Tuesday Topics

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2023 Barn to Bridge 5k Race Recap

SEPT. 30, 2023

The 2nd year for this race.  A downhill course.  A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up??

Two negatives:

  • It was the same day as one of my favorite races in Saratoga – Great Pumpkin 5k/10K (recap here)

  • More importantly, I was training for a marathon and needed a 12 long run that day.

Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in 12 miles, as well.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I was working in NYC for 2 days, then had to teach live for 2 days back home and I ran a half marathon (+5 miles) the previous weekend in preparation for the NYC marathon.

Needless to say, I was pooped and seriously considered staying in bed.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The race extends from the Hilton Barn area of New Scotland to the finish line across the bridge in Slingerlands. The race kicks off the Fall Fest at the Slingerlands trailhead that will feature live musical performances, food trucks and vendors, as well as fun games and activities as participants come down the home stretch. Shuttle service will be available. T-shirts and one free meal ticket for all participants. Awards for top 3 overall Male/Female. 

the “Barn”

the “Bridge” – there was an old one, they took it down, built a new one, then it collapsed so they are building another new one

the rail trail

Slingerlands parking lot and the race finish!

The make things worse, the forecast which seemed perfect changed to RAIN!!!!

Race Day:

Yup, I woke up to pouring rain. But I was praying that it would stop.

I had my standard breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I guess I’m a creature of habit.

Since the race didn’t start until 11 am, my plan was to park 3 miles from the finish (where I often park to run on the rail trail). run 6 miles to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run back to my car… that would be my 12 mile long run.

Perfect, right?

Not in the rain!!!

Plan B was to stay in bed and run long on Sunday.

Nope, I wanted to go to the lake.

Plan C.

Park at the finish and take the shuttle to the start.  Get wet and after the race, change my clothes and run 9 more miles if the rain stopped.

So that’s what I did.

Being the second year of the race, bib pick up was better organized.  This year, shirts were given out after the race.

I chatted in the rain with some runners that I knew.  Although 500 has signed up, I think only 250 ventured out in this weather.  Most of my running friends actually decided to run the 10k in Saratoga.

Soon it was time to head to the start so I had to ditch my rain poncho.

Since I ran this race last year, I was familiar with the course (as pictured below)

Race Course (according the web site)

There was no elevation chart but now I have one from my Garmin:

actually a very gradual downhill  -100 ft total descent from beginning to end.

There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember:

Mile 1: 

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started.  And there were not going to be any age group awards for me.

So I stood just somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Although it was advertised as starting at the barn and going downhill from there on the rail trail, you actually had to run around the nearby neighborhood (in order to get to 3.1 miles by the parking lot).

That was not downhill and that was not fun.

The only positive part about circling the neighborhood was that I could run the tangents and I did!!

Oh and that this mile would not be my fastest.

Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.

And the trees on the trail blocked the rain a little.  Though it rained the entire race, it often felt just like a drizzle.

Mile 2: 

I believe last year, there were no water stops but his year there were two.

As always I was tempted to walk as soon as I see one even if I’m not thirsty

Maybe someday I can run 3 miles without walking but today was not that day.

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

By mile 3 I was losing steam big time.

I wanted to finish strong and so again I had to decide when to walk.

And so I did walk at mile 2.5 or so and longer than my previous walk.

Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was no crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail and of course, the inclement weather).

I could see the finish line ahead and so I sprinted across it.

At the finish line, there were bottles of water, bars, oranges, apples, bananas, etc.

And the rain slowed to a drizzle and eventually stopped.

Post Race Activities:

As soon as you were done, you got your race shirt and a coupon for free food and drink.

This race was part of a Fall Festival put on by the county.

check out the line for the food truck

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out many freebies.) I snagged a pumpkin and some baby books.

some of these pics are from last year when this was not a MUD pit

There was music, games, and food trucks. and lots of MUD!!

I got some chocolate milk here

so cute!

Since the rain had stopped, I had to stop procrastinating and run my 9 miles.

