Instead of my usual WFH, I had to teach in person… 8-4 pm Wed-Fri.
So when do I run or work out???
In addition, to my job, there was also dealing with the weather. When I WFH, I can squeeze in my runs or workouts between the raindrops. Not this week!
And it was my turn to host mah jongg. OY! (cleaning my house…)
Plus, I had car problems and needed to use my hubby’s truck and get mine to the dealer = $$$$
Last Week —
Sunday – The forecast called for cloudy and showers…
I started the day at the gym while the hubby went to play tennis..
But it didn’t look like rain at all so we headed to the lake… blue skies, sunshine and very warm temps.
perfect day and the water was even warm enough to go in… a little rain came after we got home that evening.
Monday – Day off from work so the plan was to go on a hiking adventure with 3 of my running friends. Again rain was predicted.
First we drove to Field Farm in Williamstown, MA and had a lovely 3 mile hike.
It rained during lunch but then it stopped so we drove to the Clark Campus Trails and walked 2.5 more miles.
It rained a little on our way to get ice cream but the skies opened up when we got home and it poured all evening.
Phew… lucky us!
Tuesday – The weather was too unpredictable to plan an early morning run with a friend.
Of course, I woke up early and it wasn’t raining. Too late to call my friend so I drove the rail trail and ran solo.
95% humidity!! But glad to have it done… my whole day starts better when I do my run before work. And there will be lots of distraction since a scavenger hunt is going on on the trail.
Wednesday – In person work!! That meant getting up early, looking good and driving to work (plus packing my running clothes, a lunch and snacks)…
My only run time would be after work… without rain, hopefully.
It rained on and off all day but stopped by the time I was done with work. But as I mentioned above, my car was acting up so I drove straight home and ran in my neighborhood.
lots of flowers (and a podcast) to keep me entertained (and a beer after to re-fuel.)
Thursday – Same schedule as Wednesday except that it was Trail Run night.
I quickly changed into running clothes after work and drive to UAlbany to get in my 3 miles. Afterward, I met the others at the trail (which was nearby) ran to meet my friends Barbara and Deb who agreed to drive to the trail (due to my car issues).
As usual, I enjoyed walking the trails while my friends ran and of course, it was followed by ice cream.
Friday – Same old, same old… but finally a rest day.
Rest?
Work, shop for snacks, clean, set up and host mah jongg.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday.
I met my friend Debbie and she drove to Zim Smith Trail where we ran 8 7 miles with Sherry, Stan and then joined Heidi for brunch.
several in our group didn’t come due to the poor air quality… it was the humidity, however, that bothered me not the smoke.
On the way home, I stopped off to pickup our bibs/shirts for the July 4th race.
Sunday – TBD depending on the weather
This Coming Week on the Run (18 weeks until NYCM) –
Monday – rest day, full moon party
Tuesday – DAY OFF – Firecracker 4 Race
Wednesday – DAY OFF – Hike-athon, boating
Thursday –run, trail run/walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run!
Sunday – rest day, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Mid-Year Review
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? How’s the air quality where you live? Has it prevented you from getting outside? 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…
This month I do have a few GYMfessions too…
1. I gymfess…
As I have mentioned before, one of the perks of mentoring or participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge was a 12 week FREE membership to the YMCA.
about 450 runners took part in the FTC
Yup, that was the main reason for my participation. And I did work out there faithfully most mornings before work.
2. I gymfess…
The race mentioned above took place on June 3.
selfie with some other mentors
So that meant that my gym membership ended that day.
I got up early the Monday after the race and headed to the gym to inquire about joining.
The guy at the desk was busy so I just scanned my card and IT WORKED.
And I did my usual workout.
3.I gymfess…
Yes, I felt guilty. So on my way out, I informed the guy at the desk that the FTC membership was supposed to end on June 3 but my card still worked.
He checked the system and it said that it was good until JULY 1st!! Phew…
So I went back to my regularly scheduled gym workouts…
until July 1…
4.I gymfess…
Membership to the YMCA is pretty pricey but supposedly if I joined before June 18, they would at least waive the $100 sign-up fee.
