In 2021, this inaugural race was my second local Pandemic race. And it was a five miler at the time.
yes in 2021, you had to wear a mask at the start and finish.
I signed up again for this 5 mile race in 2022 because I am a sucker for a race, any race. Many of my friends had lost interest in racing but I knew that I would know many of the runners at the race from past races. It would be fun to re-connect.
worst weather conditions EVER!
Due to construction, ARE had to change the course and now it is a 10k race. I was pretty sure that the weather would have to be better than in 2022.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
My speedwork has been non-existent and my pace has slowed to a crawl. So I entered the race will zero expectations other than being out there running with other runners.
I was going to wait until race morning to pickup my bib but Deb, who works downtown, volunteered to pick it up.
This time of year is tricky to decide what to wear. It could be winter frigid or what they call in “fake spring.” I tried to remember what I used to wear to race at this time of year. (I seems to have dressing amnesia.)
This is what I wore to this race in 2022 (on a cold March day):
In the end, I decided on something very similar:
beanie, 2 shirts, vest, arm warmers, wind breaker, etc.
But of course, the weather is so unpredictable in the spring here…
Race Day:
I got up early, had my habitual race breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) and met Deb and Barb at 8am at a nearby park n ride.
I had been to Mohawk Harbor (where the race started) before but I still wanted to leave early. We arrived around 8:30 and parked in casino hotel parking garage. (The race didn’t start until 9:30.)
And then there was a snow squall.
you couldn’t see a thing and then the roads were covered with a light layer of snow (over some existing ice).
We chatted with some other runners. There were many crazy runners like me. We were allowed to wait in the casino hotel and use their restrooms.
So we were nice and toasty warm…
We hung out until the last possible moment.
Around 9:25, I had to head to the race start area and shiver with all the other runners. The snow had stopped but it was cold and VERY windy. I was wishing that I had something to cover my face.
Course Map:
It was advertised as “mostly flat and relatively fast course uniquely includes 2 crossings of the Mohawk River.” But we all know that means there are hills. I really did not remember the course from 3 years ago.
does this look flat to you?
Believe it or not, I actually wore my Garmin, I didn’t look at it at all during the race since it was only 6.2 miles and there were mile markers. But I wanted to see my splits afterward. My goal was to run consistently but not hard. Not slip and fall!!! Or blow away. LOL
I don’t remember the course in detail since it was windy the whole race and quite slippery. At times, I just wanted to get done. But it was varied and lots of river views. If it weren’t for the weather, I would have enjoyed the scenery even more.
The last time I ran this race, there were about 450 runners but today about 1200!!
Obviously the start area was very crowded and so Barb & I headed toward the back of the crowd and pushed our way in.
can you spot me?
You’d notice in the FB pics below that the faster the runners were, the less clothing they wore…
oh yes, at least the sky was blue
I must admit that I was cold. My hands and feet were numb and I didn’t warm up until mile 3. I am rarely cold when I run but it was so windy and it was blowing in my face most of the race..
It was hard to run fast in the beginning but that was fine. It was sooo crowded and the wind was howling.
We were also running uphill for the first few miles. I tried to run but there were times when the wind was so strong that I had difficulty even walking
We turned off the main road around mile 1.5 but the wind was still in our faces.
I just trudged along, running when I could and walking when I had to.
Around mile 2.5, we turned and got a little reprieve from the wind. It was blowing in the opposite direction and it was pushing us along. Of course, there were many icy spots so you had to be careful and not slip and fall.
I was running mostly alone but around mile 3-4, I caught up with a friend and we chatted while running. She was telling me about a 10k that she was going to run in the Netherlands,
I do remember a few downhills as we headed toward the river. There was a the bridge going over the Mohawk River. I continued running slowly and there were a few times that I almost slipped but caught myself.
The bridge was uphill but then there was a nice downhill. We were also finally running with the wind at our backs. I almost warmed up. (I may have taken off my gloves at this point.)
