May 12, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Favorite Running Tunes

I runfess, it’s been awhile since I’ve run with music. I often listen to podcasts when I run alone and usually I do my long runs with friends.

But I do have my “old” favorites still on my phone:

Fight Song – Rachel Platten

One Step at a Time – Jordan Sparks

Stronger – Brittney Spears

Don’t Stop Believin‘ – Journey

I Run for Life – Melissa Etheridge

Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga

Stronger – Kelly Clarkson

Yes, there’s a theme here…

Happy Running? Do you run or work out to music? If so, what are your favorite songs? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

May 9, 2023 by Darlene

What Happened From Ages 65-70?

I borrowed this idea from Judy and Donna when they turned 60 and 50, respectively.

I have already posted about ages 60-64. (You can read it here.)

Now I’ll talk about the last 5 years of this decade:

Age 65 (May 2018)

In May, I ran one of my bucket list races – Brooklyn Half Marathon. It rained but it was important because my finish time from this race qualified me for another bucket list race – NYC Half Marathon (and also NYC Marathon but I didn’t realize it at the time).

hoping the rain would stop… it never did!

In June, one of my favorite races got replaced (after 40 years) with a new 15k.

lake finish, ice cream, age group award!!

In September, we took our 2nd Sole Sisters race-cation.

I did the 5k and the half.

I also ran a 5k PR at a race on Governor’s Island.

hanging with Cari post race

In October, I finally ran a race in Paris (my favorite city in the world!!)

a dream come true!

I also ran a 10k in Central Park, NYC.

I had no idea that I would actually get into this race…

In November, I ran the hilliest half ever with Alyssa.

In February, I ran a rainy half marathon in Florida and injured my calf afterward.

In March, I ran the NYC Half Marathon (and hooray, I was pain-free).

In April, I ran the first annual local (downhill) half marathon. And my finish time qualified me to run the 2020 NYC half and full marathons. (Neither one happened due to COVID).

Also in April, the Sole Sisters took over NYC. And we ran a fun 15k in Brooklyn.

Age 66 (May 2019)

In May, I ran a fun new half marathon near an upstate lake.

won my first (and only) trophy

In July, I started training for the NYC Marathon. Lots of miles mixed in with lots of work travel.

In September, I visited a college friend in RI and completed a (training) half marathon while there.

so fun meeting Michelle and Kim G. at the race

In October, I ran a local half marathon as part of my 20 mile training run.

Did it!! Now taper!

In November, I completed my FIRST (and only) MARATHON – NYCM. It was an amazing experience. And I’m so happy that I took the plunge.

celebrating after with blogger Lacey.

In January I ran a frigid (and painful) half marathon in Central Park. I also met up with Cari and Deborah the day before the race.

I may have been smiling but my foot HURT!!

In February, I ran my first ZOOMA race. It was so fun and what made it even more special was that racing ended for a long time after that race (due to COVID).

Bloggers can jump!

March-April – Race after race was cancelled. Some races were completed virtually.

NYC Virtual Half Marathon

Age 67 (May 2020)

May- September- Races still cancelled.
In October, my running friends and I had already rented a house in NH and even though our half marathon was cancelled, we decided to go anyway and run it virtually.

matchy matchy in our post race shirts

Finally, in November, with many Covid restrictions, a local half marathon was held.

so happy to race again!!

I missed NYC so much that I decided to go there for the weekend in December and run a 5k.

My first plane trip in a year was in February to visit friends in Florida and run a half marathon.

with all the precautions and a heat wave, I still enjoyed it

Age 68 – May 2021

In July, I ran a fun July 4th race for the first time and it was a 4 mile PR!

In August, there was a surprise meet-up with runners whom I ran a half with in Philly back in 2014.

In October, my running friends and I decided on a re-do race-cation in NH.

wearing matching shirts has become a tradition and as is a jumping pic

In December, I ran the Albany Last Run for the last time. They discontinued this 5k around the holiday lights in the park. 😦

January – April. Obviously trying to make up for lost COVID racing time.

Three NYC races!! A Florida race and a Local Half (and too many others to mention.)

Fred Lebow Half (NYC)

post-race meet up with blogger, Jenny (in Fla.)