I went back to my car, changed out of my wet shirt, socks and shoes and headed back to the rail trail.

What a struggle!  But I dragged myself 4.5 miles out and back.

The festival was still happening so I used my food coupon and sat on a bench listening to the music.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this race. If I am around, I will probably run it again next year.

The past few years, I’ve mostly focused on half marathons and this year training for my 2nd full..

Truthfully, I was a little nervous about how I would do in a 5k. Especially without doing any speedwork.

I definitely credit the weather and the course for my speedyish time (faster than my some of my previous 5ks this year although I was a minute faster last year on this same course.)

I have a ways to go if I want to PR. I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

However, I am happy to be healthy, to be running regularly and interacting with others.

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Positives:

  • Well organized
  • Participant guide provided beforehand
  • Inexpensive ($10)
  • Well marked course
  • Shuttle to the start from the finish and vice versa.
  • Cute gender specific race shirts
  • Lots of familiar faces.
  • Downhill course
  • Immediate results
  • One free meal ticket for all participants.
  • Free drinks (including chocolate milk)
  • Entertainment after.

Negatives:

  • I could run here for FREE!
  • Late start (11 am)
  • Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-30, 30-59?)
  • No bib pick-up before race day (leaving a bottle neck on race day)
  • Long wait for food (only ONE food truck)
  • No photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!  A good race to try for a 5K PR.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Next Up:

11-5-23

Happy Running! Run a 5k race lately?  Do you enjoy 5ks? Are you creative about fitting in a race around a long run? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2023 Finger Lakes Half Marathon Race Recap

Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY.

In 2020 and 2021, my friends and I rented a house for 3 nights in Hampton Beach, NH and ran a half marathon (among other fun shenanigans.)

It was so much fun that again last year, we rented a house.  This house was located in Old Orchard Beach, Maine and we ran the Portland Half Marathon or Marathon Relay.

This year, we rented a house in the Finger Lakes region of NYS.

So I signed up for the Finger Lakes Half Marathon for several reasons:

  • A race-cation.
  • Nine of my friends would be racing with me.
  • The start was near a famous waterfall and our house was near Watkins Glen trails/waterfalls.
  • There were 5k, 10k and 18 mile options for race in addition to a half marathon
  • Vineyards and lakes nearby… need I  say more?
  • The distance fit right into my marathon training plan.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week. My weekday runs are sometimes solo and sometimes not.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My taper consisted of  a 16 mile marathon training run

and some short runs during the work week:

I did schedule two rest days before the race. Perfect, right?

We carpooled and left for the Finger Lakes region early on Friday morning. After checking into our AirBnB in Dundee, NY, we went into town for lunch.

Later, we drove to Montour Falls to explore the race logistics (i.e. where to park on race morning, etc). We also went to Diversion Brewing Company… No beer! We just picked up our bibs and shirts there.

Some of us signed up for the half, others for the 5k or 10k and even two for the 18 miler and so we took pictures accordingly.

By the time were were done, it was time for an early dinner. We had pasta or pizza (of course).

Finally we headed home, #flatmes were organized and we headed to bed early (though I never can sleep the night before a race.)

my usual outfit with a throw away and DIY arm sleeves

Race Day:

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) But if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:20 and 2:30.

Actually, even more important would be to run a smarter and less painful race than my last half marathon three weeks prior. Slower the first half so that I can enjoy the second half of the race…

And have enough in the tank to go back out and run 5 more miles (I wanted today to count as my 18 mile long run.)

The race was advertised as follows:

One of the premier Willow Running events is in Montour Falls (Watkins Glen), NY. There will be various race distances on the beautiful Catherine Valley Trail. The trail is well maintained and easy to navigate with a slight elevation gain heading out and a slight elevation decline heading back to the finish line.

I’d say that it looks more than “slight.”

out and back

Two of my friends were running the 18 miler which started at 7:45 am.  Then four of us were running the half which started at 8:00.  Finally there were two running the 10k which started at 8:15 and two the 5k which started at 8:30.