Yup, I informed the guy at the desk of the deadline and he said that he would extend it for me until July 1.
Stay tuned…
Will I
5.I runfess…
because this is a RUNNIING BLOG (lol)
I had said that after I broke my foot and recovered, I would be happy just to run… my pace wouldn’t matter!
And it was and still is true for longer races.
However, I do admit that I was a little annoyed when I realized that I ran the Freihofer 5k race for a PW with around the same finish time as 10 years earlier WITH A BROKEN FOOT.
2023
2018
Well, something similar happened with a 5k race two weeks after: Valley Cats 5k.
2016: 28:47
2022: 28:43 2023: 29:11
I don’t know if I can run faster but I’m not giving up hope and may even do some speed work to prepare for the FRW and Valley Cats 5ks in 2024.
Happy Running! Anything to gym or runfess this month? Do you belong to a gym? Are you still trying to run faster? Please share.
The race begins at SUNY Adirondack, works its way to the Warren County Bike path and ends at Battle Field Park in Lake George. Rolling course with a long down hill finish.
This is the 4th year for this race. It replaced one of my favorite races – Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler). That was the one that started in Lake George Village and ended in a park on the lake next to the marina where we keep our boat.
2017
2016
2014
I was very disappointed that they cancelled this race. (After 40 years, they decided that it was dangerous to run on the road.)
My friend Sue and I have had many running adventures together:
Paris 8K 2017
Since Sue was the organizer of this new race, I felt that I should at least run it the first year. It was hard especially the first 5k but I actually enjoyed it so I signed up again in 2018 and 2019.
Then the Pandemic came and the race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. It was revived last year and of course, I couldn’t resist signing up.
This year, however, they decided to shorten the course. It is now a 7 Mile race. It eliminates the hilly two-mile out-and-back detour before the bike path. (Sounded good to me!)
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Since I ran a 5k the weekend before instead of a long run, I ran my 6 miles on Monday and then did two slow 3 mile runs during the week.
The biggest challenge would be those hills. I knew that it was hilly. And we all know that I do not train on hills. I expected that there would be walking on those hills. And I am totally ok with walking during races.
according to Strava
The weather was quite comfortable all week but then it started heating up toward the end of the week. Just in time for this race!!
And as usual, rain was predicted…
I’ve run many 15ks but never a 7 miler so I guess this will be a PR. LOL
But I had no goals besides having fun and finishing unhurt.
There were 3 water stops along the course. I planned to be stopping at each one and hoped that this would be enough (since I never carry my own water.)
So what to wear? The usual. Tank and skirt with cap and compressions calf sleeves. And then add an umbrella, rain poncho and rain jacket for bag check.
Race Day:
The race started at 8:00 am. (Hooray for an early start!) I got up at 5 am and had oatmeal/coffee and then left my house around 6:00 am since I had over an hour drive.
It rained lightly the whole drive but stopped by the time I arrived.
The race began at a community college so there were real bathrooms and comfortable places to hang out before the race.
None of my close running friends were running the race but I was surprised at how many runners I did know. I hung out with them until the race began.
I asked my friend, the RD, about bag check. She replied that there was none. I was planning like last time to bring a towel, dry shirt and flip flops to change into after the race. Boo! She said she would find someone to bring my bag to the finish but no one else seemed to care so I said to forget it… I’d make do.
And the weather:
HUMIDITY!!!
No rain but:
Yup, quite warm out already before even starting to run… Fingers crossed for no thunderstorms until I was done.
We eventually all headed to the start. It was quite a long walk to the road north of the college.
No chip timing for this race.
I lined up with some friends but not as close to the start as I should have.
So here’s how the race went: (The course photos are mostly courtesy D. Yeaton 2019)
I knew what the course was like. As I mentioned, I expected hills. I mean, it’s the Adirondacks so it is hilly everywhere. We left the college and ran on a main road for a while. And it was warm out already. I knew that it wasn’t going to be a good day when I felt like walking during the FIRST mile!