Around mile 5, we ran through the old Stockade area before we hit riverside again. The river was completed covered with chucks of ice.
kinda cool to look at (thanks to Dennis for the FB pic)
I continued walking on the uphills or when it was too windy to run but not as much as earlier since I wanted to get to the finish line and get out of the cold.
mile 5.2 and happy to be nearly done…
Finally the finish line was in sight.
this is what happens when you don’t see the photographer..
This might have been the slipperiest part of the course. I ran as fast as I could on that snow-covered icy turf.
But I didn’t fall. Yay!
As I crossed, the RD, Josh (who knows everyone’s name) announced my name.
Post Race Activities:
I immediately found Barbara who had finished ahead of me and we took a quick pic.
It was too cold/windy to hang out and cheer on the other runners so we went inside the hotel to wait for the others and get some refreshments. Previously at this race, you were given a boxed lunch but today instead, there were tables of bagels, muffins, burritos and chocolate milk. I grabbed a few items but didn’t eat anything since we were meeting others for brunch at a nearby diner. (I heard that a lot runners went to Druthers afterward to enjoy the free beer or ber-mosas. Next year, if it is warmer!!)
We all agreed (well, maybe not all) that it was fun in spite of the weather.
Additional Race Reflections:
This was the first real local race of 2025. It was so great to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again. Now if only, we could get some mild temps for a race…
Positives:
Discount to ARE members
Optional race shirt.
Participant manual and lots info before the race
Ample parking.
Real restrooms (in Casino Hotel)
Dry, warm place to hang out before and after the race.
Well marked course.
Varied scenery including river views.
Sunshine.
Lots of course marshals.
Well organized.
Familiar faces.
Free photos.
Post-race food.
FREE Beer and ber-mosas at Druthers.
Negatives:
No water stops (in this weather though, it was not necessary)
The Wind!
The Cold!
No age group awards.
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when there are nicer weather conditions.
Final Stats:
Obviously this was almost a 10k PW. I could blame the weather. But we all know it’s that I’m slowing down…
a whole lot of walking going on…
75-79ers – I placed 2nd.
In fact, I was pleased with my time. I wasn’t expecting much. I did exactly what I had planned. Just ran… slowly. I wasn’t ever tired. My feet didn’t hurt. Woo Hoo!
So I definitely think I could have run faster. But there didn’t seem to be a reason to. No age group awards. It was slippery. I was just running for me and because it makes me feel good to race. And it’s definitely more fun to share to the experience with your friends.
Next Up:
I plan to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon next weekend (where the weather that is predicted to be in the 70s. Gulp!)
Happy Running! Have you run a 2025 race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one soon? Please share.
I had done it when it was a 5 miler but it was the first time for a 10k.
Last Week –
Sunday – Just a fun run with Deb and other racing friends.
Unfortunately I woke up to temps 30 degrees colder than the day before. I really was tempted to bail.
My legs were tired from the 10 miles on the previous day and I had cut my leg tripping on a car trailer in a diner parking lot (well, I stayed upright at least.)
Anyway, I met Deb to carpool and I connected with 2 runners (among others) that I would be doing the DC half with in 2 weeks.
I thought I would walk it with some friends that were walking but it was freezing (10 degrees)
Then I thought maybe I run it slow with two other friends.
In the end, I did run/walk intervals the WHOLE race with Deb. This was first for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My legs felt great and I was happy with my time since the cold wind was insane.
And I won my age group (with a PW for this race.)
All is good but hoping for a warm-up in temps.
Monday – I started the day at the gym. After work, I got my 2nd COVID vaccine and then stopped off to see my granddaughter.
reading at 18 mos?
Tuesday – I felt ok (after the vaccine) so I went to the gym and then for a run at lunch (since rain had been predicted for Wed & Thurs.)
my legs felt really dead so I rewarded myself with ice cream
After work, I met a friend to walk around the mall.
Wednesday – This afternoon I had to set up for my in-person class. That meant I had to squeeze in my run at lunch and I got it done before the rain started. (barely).
very dreary and muggy… I was overdressed. 50 degrees!
After work I was tired but a friend asked me to walk with her at the gym. I couldn’t say “No.”
