***************April 13, 2024******

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

I ran the first annual one 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). I ran it againon its current course in 2022 and then last year, I was recovering from a broken foot so I had to skip it.

So I signed up for 2024 Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon as my 67th Half Marathon for several reasons:

• FOMO. Many of my racing/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 unable to run it last year.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on March 17 in NYC. However, I was coming off a sprained ankle so I was happy to just cross the finish line.

On weekdays, I tried to run 3x a week…sometimes it happened, sometimes it didn’t (and usually only 3 miles).

And then on the weekends, I scheduled my long run. I didn’t get the 11 and 12 milers done that I had planned to do in order to prepare for this race.  Work, weather, work, weather, etc…

I was counting on some muscle memory from the 13.1 miles that I completed 4 weeks prior.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I picked up my bib (and Barbara’s) on the way to work on Friday at the race finish. It was pouring (and it rained ALL day!!!)

and then I ate pasta for dinner.

I checked the weather and it looked to be cloudy, cool with a slight chance of rain.

So what do I wear?

the usual with some added throwaways.

Race goals?

Also the same as usual. Finish happy with no injuries.  I have realized that having a time goal is difficult at my age. Having any expectations of a PR or even a course PR is unrealistic, as well.

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

again a successful 2:12 finish in 2022

That being said, since this race did not have the hills of NYC, I was hoping to have a faster finish time than my last half marathon … but again, anything can happen on race day.

Race Day:

Since I had run this race before, I was familiar with the start and finish logistics. But they still were tricky. There was a bus from the finish to the start (and no parking at the start). However this year, I knew when to get there and where to find nearby parking.  Over 2,000 runners had signed up for this race!!!

Well, I woke up to 40 degrees and rain!! The rain stopped but it was also windy so I completely changed my mind on what to wear – capris and long sleeve shirt (see pics below).

I added a throwaway shirt, sweatshirt, and gloves.  I decided against bag check since I parked near the finish (and I had given a friend who would be at the finish line cheering my jacket.) I also brought a mylar sheet from a previous race.

I met Barbara at 6:00 to carpool and we arrived around 6:15 am, found parking in the lot near the finish and then we walked to the bus. There were so many busses and as soon as one was filled, it left.

We arrived around 7 am and the race did not start until 8:30.

checking out the empty start area

There were so many familiar faces.. from former running groups, training groups, other races, etc..

with Renee who was gearing up to run the London Marathon

Barb & I were freezing!!

While we waited in a dugout (in case it rained and to shield us from the wind), we made some new friends.  They were from CT and MA. and super nice. It helped to pass the time and keep our minds off the cold.

Debby & Linda

Eventually, it was time to enter the start area. I entered near some racing friends (10-11 min. pace) but Barb went further back.

It appeared to be warming up a bit so I tossed both of my throw aways but kept on my gloves.

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

Course Map:

from my Garmin

Miles 1-5:

Thanks FB – view of the start (the Helderbergs)

The course started in the park and then we ran just over 2 miles on the roads of Voorheesville so runners could spread out before they got on the rail trail.

There were a few steep downhill sections and I am sure that I ran them too fast.

From there, the course headed east for about 9 miles into Albany on the rail trail. If you read my blog, you may remember that this is a trail near my home and that I run on often. It was nice to only have to run on it one way…going downhill.  It was not steep and I was able to run at a comfortable pace.

The problem was that I run warm and I could have kept on my original outfit.  I took off my gloves and rolled up my sleeves.

As per my plan, I walked at each water stop.  I think there were 2 in the first 3 miles.

There were clocks at each 5k.  I saw when I passed the 5k mark that I was running a little too fast. I slowed down so I wouldn’t run out of gas at the end (but obviously not enough.)

My breakfast was at 5 am so I was getting pretty hungry.  I was hoping that there would be a water stop soon… Nope not yet…

Eventually around mile 4, I just ate my first GU.

The great thing about a local race was the the crowd support and volunteers.  Many called my name (since it was on my bib) and it was so welcome.