Yup, huge hills…up and down.
I started slowly and tried to run up them. After the first hill, I realized that that was a mistake, I just ran/walked up them.
No sense killing my legs. I ran most of the race around the same runners. Playing leap frog with them. They ran slowly and passed me on the hills and I got closer to them on the downhill and sometimes even passed them.
Soon we headed toward the bike path. The steep hills disappeared but it was a steady incline. I kept hoping for a downhill but it never happened (until mile 5.5). At least, it was cloudy but the humidity did not quit. I was secretly hoping that it might rain a little.
I stopped and walked at each of the 3 water stops. I took a GU between the 1st and 2nd.. around mile 3.5.
The hills definitely tired me out. My plan changed from just walking at the water stops to walking up the hills to finally just walking whenever my legs were too tired to run. That seemed to be very often. Still I was keeping up with the same runners. Perhaps I was running fast when I was actually running.
The rest of the race was on the bike path and the part of the path that went downhill right into Lake George Village (opposite the lake). Finally running downhill!! Though, it seemed too little, too late to make up for the slow miles.
By now, my sweaty right foot had formed a blister (the same place as during the Brooklyn Half Marathon.) Ouch!!
Even with the downhill, I wasn’t able to just run without walk breaks..
I felt dizzy and depleted most of the race… most likely from the humidity. And so I walked A LOT (better safe than sorry, I figured).
Eventually we were nearing the end and I was able to sprint to the finish
The path to the finish was on wet grass and so difficult to run fast on.
I crossed at 1:13:xx and I was happy to be done!!
As you crossed, they asked your age and then handed you an age group award if you won.
I came in 2nd in my age group!!
Post Race Activities:
Refreshments included watermelon, bananas, bagels, home made cookies and pastries. Many of the baked goods were individually wrapped.
I headed right for the watermelon. I also grabbed some banana bread and a brownie.
Then I headed with the other runners to the lake.
There wasn’t much time to relax as it started to rain.
I spotted two buses waiting to take runners back to the start. I ran to the bus as I remembered that the last time, there was quite a wait until the next bus (and by now it was raining hard out!!)
The first bus was full but I got on the 2nd.
In past years, I stayed and visited friends in Lake George or went on our boat. This year, I immediately drove home in the pouring rain!!.
Back to the race:
They say “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And I was not sore at all the next day and back to running again on Monday. So all is good.
obviously not everyone was affected by the hills and humidity. lol
Additional Race Reflections:
I have to say that I enjoyed this smaller race (160 runners). No bells and whistles but lots of support, volunteers and friendly faces.
age group award
And those hills… with the heat and humidity, I was in no shape to give 100% to this race. I was perfectly happy to just walk when it felt good to… And besides miles 4 and 5, I was running at a decent pace because by walking a lot, when I was running, I was running fast!
The Good:
Easy organized packet pick-up.
Lots of parking
Real Bathrooms at the start.
Early start time
Scenic course – especially the bike path (with running water views and shade)
3 water stops
Decent selection of post race food – bananas, watermelon, bagels, home-made baked goods
Ended at the Lake
Photographer at the finish line
Shuttle back to the start
The Bad:
Not chip-timed
Hills
Humidity
No bag check
Non-Gender specific shirt
Long drive (for me)
Would I recommend this race?
Yes, if you live nearby. It was a nice small race with challenging hills.
I may run it again if I plan some nearby post-race activities. Otherwise, I may chose a closer race.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
7/4/23
and a few more 5ks this summer before the half marathons and full marathon in the Fall.
Happy Running! Any exciting plans for the summer? Have you run any 7 mile races? How do you feel about hilly races? How far do you usually drive for a race? Please share.
Maybe humidity and higher temps.. just means adjusting and running early (and slower).
Last Week —
Sunday – I started the day at the gym…
Since it was Father’s Day, I let the hubby decide what he wanted to do… and it was tennis.
So I did errands, laundry, cleaning, gardening and eventually a short hike.