Thursday –Today I had to teach that in-person class. That meant Starbucks before work
tried something new and it was yummy
and a run after work. Deb agreed to share the fun.
pretty breezy but not as cold as I thought
Friday – Same as yesterday but no run after work.
Saturday – Electric City 10k.
of course I signed up for all 3!
Barb, Deb and I decided to do this race. So we carpooled.
With a half marathon in one week, this would be my taper run which is usually 8-10 miles. I had thought of maybe adding on a few more after the race but… you know how that goes…
It was cold!! And when we arrived, there was a snow squall. The snow stopped but there was 60 mph wind gusts during the whole race in addition to slippery footing (from the snow.)
We joined 1200 other crazy runners and all of us stayed upright. As they say “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
After the race, we joined the others, who didn’t run the race, for our traditional Saturday diner brunch.
Sunday – Most likely the gym and maybe start packing for DC.
We lost an hour of sleep but at least it will be lighter after work each day.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, hair appt.
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – early flight to DC, expo
Saturday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
Sunday – visit some DC sights, late flight home
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Electric City 10k Race Recap
Friday – Luck on the Run
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? 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 though I’m NOT running the NYC Half Marathon, I have a teensy bit of FOMO.
For the first time ever, you get to run over the Brooklyn Bridge during this race.
my favorite bridge in NYC
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I DID NOT accept my guaranteed entry for the NYC Marathon.
It was tempting since 3 or 4 close running friends are running it.
But I am confident (after my last tough half marathon) that I made the right decision.
3 NYCM and done!!
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that one of my goals is to run new races.
Another new local 5k is happening on June 21.
cider donuts? I’m there!
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m not excited about completing 13.1 again but I am looking forward to sharing the experience with some local runners. There will be 5 of us making the trek to DC.
Sue (on the left) will be my roommate
Like the mug says!!
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I haven’t been to DC since my 6th grade field trip. I arrive early Friday, March 14, the race is Saturday, March 15 and I leave late Sunday, March 16.
maybe they will bloom early?
Besides a blogger meet-up or two, what should I see?
Unless you live in the Northeast, you wouldn’t call it a heat wave.
Above freezing everyday!!!!
Woo Hoo!!
Unfortunately next week, the frigid weather returns.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym and the rest of the day I spent getting things done so I could have a relaxing week: grocery shopping, laundry, cooking but there was also some TV, Knitting and wine date with a friend (while the hubby was out playing tennis)..
cuz I haven’t shared a cat pic in awhile
Monday – I went to the office in the afternoon so there was Starbucks (lol)
and then I met my friend Deb after work to run the UAlbany loop.
yes, she was overdressed
On the way home, I was planning to stop off to visit my granddaughter (but her mom was sick.)
Instead, there was a ZOOM call for Training Challenge Mentors.
Tuesday – WFH but no time for the gym so after work, I met a friend at the gym and we walked around the track (after I used the machines.)
Wednesday – Today I had to teach an in-person class. That meant Starbucks again and a run after work. Deb agreed to join me again and we met at the Corning Bike Path. It was nice to run on a different route.
not too cold and no wind!!
Thursday – Back to WFH so I was able to go to the gym first thing
what a weird pose?
and then to squeeze in a run after work (since it was raining most of the day)
very damp and dreary
before our monthly tennis dinner.
Friday – WFH again and I had time to hit the gym again before work
and then maj jongg in the evening (at my house!)
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
Two weeks until my half marathon. I had hoped to ramp up my miles and do 10-12.
Poor Deb, I ‘ve recruited her to be my running partner 3x this week. We ran/walked 8 together and then I added 2 more miles before we met the others for brunch.
The weather cooperated and I was even warm but after we finished, the temps dropped and it started to rain/snow.
Sunday – Re-scheduled HMRRC Winter Series #5. I had signed up and then I thought I couldn’t run it. But it got cancelled and now it’s today. I won’t race it since I did a long run yesterday (and tripped in the diner parking lot on a car trailer and cut my ankle) but I’ll go to catch up with friends and for the post-race refreshments.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run, COVID vaccine #2
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday –gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Electric City 10k race
Sunday – gym & ….?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – DST & Running
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Did it warm up this week for you? 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.