The race logistics were not nearly as complicated as last year since everyone started and finished in the same location.

And it was a small race… only 364 total with 200 running the half marathon.

And so we all left at the same time and as soon as we arrived took our pre-requisite pre-race photo:

The original prediction for rain changed and it was dry, not humid, not sunny and just perfect weather for running.

First our 18 milers started:

And then I lined up with the half marathoners somewhere in the middle of the pack. (It was chip-timed anyway.)

My memory is a little vague but here’s how I remember it:

From the start, we ran on the road.

We continued down the road for a short period of time.
And then we turned

onto a trail….

I feel kinda dumb but I had no idea that this was a trail race.  I mean it wasn’t technical but we ran on dirt, grass, mud, leaves and stick and stones the WHOLE race.

It was slightly uphill on the way out with some rolling hills. Nothing terrible.

And we turned around halfway and followed the same trail back to the finish.

Because the course was for a 5k and 10k, there were markers for the miles and the kilometers.

I have to say the running on dirt has its advantages.  My feet and lower back never did hurt.

But I found it hard to run at a faster pace. Maybe it was just me… the leaves, the mud, stones… I thought I was running fast until I looked down at my pace. LOL.

It wasn’t warm but too warm for those arm sleeves. I pulled them down right away.

There were several water stops and I took a drink at each one (and threw my cup away right away so not to litter the trail).

I did my usual run until I was tired and then I’d walk.   Of course, the walking increased in frequency as I tired the second half of the course.

I enjoyed the scenery as the leaves were beginning to turn. I spotted a deer, a few squirrels and even a “cat.”

Obviously the faster runners were returning when I was still heading out.  They were so enthusiastic yelling “You look great! You got this! Keep it up!”

I made sure to do the same to the slower runners behind me.

I can’t say that although my pace was slower than usual that it felt easy. It never does.

By the end, I was getting warm so I tried to remove my arm sleeves… Well, apparently I stopped my Garmin. I realized several minutes later and turned it back on (so did I really run a half marathon if 13.1 wasn’t recorded? lol)

some parts of the trail had a narrow path so you had to run on the grass when runners were going in both directions or you wanted pass someone.

Eventually I approached the end of the trail

 and I spotted a photographer.

Soon I turned onto the road and crossed the finish line.

Denise gave me my medal.

It was very cool because many of my friends had already finished and they were cheering loudly.

Post Race Activities:

I had planned to return to the course and cheer on Heidi and Deb and run back with Deirdre.

But I had some time and so we each took turns giving our friends medals.

Sherry finished a little after me

Of course after standing around for awhile, my legs had stiffened up but I knew I had to go back out there.

I started out walking… but eventually I knew I had to run or I’d never meet Deirdre in time.

First I found Heidi finishing her half..

And then Deb running her first 18 miler:

And finally I reached Deirdre:

At this point, I turned around and ran intervals with her until she crossed the finish line..

Done!!! 18 miles (or close to it)

We decided to check the results to see if we won any age group awards… it was such a small race so who knows?

our awards were in those bags… notice how happy everyone was!

Yup. Deirdre (18 m), Judy (10K), Jan (5k) and me (HM) all won in our age groups. Kudos to us (even if we were the only ones in our age group!!)

They gave you a ticket to a food truck which had closed by the time I was done but we did have a ticket for a free beer.

Last year, the race started and ended in a park next to Montour Falls.  Even though it had started raining, I insisted on seeing the falls.

Eventually we all headed home to relax, debrief, shower and then head out for a celebratory meal.

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends. (We already picked our race-cation location for next October!!)

I enjoyed participating in a small town local race. The RD and other staff were so friendly and accommodating.

modeling our race shirts the next day

I felt fine the next day and ran Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat without any after effects.