Monday – Juneteenth Holiday so I had the day off from work.. It was very convenient since I ran a 5k on Saturday instead of a Long Run.
And so today I did my Long Run. I was glad to have the company of two friends.
2 miles w/Deirdre and then 4 more with Heidi & Deirdre + coffee after (at a new place)
I spent the rest of my day off, weeding and knitting… Yup, a baby blanket for my granddaughter!!! The pattern is very easy so I should be able to get it done before Sept. 5…
this is the pattern: Diagonal Eyelet Baby Afghan (the baby is cute too)
After dinner, I went for a walk with my BFF.
Tuesday – Gym was closed yesterday so I went there before work today.
I took the day off from running so I could go to our monthly tennis dinner.
love catching up with these ladies
Wednesday – I decided to run before work rather than going to the gym.
My friend Deirdre met me on the rail trail but I forgot to get her pic so you have one of my cat Champ instead…
And after work, I had signed up for this:
It turned to be a private tour since no one else signed up. If you know Albany, this park is located in one of least safe neighborhoods in the city…
but it’s beautiful… I’d go again… but probably not alone
Thursday – Another early morning run…
a little too warm but much better than later in the day… ran a little on the rail trail, a little on a dirt trail and a little in the ‘hood.
and then after work, our weekly trail run was scheduled.
As usual, most of the participants ran it (and I could have on this trail but I had already run in the morning so I walked it with some friends).
always a fun time esp. searching for ice cream afterwards
Friday – Rest day from running but a trip to the gym before work.
Mah jongg in the evening and getting ready for my race the next day. Will it rain??
got my rain jacket, poncho and umbrella ready!!
Saturday – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lake. First time for this course that was changed from a 15k to a 7 miler (with the hills removed at the beginning). Still very hilly until the last 1.5 miles but it ends at Lake George.
The predicted rain never happened until I was done but it was warm and oppressively humid.
don’t let that smile fool you… I struggled big time!!
In the evening, the hubby and I went out to dinner to celebrate a friend’s hubby’s b-day.
Sunday – Fingers crossed for boating weather… (though it doesn’t look good) but if not, then hopefully some dry time for hiking and gardening.
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – DAY OFF – run early, hiking with friends
Tuesday – GYM, rest day
Wednesday – run after work
Thursday –run after work, trail walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg (chez moi)
Saturday – Long Run!
Sunday – GYM, rest day, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lake Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any NYC or big city addicts? 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.
This race was not on my radar. I was planning a long run and taking a break from racing.
Then my friend (as she did last year) begged me to do it with her. How could I say No?
This was the 4th time that I had run this race. I ran it in 2010!!
they gave out free ice cream that year,
Yes, 13 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time:
This is the race where I met new running BFF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her twice.
Kelly and Mary (on the right)
Then I ran it again in 2016. I knew a lot of runners by then. And it was even more fun.
here with my friend Tom
and my age group competition, Carolyn
My time back in 2010 was 29:40 but improved to 28:47 in 2016. Both years, I was 2nd in my age group (won a cap, then gloves).
2022? Anything could happen… no expectations.
A course PR! 28:43
2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….
The good news this year was that Carolyn doesn’t turn 70 until later in the year.
And my friend Heidi would be running it with me again.
2022
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
Last weekend, I kept up my base and ran 7 miles and then during the week, I ran a few short runs.
Marathon training does not start until July 3!! Besides, Monday was a holiday so if necessary, I could run 6 miles then.
As it seems with most of my races lately, the forecast called for rain (but I’d only be wet for 3 miles, right?)
So I put together my running outfit with the addition of a rain jacket and rain poncho.
Race Day:
I woke up to RAIN!!!
At least it was not really cold… The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:15.
I immediately found Heidi and then got my shirt and bib. In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game.
I had brought a plastic bag and I planned to eventually stash my jacket and umbrella in it until after the race.
We milled around chatting with runners that we knew.
Heidi asked me if I wanted to bail and just go to brunch. It was tempting but I said NO!!