It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…
1.I runfess…
Guaranteed entries for the NYC Marathon opened on Feb. 5.
Since I ignored my guaranteed entries to the NYC Half and Brooklyn Half and all the other NYRR halfs sell out before they open, this would be my last shot at this race.
Should I feel guilty that I DID NOT want to run it?
2. I runfess…
I booked a free hotel room in NYC to watch those crazy runners who will be running the race on Nov. 2.
Is that you? Let me know so I can cheer for you.
3. I runfess…
Of course after I slogged through the Fort Lauderdale half marathon, I checked the results to see if I won an age group award (you never know, right?)
I wasn’t disappointed that I didn’t win. I was disappointed that 3rd was slower than I usually finish.
4. I runfess…
I do love my Topos and I have 3 new pairs…
As I mentioned in last month’s Runfessions, new style has arrived…
Meet the stability shoe you’ve been waiting for. Aura effortlessly combines our signature fit with pronation support and max-cushioning, so you get the best of it all.
They were purple so I HAD to buy them!
5. I runfess…
I signed up for two more half marathons (March 16 and April 12) before I ran the last one..
I’m glad because Fort Lauderdale was harder than I expected. Maybe it was the weather but I really think it was me!
Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.
It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever (since February 2022, I believe).
In fact, I registered for the 2023 race and I was meeting up with fellow blogger Jenny and her hubby. But several days before the race, I fell and broke my foot.
So I did not run and signed up again in 2024.
I badly sprained my ankle at the end of of 2023 and although I was running again by race day, I was not trained for 13.1 miles and deferred my entry.
I ran a 5k instead that trip.
This year, I did sign up to run the 2025 Publix A1A Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon for these reasons:
A warmer weather race-cation opportunity
I had enough miles for a free flight.
I had already paid $40 to defer and would not have to pay to run it this year.
It was held on Presidents Day weekend (one less day to take off from work)
It was advertised as a scenic course with ocean views.
I had four friends that lived nearby (for the winter.)
A redo from the sweaty 2021 race and DNS of the 2023 and 2024 races.
Blogger Jenny (and her hubby) had promised to sign up too.
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 in October and then I ran a full marathon in November.
As with all my half marathon training, I do not really care about my week day runs. They were usually an easy 3 miles.
However, I do try to do longer runs on the weekend. Even when not training, I try to run 6-8 miles.
Despite the frigid winter weather in the NE, I did run 2 double digit runs but unfortunately, the 12 miler turned into only 9 miles. I hate when that happens but it is what it is. And my taper 10 miler also was only a 9 miler.
10 miles
11 miles
9 miles
Though I did feel somewhat prepared to run 13.1 miles, my goal for this half marathon was still to just finish and to ENJOY RUNNING A LONG SCENIC RACE!!!
I mean, I trained in temps below freezing and this race was in Florida. There no way that I’d be acclimated to the warmer temps and humidity and I didn’t want to wind up in a medical tent and spoil the rest of my vacation.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Although the half marathon was scheduled for Sunday morning, I arrived (with no flight drama) in West Palm Beach the Tuesday afternoon before. I rented a car there and spent the next six days staying with two different friends.
I got to hang out with them (and a few others) while visiting the beaches, bird sanctuaries, tennis tournaments and restaurants. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
Previously I had picked up my race bib/shirt on Saturday, stayed in a nearby hotel and purchased VIP parking for race day.
With Jenny (not her hubby who hurt his foot) running the race as well and that she lives in the town where I was staying, I was able to catch a ride with her. She even picked up my shirt
and bib the day before.
They had also changed the course and so there would be a shuttle bus because the start and finish were in now different locations.
looks flat enough…
Race Day:
I got up at an ungodly hour and had my oatmeal and coffee that I had brought from home with me.