Positives:

  • Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
  • 4 different distances
  • Well-marked course
  • Easy packet pick-up
  • Long sleeved tech half zip shirts
  • Food coupon for $2 for the food trucks and coupon for a free beer.
  • Support from the faster runners along the course.
  • Friends cheering you on at the finish line
  • Free Photos
  • Instant race results
  • Nice medal provided to all runners.
  • Adequate number of water stops
  • Perfect weather
  • Plenty of free parking

Negatives:

  • Finish line photos only for 5k, 10k, and half marathoners under 2 hrs.
  • Food truck closed before every runner finished.
  • Unisex shirts

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

Splits:

can you spot where my Garmin stopped?

All in all, I was happy with my results. No 9 min. miles but then no 12-13 min. miles.

Yes, it was my slowest half marathon in quite a while!! Even slower  than ones on hillier courses.  But I’ve been training for a marathon. My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.

Next Up:

11-5-23

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Happy Running! Have you run a fall race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Please share.

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TT: Why Race-cation?

Today’s topic is a free one so for obvious reasons, I choose:  Why Race-cation?

raceaddict
As you may know, I’ve run a lot of half marathons. Many have been run alone, one on vacation with my hubby, a few with one friend, several with friends locally.

But my fondest memories and the ones that were the most fun were the races that I travelled to with a group of friends.

I’ve been fortunate to have run half marathons in Philly, Panama City FL, Corning NY, Las Vegas, Montreal, Hampton Beach NH (x2). Portland, ME and most recently the Finger Lakes region of NYS – all with wonderful groups of women!!

Here are some reasons WHY:

  • Training Support

When you are training for the same race, you get support for your runs and race goals either in person or virtually.

  • Cost Savings

It is definitely cheaper to share a room or house with friends than staying in a hotel solo or with your hubby.

  • Visiting New Places

I love to travel and explore new cities. In addition to the race itself, there’s always time to see the sites.

  • Sharing Your Racing Experience With Others

You go to the expo together, carb load the night before, line up at the start and meet after the race to debrief.

  • Forging New Friendships

You may run together but spending 24/7 together for several days creates a strong bond.

And you learn many things about each other…

(Remember- What happens in ____________ stays in _____________, right?)

Happy Running! Have you ever taken a Girls Weekend Race-cation? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

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TT: Fall Racing Plans

Today’s Topic is: What are your Fall running plans and/or race schedule?

You may be tired of hearing this but my running is mostly to train for this BIG race:

Nov. 5, 2023

However, I do have a few races on my schedule before and after:

  • A Race-cation to run this half marathon:

  • A local 5k a week later:

Barn to Bridge Fall Fest 5K Race Recap | My First 5K and More...

  • May add another Half Marathon as a training run on Oct. 8:

Mohawk Hudson River Marathon & Half Marathon logo on RaceRaves

  • Of course, a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot:

  • And finally a new race in Tampa, Florida in early Dec.

2023 Hot Chocolate Run - Tampa

Happy Running! What are your Fall running/racing plans? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

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TT: The Letter L…

Today is the 12th day of September hence the 12th letter of the alphabet.

Today’s Topic is: Write anything that comes to mind that begins with the letter “L”.

No surprise but all I can think about is: Long runs.

Ok, so you may not be signing up for BIG races.  Or maybe you are not running any races..

Time to slow down, right? Run fewer miles. Take it easy.

Yes, if you are injured.

But, NO, not necessarily.

(Many runners may define a long run differently.  For this post, I am defining it as at least 8 miles.)

Here’s why it’s good to run LONG on the weekend:

1.Builds resiliency and mental toughness.

The Long Run is the most specific mental preparation you’ll get before a race. Psychological fatigue is real!

It builds your confidence.

And as they say “It’s all about that base.”  With long runs of at least 8 miles, you do not have to start over when you start training for a long race.  You can quickly be prepared for that half marathon.

2. Improves mechanics.

In other words, your running form becomes more efficient in a Long Run. Muscles learn through practice and your stride will improve through consistent long runs.

You have time to work on your cadence, breathing, etc.

3. Increases the efficiency of fuel use.

The Long Run teaches the body to use a higher percentage of fat as fuel rather than stored glycogen, while also teaching the body to store more glycogen.