Central Park Half (NYC)

H2H Half

In early May, I ran a 5k in a costume!

Age 69 – May 2022

In June, I participated in my favorite local 5k for the 15th time.

Slowing down didn’t prevent me from participating in several 5k races. I even won an age group award in each (which is easier when you are my age!!)

In September, October, and November I ran a half marathon.

In October, the half marathon was part of another fun race-cation with my running friends. This time in Maine.

You know I couldn’t resist a trip to NYC so I ran a RAINY 15k there in December and ran with Cari in Central Park in January.

There was also a winter escape to Florida in February where I was supposed to run my first of FOUR scheduled half marathons.

Instead, I fell and broke my foot.

Running and racing came to an abrupt halt.

Not the best way to end this decade…

Age 70 – May 9, 2023

Who knows?

Hopefully a lot of races and runs and race-cations (and age group awards!!) … and most importantly good health and good friends!!

And NO MORE INJURIES!!

**Just re-read my post about Ages 60-64 and realized that I started and ended the decade with a broken 5th metatarsal of my left foot!!!! What are the odds?

Happy Running! Do you have a milestone birthday coming up? If so, what has been the “running” highlight of the last decade? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

May 7, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.30.23-5.4.23: Vacation Time!!

I am always so excited for this vacation… every year since 2005…. There’s running, playing tennis, relaxing on the beach, eating out, drinking cocktails and fun times/laughter with 9 great friends!!

It’s not a coincidence, that usually I celebrate my birthday during this trip (May 9) but this year, I will enter a new age group!!!

Last Week:

Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day due to Saturday’s rainy forecast. Barbara agreed to accompany me on 9 of my 12 miles. And the rain stopped!!

Monday – I went to the gym in the morning and then I had the afternoon off from work.

The plan was to hike in MA. with my running friends, have lunch, and see more tulips.

We got so lucky that the rain stopped before we left and stayed dry all day.

We headed to Stockbridge for a few hikes. Unfortunately, we ran out of time but plan to return in a few weeks.

We had a delicious lunch and then we had reservations for the Daffodil/Tulip Fest at Naumkeag.

Last stop: High Lawn Farms.

In the evening, I was supposed to attend my weekly FTC mentor assignment. But I got back too late so went for a walk instead.

Tuesday – To make up for missed gym visits while on vacation, I tried to go every morning.

just finished before the skies opened up!!

I didn’t plan to run today but since I missed yesterday’s run and rain was in the forecast for Wednesday, I squeezed in one in the ‘hood at lunch.

I finally went to my chiro. It had been YEARS!! Nothing wrong but I thought I should get a tune-up before my big race.

Afterward. I met my BFF for a long mall walk.

Wednesday – Another morning at the gym and a run at lunch.

I spent most of the evening packing…

Thursday – Our flight was supposed to leave at 5:45am. After several cancellations and delays, instead of arriving around 1 pm, we arrived at 10:30pm. What a disastrous day!!!!
Friday-Saturday – I’ll recap the rest of week in my next WRD.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Sunday – Wednesday – run, tennis. beach, FUN, etc.
Thursday – run, flight home
Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – LONG RUN (Taper 8-10 miles)
Sunday – rest day, GYM, Mother’s Day

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – What Happened from Ages 65-69? – The Birthday Post (part 2)
Friday – Favorite Running Songs

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any vacation plans? Do you go to a chiropractor

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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.

May 5, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Ultimate Coffee Date for May 2023

It’s that time of the month…

CafePress - Naples, Florida Mugs - Ceramic Coffee Tea Novelty Mug Cup 11 oz

time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

While you are reading this post, I’m enjoying my coffee in Naples, Florida.

1. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that except for 2020, I have gone on this vacation with 9 tennis friends every year since 2005.

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that originally, my goal for the trip was to play tennis everyday and take lessons. That is is still the goal for the others.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that although I have NOT played tennis at all since last May, I plan to play every morning (after my run.) I hope my friends are patient. However, I will no longer take lessons.

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that once I became a runner, I also looked for a race to run during this May vacation. Fortunately there is usually a 5k scheduled.

Of course, I did sign up. It’s a great charity and I may or may not run (depending on weather and transportation.)