#flatme was easy and I even left off my compression calf sleeves due to the heat/humidity
They had recommended that you arrive by 4:30 am and the race started at 5:50 am.
I had decided to buy the VIP parking pass so that hopefully things would be smoother in the morning.
And Jenny even picked me up. She’s the best!
We arrived and found VIP parking (at a nearby hotel) easily. We even had time to use the hotel restrooms.
We walked aimlessly (lol) to the shuttle buses and boarded. Jenny, who was going to run some miles before the race, decided to do them near the start.
The marathon had already started and the half was only about 15 minutes from starting. I was surprised at how many were running it. About 3500.
I just squeezed into the crowd. I saw 3:00 pacer nearby. That seemed about right.
Why? The weather. Hot and humid. No need for those throwaways that I had brought. lol.
There was the national anthem and soon we all moved forward together to start.
I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long… and the photos are often inserted randomly)
My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU around every 3-4 miles. I also planned to walk whenever necessary and NOT RACE it.
I will also try to put a positive spin on my recap. Honestly, it felt harder than it should have.
Not necessarily the hot weather as I knew how that would affect me but my FEET.
My neuroma bared its ugly head for the first time in 5 years. Then a blister formed on the other foot. When things were going from bad to worse, the last 3 miles or so were running into crazy wind gusts.
Positives. I enjoyed the course, its views and it was for the most part flat. And I loved sharing the excitement before and after the race with Jenny!!!
Miles 1-4:
We started running in town heading east toward the ocean. I recognized the landmarks from my visit the day before.
stealing this from Jenny
We ran over a bridge (or walked over as I did) for the only hill on the course.
thanks to FB
We didn’t get to route 1A until around mile 3 where we viewed the sunrise.
thanks Jenny for this one too
At first we ran south and then turned around and headed north until around mile 9.5. At least the wind was at our backs though it really didn’t help.
from FB!!
As always, I felt more energetic during the beginning miles.
I stopped at each water stop as planned. They were at about every 1 1/2 miles which normally would be frequent enough but not when it is almost 80 degrees and humid.
Miles 4-6
We continued running north along the water. I was desperately trying to focus on the beautiful views and not on how warm/sunny it was. Instead of a Gu, I took a salt chew. Blech.
I continued slogging along, running until a water stop. But my running felt like a crawl. I used my watch to see what mile we were on. The mile markers were non-existent – most likely because there were two different courses. A Half and a Full Marathon.
Though I had downloaded the course map (above), I never looked at it.
So I was pleasantly surprised when we entered a park around mile 5 and looped around it for several miles. A welcome diversion from the ocean but SHADE! That was the good news. Stifling because well, no breeze.
Miles 7-10:
Eventually we exited the park (where I found out Jenny had gotten married 25 years ago) and turned left and ran north again.
I just continued putting one step in front of another. I was determined to finish even if it meant walking the rest of the race.
Around mile 8, we continued north but not directly on the water. It was a nice change in scenery.
The turn around which seemed like a marathon away finally arrived around mile 9.5.
Then a mile later or so, we returned onto 1A heading back south along the water.
I was pleasantly surprised at how many runners around me were doing run/walk intervals and how many runners were walking the whole course.
Around this time, I ate another salt chew (still blech) and started drinking more water and walking longer at the stops.
Miles 10-13.1:
By this point, I was struggling big time. Not sure why. The course was flat!
Too much activity on previous days? Not enough sleep? The heat? The humidity?
Whatever the reason, I knew that it would NOT prevent me from finishing. I kept thinking that there were marathon runners completing the course TWICE!!!!!! I certainly can do it once.
Then all of a sudden around mile 11, Jenny ran up beside me. She looked fresh as a daisy. I wish I could have joined her through finish line. But I was spent and told her to go ahead.
One last GU and I was able to re-energize and limp/ sprint toward the finish line.
I crossed around 2:40.
A PW and even slower than 3 years ago No matter what the time, but I was thrilled to have finished and have finally “run” this RACE again.
Post Race Activities:
I was immediately handed a bottle of water and the HEAVY finisher medal.