It also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different types of fuel and when your body needs to fuel.

4. Builds stronger muscles.

Running for prolonged periods increases the strength of the leg muscles and connective tissues, but also those of the respiratory system (including the diaphragm and core region).

This is especially important for those of us who use running as our primary form of strength training.

5. Makes you faster!

Yes, with more endurance you’ll be able to hold a certain pace for a longer period of time. But after a certain level of fatigue, slow-twitch muscles get tired so the body recruits fast-twitch muscle fibers to help out.

The end result? You actually improve speed by running easy for a very long time!

It took me awhile to realize how running longer actually helped increase my pace for those 5ks races.

So obviously I am doing Long runs because I have to be in shape to finish a 26.2 race.

But even when I have had no big races on my schedules (such as in the winter), I still did my Long runs (for the reasons mentioned above.)

Happy Running! What do you think about beginning with the letter “L”? Do you do Long runs religiously? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

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2023 Run 4 The River Half Marathon Race Recap

Schenectady Half Marathon, Nark Running & Strength, Albany Running Coach, Frog Alley Brewing, Albany Running Exchange — Nark Running & Strength

In 2021 when most of the local races either cancelled or went virtual, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races.

In March, I ran their 5 mile race and then in May a point-to-point 10 miler.  The courses were along the Mohawk River and the bike path, mostly flat or downhill and in Schenectady, NY. (Both these races are now part of their regular schedule.)

In September of 2021 and again in 2022, another organization (NARK) offered a half marathon (Run 4 The River) on a similar course.  Of course, I signed up (and convinced some friends to join me.)

And I signed up for the 3rd annual Run 4 The River Half Marathon for several reasons:

  • It was local and I could sleep in my own bed the night before.
  • It was local so I would know a lot of the runners.
  • I was familiar with most of the course as it was similar to the 10 miler that I ran in May and I had already run this half marathon twice.
  • I convinced some friends to run it too.
  • It was advertised as having a Net Downhill Course and FREE BEER, Food, and LIVE MUSIC
  • I could run it as a training run for my November MARATHON.

Honestly, this year, I mainly decided to run this race because my NYC Marathon plan called for 13 mile this weekend.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a half marathon training plan. But I was in the midst of training for my  marathon and so I ran at least three times (3-6 m) during the work week.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have company of several running friends.  Due to the extreme humidity this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk intervals.  It really helped me get through the long runs done.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since it was a point-to-point race, the logistics were 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).

We had several plans and they kept changing but we finally figured out the best option.

I’ve always carb loaded on pizza the night before all my runs and races.  For some reason, after a long day on my feet, I decided to vary and ate pumpkin ravioli and then a PINT of rum raisin ice cream (YES, a pint!!) Not sure what I was thinking (It was a mistake…)

Then I debated about what to wear the next day.

my usual outfit of a skirt, tank, cap, compression calf sleeves…

It was supposed to be little cooler and less humid than my previous long runs. But still warm and in the 80s by afternoon. (Wish they had an earlier start time!!!!)

My running friend Deb was nice enough to pick up my bib so that was one less thing to worry about in the morning.

Race Day:

As it did the previous two years, the race started at 8:00 am at Mabee Farms in Rotterdam. The race again ended at Frog Alley Brewing near Schenectady Community College (SCCC). The first year,  it ended right at the college.

So I got up around 5:30 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 6:30 to meet Barbara & Deb. Then Deb drove us to the start.

Some other friends had left their cars at the finish so I knew that we could get a ride back.

When we arrived at Mabee Farms, there was plenty of parking in a grassy lot.

Then we met up with our other running friends. Those that did not run the race were volunteering at packet pick up.

We were early so I had time to chat with other runners and use the restrooms.

the fog did burn off by the end the race

We also knew that in addition to porta-potties, there were REAL restrooms (always a great perk.)

Finally, it was time to head to the start.

First I checked a bag with a dry shirt and my Oofos for after the race and then I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle (since it was already hours since my breakfast).