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that it will be HOT but I plan to run each morning (if possible) but I will not be able to fit in a long run.

I got my 12 miler done last weekend so as they say “the hay is in the barn.”

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Have you ever been to Naples, FL? Do you always run when you are on vacation? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

April 29, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.23.23-4.30.23: Fitting It In

It was one of those weeks where I had something scheduled for every night of the week!

That happens when you are traveling for work for weeks and now you are home!!

And then you have an upcoming vacation planned for next week…

Last Week:

Sunday – My hike last Monday was cancelled due to rain as was today’s. (April showers bring May flowers, right?)

But I had plenty to keep me busy… unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning (that’s what happens when you are away the previous week…)

I started this rainy day with a trip to the gym.

Then my hubby and I got our 6th COVID shot.

very excited for the vaccine and to continue to be protected from COVID (for myself and others I am in contact with…)

Still raining so I got my steps in with a walk around the mall.

Monday – Back working from home so I could hit the gym first thing. (BTW: no reaction from the vaccine at all.)

weather whiplash… it felt like winter out…

In the evening, I again mentored the beginner running group.

week 6 out of 12… most runners including myself struggled to run for 5 or 8 minutes. I encouraged them to walk if needed.

Tuesday – Another morning at the gym (Trying to make up for last week and next when I’m on vacation.)

But no running today since I had a scheduled dinner date with my stepson (the unmarried one.)

Unfortunately my stepson had to work late so that left me free to walk and also prepare food for the party the next day.

I decided to return to the Pine Hollow Arboretum to see how things were blooming.

pretty sparse.. so many trees destroyed this winter.

Our local Tulip Fest is in a few weeks and I wondered if the tulips were starting to bloom so I headed to Washington Park.

most were not ready but I found enough to photograph to make me happy… (more pics on FB)

Wednesday – I was forced to skip the gym since I had an early morning work ZOOM (with a camera on … I could not be there in my workout clothes. LOL)

But I took the afternoon off from work so I could run and then meet up with some tennis friends.

I was happy that my running friend Sherry was able to run with me at UAlbany (You know how I hate to run alone.)

looks like the lilacs will be in bloom soon

Afterward, my friends and I finally got together to celebrate our 2002 trip the USTA Tennis Nationals in Palm Springs.

group photo from 2002

It was so much fun to catch up and reminisce.

Thursday – Back at the gym before work… and I squeezed my run in at lunch time.

it seemed chilly at first but not as soon as the sun came out

After work, my friends and I had tickets to go see Fiddler on the Roof (and of course, we went out for dinner beforehand.)

I’ve seen this show several times but still enjoyed it a lot

Friday – Morning off from work.. that meant I could go to the gym later.

It was supposed to be a rest day from running. Why is the weather so nice on rest days?… boy do I wish I had switched my long run to today!!

Since I went to gym earlier than planned, I had enough time to do some walks or hikes.

With rain in the forecast for every day next week, I returned to Washington Park.

can you tell I love tulips? (still more pics on FB.)

I continued my walk around the park…

Then I drove to another place I’ve wanted to visit… it’s in the middle of the worst part of the city (and a little creepy to hike solo there).

I spent too much time in Washington Park to complete the whole trail so I may go back…

Saturday – Long Run Day!! Nope… RAIN!! Sorry. I am fair weather runner.

Instead I went to the gym and re-scheduled my hair appt.

Sunday – Re-Scheduled Long Run Day! My plan is to run 12 miles. Two of my long run buddies are away but I hope to have company of some other running friends and follow it with brunch.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – GYM, hike, Tulip Fest, FTC run
Tuesday, GYM, run, chiro appt, walk w/BFF
Wednesday – GYM, run, pack!!
Thursday – rest day, 5:45 am flt to Florida
Friday – run, tennis, beach…
Saturday – run, tennis, pool, show in Ft Myers
Sunday – run, beach

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – Tips for Running During Vacation
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any vacation plans? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

April 28, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: Runfessions for April 2023

Runfessions

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

1. I runfess…

Though I created a 9 week training plan for the Brooklyn Half Marathon…

I didn’t exactly follow it.

