August 8, 2026 – 9:00 am

Obviously I signed up for this race because there was ice cream.

Well, only partly true.

• I had a free hotel room.
• I convinced my running friend Heidi to do it with me.
• I wanted a re-do from my last attempt in 2024.
• I like Governor’s Island.
• It offered a 10k option and there are not many 10ks.
• Yes, ice cream.

Here is the description of the race and the course map:

Treat yourself to two laps around Governors Island, and we’ll treat you to a well-deserved post-finish ice cream. Talk about a perfect summer day.

Entry to the NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10K includes a ferry ride, your race entry, a tech shirt, and post-race eats (the aforementioned ice cream!)

I’ve actually run a race before on Governor’s Island. Back in 2018.

my first unsuccessful attempt (with my friend from Russia) due to a thunderstorm

rescheduled a month later and it is still my 5k PR. I also won my age group at that race.

This also was not my first NYC Ice Cream Social race.. Another 5k but this one took place in Brooklyn (also in 2018).

another age group award crystal paper weight

Just last month, I ran a 5k which offered ice cream as a post race treat.

So ice cream plus a race. What could be better? (Spoiler alert: cooler weather!)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I must have race amnesia because I think I told Cari that I would not do a race on Governor’s Island in AUGUST again.  Hot! Humid! No shade!

I’m pretty sure that I enjoyed this course much more during a 10k in September last year.

Nevertheless, Heidi and I signed up for this race. A mini race-cation. I was excited to share this crazy idea with a running friend… I knew we’d have fun.

My Achilles had been feeling better and I was gearing up for a half marathon in 6 weeks.

My Achilles was very stiff after this 10k in June…

The week leading up to race, I tried to ignore the humidity and get in a few runs: 8m, 3m, 4m.

The day before the race, Heidi and I boarded an early train to Manhattan and then we took the subway to our hotel in the Financial District. I chose this hotel because it was near the ferry to Governor’s Island.

We tried not to do too much walking the day before a race.  But you know, it’s NYC!

We had our NYC bagel lunch, took a bus to a sculpture garden /park then a ferry uptown…

from there we walked to a Titanic VR exhibit, then walked to have rooftop drinks, pizza dinner (quick meet up in the rain w/Cari) and a Broadway show.

I got ready my #flatme and tried unsuccessfully to get a good night’s sleep.

Race Day:

I got up before I needed to and had coffee and oatmeal in my hotel room. Although the race did not start until 9 am, they suggested that you take the 7 am or 7:30 am ferry.

We left the hotel around 7:15 am and arrived to a long line at the ferry.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. UGH!

We just missed getting on the 7:30 am ferry (it only held 290 persons) but that was ok since the 8:00 am would be fine. We chatted with a super nice young runner, Christian.  In addition to being super nice, he had a coach and was very serious about his finish time.

The line got longer and longer (we joked that it may have stretched to the Brooklyn Bridge since there were about 1700 runners for this race not counting families and spectators).

It was a nice quick ride.

As soon as we arrived, we noticed that there were real restrooms.  Always a great race perk.

Then we followed signs toward the race start. It wasn’t a short walk but lots to view (old buildings, forts, Manhattan skyline).

Eventually we arrived at the starting area.

We first picked up our bibs.

then we picked up our shirts (You could wait until after but doubtful to get your size).

I didn’t realize until Cari pointed it out that my bib # was Heidi and Cari’s birth date…

Bag check was very organized so we left our shirts there…

Then we walked around checking out the logistics…

a cool statue

and eventually taking a seat and chatting while waiting for the race to begin.

I was in corral D and Heidi in corral F so we separated but planned to meet after the race.

I had loved the course in the past and was excited to do this race…

As you can see from the map, the course winds around the island.. TWICE.  There were rolling hills throughout but nothing steep.

Yes, it was HOT… HUMID… SUNNY and NO SHADE!!!

I knew that it would be hard and I would suffer but it was worse than I thought!!

I am not going to give a mile by mile recap of the race (as I normally do). Suffice it to say, that I felt defeated by the heat but tried to enjoy the race as best as I could.

From the get go, I was sweaty…

but so was everyone else…

My neuroma hurt!! Yes, every step of the way (ugh!)

But my Achilles felt fine. (Yay!!)

I ran the first 3 miles (what I thought was slowly).

I think there were 2 water stops for each loop so 4 total (I could have used more!).  Each had Gatorade in addition to water (though I only drank the water and poured some down my back to cool off.)