The race started promptly at 8:00 am. There were no waves or corrals… They did ask the faster runners to line up first.

20210707_111324.jpg

 elevation on the website

according to my Garmin…

The NYC Marathon is my focus this fall so my goal for this race and my next race is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

All my long runs have been done slowly and with short intervals. I found out during my last race (which was a 5k) that it didn’t exactly make me slower (or maybe it did?) but I found it hard to run for more than a minute or two without walking… I used to be able to run 1-2 miles straight (not that it matters…)

Miles 1-3:

As I already mentioned, 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.

There was an un-official water stop around mile 1 but I did skip it. That was the only one I skipped.

it looks sunny because I’ve re-used some pics from previous years – it was very FOGGY for the first half of the race…

In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

The scenery was pretty. The Mohawk River changed to being on the left eventually. Unfortunately it was misty/foggy…

The first official water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was my first walk break.  Yes, running 3 miles without a walk… Amazing (but dumb on my part)! I also took advantage of the walk to eat a Gu.

I chatted with several runners that I knew during the beginning miles… but they each eventually ran ahead.

I was trying to keep a slow pace… but if you look at my splits, it obviously was not slow enough.

how the Mohawk R really looked most of the race…

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. But I was feeling pretty strong. Until I wasn’t. My stomach ached the WHOLE race and I felt nauseous. But I really don’t think it affected my running. When I ate each of my Gus, I felt worse but I knew that I needed to fuel.

photo of the faster runners… you can see how foggy it was

I walked again at the second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path. And I continued to add walk breaks whenever there was a slight hill/incline.

Around this point, the crowd thinned out and I was running mostly alone and my lower back started to ache…

My feet felt ok… a miracle (or maybe my Topos Cyclone 2s).

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising but not too bad. I was glad to have worn a tank and skirt.

I realized too late that I was NOT strong enough to run without walk intervals and so the second half the race, I ran/walked… not timed but just whenever I felt like it… and I felt like it a lot!!

Plus, now both my right feet started to ache.  It’s my good foot!! Bunion? Stress fracture? As these thoughts ran through my head, I ran slower and walked more.

There was another water stop was a little before mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again and then ate another Gu. This time longer.

It seemed that every time I walked, someone asked me if I was ok.  There were no other runners around me that were walking… They were running at a consistent pace… I wish I could do that.

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. Though the course was advertised as flat and downhill, there were hills (not big ones) throughout. (Aren’t there always?)

Miles 11-13.1

The final water stop was a little before Mile 11 at MH Bike Path lot. I stopped again but ate my last Gu. I passed a young guy on the ground who was being attended to by an EMT… An ambulance was nearby.  Scary!!

The race finish was the same as last year. We headed into the city of Schenectady.

my speedy friend Kevin

I tried to pick up the pace and sprint through the finish line… My friends who didn’t run the race were there cheering.  It was sooo nice to see familiar faces.

great form?! looking to the finish line around the corner…

At least, this year, I knew that you had to turn right to get to the finish line…

I was out of gas but at least it was downhill!!

Boy was I glad to be done!! I grabbed my bag and a several minutes after me, Barbara finished.  We had to go into the restaurant to get out medals and find out if we won an award.

And in the 70-99 age group, I came in 3rd!

in the previous age group I would have been 8th

it’s a coaster..

Post Race Activities:

I joined my non-racing friends near the finish line to cheer in the others who had not finished yet.  Everyone was happy with their race results.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. at the restaurant where the race finished (the sponsor for the race)

It was crowded but fortunately we got a table outside near the band. Rather than a boxed lunch (as the first year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food below from a buffet or a whole pizza:

We stayed for several hours listening to the band and chatting…about running, of course.

The band was excellent

Additional Race Reflections:

Of course, I am glad that I ran the race.  Much more fun than a boring 13 miler on the bike path…

I was not disappointed in my finish time but how I ran the race.  I guess I need to accept that my endurance is not what it used to be. Maybe walk intervals are the answer.