My long runs were: 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12 miles for the first 5 weeks (instead of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8).

Sorry. Not sorry.

2. I runfess…

One of the reasons that I didn’t follow the plan was that I actually started running BEFORE March 20 (the day I got the x-ray that my foot had healed.)

Not a lot of miles but running here and there and the foot felt fine.

3. I runfess…

Another reason is that I will be in Florida for week 7’s long run. It will be 90 degrees and humid. There’s no way I will be running 12 miles in that weather.

there will be more tennis than running this week.

4. I runfess…

Of course I couldn’t resist signing up for my annual 5k race while I’m there.

Tropicool 5k in Naples, FL

I can guarantee that there will be NO podium finish this year…

But I’m just happy to be able to run….

5. I runfess…

I’ve been part of the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC) for years as a runner then as a Race Ambassador. But through changes in leadership, it had become less useful to me.

This year, I thought that it would be a good idea to be a mentor and to support others who are running this race.

I may be one and done with this.

First they changed the location (farther away, boring path, NO restrooms) and then the Couch25k app that the Beginner group is supposed to use is no longer FREE.

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

April 25, 2023 by Darlene

TT: 2023 Goals Check-in and the #13 Jinx

Back in January, I was confident that this was going to be a great running year. At least SIX half marathons were planned and maybe a full in addition to countless other shorter races.

Here were the 13 goals I set: (Did I jinx things by picking 13?)

Run at least 1000 miles
Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)
Run with others (as often as possible)
Run at least 25 races
Volunteer (at several races)
Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up
Try something new
Listen to more podcasts
Update my music playlist
No Injuries
No PWs
No DNS or DNF races
Blog 3x each week

They all seemed so achievable and realistic.

Well, there’s still 8 months left in the year but Goal#10 certainly has changed everything!!

Run at least 1000 miles

Need a big adjustment. Now barring any more time off from running, I’d like to run at least 800 miles.

2. Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)

Before Feb 14 and after March 20, this was and it will be again possible.

3. Run with others (as often as possible)

Same as #2.

4. Run at least 25 races

As with #1, this needs to be reduced. Maybe 12 races?

5. Volunteer (at several races)

Yes. One good thing about being injured and not racing is that you have time to volunteer.

6. Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up

Yes but the 2nd one did not go as planned.

7. Try something new

Still working on this one.

Does going to the gym count?

8. Listen to more podcasts

Yes. Also the result of not running and using the stationary bike.

9. Update my music playlist

Not yet.

10. No Injuries

A big NO – Broken foot on Feb. 14.

2,594 Broken Foot Xray Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

11. No PWs

TBD… once I start racing all the distances, they may happen. (but I no longer care…)

12. No DNS or DNF races

Another fail due to #10.

Ft. Lauderdale Half Marathon – DNS
Electric City 10K – DNS
NYC Half Marathon – DNS
Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon – DNS

13. Blog 3x each week

Yes. Hooray, this still happened.

Thanks for reading and commenting!!

New 2023 goal (Thanks, Maria):

Maria Sharapova quote: My main goal is to stay healthy because when you're...

Happy Running! How is 2023 going for you? Did you set any goals? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

April 22, 2023 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 4.16.23-4.23.23: My Last Hurrah

The title refers to after two months of almost weekly visits to NYC for work, this week was the last one…

So I had to squeeze it all in.. parks, Broadway, runs, friends

Last Week:

Sunday – After volunteering instead of running the H2H Half Marathon the previous day, I was wondering if I made the right decision.

emotionally rewarding…

I had sold my bib to my running friend Barbara and I decided to try accompanying her today on 10 of her 13.1 miles as she had to run the race virtually.

I ran with her for the first 5 miles (uphillish) using her intervals (90:30) and then finished using my own run and walk when you can’t run anymore.

I got it done but yes, I’m not ready for the big time yet… (5 weeks until Brooklyn!!)

what happened to the clouds and cool temps??

We finished early enough to I could do some yardwork before the rain came…

finally some trees are starting to bloom

Monday – Day off! I started with a visit to the gym. And it was pouring!!!!

The plan was to go hiking with friends, out to lunch, hike some more and then stop for ice cream.

We drove west in hopes that the forecast was correct for that area.