One of tennis friends’ son was running this race and I saw her many times.

Here are a few pictures from previous runs on this same trail:

Miles 6-9:

So the race continued on this same trail.  The elevation felt a little steeper on this portion but my legs felt more and more tired.  Or should I say my quads were complaining from running downhill. Finally around mile 6 or 7, there was the water stop. I walked even longer than before.

At the 10k clock, it was obvious that I slowed (as expected).

What was nice about this race was that I knew so many of the runners.  They kept passing me by. Some just waved, others slowed and ran with me for a while. I also had some friends along the course who cheered me on.

When I saw my running friend, Deb, who was a court marshal, I threw her my gloves that I had been carrying for miles.

I walked (too long) at the next water stop around mile 8 and ate my second GU.

15k point

another cool FB pic

More pictures from previous runs:

All of a sudden, it started to drizzle, then rain, even a little sleet!! Then all of a sudden, it stopped completely. Very weird since as we approached Albany, it was dry.

Finally my tennis friend got a photo of me not walking and drinking water or eating a GU.

Miles 10-13.1

The rail trail finally ended and we were heading into Albany. This was my least favorite apart of the course – not scenic at all – running through the city (and not the nice part) and then along a busy road.

my tennis friend took this one

My quads were toast at this point.  My lower back ached and I just wanted to be done.

A few more water stops and longer walks. One last GU.

The clock at the 20K mark indicated that surprisingly I was still having a decent race (not PR decent but faster than my last two).

The last few miles seemed endless. It was no longer downhill. In fact going to the finish line was slightly uphill.

I walked a few more times and tried as best as I could to sprint through the finish especially since a few running friends were cheering me on and taking pics.

I saw the clock ahead and I hoped to finish under 2:21:00…and I did NOT!!

Was I walking?

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal, some water and of course, took some pics.

I chatted with some other runners who had already finished and took some more pics.

I checked the results. What? An age group award. I was 3rd.

And I chose $10 off another race (rather than merchandise).

Next I headed off to find my friends and some refreshments.

There was the usual food box for this race and chocolate milk.

There was also beer. Nah. Too long a line and too early in the day for a beer!!

Barb and I walked back to my car (which was nearby) and then we met all our friends for a celebratory brunch.

Final Stats:

still maintaining the positive split award

I was trying not to run under a 10 minute pace and not over 11… I was pretty good for 10 miles…

Additional Race Reflections:

I have yet to figure out how to negative split a long race. Maybe I need to train better (You think??)

My finish time was way faster than my previous half marathon but NYC was way harder. (2:37:07 vs 2:21:44). It was also faster than the one last September (2:25;03) and similar to the Brooklyn Half last May (2:21:41).

In 2019, I wanted a sub 2:12 finish so I would qualify for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon. And I did!! This year, I had no glorious expectations.

As you can see from the stats above, my lack of training caught up to me after 10 miles.

I have confirmed that downhill races aren’t as easy as you may think. Rolling hills are actually easier on the body. (We runners are never satisfied.)

My quads were sore for a day or two.  No injuries. So happy that I chose to run this race. Win. Win.

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 hoodie.
• Free bus from the finish to the start.
• Many porta potties at the start. Long lines but they moved quickly
• 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
• Decent crowd support
• Well marked course for each mile
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Very cool medal.
• Great post race refreshments
• Immediate electronic race results
• PR bell
• Free photos
• Nearby – no transportation or hotel costs.
• Support from friends

FB pic of the finish (Hudson R.)

The Bad:

• Enough water stops. 6. But too many at the beginning and the end. One needed in the middle. IMO.
• The boring, unscenic last 2 miles.

The Ugly:

• Nada.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. ARE did a fantastic job attending to every detail.  I may even do it again next year.

Next Up:

A few shorter races –

Then finally:

MAY 18!!

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.

March 17, 2024

I was hoping to run the race back when the course was only through Manhattan. (Now it starts in Brooklyn.) And I had entered the lottery several times in the past but never got in.