It took me a while to get up enough energy to move from sitting on that wall. I first headed to get some chocolate milk and then sat again and chatted with a few runners (all happy but very very hot and sweaty.)
There were ice bath which were tempting but no
and many photos ops.
I even scanned my bib to see if I won an age group award. Nope (not today!)
4th out of 21
Jenny had already finished and gone to her car to change. She was nice enough to bring my bag with my Oofos. Ahhh!
Then I decided that I needed to eat. Nothing really appealed to me though there was quite a variety but my stomach felt too queasy for hotdogs, tacos, burritos, refried beans…
I opted for an ice pop which was just what I needed and a banana.
Can’t believe I passed up muffins, bagels, and cookies plus free beer.
Eventually, we headed back to Jenny’s car in order to get back to Boca where I was staying with my college roommate for the next two nights.
After a long shower, I vegged out at the beach and soaked my aching feet in the ocean.
Additional Race Reflections:
The Good:
A good number of booths and food/drink samples at the expo.
Excellent communication about every aspect of the race before, during and after the race.
Easy packet pick-up
VIP parking available and city lots and public lots
Sufficient number of port-a-potties at start/finish and along the course
Water stops 1.2-1.5 miles apart
Volunteers/police directing traffic.
Pacers.
6.5 hour time limit for the race (since it included a marathon)
Lots of crowd support,
Awesome selection of post race food.
Music (Band) in the finish area
Custom Sand Castle,
Lots of photographers on the course,
Shuttle before and after, as needed.
Sunny weather,
Less congestion with different start and finish areas.
My long awaited warm weather vacation came and went and now I’m back in the frigid Northeast.
Two Weeks Ago –
Sunday – Another snowstorm and this was our biggest. It wasn’t huge just annoying.
grateful for my hubby and the snowblower
No FOMO on racing since they cancelled the local race that I had registered for.
I wasn’t planning on going anyway since my friend and I had signed for a Galentine’s Day Brunch.
The roads were ok and it was a fun event – delicious food, drinks…
With warm weather predicted, it made packing a little easier… still I brought too much.
forecast: great beach weather…
Monday – I didn’t get up early enough for the gym but at lunch, I went for my last cold weather neighborhood run.
took a different route than last week…
Tuesday – A very early morning flight (5:30 am) with a long short layover in CTL but everything went smoothly and I picked up my rental car in West Palm and then drove to my friend’s place in Delray Beach.
I met her at the pool and after, per our annual tradition, we walked around a bird sanctuary at dusk and then out to a lovely dinner with an ocean view.
Wednesday – I dragged myself out of bed and drove to the ocean to see my first ocean sunrise (and it was so worth it).
Since I had free parking until 9 am, I went for a run followed by a walk (along the ocean.)
had to break in my race shoes and get acclimated to the heat…
My next stop was to Gumbo Limbo to see the turtles…
My host was finished with her tennis game so we headed to the beach where we met up with two other friends from home.
the heat felt wonderful…
We ate dinner at the pool watching the sun set.
Thursday – Another early morning sunrise breakfast
coffee & oatmeal with a view
followed by a run/walk…
I ran in the opposite direction from the day before…
and then a meet-up (another tradition) with a former co-worker for a stroll at another bird sanctuary followed by a delicious brunch.
we taught French together many moons ago…
My host and I spent a relaxing afternoon at the pool.
In the evening, we met my friends from home to watch some awesome tennis at the Delray Open tournament.
Friday – Today was my final Delray Beach sunrise breakfast..
Valentine’s Day! wearing my 2021 Ft Lauderdale HM shirt to commemorate the day!
I ran around the neighborhoods instead of along the water but after walked along the water. I bumped into a runner (her photo is below) that I had met on my first run here…. we had chatted and apparently I had convinced her to sign up for the half on Sunday… LOL.
After a farewell lunch with my host, I moved to my former college roommate’s home in Boca Raton.
We decided to head to Lauderdale-by-the Sea for an early dinner… where we met up with friends who had lunch at the same restaurant.