Nope. We had a delicious lunch and then drove around waiting for the rain to stop… It did not

We resorted to getting our steps in at the mall.

Happily, the skies cleared and I was able to do my mentor assignment.

Tuesday – Another morning at the gym…

The temps really cooled down but I decided on a rest day with a walk at lunch and then another longer one with my BFF after work.

Wednesday – An exciting morning…

Before I got on the train to NYC, I got to see my 20 week old granddaughter (in the uterus, that is).

As soon as I checked into my hotel, I hopped on a subway to Brooklyn to catch the cherry blossoms in Prospect Park (before they were past peak.)

so so beautiful there and the tulips were in bloom as well.

Then I rushed back to Manhattan to meet up with Cari in Central Park.

I had changed into my running clothes and walked to the park. By the time I met Cari, I was too tired to run and so we walked through the park to get a cookie at Crumbl.

there might have been a mango martini or two at my hotel bar after…

Thursday – Working in Jamaica, Queens for the day and as soon as I returned to Manhattan, I changed my clothes and got in a run. I ran from my hotel to Madison Square Park and then back.

It had to be a short run because I had gotten tix to a Broadway show.

and the show was great!!

Friday – Nothing exciting happened besides work followed by the train home in the evening.

one sock done… one to go

Saturday – Long Run Day!! 11 miles was planned. I am so lucky to have friends to pull me along to achieve my goals.

Brunch was light because I had dinner plans with an old friend.

Sunday – I plan to start the day at the gym and then get my Bivalent vaccine (HOORAY for more protection against COVID) …

Depending on the weather and how I feel, there will be a hike or walk later in the day.

This Coming Week on the Run–

Monday – GYM, FTC run
Tuesday, GYM, rest day, dinner with stepson
Wednesday – run, tennis team anniversary party
Thursday – run, tennis dinner and tix to Fiddler on the Roof
Friday – GYM, rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
Sunday – GYM, rest day, hike

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2023 Goals Check-in and the #13 Jinx
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big races? Do you prefer to do long runs alone or with friends? Everyone follow the Boston Marathon? Are you excited to get the new vaccine? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

April 21, 2023 by Darlene

FFF: 5 Ingredient Recipes

5-Ingredient Recipes: 39 Simple 5-Ingredient Dinners | MrFood.com

Below are my throw it together quick easy dinners:

Pumpkin or Squash Chili

Cooked Ground Turkey
Diced Tomatoes
Pinto Beans
Frozen Pumpkin or Butter Squash Chunks
Chili Seasoning

Healthy Fall Pumpkin Chili Recipe | Chew Out Loud

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Can of tuna
Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
Can of (Almond) Milk
Frozen Peas
Cooked Egg Noodles

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole - Bowl Me Over

Sausage ‘n Peppers

2 Packages of pre-cooked Chicken Sausage (my favorite is Apple and Italian)
Bag of multi-colored frozen Peppers
Bag of frozen Peppers & Onions
Can of diced Tomatoes or tomato sauce
Cooked Rice or pasta

Smoked Sausage and Peppers with Onions Skillet Recipe | Diethood

Meat Loaf

Meatloaf Mix (veal, beef, pork)
Egg
Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Milk
Seasoning

Best Homemade Meatloaf Recipe - I Heart Naptime

Chicken Marsala

Browned chicken breasts or tenders
Marsala Wine
Beef Broth
Sliced cooked Mushrooms
Cooked Pasta

Creamy Chicken Marsala {So Easy} Modernmealmakeover.com

Beef Vegetable Soup

Browned Stew Beef
Beef Broth
Spices
Frozen Mixed Vegetables
Can of Sliced or Cubed Potatoes

Soup Supreme Vegetable Beef with Barley Soup, 4 Pound -- 4 per case

The key word to these recipes is FAST which is why most recipes use frozen or canned ingredients. Obviously fresh produce can be substituted.

Happy Running! Any quick 5 ingredient meals to share?