I ate a Gu halfway and even had two salt chews before and during… still I felt like the sun and heat was sucking the life out of me. O wasn’t alone. Most of the runners at my pace were groaning and walking…

The hills as I said were not steep but annoying because it was so sunny and the trees provided zero shade.

As a result, I ran slower each mile and really thought of quitting after 3.1 miles. The humidity bothered Heidi even more than me and she wisely decided to quit after the halfway point.

But obviously I did not and I just walked A LOT.

The views were great and island scenery varied.

photo that I’m in from the 2024 race – they use it to advertise the new Manhattan Marathon (8 loops of the island.)

And I finished!!!

Another race/course PW!  But I didn’t care one bit!

Here are some of the 90 photos they took (which I did not buy):

I definitely didn’t look as bad as I felt.

Post Race Activities:

As soon as I finished, I saw Heidi. I knew that meant that she had DNSed.

We both felt pretty lousy.  I was dizzy and nauseous. I grabbed some water and pretzels and sat for a while.

There was  Haagen Dazs ice cream cups.  I ran this race for ice cream but it was the last thing I wanted to eat at that point. Luckily there was also rainbow Italian ice.  The best thing ever!! It saved me…

I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!!  2nd! (They usually mail the award several weeks after.)

We had lunch reservations but not for awhile. Nearby they sold food.  Guess what I bought. A banana! For $2.  We laughed about that later.

As soon as we felt strong enough, we headed back to the ferry.

Believe it or not, Heidi said she had fun but wanted a re-do on the race.

recovery lunch

Additional Race Reflections:

Definitely a tough one but hey, I did it.

Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least a few hours afterward.)

Positives:

• Free ferry.
• Shirts distributed before and after the race.
• Real restrooms.
• Organized bag check.
• Gatorade at the water stops.
• 4 Water Stops
• Well marked course.
• Scenic views.
• Ice Cream/Italian ice after the race.
• A friend to share the experience.
• No Achilles pain.

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards
• Little shade
• Warm temps (but hey, it’s August!)
• Sore foot (neuroma)
• $$ MarathonFoto pics.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. And if I lived in NYC, I would run it again in the FALL or SPRING.

There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.

Final Stats:

Heat/Humidity is not my racing friend!!!

Next Up:

a 5k

9-5-26

and then a half marathon

9-12-26

I’ve  heard them say “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better.”

That is not the case this year for me with the 5k distance.

• 2-14-26  – Race of Hope 5k – 32:15
• 05-02-26 – Tropicool 5k –– 31:23
• 05.30.26 – Run for Women 5k – 33:02
• 06-20-26 – Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 35:18
• 07-19-26 – Keep MOO’ving 5k – 36:37

Can I reverse the trend?

Last Year:

• Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – 31:16
• Tropicool 5k – 31:00
• Run for Women 5k – 31:28
• Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 30:10
• Silks & Satins 5k – 31:42
• Run for the Roses 5k – 32:16
•  Ellen’s Run – 31:22
•  Malta 5k – 30:09
• Barn to Bridge 5k – 31:09
• Trick or Trot Pumpkin 5k* – 32:42

I don’t intend to go for a PR but just halt the slow down a bit and finish closer to last year’s 5k times.

I have a few more chances.

Wish me luck!

• 08-09-26 – Run for the Roses 5k
• 09-05-26 –  Silks and Satins 5k
• 10-03-26 – Barn to Bridge 5k
• 10-24-26 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k

Interestingly, someone recently posted this:

I guess at my age, this deceleration is pretty fast…

but as the image says: “Expect the trend but do not surrender to it.”

I like the advice: “Lift things, run often and resist becoming ornamental.”

Happy Running! Have you slowed down? Does it bother you? Please share.

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

July 19, 2026

High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…

Three years ago was the first year that they offered this race and of course, it was on my radar.

DESCRIPTION

The High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K is a 3.1 mile walk or run that is open to all abilities and levels of fitness. 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit Berkshire Bounty. Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide.

The course is beautiful, starting runners at the farm, then passing along Laurel Lake before returning to the farm to celebrate at the food truck where runners enjoy a well-earned High Lawn Farm ice cream. Visit the historic century worth of memorabilia in the High Lawn Farm Museum, open specifically for the runners following the race!

But it’s a long drive and I was marathon training…

I convinced Heidi and Sherry to join me two years ago.  We had fun and really enjoyed the ice cream after. LOL.

So I signed up to run it again last year. I even convinced Heidi, Deirdre, Stan and Sherry to join me.

But it was POURING when we got up.  Since it was a long drive and no guarantee that the rain would stop, we decided to skip the race.  Of course, the rain did stop.

Hence FOMO and Heidi and I signed up again this year..

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

If you read my blog, you know that I haven’t been running much due to a sore right Achilles.

It started to feel better so I began to get in some runs.

My focus has not been on this race but to complete a half marathon on Sept 12. So I ran my long run of 6 miles on Friday so I could have a rest day the day before the race.

I was on the fence whether or not, I would just walk the whole thing or run/walk it.  Racing it was out of the question in my mind (due to my recent Achilles issues).

Race Day:

The race started at 8:30 am.

I got up at 5:15 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:15 in order to get to Heidi’s house since she offered to drive.

It took us 45 minutes but we got there early enough to get parking and pick up our shirts/bibs.

Unfortunately most runners had picked up their shirts the day before and there were only women’s XL and men’s sizes. I chose a men’s small but it will be too big to wear (ok with me since as you could probably guess, I don’t need any more shirts).

There were about 200 runners but this year I didn’t bump into any runners that I knew.  But everyone was super friendly.

The weather was cool and breezy… around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.

Note that I wasn’t wearing my Spi belt. I left it home for the first time ever…

Soon it was time to line up. I just stashed my jacket. I knew I’d be warm while running but may need it later.

Even if I wasn’t having issues with my Achilles, I still may have walked most of the race.  It’s hilly and I signed up for the ice cream.

start and finish line

an out and back course

according to Strava

Mile 1:

It was pretty crowded and Heidi and I separated from the beginning. She was going to run her intervals and I was planning to do whatever felt right.

We left the farm and ran on the road before we turned onto a dirt path with holes and rocks. I kept my eyes on the ground.

Then it was a long downhill (Of course since it was an out and back, you would be running up that long hill!!)

After that hill, it was just rolling and shady with a view of a lake on the right.

I ran slowly and my Achilles felt ok so I continued to run most of the first mile (unless I approached a hill, then I walked/ran it).

Mile 2:

Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.

The course repeated itself so you knew what was coming…

I continued to run when I could and walk/run all the hills.

I was around the same runners.  Some ran the whole time so when  I walked I got behind them but I caught up on my runs.

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was wanting to be done…but surprisingly my Achilles felt pretty good.

And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.

The only time I glanced down at my watch was during this walk.  19:xx pace!!!

Eventually after a few more small hills, the finish line was in sight.

I crossed at 36:37. (36:28 – Garmin time). Not sure if it was chip timed from the start and I didn’t start up front.

Another 5k PW but technically not a course PW (but I mostly walked the last time).

No regrets!!

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a bottle of water and retrieved my jacket.

I immediately got in line for the free ice cream since the line was getting long.

They gave you a coupon for 2 free scoops in a cone or dish but there was NO free chocolate milk this year 😦

I chatted with the lady ahead while I waited. She claimed I got her through the race since she was trying to stay with me. (I laughed since when I was walking I was trying to catch up to her.)

Once Heidi finished she joined me. She informed me that they ran out of water.

You could buy a bottle but I when we ordered  our ice cream, I asked for a cup of plain water and they complied.

The ice cream was as good as I remembered and worth the “hill” and the long drive.

We waited for the age group awards. Last time winners got to name a new calf. The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon. This year everyone got a gift card to the local running store (which organized this race.)

I didn’t check the results until I got home. And they didn’t announce my name for 70+ and I was actually the fastest out of 3. Boo!

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.

But I don’t regret participating in this 5k. Though it was a PW, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday morning (especially if you can convince a friend or two to come along).

Next year Heidi and I will try to get some of our running friends to join us.

Positives:

• Well organized race
• Well marked scenic course
• A friends to share the experience
• Nice gender-specific tech shirt
• Free (homemade) ice cream
• Immediate results
• Good cause (local food pantry)
• Gift card to a running store as the AG prize

Negatives:

• Hilly
• Long drive
• They ran out of water for the slower runners
• They ran out of women’s shirts except XL.
• Age group awards for only 1st place.

Would I recommend this race?

All in all, this was a fun race. The hills were a challenge but I’ve seen and experienced worse.

I plan run it again even though it is not nearby.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

An impulsive sign up for a 10k around Governor’s Island. More ice cream!!

Aug. 8

Another 5k. (maybe(

Aug 9.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Have you ever run an ice cream race? Please share.

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

June 20, 2026 – 9AM

I had taken a break from this race and then a few years ago, I started running it again…

This year was actually the 8th time that I had run this race.

I ran it back in 2010!!

they gave out free ice cream that year,

Yes, 16 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time.

This is the race where I met a new running BRF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her there 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? 6 years later. Anything could happen… no expectations.

A course PR! 28:43

2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….

The good news in 2023 was that Carolyn didn’t turn 70 until later in the year.

so I won my age group!!

But my time was slower: 29:11 (GT).

In 2024, I had a course PW with a 31:10 (GT) finish!

still snagged 2nd in my age group.

And last year, I improved a little (30:10)….

3rd age group award!!

As I mentioned in each race recap this year, I expect a PW.

It’s all good.

I’m thrilled when I am ABLE to race.

My friend Heidi said that she would be running it with me again. It is always fun to run a race with a friend.

2022

2023

2024

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

Two weekends ago, I ran a 10k in NYC

and I really haven’t run at all since then.

My Achilles had been sore and my chiro recommended that I rest it.

I’ve walked a few trails and that’s it.

Obviously that’s not how I planned to prepare for this race and the races to come…

I was nervous about racing and making things worse but I decided I had would go and decide what to do that morning – cheer, walk, walk/run, run?

Race Day:

I dragged myself out of bed and had my usual race breakfast (coffee and oatmeal).

My friend Heidi again had signed up along with a few others that we knew.

And for once we had nice weather!!

The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:30 to pick up my bib.

with Laurie (Heidi’s friend)

In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game.

I went back to my car to get rid of the shirts and tix and returned to the stadium to hang out and chat with runners that I knew. The conversation revolved around what should I do???

Linda joined us

I decided that I would run slowly (ego in check) and see how things felt. I could always walk. And fingers crossed that I didn’t make it worse (since I had a big 15k in 3 weeks).

Below is the course map and elevation:

“their” elevation chart

and “mine” from Garmin

As I mentioned above, it had been 2 weeks since I ran a 10k. But the weeks before that I ran a 5k and a 10 miler. All with that sore Achilles.

I was hoping that my time off from running would bring good news and running this race was the right decision.

My only race goal was to finish … zero expectations of a fast finish time or an age group award.

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. (A different but similar start to last year.)

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.

I don’t remember much about the first mile other than I was dragging. My pace was much slower than usual… but I wasn’t in pain so I continued in that vein.

I think I willed myself to run and not walk… until a hill or a water stop.

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

My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep, out of shape, sore Achilles? All of the above?

And was there a mile 2 marker or did I miss it?

Actually I don’t think there were ANY mile markers.

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).

I didn’t expect a course PR and finishing under 30 minutes is just an unrealistic dream..

As I approached the finish line, 34 turned to 35 minutes and then I crossed…

Post Race Activities:

I may have come to accept my lack of speed because I was not really disappointed in my time.

Unfortunately, now my Achilles really was sore and I was limping…

At that moment, it didn’t seem like a good idea to have run the race.

I waited for Heidi to finish and we took more pictures.

We headed for the food. There was a decent spread: bagels, popcorn,, bananas, apples, coffee, water. There was also a barbecue. I also had a hot dog and pasta salad.

Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.

I checked the results and I did win an award as did several of my friends.

bats for everyone

So we waited around for the awards ceremony (which took place after the kids race.)

There were only 2 in my age group so even if I walked, I would have won. LOL

Additional Race Reflections:

When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was nervous about running this race.

As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, finished the race and don’t regret it one bit. (I iced my foot, soaked in the hot tub and as the day went on it felt better and better.  Time will tell… And PT.)

You may question why I ran it…

Mentally I needed to…

And if I walked it, I would still be wondering if I COULD run and how much pain I would be in after.

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
• Creative age group award

Negatives:

• Gun time (not chip timed)
• Hills (but don’t most races)
• Unisex tee shirts
• No mile markers
• Lack of preparation and sore Achilles

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. LOL.

Final Stats:

Gun Time = 35:18
Garmin Time = 34:xx (I didn’t stop my watch right away)

Yes, a course PW (maybe a 5K PW) but a happy one.

Next Up:

Happy Running!  How did you celebrate Father’s Day Weekend? Running any summer 5ks? Please share.