Positives:

  • Ample parking at the start and finish.
  • Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
  • Bag check
  • Well marked course.
  • Varied scenery including river views
  • Shuttle to the start (if needed).
  • Flatish course.
  • Well organized.
  • A lot of pre-race information.
  • Free Post-race food.
  • Cool medal.
  • Free Beer

Negatives:

  • 10 year age group awards.
  • No photos of everyone.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I liked the course. It was well-organized. The after-race party was so much fun.

Final Stats:

walking… a lot!!

Walking definitely slowed down my pace the second half of the race. But my finish time was what I expected.

I finished this race in 2:20:57 in 2021 and last year in 2:20:53.  My finish time at my last half marathon in May was 2:21:41. 

Next Up:

Another Half Marathon in 3 weeks!!

Finger Lakes Half Marathon logo on RaceRaves

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

Happy Running! Run any big races lately?  Are you planning any this Fall? Do you run the same race more than once? Ever use a race as a training run? Please share.

runner-sig

 

by

TT: Marathon #2

Today is a Free Topic.

When you are training for a marathon, is there anything else to talk about?

When I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, it was my first marathon.

I said I was ONE and DONE!!

And I meant it (at the time…)

I mean (besides the training miles and the last 6 miles of the race), I really enjoyed the experience.  And it was practically perfect.

  • I loosely followed a training plan but got those long runs done.
  • I got support on those runs from my running friends.
  • Due to my job, I had free hotel rooms for race weekend.
  • I shared the NYC marathon experience with friends (Lacey, my roommate and Cari, fellow blogger.)
  • My tennis friends came down and cheered me on (at mile 18).
  • The weather was PERFECT!!
  • I met my finish time goal (in daylight and under 5:30).
  • I felt fine after the race (zero pain.)

I explained my reasons for repeating this experience in these two posts: https://wp.me/pel7R-i3n and https://wp.me/pel7R-i3Y

Now that I’m halfway through my training, I can reflect on the differences and challenges between my first and second attempt at the marathon distance.

  • I am four years older.

Yes, age does matter.

  • I haven’t completed as many long races as I used to due to breaking my foot in February.

I’m recovered but will have completed only 3 half marathons this year (as opposed to 9 last year.)

  • Most of my local running friends are not running this race until 2024.

Hopefully, I will not be in NYC solo running this race.

  • My poor feet!! Since then, I’ve had painful bunion, neuroma and hammertoe issues.

It’s all not doom and gloom.

  • I qualified already for 2024.

I can do it again and make amends. lol

  • I am much more relaxed regarding the logistics of the race.

IOW, been there, done that.

  • I am mostly working from home so am better able to fit in my weekday runs.

I had been traveling during the crucial training weeks last time.

  • I have been doing strength training several times a week.

Thanks to my gym membership.

  • So far,  I am following the Higdon Novice 1 Plan.

so far… not sure if I will be able to continue those mid-week long runs…

  • I am more confident in my ability to finish 26.2 miles.

thumbs up!

Happy Running! Have you run more than one marathon? If so, was there anything you did differently? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

by

TT: 2023 Favorites

Today’s topic is: Share your favorite running item(s) you’ve tried this year

I’m mostly same old, same old. I rarely try new things.

  • I always eat GU while I run.
  • I always eat oatmeal before any run or race.
  • I always wear Skirt Sports skirts when I run.
  • I always wear Topos running shoes.
  • I always wear SpiBelt to carry my phone and to attach my bib for races.

So what’s new this year?

  • Brooks tanks tops–

I usually run in Skirt Sports tanks (Eclipse is my favorite).  However, these tops are loose and comfortable but mostly I love the sayings on them.

  • Topos Cyclone 2 Shoes

Normally for longer runs and races, I wear Topos Phantoms. But these are lighter and looser in the toe box. Too bad they only come in ONE color.

  • Skirt Sports Triumph skirt

My favorite is the Cascade but they have been discontinued so I usually run in Gym Girl Ultras. I tried this one and like the fit and grippers on the shorts.  If they ever go on sale, I may buy another (IWO, I have enough skirts…)

And in non-running items for 2023?