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

April 18, 2023 by Darlene

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon Race Recap – Again as a Spectator

Image result for helderberg to hudson half marathon

***************April 15, 2022******

As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

I ran the first annual H2H half marathon in 2019. Due to COVID, in 2020, I ran the race virtually and in 2021, I ran it on a completely different course (a hilly one). Last year, it returned to its original course

: 2019 – First H2H HM

: 2020 – Virtual H2H HM

: 2021- H2M HM (on a revised course)

: 2022 – 2nd H2H HM

So I signed up for 2023 Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon for several reasons:

FOMO. Many of my running friends were doing it.
It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
I am familiar with the course. I run on it often.
It’s a downhill course. (470 ft elevation loss)
~~I was already sorta trained from my March 19 Half.~~
It was part of a challenge with the Miles on the Mohawk race that I had also signed up for.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I broke my foot on Feb. 14 while on a vacation in Florida and I had to DNS TWO half marathons (Fort Lauderdale and NYC).

I casually started running again after a month but really started after my 5 week x-ray revealed the the fracture has fully healed.

March 20

I debated over and over again on what to do about this race:

Transfer my bib and volunteer or spectate
Walk 13.1 miles
Run/Walk 13.1
Go for it… Run it!

The complication with the transfer was that I registered for the Challenge and it included TWO races – this half and a 10 miler on May 28. So I would be transferring both.

So I contacted the Race Director and they said that they would be able to separate the registrations.

I had started running short and slow distances and gradually increased my weekend runs from 4 to 6 to 8 miles Using run/walk intervals).

Could I run 13.1 miles???

Ultimately, pride aside, I opted to skip the race, not risk injury and concentrate on being prepared for my May 20 half marathon.

And my running friend Barbara bought my registration to this race but I kept the one for the May 28 Miles On The Mohawk 10 miler (for now.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

thumbs up in 2019 as my 2:11:15 finish time qualified me for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon. & Marathon

last year, 2022, my finish time of 2:12:24 was my fastest of 9 for the year

So before my injury, I was hoping that again this race would be my fastest of the year.

Today, I could just watch.

Several of my friends were running this race so I decided to volunteer to help in the finish area.

Race Day:

Since I had run this race before, I was familiar with the start and finish logistics.

Course Map:

My assignment was to help set-up at the finish line which was at Jennings Landing in Albany (along the Hudson.)

I arrived around 8:15 am and got a great spot in the parking lot by the boat launch and walked to the finish.

My first job was to help unload the bus with the checked bags.

I wanted to hang around and wait for runners to finish.

So I had also volunteered to hand out medals to the finishers.

I was fortunate to see the winners…

under 5 min pace for 13.1 miles (on a hot day.)

and of course, I got to see so many of my local running friends.

a former French student of mine

Soon some other friends who were course marshals joined me.

And we anxiously awaited our friends Sherry and Stan,.

They finally did and I was able to give them their medals.

And then we headed to get our boxed lunches (but skipped the beer tent.)

meeting more friends along the way

Post Race Activities:

And since it was Saturday I met my running friends for our usual brunch date.

And on Sunday, I ran 10 miles and 5 with my friend Barbara who ran this race virtually…

Additional Race Reflections:

The temps were warmer than usual for this time of year. I think I made the right decision not to run the race.

We’ll never know.

Hopefully, next year, I will be healthy enough to train for the race.

The Good:

Lots of race info emailed and on website including runner guide and spectator guide.
Easy packet pick-up. Neat race-related items.
Registration options – cheaper without a shirt
Free bus from the finish to the start.
Many porta potties at the start and finish.
Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end
Downhill course (except for first and last 2 miles)
Water and Nuun stops.
GU available at several water stops (even salted caramel)
Great crowd support
Well marked course for each mile
Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
Very cool medal.
Great post race refreshments (boxed lunch)
Immediate electronic race results
PR bell
Free photos
Nearby – no transportation or hotel costs.
Support from friends

The Bad:

The boring, unscenic last 2 miles.
Fat-free chocolate milk (I deserve the real thing after 13.1 miles)
This year, it was very warm!!

The Ugly:

Not being able to run the race (due to recent injury (broken foot)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. ARE did a fantastic job attending to every detail. I hope actually race it again next year.

Next Up:

May 20, 2023

and finally:

May 28, 2023 – I’m running the 10 miler

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Ever do a half marathon not properly trained? Do you volunteer often at races? Please share.