Saturday – Since it was the day before my race, I opted to rest and only walked my new host’s dog in the morning.
Today’s plans included a 3-hour water taxi ride around Fort Lauderdale (the yachting capital of the world).
the views & the breeze made this a perfect way to spend the day and we learned a lot from the tour guide…
And we ended (by my request) with a pizza dinner.
Since it was still early, we stopped by a exhibition open house at a museum in Delray.
Italian made mosaics of famous people – fascinating
Sunday – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon race day.
I met Jenny at an ungodly hour and happily she agreed to drive to Ft. Lauderdale (and I paid for VIP parking).
Still it was advised to arrive at 4:30 am for a 5:50 am race start.
We had no problems and easily parked the car, used the hotel restrooms and took the shuttle to the start.
I should mention that it was very warm, very humid and a breeze (that turned in wind gusts in our faces for the last few miles).
It wasn’t easy. Each half (this was #71) seems to be harder (or I prepare less?) but I loved the course which included running along the ocean, around a park and along the city streets.
Jenny & I didn’t run together (though she did pass by me at mile 11) but I really enjoyed her company before and after the race.
I recovered later at the beach…
And in the evening (can’t believe I was still awake), we celebrated at a nearby happy hour and then attended a Herman’s Hermits concert (ever hear of them?)
Last Week –
Monday – Post race recovery included just a walk along the beach since it was too cloudy to see a sunrise…
those guys were running in socks…
Afterward, we drove to Deerfield Beach to meet a college friend for lunch…
the 3 of us studied in France together our junior year..
In the evening, we went to
the music was good and the crowd was very entertaining...
Tuesday – My last day in Florida and my first Boca Raton sunrise…
awesome…… it never gets old.
I left early for my drive back to West Palm Beach to catch my flight home (via DCA).. my second flight was delayed but I eventually arrived safely.
Wednesday – I started the day at the gym…
my morning view of 11 degrees 😦 I want to go back to Florida!!!!!!!
It was thankfully a WFH day so I could unpack and squeeze my run in at lunchtime.
the sun was nice but the wind froze my face off and my legs were still feeling Sunday’s miles
In the evening, I went out to dinner to celebrate a tennis friend’s birthday.
Thursday – Another WFH day and a post work run.
dirty snow and lots of ice – yuck!
After dinner, I met my BFF for a mall walk.
Friday – Gym before work
as you can see, at this hour I have the machines to myself 🙂
and maj jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
I’m scheduled to run another half marathon in 3 weeks!
Still in recovery mode so I only planned to run/walk 8-9 miles.
The goal was not to fall as there was ICE everywhere.
Deb, Barbara & I ran around parking lots in search of dry turf and then I added a few more miles solo.
Hope to ramp up again next weekend.
Sunday – The gym and ???
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – AM run, tennis dinner
Friday – gym, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – (rescheduled) HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 4.5m.
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Publix Fort Lauderdale Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Any warm weather 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.
Cross-training is defined as an exercise protocol that utilizes several modes of training that are outside the athlete’s main sport to develop a specific component of fitness.
Her are 5 Reasons that Runners should Cross Train:
Boosts cardiovascular endurance. IOW you can run longer.
Trains muscle groups not used in running. Not just your legs.
Allows recovery from running. Perfect for rest days.
Keeps you mentally engaged. Exercise the mind?
Reduces risk of injury. This is an important one.
What are the best cross-training exercises for runners?
Cycling or spinning: a low impact option that closely mimics the cardio requirements of running.
Rowing: a low impact option that works muscles of the upper body not typically used during running.
Swimming: provides a low impact alternative that allows recovery from running while helping increase aerobic capacity.
Weight training: strengthens the muscles of the body to complement endurance training and improve performance.
Yoga: excellent for recovery, as various yoga poses increase flexibility and may help prevent injury.
Pilates: an effective way to both strengthen and lengthen tight muscles while increasing core strength.
Skiing (downhill or cross-country): cross-country skiing best mimics the cardio requirements of running; downhill skiing can also be a fitting for runners.
My First 5K and More... 