I finally time qualified for a guaranteed entry and ran it in March 2019.

I qualified again for 2020. Due to the Pandemic, it was cancelled and so I ran it virtually with two friends. I opted for a refund instead of a deferral.

I entered the lottery in 2021 and 2022 but didn’t get in. Instead I paid to run the Virtual NYC Half Marathon in 2022 so I would have a guaranteed entry into this race for 2023.

Then during my February vacation in Florida, I broke my foot.

It was mostly healed by race day but I wasn’t trained and so I decided to cancel and spectate my friends who were running it.

celebrating THEIR race

I signed up for the 2024 NYC Half Marathon for several reasons:

• I got a cancelled guaranteed entry.
• I love NYC.
• I had enough pts for a free hotel room for 2 nights.
• Three of my running friends got in too.
• It’s such a prestigious race. How could you not?
• I needed a re-do!!

Half Marathon Training:

And then on Dec. 19, I fell and badly sprained my ankle!!

If you follow my posts, you also know that I had to defer my half marathon on February 18 in Florida.

I didn’t run at all for 4 weeks and then I started back very slowly and followed an abbreviated long run plan (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 0, 11, 12, 8)

I really wasn’t sure if I could run 13.1 miles (since my training runs were all hard even with walk/run intervals) but I decided to take the gamble.

Although it would be my 2nd time on this course, the last time was FIVE years ago. I finished in 2:16 (with little prep and recovering from a calf injury).  But this year, I had zero hopes of coming close to that time and honestly expected a PW.

IOW, my goal for this half marathon was finishing!! It’s a BIG race. There would be many runners finishing behind me. I planned to just enjoy the experience.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

On Saturday I took the train to NYC with my running friends Stan, Deb and Sherry who were running the race plus Heidi and Barbara who would be spectating.

We were all staying in the same hotel. After checking in, we had lunch and then headed to the expo to pick up our shirts/bibs.

We still had lots of time before dinner so I talked everyone into checking out the finish line in Central Park.  We also coordinated spots for our supporters to see us during the race and meet afterward.

And then we walked back to our hotel through Times Square.

Finally it was time to carb load on pizza

Everyone except Heidi (my roommate) and I returned to the hotel. I wanted to see the Field of Light and she indulged me.

It was worth it and then we walked back to the hotel.

Ok, don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before a half marathon?!

Race Day:

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:45 am.

I quickly put on my race outfit…

gotta wear green on St Patty’s Day, right?

At dinner the night before, we had decided not the take the bus that we signed up (and paid) for.  Instead we would take the subway which allowed us to sleep later and arrive together (we would have been on 3 different buses).

It was warmer than I expected but I still wore a throw away jacket, DIY arm sleeves, sweats, and gloves.

Having two friends meeting us at the end of the race also meant we didn’t have to check a bag. I gave them a light jacket just in case.

We met in the lobby at 6:45 am with plans to take the #2 subway at 7 am.

As you would expect the subway was crowded but they came one after another.  We squeezed into the first one and got off with everyone else (Eastern Pkwy). Our first mistake. We waited here for almost a half hour. (One more stop on the subway, Franklin, we would have been almost alone and entered in a less crowded security gate.)

Eventually we left the subway station and entered Prospect Park.

First you had to go through security (removing your belts, phone, even watches) and then find the corral entrance.

The lines were long but there were many and so things moved pretty quickly.

My wave (4) was scheduled to start at 8:50 and close at 8:30. Due to our unexpected long wait in the subway station, I thought Stan & I would miss it and just start in wave 5.

Things were delayed and we did enter at the back of the corral and Sherry and Deb entered in the front of wave 5.

There were tons of port-a-porties with no lines.

Although I was wave 4B, I stayed in the back and removed my jacket and pants. I kept on my arm sleeves and gloves (but not for very long). I also ate a waffle since my breakfast seemed hours ago.

We started moving not long after we entered the corral but it took awhile to get to the start line being at the back.

I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)

My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every other water stop. And of course, walk/run up all the hills.

