This was my 8th time running the Troy Turkey Trot 10K.

I really enjoyed this race my first time I ran it in 2014 (in spite of the snowstorm) and now I look forward to running it every year.

In 2018, it was FREEZING and I DNSed the race partly because of the weather but mostly because I was going to be running a hilly Half Marathon 2 days later (which seemed more important.)

In 2020, the race went virtual and I did not run it.

In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, I even ran both races – the 10K followed by the 5k.  Why not? I was already dressed and ready to run. The past few years, I was not as crazy. Just the 10K as in my first year.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I did not sign up for the Turkey Trot Challenge this year. So there was no real training for this race.  I considered it just a fun event to get outdoors and justify all the food that I would consume later in the day.

Previous Troy Turkey Trot 10K times:

• 2014 – 57:03 (PR)
• 2015 – 59:33
• 2016 – 57:51
• 2017 – 57:42
• 20:18 – DNS
• 2019 – 59:06
• 2:20 – cancelled
• 2021 – 59:49 (PW)
• 2022 – 59:13

However, I ran a full marathon just a few weeks before the race and I decided the only way to forget about a bad race would be to do another.

I did 5 and 7 mile weekend runs

in addition for some shorter ones during the week.

So I guess my ambitious goal for this year’s 10k could be sub 1 hour but really just being out there and running with friends would make me happy!

I picked up my bib/race shirt the previous Saturday so I didn’t have to rush on race morning. It was just a drive thru at a local high school… and it went so smoothly!!

On Wednesday evening, I planned my Thanksgiving running outfit. I tried to be festive but also comfortable for the running weather that day. I was very excited that it would not be as cold as previous mornings and that there would be no snow on the roads.

I had my usual pizza the night before (even though I only had to run 6.2 miles)

Race Day:

I woke up early, had my coffee and oatmeal and then checked the weather. Clear, calm but in the 30s degrees. I added another layer under my shirt, my DIY arm warmers, grabbed a down jacket and sprinted out the door at 6:30 am.

There was no traffic and I found parking in a lot across from a bowling alley where I parked in previous years. I was still early so I waited in my car until I saw some runners heading out.

I walked a few blocks to the Atrium where we used to wait indoors for the race to begin.

Unfortunately, the Atrium was closed this year but we were allowed wait indoors in the office space next door.  However, no coffee shop, no two floors of space and NO rest rooms.

At least bag check was back. It was around the corner in a truck.

I left my jacket there for after the race. Lots of runners were hanging out. It was nice to talk with runners whom I had not seen in awhile.

This is a very popular local race as I mentioned so I always bump into so many runners that I know. I chatted until it was time to get to the start area.

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race and then at 10 am, the most popular event, the 5K.

The 10K course this year was the same as previous years.

Elevation:

As someone was singing the national anthem, I squeezed into the crowd in the 10 minute pace group with some friends..

My plan for the race was to not to start out too fast and to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile. (I know. I say that for every race. LOL)

Obviously this race was a lot less crowded than before the Pandemic (since there was also a virtual option). But for my pace, I was running with others the whole race. Though, it seemed that they all were passing me by.

Miles 1-3.1:

The course is fairly flat. You start running down Broadway and then over the Green Island bridge,

turn around and run back into the city. I knew from my first few steps that the legs were still tired from … the Marathon??. I tried to pick up speed but the legs were begging me not to try.

And I was WARM!!  The sun came out and it was blinding me on the way back over the bridge.

I enjoyed seeing the fastest runners sprint by, as well as, those behind me.  I tried cheer both groups on..

After the bridge, we took a left and ran along the city streets for few miles. The roads were closed to traffic which was nice. As I mentioned, the sun was shining and I was getting too warm. I regretted that extra layer, took off my gloves and rolled down my DIY arm warmers.

I didn’t have to look at a watch to know that I was running too slow to PR. I wasn’t sure if I would even finish under one hour.

There were three water stops.  I stopped to walk at the first one around mile 1.5. They gave out bottles of water which was annoying. First of all, I only drank a little and second, the can to throw away the bottles was at the water stop.

My legs were tiring and my hat was too loose and kept coming off the WHOLE race… UGH!!

I walked again around mile 3, I think.

Miles 3.1-6.2:

Around this point, we again turned around and headed back toward the start. There was a second water stop, again with bottles and I stopped and walked for a bit.

There was great crowd support.  Better than normal since the weather was perfect. There were even tables passing out beer. LOL

And again since it was an out and back, you got to see both faster and slower runners.

I was running with other runners but as I mentioned above, most kept passing me by. All of the friends that I started with (Linda, Anne, Nancy) got way ahead. One (Sue) who was behind me caught up and we ran together for a short time but I was struggling to keep a decent pace and she was not. I guess it pays to start out slow.

I decided not to eat my GU and even skipped the third water stop.

With the Hudson river in view, I knew that I was getting toward the end. I finally got sick of my hat and took it off and carried it.

I passed my former Tureky/Freihofer’s coach and high fived him. It gave me a little lift.

But to make matters worse, I developed a blister on the right foot.  I tried to not to change my gait as I ran but it wasn’t easy (as it hurt.)

Finally I could hear the finish in the distance. I wanted to at least sprint through the finish line so I walked one more time.  My neighbor (in white vest) appeared behind and said some kind words..

I crossed at 1:03:xx (GT).

A course PW but I was glad to be done.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a bottle of water and they gave you a medal.  The only refreshments were bananas, apples and some packaged snacks.  No chocolate milk (as in past years.)

I hung out for awhile chatting with my friends.

Then I checked out the results and found out that I came in 3rd in my age group (out of 3. LOL).

I got a neck gaiter.

I was used to hanging around to run the 5k so it was strange to be done running. But I was getting chilled (from sweating) and headed back to my car.

On my walk back to my car, I got to see all those crazy 5k runners in costume.

Additional Race Reflections:

No matter what my finish time was, I was glad that I decided to run this race.  I love the atmosphere of this race. I enjoy the challenge of a 10k as opposed to a 5k. It’s a great way to start off Thanksgiving Day.

I obviously have lost a lot of speed and stamina.  I’m pretty sure that I can get it back. How much remains to be seen??

Positives:

• The weather
• Race organization
• Easy packet pickup
• Race location – place to stay warm indoors
• Bag Check
• Mostly flat course
• Two distance options – 5k and 10k
• Virtual option.
• Knowing lots of runners.  Racing is fun with friends.
• Ample parking
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Timing clocks at every mile.
• Three water stops.
• Enthusiastic spectators.
• Cool medal.
• Lots of media coverage.
• Instant results
• Cool age group prizes

Negatives:

• Bottles instead of cups at water stops.
• Unisex shirts
• No indoor restrooms
• No post race chocolate milk or bagels
• You have to BUY the photos
• No speed work (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Definitely.  It is well-organized and there’s a distance for everyone. Many runners are in costumes.

(However, if I run a full marathon again, I may sign up for the 5k instead of the 10k. And there is also now a 5k right near my house.  We’ll see. I have a whole year to think about it.)

In pre-COVID years, 10,000 participated in these races. The attendance was still almost 7,000 this year. A very fun way to start the holiday.

Final Stats:

Then later that afternoon, I ate back all the calories that I had burned off. LOL

Next Up:

A fun 15K in Tampa, FL.

Happy Running! Did you run off that turkey? If so, how did it go? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies and you should too.

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I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

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