The rain seemed to let up a little and we got ready to head to the start.
Even the mascot came out for photos.
Below is the course map and elevation:
“their” elevation chart
and “mine”
It had been two weeks since my last 5k… I had not been thrilled with my lack of speed and thought I would do some speed drills on a nearby track before this race. But nope… that never happened.
So again, my race goal was to finish happy and uninjured… zero expectations of a fast finish time…
As you can see from the pics above, this race began and ended at the home of the Valley Cats, a local baseball team that plays at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College.
There was no chip timing at the start line so I probably should have moved closer to the front (but I didn’t really think about it…)
Mile 1:
The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods.
It had rained up to the start of the race… (phew.. we got very lucky!!).
But there were puddles everywhere and my feet immediately got soaked.
this was in 2016
As soon as I started running, I was dragging…
I had started with several friends but they quickly got ahead and kept gaining on me as the race went on. My goal became to just keep them in sight and cut as many tangents as possible.
Mile 2:
Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile. I tried to run up it but the legs just weren’t having it. So I ran/walked it.
We repeated most of the course afterwards in 2022 so here are some pics from the neighborhoods
It was so muggy that I was sorry that it ws raining … just a kittle light rain would have felt good.
My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep (it had been a late mah jongg night), out of shape???
Mile 3-3.1:
A few more walks, I think. And then there was a welcome downhill during mile 3.
We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything (which wasn’t much at this point). Especially since, it was so muddy and wet!!
I didn’t expect a course PR however I really wanted to finish under 30 minutes.
As I approached the finish line, 28 turned to 29 minutes. Maybe a course PW but UNDER 30 minutes. Mission accomplished.
Post Race Activities:
It started to rain as soon as I finished so I headed for the food tent while waiting for Heidi to finish. There was a decent spread: popcorn, bagels, cookies, bananas, coffee, water. I had a hot dog, and several cookies.
I know.. a hot dog at 9:30 am?
Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.
Heidi was happy with her race, too.
She left to meet our other friends for brunch.
As I was waiting around for the age group awards, a lady came up to me and asked me if I remembered meeting her 3 years ago at a rainy Saratoga 5k… ?? Anyway, she said they I told about Topos shoes and she’s been wearing them ever since. Foot pain gone!!
And so I did win an award – 1st in my NEW age group as did several of my friends.
Then off I went to brunch… No, I only had coffee. lol.
Additional Race Reflections:
When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was not feeling good about running this race. I had gone to bed too late.
As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, ran a decent race and don’t regret it one bit.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
4 free tickets to a game as swag
Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Free photos
Decent post-race food
Negatives:
White Cotton shirt
Gun time (not chip timed)
Hills (but don’t most races)
Wet and muggy
AG award – medal, no date, all the same.
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a nice local race. And very well organized. Maybe someone will twist my arm to run it again next year.
Final Stats:
Garmin time = 29:08
Next Up:
Adirondack Race to the Lakes15k 7 Miler
June 24, 2023
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? How did you celebrate Father’s Day? Please share.
It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies: Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
My excuse was a visit to the Van Gogh exhibit at the Met and so I arranged a reunion with some college friends (those I spent a year in France with).
And of course, I also wanted to run in Central Park so I stayed overnight so I could accomplish that.
And another race yesterday … (you knew that was coming).
Last Week —
Sunday – I went to the gym (after a few days off) first thing…
Last Sunday was a bust but we lucked out on the weather today… and so a relaxing day on the lake.
read Kara’s book… read it if you haven’t!!
Monday – I took an early morning train to NYC and met my college roommate, Barbara, and then we checked into my hotel. We had tix to a Broadway show that night so I offered to share my hotel room with her.
Next we headed to meet the other 5 for a lunch at a French restaurant.
Afterward we spent the afternoon visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
It was so fun catching up and in addition to the Van Gogh paintings, we visited the amazing Karl Langerfeld exhibit.
When the others left, my roommate, Roger and I had dinner and then Barbara and I went off to our show.
and yes, there were Brittany Spears songs in this show about fairy tales
Tuesday – While Barbara was sleeping, I put on my running clothes in order to meet up with Cari at Starbucks before she went to work.
I ran from my hotel to Central Park (35th-59th) and ran around a little before meeting Cari and then we walked through the park back toward her apt.
always enjoy our meetups
I took the subway part of the way to my hotel and then ran the rest (57th-35th) and was back by 10 am.
My roommate and I then made plans for the afternoon… After checking out of our hotel, we took the subway to the lower East Side, walked around until our 1 pm Tenement Museum walking tour and after the tour, we went out for a late lunch at the famous Katz Deli.
gardens, old buildings, newer buildings and pastrami (plus new French friends)
Eventually it was time for me to get my train home…. after a fun-filled two days in NYC.
Wednesday – Back home and a busy work day…
I started the day with a quick visit to the gym. I also squeezed in a run at lunch because the forecast was for thunderstorms after work.
my goal was red, white, blue on this muggy “Flag Day” and beat the rain
After work, I planned to meetup with a friend to walk but instead we had to settle for chatting over coffee at Starbucks.
Thursday – Another busy work day. My only time to run was before our weekly trail run at Peebles Island State Park..
quite warm but nice to run in different scenery
Instead dinner after, we went out for ice cream.
Jan & I happily brought up the rear
Friday – Finally had time to get to the gym before work and I declared it a rest day after 3 days in a row running.
I was hoping to at least get in a walk at lunch… RAIN!! So I went back to gym and walked on their indoor track (Boring!!!)
Back after a few weeks off to evening mah jongg.
Saturday – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5k.
Just a fun 5k with friends. And we got so lucky that the rain stopped before the race started.
won my new age group even though I was not speedy
I briefly considered running more miles since it was not raining but it was muggy and my feet were very wet so Heidi and I joined our other friends at brunch.
In the evening, the hubby and I celebrated Father’s Day early with dinner out with my stepson and his wife.
Sunday – Father’s Day on the lake? Unless it rains or is too chilly…
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – DAY OFF (Juneteenth holiday) – Long run, walk w/BFF
Tuesday – rest day, dinner out with tennis friends
Wednesday – run, Tivoli Nature Preserve tour/walk
Thursday –run, trail run/walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lake, dinner out with friends
Sunday – rest day, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5K Race Recap
Friday – Half Year Check In
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Any NYC or big city addicts? 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.
This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 16th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 15th in-person FRW race.)
It has always been held the Saturday after Memorial Day except in 2021, when due to COVID, the race was moved to September. Last year, it again retuned to its regular date.
on their webpage…can you spot me in the pink cap?
My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:
I mentored a beginning running group of moms in 2010 which was very rewarding:
Unfortunately, I’m the only one from this group who still runs.
In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:
and this photo made the cover of our local paper.
I even ran it in 2013 after breaking my foot at mile 1:
And in 2019, it was the last race for my VT friend Andrea (who died of cancer).
As you can tell, there is a lot of history attached to this race for me.
In 2020, I was named an Ambassador. That honor continued through last year.
Believe it not, I even chose to skip my high school reunion in 2022 in order to run this race!!
This year, however, I wasn’t as excited about the race as in previous years… broken foot, missed half marathons and lots of doubts about fitness/racing. Especially shorter races since my last 5k was many moons ago…
Nevertheless, I knew that I would do this race. I’m pretty sure I will always do this race!!
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did in 2018. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.
And this was also my eighth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (FTC).
photo from 2022
This year, however, I decided to become a Mentor. I wanted to support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And connect with my “past FTC” buddies, as well.
I helped with the Beginner group on Monday evenings
Many years ago, the day before I would walk to the Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past few years, they have held it at a local college.
As I did last year, I signed up to volunteer on Friday evening at packet pick-up
race swag
and then skipped playing mah jongg in order to prepare my #flatme.
the usual tank, skirt, cap & compression calf sleeves
Race Day:
I hate parking garages and traffic so I usually parked on the street and walked to the start. However, with the new(er) course, it was an even longer hike. Like almost 2 miles!
But I used to love to run down Madison Avenue and see the race banners and see the giant poster on the bridge.
pics from 6 years ago…
They changed the course eight years ago. This course is supposedly faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.
course map
elevation according to my Garmin
I did run the newer course the past eight years and I also liked it better than the original..
heading downhill to the finish line
This year, my running friend, Denise, offered her hubby as our chauffeur if we met at her house. I gladly accepted.
We met at 7:30, got dropped off about 1 1/2 away and walked to the start area. We quickly found the FTC tent
but missed the group FTC photo and took our own instead…
I doubt I was missed…
Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I thought I would, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.
I still had time to chat with many runners whom I knew hoping that the rain would hold off until after the race.
I was scheduled to start in corral 3 so at about 8:45, I headed that way and bumped into a few friends there too. While I was waiting, of course, it started to rain. 😦
Mile 1:
It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years. I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to run comfortably.
The race began with a long steep uphill. It’s a good thing since it kept you at a slower pace. And with the rain, it was rather slippery in spots.
But I did run the whole hill… it was slow but I did not have to walk. (Boy, do I have to work on my endurance…)
Mile 1 continued as we turned left and entered the park (and the hill ended).
There were rolling hills throughout the park. They were not bad and even I could run them without walking (but barely).
what the course looked like TODAY
The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…There were cones over the potholes but you had to weaving back n forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes pealed to ground to make sure you didn’t trip especially in the slippery spots.
I took this pic after the race a few years ago
Mile 2:
There was a water stop around mile 1.25. It wasn’t warm out at all but I still was getting thirsty so I did stop and walk (and maybe a little too long).
photo by C. Bishop
More rolling hills during this mile as you ran around the park circling the lake. Only one of the hills was steep but it was very short.
obviously I took these pics during a year when it wasn’t raining
I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop.
Mile 3-3.1:
That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get very TIRED so I stopped again for a drink and walked longer than before.
Finally we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.
It was a long downhill and I had to remember not to start sprinting too soon. I’ve made that mistake in past years.
I bumped into a friend at this point and we chatted about our lack of speed (I had broken my foot and she had had a baby.) But she soon left me in the dust.
bye Renee
Eventually I see the 3 mile sign and I started to run as fast as I could while posing for the photographers and running though the finish line while trying not to slip on the wet ground…
I did see that the timing clock read 29:XX….
Phew… under 30 minutes!!!
Post Race Activities:
I knew with many walks and zero speed work training, I couldn’t come close to a course PR. I wasn’t sure if I could even break 30 minutes.
But I did and I was super happy!!
I grabbed some snacks. I was hoping as in past years to snag some chocolate milk and maybe a bagel. Nope!!
Then I went back to the finish line to cheer in some friends.
my friend’s MIL (on the left) is almost 83!!
I ran into even more runners again that I knew. Every where I turned, there was someone familiar – from a job, tennis, races, etc. That’s what’s great about running a popular local race.
The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I remembered why I love this race and it was never because of my awesome finish times.
Before we left, we checked out our finish times. I won 3rd in my age group… my first for this race.
We were hungry and so we didn’t stay around for the awards. There were, however, some well-known runners in the field. In past years, Sara Hall and Joan Samuelson ran this race. The only name I recognized was Allie Keiffer but she finished a disappointing 8th.
wet but smiling… and ready to brunch!
Additional Race Reflections:
Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run my fastest time but I still really enjoyed myself.
You get what you put in. I did not do any speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I had to stop running for 5 weeks due to a broken foot. I also recently ran a half marathon and a 10 mile race. Plus I am no spring chicken.
I can never remember my finish times so I looked up my recent ones after the race.
2014 – 28:51
2015 – 29:22
2016 -28:50
2017 – 27:48
2018 – 27:37
2019 – 27:47
2021- 28:16
2022 – 28:24
2023 – 29:41
Oops – PW!? Still no regrets… Let’s see if next year, I can better my time… (or not!)
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
Interesting course (through a beautiful park).
Downhill finish.
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Two water stops (for a 5k)
The electric atmosphere.
Virtual option.
Free finish and start photos
Immediate results
Nice Swag for a 5k (tech shirt, medal, cookies, bread)
All women – all ages, all paces…
Many free photo stations
Cool temps
Negatives:
Uphill first mile.
Uneven pavement in the park
Rain so slippery in sections
No chocolate milk or bagels post-race
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a great local race. And having it be ALL WOMEN makes it even more special.
Final Stats:
negative splits!!
So FRW #16 is in the books!
The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with many women running it. Can’t wait to run it again next year.
Next Up:
Adirondack Race to the Lakes 7 Mile Race (in past years, it was a 15k)
June 24, 2023
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year? Do you prefer 5ks or longer races? Please share.
It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies: Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
My free 12 week membership to the YMCA has come to an end (or so it was supposed to..)
I definitely took advantage of this opportunity and used the machines there most mornings.
FYI: Correction. I am still going to the gym. If you read my Runfessions at the end of the month, you’ll find out why.
Last Week —
Sunday – Rest Day but unfortunately too chilly to go boating.
My hubby played tennis and I did LOTS of weeding and planting…
Then I decided that I needed to see a real garden so I went on a road trip to the Berkshire Botanical Gardens.
many more pics on FB and IG
Many of the plants were not in bloom yet.. still a relaxing way to spend the afternoon… followed by a visit to my favorite ice cream place.
Monday – A chilly morning (40s) so I knew that it wouldn’t be too warm to postpone my run until after work.
I was able to still use my gym membership… a positive start to the day.
Since I had not done my long run on Saturday (because of the 5k race), I forced myself to get 6 miles done…
a slog on this one… pollen… smoke…
Tuesday – Until I need to run before work, I’ll go to the gym then..
fires up North made the sky still smoky and the sun eerie…
Today was a scheduled rest day so I met a friend to walk after work.
A funny story attached to this walk. My friend and her hubby recently visited Cape Elizabeth in Maine… she was telling me about a lady they talked to on the beach for a while… her name was Joan and she said that she was injured but used to run… When my friend got home, she googled her and found out that she ran in the Olympics… Who can guess whom they chatted with for 1/2 hour and then hugged when they left. Their new BFF they said. LOL.
We finished our walk just as the skies opened up and I had to drive home through a HAIL storm.
Wednesday – Another early morning gym day. Still as smoky as the day before.
No time to run until after work. I had several different groups to choose from. No surprise I chose the “ice cream” run but unfortunately they canceled due to the poor air quality.
I decided to see if it was ok to run and drove to the Crossings anyway. It was drizzling and I think that helped a lot and I felt fine… I even got ice cream after before it started to rain harder.
Global Running Day was a success …
Thursday – I skipped going to the gym because I had to go into the office but did get in a run at lunch. I was lucky to have a friend join me on the rail trail….
It rained at work but dry here and the air quality didn’t bother us at all… (definitely over dressed… very humid!)
and then our weekly scheduled evening group trail run. Happily, the air cleared and we had a fun time.
this was a tough one so we walked up and ran down and then recovered at dinner…
Friday – Rest Day. No gym workout. No run. Just work and a hair appt. after work.
Saturday – Long Run Saturday. No race this weekend so I was back at it with my friends. 7 miles for me in preparation for a 7 mile race in two weeks. Brunch after with the whole gang, of course.
Sunday – If it is warm enough, we’ll go boating… if not, I ‘ll do some gardening and hiking.
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – NYC (for a college reunion)
Tuesday – run (in NYC)
Wednesday – run
Thursday –run, trail walk
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long RunValley Cats Father’s Day Homerun 5k.
Sunday – rest day, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – FRW Race Recap
Friday – Favorite Running Fuels
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Do you belong to a gym? Did the air quality interfere with your runs this week. 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.
My First 5K and More... 