Anyway, here’s how the race went.

Miles 1-5:

Of course, the start was very crowded and slow going at first.  In fact, I was surrounded by runners the whole race – the benefit of a big race with over 27,000 runners.

nyrr.org

The start line was in the middle of Center Drive. We started by heading east and after a slight downhill on Center Drive, we took a sharp left onto East Drive.  We quickly reached the main hill, commonly known as “Prospect Park Hill” or “Battle Pass Hill.” I had run quite a few races in this park so I was familiar with the hill(s).  And I was feeling strong at this point but still I didn’t want to waste my energy so I ran/walked up it. I stopped at the both water stops but tried to stall until at least mile 4 for my Gu.

(Photo by Jon Simon for New York Road Runners.)

We exited the park at Grand Army Plaza and took some sharp turns onto Flatbush Avenue.  We were on Flatbush for the next 4 miles.  First there was a downhill along the park and then we returned back up Flatbush, through GAP, and onto a long downhill. There was timing mat at 5k point and happily I couldn’t really tell my pace (since it was time that the race had started).

(Photo by Brandon Todd for New York Road Runners.)

The tail end of mile 5 was the beginning of our approach to Manhattan Bridge and—yep, it went uphill.

Miles 6-7:

This was the beginning of what made this race so scenic and iconically New York. It was hard. Probably the hardest part of the course. I seemed like we went uphill forever and minimally benefited from the downhill.

But the views from the bridge were amazing. I tried to focus on all my surroundings – Freedom Tower, Empire State Building, etc. to get me over this bridge.

When we got off the bridge, we had finished 6 miles. The hard part over, right?

Not quite.

The start of mile 7 included two sharp turns: first onto Canal Street and then immediately onto Allen Street, where we hit the 10K timing mat.   Allen Street was surprisingly downhill as well as scenic, and this portion of the course gave us a perfect view of the bridge we just conquered.

At the end of Allen, we turned left onto South Street and ran for half a mile before merging onto FDR Drive.

Miles 8-10:

At Pier 36, we began our 8th mile and merged onto FDR Drive. This 3-mile stretch was mostly flat but included some up/down ramps. Compared to the sections both before and after, this stretch was a welcome reprieve from serious changes in elevation.

Around this time, I took my second Gu at a water stop.  I walked again for too long.  I had been stopping at and walking briefly at almost every water stop.

(Photo by Ben Ko for New York Road Runners.)

This was only part of the course without much crowd support. The crowds were awesome throughout the race. NYC running fans rock big time!!.  I was wearing a cap that said “Run Lucky” and people kept calling out “Go Run Lucky.”  Very cool (and welcome support.)

a popular theme for this year’s signs

I loved FDR Drive for its scenic views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines as well as the UN building. Every time I see this building, I recall my childhood dream of working there someday (Even my majoring in languages in college did not get me that job.), But boy, did it seem long….

We crossed our next to last timing mat at 15k.

 (Photo by Ben Ko for New York Road Runners.)

Finally we turned onto 42nd street.  It was uphill too. Ugh.  My legs were starting to get weary. The highlight of this section was at 3rd Avenue with the iconic Chrysler Building just ahead.

Miles 11-12

The beginning of the final 5K started a gradual uphill climb all the way to the finish! There were some ups and downs. But I focused on taking in all the sights around me -—the Chrysler building, Grand Central, the New York Public Library, and Bryant Park, etc.

When we turned right onto 7th Avenue, we were running down the middle of Times Square, a magical and memorable experience. While this was also steadily uphill, I didn’t mind. The energy was positively electric.

The highlight was that our two friends were there… and although I was dragging while running down 42nd, my energy level rose when I spotted them in the crowd.

I faked “strong” as I ran by my friends

We hung a right onto Central Park South as we finished up mile 12 and entered the park at the southeast corner—the same corner you exit in the final stretch of the NYC Marathon.

I was glad that they eliminated most of the hills from the end of the race – No Harlem Hill or 3 Sisters. Still, my legs were toast by this time. I couldn’t wait to be done!

