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.
I found an old post for this topic that I wrote 7 years ago so I’m bringing it back.
Below are the same questions but I’m updating my answers (when necessary):
Why do I run ?
I started running because 2 tennis friends talked me into it. But I continue to run because I enjoy it. It makes me feel younger, stronger and empowered. And I’ve made some great friends (both in-person and virtual) because of it.
How do I plan to celebrate National Global Running Day?
Running, of course.
I have a busy work day so it may not be until after work.
How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?
About 325 miles which is way off my original goal of 1000 miles for the year.
But after being sidelined with a broken foot for 5 weeks, I revised my goal to 800 miles and I’m on target for that.
What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?
I had four half marathons scheduled of which I only ran one.
Brooklyn Half on 5-20-23
I will probably run a few more half marathons.
I’m most excited about this race-cation with my running friends.
And of course, Marathon #2 in November.
Before I leave for a run, I must have…
My iphone. I like to take photos with it on ALL my runs. Sometimes I even listen to music or a podcast on it. Of course, I also have it in case of an emergency.
Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?
I record all my runs on this blog and track only my races in Garmin Connect and Strava.
Who is your favorite running partner?
I often have to run alone during the work week but for longer runs, I am lucky to have the company of running friends such as Stan, Sherry and Barbara.
I am part a group of runners called “Sole Sisters” so there is always someone I can count on for company on the run (no matter the distance or pace.)
What races have you run so far this year?
A few fun informal winter races in January.
And only three serious races since then: Brooklyn Half Marathon, Miles on the Mohawk (10M) and Freihofer Run for Women (5k)
If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?
Do it! You don’t have to be young or thin or fast. Join a group and start to run and then sign up for a race. You won’t regret it!!!
Describe your relationship with running in one word:
Empowerment.
From running 3.1 miles (at age 56) to 26.2 miles (at age 66)!! (More things changed besides the clothes. LOL)
at age 70
Happy Running! How will you celebrate Global Running Day this year? Please answer any of the questions above in a comment.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
Tradition – I’ve run the Freihofer Run for Womenevery year since 2008 (my first year of running).
Last Week —
Sunday – Miles On The Mohawk.
My day started with over sleeping due to a power outage but I did get to the start on time and finish a hot sunny 10 mile race.
I was glad to meet up with many runners that I knew and my running friends met me at the finish and we enjoyed a lovely brunch together.
Monday – Memorial Day holiday and our first day boating in 2023. The weather was gorgeous and the day very relaxing.
Tuesday – The weather was perfect for a early morning run but decided to go to the gym instead (I hadn’t been there in days) and squeeze in a run at lunch.
love irises…
In the evening I was treated to a belated birthday dinner by my BFF.
friends for almost 50 years!!
Wednesday – A busy work day so I again had to run in the heat.
hot hot but not complaining when someone in a wheelchair is out there…
After my run, I attended the FRW volunteer dinner.
It was fun meeting new people esp. those who were not runners but volunteer every year… and again no raffle prize wins!
Thursday – I started the day with my FIRST early morning run (instead of the gym)…
definitely made the right decision as it promised to be another scorcher…
and then after work, the first of the summer ARE trail run series was held. As I did last year, I walked the trails and then joined my friends for food/drink.
definitely a scenic place to run and we all had fun being together…
Friday – A rest day.. starting out at the gym. If I don’t join, this would be my LAST DAY at the YMCA.
After work, I volunteered at packet pickup for Saturday’s race.
I met some old friends and made some new friends and they even had a nice dinner for us afterwards.
Then instead of mah jongg, I went home to prepare my outfit/gear for a predicted rainy race…
Saturday – Freihofer Run for Women. This is my favorite race and my 16th time running it. Besides my finish time and the rainy weather, I loved everything about this event!!
it may have been a PW but I won 3rd in my new age group!!
Sunday – Boating Sunday? Not likely as the weather has cooled down …
Hopefully dry enough to get in a hike and some weeding the garden.
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – run
Tuesday – rest day, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday –run, trail walk
Friday – rest day, hair appt.
Saturday – Long Run (7 miles)
Sunday – rest day, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Global Running Day
Friday – Summer Running/Racing Plans
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Do you run the SAME race each year? 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 my long races are done for a while and I don’t have one scheduled until September.
So it’s time to relax, just maintain endurance on the weekend and run shorter races.
this race has been changed to 7 miles (eliminating some of the early hills)
2.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I do need to come up with a training plan for the marathon in November. I can’t believe it will be 4 years since my first and only marathon.
It may be my second NYC Marathon but I’m older. And since then I’ve had a neuroma and broken bone in my left foot.
So my goal again will be to just FINISH and enjoy the experience!!
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I will probably train the same way. I used and modified the Hal Higdon’s Novice one.
Hopefully I will not be travelling as often as I was in the fall of 2019. But I most likely will keep the Wednesday run shorter than listed below.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that tomorrow I will be running the Freihofer Run for Women 5k for the 16th time (15th in person).
Yes, I’ve done it every year since I started running.
FRW – 2008
FRW – 2022
The course has changed. I have many more running friends and now I wear SKIRTS!
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m heading back to NYC. Not for work. Not to race. Another college reunion.
we last met in October
We’ll meet at lunch and then head to the Met to see the Van Gogh exhibit.
This time, I’m staying overnight (with my college roommate) and of course, I plan to squeeze in a Central Park run first thing in the morning.
an old pic from 2016… anyone recognize the blogger whom I used to run with?
Happy Running!What’s new with you? Which marathon training plan have you used? Is there a race that you do EVERY year? Please share.
With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual in 2020, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races in 2021. This was one of them and unfortunately, it POURED the whole race.
In March of 2021, I ran their five mile race (Electric City) which ends in the same location as this race.
Last year, it SNOWED the entire Electric City Five Miler. And this March, I was injured and only volunteered for the 5 miler. The weather was awful too!!
Last May I ran this 10 miler on a very hot day. I did it with several friends and had fun.
The race is advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”
As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)
The logistics were also complicated. Either you parked at the start and got a ride back to your car after the race or you parked at the finish and got a ride to the start (or pay for the shuttle).
My preference was to park at the finish (even though that meant getting up earlier.)
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I have run several 10 mile races. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between as well as last year’s at 1:43:56.
Usually on the weekends this time of year, I run short races (which helps me work on my speed.)
This year, because of my foot injury, I choose to just run long slow runs and train for the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
With Brooklyn being the weekend before, I almost DNSed this race.
But I had already paid for it so I decided “What the heck?” And the next day was a holiday so I could relax at the lake.
I fully expected a PW and just wanted to enjoy another race but stay healthy so I could begin training for the NYC full marathon in July!!
I opted to not pick up my bib on Thursday or Friday. Neither location was convenient. I decided that I would just pick it up before the race on Sunday.
I met my running friends Saturday morning to walk and after have brunch.
Then I did some errands, gardening and carb loaded on Saturday evening. I debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that it would be cooler than last year.
done and sweaty!
Forecast:
#flatme:
similar outfit to last year
Race Day:
Race morning was my worst nightmare. My alarm never went off…. why? No power!!
I woke up at 6:10 am and was planning to leave at 6:15!! Yikes.
No power meant no coffee and no oatmeal breakfast. Luckily we have a generator but it doesn’t go on automatically.
Well, by the time my hubby got everything going, I ate breakfast and was ready to leave, I thought that I might miss the shuttle bus to the start. So I decided to drive straight to the start. Of course now I would after the race need a ride back to my car.
I did arrive with plenty of time to pick up my bib, walk around, visit with the animals and use the (real) restrooms. (Still it was a stressful morning to say the least.)
baby goats
restrooms
As you can see from the photos, there was not a cloud in the sky!! A beautiful day. And the conditions seemed perfect early that morning.. I was even a little chilly.
Though my running friends did not sign up for the race, I did connect with quite a few runners that I knew.
I had to take a picture because we were wearing the same skirt.
another Skirt Sports ambassador
I decided to leave my throwaway shirt and DIY arm warmers in my car….
The race started at 8:30 am. So soon it was time to head to the start area.
There were no corrals so I just entered into the crowd somewhere in middle or perhaps closer to the front. I chatted with friends until it was time to move.
Sorry to be a broken record but my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) Throw those time goals out the window!! Especially for race with those predicted warm temps
Miles 1-3:
The race began near Mabee Farm Historical site. The first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path.
In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. As I ran the first mile, everyone appeared to be passing me by. But I didn’t look at my watch, just kept going with the flow.
The scenery was pretty. Unfortunately there was little if any shade! Of course, my pace was decent at first. I was feeling good… until I wasn’t.
The Mohawk river changed to being on the left. And the temps started warming up quickly.
The first water stop was at mile 3.3 (Kiwanis Park) Dying at this point. I was used to from the last race, water at every mile! Because there were so few water stops, I ate my first GU at this one… a new flavor (raspberry lime?) UGH!! Nauseating!
Miles 4-6
Most of the race is a blur. I walked and ran. Those runners around me were doing the same. I tried to run more than walk. Not sure at times if I did or not. Some runners did continue to just run. But we played leap frog as I passed them when I ran and they passed me when I walked.
There was finally a second water stop at mile 5.6 (Lock 8 Park). More water but I wasn’t really hungry so I just ate half a GU.
Miles 7-10
The temps were rising. I wished I hadn’t worn my calf sleeves. The third water stop was around mile 8.1 (SCCC Bike Path Parking Area). I finished the other half of my GU and gave myself a shower of water.
Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared. Maybe there weren’t big hills and I was just getting tired. I tried to run up them but it was more like a slog.
At this point, my lower back started to ache. Why? My form? My shoes? (Who knows?) My feet did not hurt much (and no blister) so there’s that!!
The crowd was also thinning. And I was walking more and running slower.
But eventually we headed toward Mohawk Harbor where you could hear the roar of the crowds.
As I headed toward the finish line, I got one last burst of energy.
I crossed at 1:43:XX . Happy to done and upright.
Post-Race Activities
I got my medal and some water.
I was excited to see that my running friends Sherry, Heidi and Stan showed up to cheer me on!!
Next, I grabbed my lunch (that I would give to my hubby when I got home.)
turkey sandwich, chips, fruit and a brownie
I stopped by the results table and surprisingly I did win an age group award. 2nd! You had a choice of shirts, and other stuff but instead I opted for a $10 coupon for a race registration.
I’m not a beer drinker but I would have loved something cold to drink. We got a ticket for a free one but this year, the restaurant didn’t open until noon!!
Instead, my running friends and I decided to go out to brunch.
very yummy!!
Remember my car was at the start… luckily one of my friends agreed to drive me back to pick it up.
Additional Race Reflections:
So yeah, I finished slower than I wished. But hey, it was much hotter than I had hoped. Actually I realized later that it was a little faster than this race last year!
It was also fun to see the many running friends (that I missed when I skipped so many races this spring.)
I never regret a race that I’ve run. I bet I run this one again next year.
Positives:
Ample parking at the start and finish.
Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
Bag check
Well marked course.
Varied scenery including river views
Lots of course marshals
Shuttle to the start (if needed).
Well organized.
A lot of pre-race information.
Familiar faces
Decent Post-race food.
Race shirt optional for more money
Cool medal.
Free Beer (in Druthers) after noon
Free photos
Immediate results (and live tracking)
Negatives:
HEAT
More water stops needed (for this weather)
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes.
It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when the weather is cooler.
Final Stats:
positive splits! AGAIN!!
Walking after mile 3 definitely slowed down my pace:
Next Up:
My favorite 5k
June 3, 2023
Happy Running! Have you run a race yet in the summer heat? ? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run a long race this summer? Please share.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
Well, I waited until the last minute to register. I wanted to see how I felt after the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
I had already paid for the race (as part of my H2H registration.)
There seemed to be no serious lingering pain from the weekend before.
So a 10 mile race today!! No rain but warm temps instead…
Last Week —
Sunday – Lisa and I got up early and went for a LONG walk exploring Brooklyn. When we got back, we checked out of our hotel and took the subway to Penn Station where we checked our bags.
We then walked to a nearby restaurant for brunch (of course, today the weather was perfect for a race…)
it was longer than we planned because we got lost. lol (and at least my blistered foot felt so much better)
After lunch, we did dome strolling, hung out in a park until it was time to return to Penn Station to catch a train back home.
required race medal selfie (too wet to take it the day before)
Monday – Ugh! DOMS. My quads were crying as I walked down the stairs. Worse than when I ran a full marathon,
I still headed to the gym first thing.
like my shirt?
And then after work, I went to the FTC run…
I stayed with the slower beginner runners… they ran… I walked/ran
Afterward, I hit TJ’s.
Tuesday – Again I started out at the gym…
Today was supposed to be a rest day but since my legs felt a little better, I switched it until Wednesday.
So after work, I ran/walked slowly and then met two friends for a long walk on the rail trail.
the weather was lovely… but the legs were still tired
Wednesday – I had to work at an in-person training so no time for the gym.
Instead, after work, I joined a running friend to walk nearby. It started to rain so we decided to go to the YMCA to walk on the track. Track closed!! We had to walk up and down the halls to get our 3 miles done…
Thursday – Back to the gym. And after work, I met my two race buddies for a run at UAlbany.
after the run, we went out for dinner and drinks
Friday – Another rest day.. starting out at the gym and mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Normally a long run day with friends but instead, some of us walked while some ran and then we all had brunch.
Heidi & I twinned by accident
I came home to do some gardening and stress about the weather for the next day.
I think I’d rather it rain….
Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 Mile Race.
ready to sweat…
Pre-race was rocky (power outage at my house) But I survived the HEAT!!!. (Pics on IG and recap to come…)
This Coming Week on the Run–
Monday – Memorial Day – DAY OFF – GYM, boating?
Tuesday – GYM, rest day, belated birthday dinner with BFF
Wednesday – run
Thursday –run, ARE trail walk
Friday – GYM, rest day, volunteer at packet pick-up
Saturday – Freihofer Run for Women 5k Race
Sunday – rest day, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Miles On The Mohawk Ten Mile Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! How is your year of running so far? Training for any big or small races? Have you run any so far in 2023? How did you spend Memorial Day? 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... 