I walked for the first time other than a water stop. I needed energy to sprint across the finish line. As in the 5k, I could not find the time on the finish line arch (too high…too small.. don’t know where it was).
you try seeing that number in the sun!!!
Anyway, I dragged myself through the finish chute and eventually was given my metal.
And finally found a half a cup of water. What seemed like after miles of walking, I entered the Finisher Only Area. It was huge. I tried to find something to eat but all I could find was a long line to get a cup of yogurt. There were lots of vendors but NO FOOD!
So I went in search of my Re-Mix medal for running two races. None of the volunteers were any help but I finally found it on the opposite side of the area.
As I was leaving, I saw a booth with tea samples. They told me that it was contribution only (Who carries money to a race!?) But I did score a Kind bar and another flower!!
Getting out of that area was very complicated. But I needed to find my friends and I wanted to watch my walker friends cross the finish line.
I finally found Sherry (who had finished a little after me) and Jeri (who had run the 10k the day before) was not in our meeting spot but on the other side of the street. Of course, they would not let Sherry & I cross the street (during the race) so we were told to go through the shopping mall. That was a mistake. That was where thousands of angry runners were on line to get their bags. (I read on FB that it some runners hours to get their bags.)
Well, I didn’t have to get my bag because Jeri was holding our sweatshirts. I was very cold so we needed to get to her. Then we got a text from Chris who was hurting and sitting behind the stage outside the finisher area. Off we went in search of her.
To make a very long story shorter, we found Chris and wandered through the finisher area. I did see on the big screen on the far side of where we were, that an older runner was getting an award. I joked about whether or not I won one but I was too tired to go see.
Eventually we got to a spot to wait for Heidi and Mike and not a second too soon. There they were! They made the cut off walking. We were all so happy.
We texted them to meet us at the hotel. The first thing they said to me was that they heard my name and that they thought I won an award. I laughed and said I hope it wasn’t money cuz I am NOT walking back there to get it.
It looks like it was a glass model of a guitar. It would be nice if they mailed it to me. I’m not holding my breath.
Off to re-fuel!!!
Additional Race Reflections:
I don’t regret running this race. I would only regret a race if I ran it injured and made my injury worse. I love racing and especially racing with friends. I believe that for every race, you should always focus on the positives.
The Good:
Perfect weather.
Hotel located near the start and finish line
Friends!!
Montreal is a beautiful city to visit before & after the race. (Wish I had more time to see more of it.)
Great food – again before and after the race in the local restaurants.
The course was pretty flat.
Many water stops (if you could drink it).
Some freebies at the end – flower, yogurt, kind bar and socks (if you waited in a LONG line)
Bag check (if you have hours to wait on line)
Nice awards (if you got one.)
The Bad:
There was only one sign advertising the race that we saw throughout the city.
No one seemed to support the race or know it was happening. Not even the hotel or the restaurants.
Disappointing expo. They only had paper maps of the 5k and 10k and very few vendors.
Don’t advertise a family meet-up location if there isn’t one.
Corrals were supposed to be set up by estimated finish time and were NOT. Pacers were not reliable for this reason as well.
Not enough music on the course – maybe 3 bands and some recorded music at stops. No rock n roll!!
Most of the course was boring…the longest part of the race was along a dilapidated factory area.
The water was almost undrinkable – metal tasting, it made you gag.
The only fruit was a half a banana 1 km before the finish line (and I missed it).
The bag check was utter chaos. A long line in a shopping mall with runners eventually just grabbing their bags. I heard it took 1-2 hours to retrieve your bag.
Finish line timer very small and hard to see. I missed it in both of my races.
No timers at all on the course.
A water spray to cool you off on the course – it was 50 degrees!!
No bottled water for finishers. You walked forever to find a half cup of water.
The volunteers were not helpful. They did not seem to know much. It took me forever to find my guitar medal.
Post race food. What food? A kind bar, some juice samples and a long line to get a cup of yogurt.
The course measured 13.3 and I cut all the tangents.
No foil blankets. It was quite chilly.
Mediocre medal. Montreal has some beautiful sites! The other RnR medals are awesome.
FB has hundreds of comments about this RnR race and almost all were negative.
Would I recommend this race?
No!! Not unless, the organizers read all the reviews (which were horrendous) and make some changes.
On Facebook, the race director apologized and promised big improvements for next year….
Final Stats:
positive splits big time..but happy with my pace. It was faster than the 5K.
Next Up:
October 14
It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:
So I unpacked my bags from my trip to NYC, packed my bags to go to Liverpool for work, unpacked those bags and then packed AGAIN to go on my big trip to France.
Last week –
Monday – My Turkey Trot Training Group run (that I missed last Mon and will miss the next two Mondays) was scheduled for tonight. But it was raining and I wanted to upgrade my phone (before my trip) so I bailed and instead walked around the mall with my BFF.
Tuesday– Another rainy day. I drove to Liverpool for work and the rain stopped when I got there. So I went for a run. It was a strugglefest – I was too tired…too hungry… and it was too HUMID (96%) and I was overdressed.
Onondaga Lake (East side)
It was still too early for dinner so I decided to explore and I finally found a way to the other side of the lake.
As soon as I got in my car, it started to rain again. Phew!
Wednesday – Finally a day without rain. As usual, I decided to squeeze in a short run before driving home. What a difference a day made. Less humidity and a new route – the west side of lake. I can’t believe it took me so long to find this trail. I loved it!!
Onondaga Lake – west side
Thursday – Rest day because I needed a haircut before my trip.
Friday – Only a short run after work because I needed to PACK for a my trip to France. I even skipped mah jongg.
Saturday – A Sole Sisters 8 mile run before a drive to JFK airport and a long flight to Paris.
Sunday – We arrived in Paris…Jet Lagged but excited. A rainy, cloudy day so I dragged myself to visit the Fondation Luis Vuitton, had out first dinner in Paris and then night view of the Eiffel Tower. Great way to start a vacation.
This Coming Week –
Monday – 3 miles (in Paris hopefully with Karen), train to Sanguinet
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday –3-4 miles (in Sanguinet and the surrounding area. Optimistic about getting in a run each day…)
to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
The leaves are changing but the temps are erratic…
Since it is Friday, here are five things that I’d like to share…
1. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I will be away SIX weekends in a row (bet Sept 22 & Oct 28) !!! FOUR out of SIX include races.
5k & Half in Montreal,
5k in NYC,
Paris,
20K in Paris,
Bridal Shower in MA
5M in NYC (& Broadway Show)
Then I’m homebound for several months!! Hooray!
Are you a homebody or do you enjoy traveling?
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I normally plan my big races way in advance but I haven’t signed up for any half marathons in 2019. I have a few on my radar…a Feb. Florida race, a March NYC race and a May local race.
Feb 10, 2019 (Melbourne, FL)
March 17, 2019 – if I get in??
Do you know which big races you are running in 2019?
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I am easily tempted by any race in NYC. My tennis friends & I go to a Broadway show every October. This year we are going to see Pretty Woman on Oct. 28.
last year’s group at Come From Away
Of course, I found a race in Central Park that morning and signed up to run it.
it’s the weekend before the NYM and you cross the marathon finish line. Pretty cool?
Anyone running or have run this race?
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that speaking of NYC races, a Hot Chocolate 15K has always been on my bucket. I like the distance and you get a sweatshirt and other cool swag.
April 27, 2019
So as soon as I heard that one was coming to Brooklyn, I immediately signed up. I am hoping that I can convince some of my local running friends to join me.
Anyone else ever run a Hot Chocolate race? Want to join me?
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I am leaving tomorrow for France. The beginning of my vacation will be at my friend’s friends’ house in Sanguinet (near Bordeaux). I have no idea if I will get any running in but…
I am very excited to run a race in Paris on Oct. 14. It’s a dream come true!!
running past all the monuments and famous sights of Paris with over 30,000 other runners
Ever run in Paris?
It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.
Happy Running! Got anything to spill? Share it here!
I signed up to run the Half Marathon ages ago and then convinced some friends to join me. Then on a whim, I signed up to run this 5k the day before. I figured why not? Instead of one medal, I could get three!!
reward for racing two races
However, that meant that I had to spend two nights in Montreal but my friends were agreeable and we all stayed in the same hotel (and even had adjoining rooms.)
Things worked out even better when my roomie got injured and switched to the 10k. We both would be racing on Saturday and could go to the start together.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
So on Friday, we all drove to Montreal (two others would be joining us on Saturday). A 3 hour drive that took 5 LOL. We checked into our hotel and though we were hungry, we instead headed straight to the expo.
(I’m going to more details about the whole RnR Montreal experience in my half marathon recap.)
We picked up our bibs and wandered around the expo.
Since it was too late to have lunch, we went back to hotel to drop off our stuff and change for dinner. We walked to the Old City and had a delicious dinner (at Jardin Nelson). I ate as if I was running 13 miles the next instead of 3!! (But it was worth every calorie!)
Back at the hotel, I set out my racing outfit and tried to get to sleep early.
Race Day:
Alarm set for 6:00 am. After much debate, we decided to leave for the race at 7:00 am. (The 5k race started at 8:00 am and the 10K at 8:30 am.) I had originally picked our hotel because it was close to the subway. They changed the course from past years and it now started about a 10 minute walk from our hotel!! 🙂
I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and ate in the hotel room.
I debated about what to wear due to the chilly predicted temps and wind and eventually changed from the cute tank (in the above pic) to a short-sleeved shirt, added DIY arm warmers, and a throw away long sleeved shirt.
We made plans with the others on where to meet after the race (The Family Meet-up section by the letter S).
Jeri & I posing at the finish line
Then we wandered down to the start line. I tossed my long-sleeved shirt but Jeri decided to take it since she didn’t have anything to keep warm. (My DIY arm warmers worked great – just $1 knee socks cut down).
We also noticed that there didn’t seem to be any meet up area. The only letters we could see were in the starting area and they spelled M O N T R E A L. Jeri texted the others a new spot to meet-up (not far from our hotel & the finish line).
Then all of a sudden, I looked up and saw a runner (Tina) that I knew from home. She said that she just looked for a skirt (I may have been the only one LOL). We hung out until almost start time. She drove all the way to Montreal just for the 5k.
I was actually listed to be in Corral 1 (who knows why?) but I decided since I was planning to walk to move back a coral or two.
Below is the course map:
My plan for this race was just get a medal. I didn’t wear a watch — on purpose! I wanted to not know my time/pace and actually enjoy the race and look at the scenery.
Mile 1
So I waited in the crowd until my Corral actually moved. It was very crowded (about 2000 runners) which was great. I started to run slowly weaving in and out so that I could get some space to walk. Well, as you may have guessed, I never walked. But I did run slowly.
I looked at EVERYTHING on the course!!! The first mile was through the theatre district on a street that was unfamiliar to me. The sun came out and I pulled down my arm warmers but just shoved them under my skirt rather than tossing them.
You could hear music the entire time.
Mile 2
Unfortunately I don’t remember a lot of the course. We did take several turns during mile 2 and I do remember seeing the Bio Dome in the distance. The view was pretty.
There was a water stop during this mile but I didn’t even stop. Music continued for this mile as well.
water stop for the 5k
Miles 3
The last mile was down Ste Catherine Street, It was decorated with pink balls strewn across the street. I wish I had taken a picture (found the one below so you get the idea).
Finally I approached the finish line. It was kinda anti-climactic since I was running so slowly. I crossed in a sprint, of course. I had no idea what my time was and didn’t care.
I felt like it was my best race ever because I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was wishing that I could run every race that way. But I knew that I could not. I am too competitive.
You were ushered through the crowd and eventually were handed your medal and then eventually, I found a cup of water. No big deal since I wasn’t thirsty or drown in sweat. I was cold.
I wandered around the finish area looking for food. I found a line to get free socks so waited on it. Then I found a Kind bar sample and the Kind reps gave everyone a flower.
with my medal, flower and free socks
I finally left the area in search of my friends so we could watch my roomie finish her 10K. I walked to our chosen meet up and they weren’t there but I bumped into my friend Tina again. I texted my friends to see where they were and it turned out they were on the other side of the street. Eventually they got daring enough to run across the race course LOL.
They completely missed me approaching the finish line but then again, I told them around 45 minutes in because I would be walking. My fault.
Soon we saw Jeri pass on her way to finish the 10k.
I laughed when I saw her since she was wearing my throw away shirt.
I won’t go into all the details but after many texts, we located Jeri and we all went back to the hotel together to plan the rest of our day.
FOOD, of course…
The next day was the big race.
Additional Race Reflections:
I was glad that I did this 5K race. I am also happy that I didn’t race it. Of course when I saw that I was 4th, I did regret it..a teeny bit.
The course was flat and you ran down parts of the city that were different from the half or full. You got a medal for a 5k (that is rare where I live) and it enabled me to get a third medal for running the half as well as the 5k.
Music played for the whole 3 miles and a different band for each mile. That made the miles more enjoyable.
No food at the finish but I did get free socks and a flower. ‘ll reserve all my critique for the organization of the race series and the post-finish experience for my half marathon race recap.
Final Stats:
official results now say 31:26 overall: 622/1916 and gender: 285/1198
It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:
My First 5K and More... 