Mile 13- 13.43:

We turned on the 72nd Street Transverse and would finish at the same spot as the NYC Marathon, between Sheep Meadow Park and Tavern on the Green.

There were still minor ups and downs, particularly at Bethesda Fountain,  Well, actually they all felt like ups. I walked a few extra times trying to save up enough energy to sprint through the finish line.

800m to go…400m  … 200m – it seemed endless. I kept mumbling “WTF is that finish line??”

Excited but dying…

Dead…

Yes, I dragged those legs across the finish line.

Was I walking!?

I immediately got my medal and posed for a quick pic.

I kept walking and when I turned my phone back on, I found that Stan had texted me and was waiting at the Recovery Zone sign.. I met him there and we waited for Sherry and Deb who finished just a few minutes later.

We all headed for the exit and grabbed a bag of food (filled with water, Gatorade, apple, pretzels, protein bar, etc) and a foil blanket.

It was an easy walk out of the park to Columbus Circle where we were meeting our spectating friends.

Post Race Activities:

After we all gathered, we slowly walked back to the hotel.

group pic in Times Square

After a very long HOT shower, Heidi and I went out for a stroll…

and drinks!!

And later we met the others for a walk to dinner where we celebrated with Italian food, wine and desserts.

We all agreed that it was a great day…

Additional Race Reflections:

It took me awhile to start this recap.  I wanted to make sure I focused on the positives.

It’s one thing to expect a PW and another to actually get one.

Now looking back on race day, besides not spraining my ankle and missing a half marathon and weeks of running, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I enjoyed the day before the race and don’t regret not resting my legs.

I walked at the water stops as I had planned and ran/walked all the hills (and it seemed to be mostly uphills). I tired during the last 3 miles and walked often but such is life.

The weather was perfect for sightseeing while running the course.  I didn’t miss a thing because I wasn’t concerned about my finish time.

And sharing a race with friends was the best!!!!!

And no, I have zero desire for redemption and will not run this race again!!!

2 and done!

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up. Organized expo. Not too large and overwhelming.
• Lots of fun photo ops at the expo.
• Real bathrooms and comfortable location to wait at the start/finish (if you chose to use the non-race organized bus ($26).
• Many porta potties at the start.
• Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end
• Water and Gatorade stops at almost every mile or so.
• Gels (SIS) available at several water stops
• Many porta-potties along the course.
• Music at various points along the course.
• Awesome crowd support (except FDR Drive, obviously)
• Well marked course
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Pacers (useful only if you started in the correct corral).
• Gender specific long sleeve tech shirts.
• No lines for post race refreshments (gave you a bag immediately)
• Foil blankets put on and taped close for each runner (if desired)
• Lots of photos (through MarathonPhoto)
• No blisters or residual pain after. Ankle felt fine (just a little stiff).

The Bad:

• Long Manhattan Bridge climb
• Hills at the end in Central Park
• Tired legs after mile 10
• The course was LONG (at least 13.5 some recorded it as 14m)
• Same color shirt as 2019

The Ugly:

• Nothing 🙂

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Do it if you can.  You won’t regret it (unless you hate hills. LOL).

No, it’s not an easy course. At least 25,000 runners are there so it is crowded. But running from Brooklyn to Manhattan is such a memorable experience (maybe I’m biased?)

Final Stats:

love the age-graded time!!

I laughed when I saw the graphic below – such an accurate picture of my race:

my Garmin recorded 13.7 miles!!

still the reigning queen of the positive splits

All in all, I thought this was a great race (especially for those who enjoy a challenge.)

I’m not done yet with 2024 big NYC races.. next is the Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 18 and there’s a bigger challenge – NYC MARATHON – Nov. 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I’m done…

Next Up:

A local race. A downhill course. Lots of running friends. Should be fun…

April 15, 2024

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

Happy Running! Ever run this race? Do you want to? What is your favorite half marathon? Do you prefer big races or small ones? Please share.