  • Starbucks Chocolate Cream Cold Brew –

I’m a Starbucks fan. I don’t buy their drinks frequently because they are expensive but when I do, it used to be Caramel Macchiato in the winter and Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso in the summer but recently I discovered this drink and there’s no going back! lol

  • Samuel Smith’s Chocolate Stout –

I do enjoy a glass of red wine when I go out to dinner or in the evening at home. I don’t really like beer, at all. Who knew I would enjoy a glass of Stout…?

Originally I bought it at Trader Joe’s but they only sell it in the winter. Since then I’ve discovered several different brands.

Happy Running! What are your favorite running or non-running items this year? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

by

TT: Favorite IG Pics of 2023

Today’s topic is Favorite Instagram Photos.

I post many photos and there was no way I could pick my favorites so I just posted a few below from 2023:

Happy Running! What are you favorite Instagram pictures? Please share.

runner-sig

There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris

by

2023 Silks and Satins 5k Race Recap

silks and satins logo

       ******July 15, 2023 8:00 am********

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 over 60 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 and 2019,  (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this races for 3 years.

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

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… except it is not certified 

Race Day:

The race started at 8 am.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there would already be a lot of traffic at that hour.

My running friends Deirdre and Kevin were running the race too so we planned to meet at Leah’s so we could have brunch there after the race (and maybe meet up with other friends.)

I got up at 5:15 am (after a sleepless night thanks to my cat….) and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

Kevin drove us and we left at 6:40 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up our bibs.

view on the way to park

We got the last spot in a nearby lot, picked up our bibs/shirts and then left the shirts in the car.

we parked not far from the finish

There were about 500 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces.  This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

my local running friends

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and VERY humid, I just hung around and chatted with other runners that I recognized.

 

one of my former students (who is very speedy)

obviously we like the same Skirt Sports pattern…

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…

Mile 1:

I always feel like I start out fast but it still seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead.

But my biggest problem again was the humidity (and yes, I know that it’s like this in most places and worse in Florida)..

At least it was mostly cloudy because there was very little if any shade on the course.

Mile 2:

By the second mile, I was really wanting to walk… I was hoping to wait until the water stop which was about half way.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from 2109’s Saratogian

Now that they changed the course by having an out and back on one street, I was able to cheer on Kevin (who was way ahead) and then Deirdre who was behind me.

I did appreciate those folks who put sprinklers out… I ran through each one!

I made it to the water stop and walked (for probably too long)… but I felt a lot better after.

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was really fading but I continued to make sure to hit the tangents (there were 15 of them!!)

Finally we turned the last corner…

I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. I had hoped to finish under 28 minutes… but nope..

I crossed at 28: XX.

Post Race Activities:

I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.

I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race). There were only donuts and cookies. I nibbled at a donut but threw most of it away.

They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 2nd in my age group.

Kevin had already finished but went out to run more miles… Soon Deirdre finished.

We waited for the awards ceremony.  I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award (even if you didn’t run well.)

Holly (middle) also got an award (in my former age group.)

Then we left to return to Leah’s for brunch (now I was starved) and met up with a friend who had walked there.

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive. And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my marathon training.

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 wasn’t a 5K PR or course PR, it actually was a faster finish than 2019! That makes me happy.

Positives:

  • Well organized race
  • Well marked course with many course marshals
  • Flat course
  • Lots of familiar faces.
  • Immediate results
  • 5 year age groups for awards

Negatives:

  • No longer get free tickets to the race track
  • Not sure it raised money for a charity (used to be for Special Olympics)
  • Last minute course change and so it was not certified
  • 15 turns!!
  • Hot and Humid!
  • Only cookies and donuts post race (no bagels or fruit)
  • Unisex shirts

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.)

Final Stats:

no surprise that there were positive splits…

gee, I only remember walking once?

Next Up:

Maybe another 5k or two.

Then:

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? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

There is now a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.

I’m also linking up here:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris