September 5, 2026

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race than a 5k. Since then I have completed almost 80 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025 (in a thunderstorm)  (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05, 30:03, 31:42)

Notice that due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years (2020, 2021, 2022).

Then, the organizers of the Firecracker 4 race took over this race and I decided to sign up.

I shocked myself with a decent pace so again I thought why not and my running friends were busy that weekend so it was a good excuse to skip my long run.

Last year, there was a thunderstorm but I still ran it.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

This year, it was not on my radar as I had a half scheduled for the week after.

I had considered running the Run 4 the River half marathon as a training run but my DIL scheduled a birthday party for my granddaughter at 11 am.

Nope, not enough time to finish 13.1 miles so I registered for this 5k instead.

Here is the map for the course that I ran in past years:

15 turns in this course!!

Here’s the 2023 course:

pretty similar… they have kept this course … I think.

I didn’t get much running done during the week – rain, work… etc.  I thought about some speed drill son the track but that never happened.

Race Day:

The race started at 8 am. This being the last weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there would already be a lot of traffic at that hour.

I got up at 5:30 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:30 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up my bib. I wound up getting stuck for about 10 minutes while horses were crossing the road.

Last year there were no available parking lots so you had to park on the street. I did find a spot in a nearby parking lot this year and then I went to get my bib and shirt.

No free tickets to the race track this year.  Instead they offered a free ticket to the racing museum after the race.

I went back to my car to drop off my shirt.

It is usually a very popular race but I didn’t see many runners that I knew (but there was a conflict with that big local half and a few other area 5ks.)

Of course, I needed a pre-race photo.

Soon it was time to line up.

I stood somewhere in the middle. This race attracts many speedy runners and I didn’t want to get run over… but I forgot that there was NO timing mat at the start line..

Miles 1-3.1:

No reason to recap this race mile by mile.

I started out at a decent pace because I wanted to get done. It was sunny but not too hot or humid (for a change.)

But I felt my gait was slightly off and my ankle or Achilles (can’t figure out which) was still tight. So I walked several times during each mile and stopped at the water stop midway..

I managed to sprint across the finish line around 31:xx (those sub 30 minutes seem to be gone!).

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a water and banana.

The were miniature cows and some retired horses…

I checked the results

and I came in 2nd so I grabbed my medal and raced home.

Additional Race Reflections:

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

At least it was not extremely hot or raining.

And yes, it should have been a 8 mile long run as part of training for next week’s big race…

But races challenge me and I think it’s important to challenge oneself.

Otherwise, my runs are slow and easy and I squeeze them in whenever I can. I also run with friends, some faster, some slower and always with run walk intervals.

So I don’t regret running this 5k.  Though it was almost a course PW, it was expected.

Positives:

• Well organized race.
• Well marked course with many course marshals.
• Flat course.
• Immediate results.
• 5 year age groups for awards.
• Free ticket to the racing museum (though it didn’t really interest me.)
• Charity: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
• Parking lots and on street parking

Negatives:

• Unisex (cotton) shirts.
• Date change so no free tickets to the track.
• New date conflicted with Run 4 the River HM.
• Long drive for me.
• No time to hang out after.
• Not enough miles  to count as a taper.

Would I recommend this race?

Maybe…

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized.

Not sure if I would run it again because it is not nearby.

In past years, I added more miles after the race a nearby park (and so at least it counted as a long run.)

No time today…

Final Stats:

Still queen of the positive splits:

With an increasing number of walks with each mile…

Next Up:

Sept. 12, 2026

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? How do you feel about  5ks? 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

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