July 4, 2023 9:00 am

Many of my weekend running friends used to run this race every year.

if you read my weekly run downs, you may recognize a few of these runners

I had never joined them because it was always hot, the race is crowded and I’d prefer to head up to the lake early.

Then in 2021,  I decided to do the race for the first time. And I loved it

So I signed up last year and more of my running friends joined me

I was hoping that they would sign up this year but if not, I knew there would be many others there whom I knew.

Then I had to break it to my hubby as it would interfere with any lake plans.

pic from 2018

But rain was forecast, so he went to play tennis. We had planned to go on the boat after my hike the next day so he was cool with me racing.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since the race was on a Tuesday, I was still able to get my long run done on Saturday but had to skip my Monday run.

To save time on race day, I picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet on Saturday after our run an then came home to plan my patriotic outfit.

I worked on Monday but my running friend organized a full moon kayaking party on the lake where she lives.

It rained so no kayaking and it was overcast so no full moon…

Yes, a late night but this race was just a fun one so I wasn’t worried…

The weather for race day, unfortunately, was hot, humid with possible thunderstorms.  I added a rain jacket, poncho and umbrella to my race gear.

As I’ve said in most of race recaps, my goal in racing these days is to do my best but more importantly, have fun and not get injured. However, racing in cool dry weather, I think would be more fun. LOL.

Race Day:

I ate my usual oatmeal and coffee breakfast and checked the weather – yup, warm, humid and already drizzling.

Last year, I carpooled with Heidi and she knew exactly where to park.  I was thrilled when she again offered to meet me and Debbie. We met at Leah’s Cakery at 8am (which was only a few miles from the race.) Stand and Sherry planned to meet us at the race.

It was raining the whole drive up but stopped as soon as we arrived.

We easily found parking on the street and walked toward the start…

We passed the finish line and made plans to meet there after the race.

Then of course, we took our obligatory pre-race photos.

And then we mozied on down to the start area. It was cool to see how creatively everyone was dressed for this July 4th holiday race.

I was happy to see so many people racing… many more than last year (although I think they still offered a virtual option.)

No more staggered starts. Everyone just lined up together. There was so much excitement in the air. Live racing rocks!!

Heidi, Deb and Sherry and Denise headed toward the back.

I stayed toward the front and chatted with some runners whom  I knew.

Though I had run this race the year before, the only thing I remembered was that there was a BIG hill during mile 4.

course map

elevation according to my Garmin

Mile 1:

As I mentioned, this was a crowded race. The bottleneck at the beginning slowed me down which was probably a good thing as I always start out too fast.

We began running down Broadway which was a slight downhill but eventually we did hit a hill before we turned left and ran past Congress Park. I already felt the need to walk… I started thinking that this wasn’t going to be a good race…

And it seemed like everyone was passing me by but when I glanced at my watch, it showed that my pace was 9:XX minutes!! WTH?

Mile 2:

I was surrounded by runners the whole race. Several times I bumped into runners or they bumped into me.  Then again, it was a big local race with over 2000 finishers.

As we ran through neighborhoods, spectators enthusiastically cheered us on. There were musicians or bands throughout.

The best part was that there were many folks spraying the runners with water as well as sprinklers set up.  I made sure that I ran through each one.  It was very humid and very uncomfortable…

There was a water stop during this mile.  I did stop and walked for a bit to catch my breath.

I did feel a little stronger during this mile (but that was short-lived.)

The humidity was sucking the life out of me.

Mile 3:

We ran into a few rolling hills during this mile but none too bad. As I mentioned above, there were many different groups playing music. That was a nice distraction.

Saratoga is such a pretty town. I enjoyed running through its streets.

But I started tiring and decided to just walk if I needed to.

I was surprised that there was a second water stop since the race was only 4 miles. I did appreciate it and I stopped again.

In addition to the official water stops, there seemed to be many spectators giving out bottles of water.  I did not stop at any of those since I didn’t want to carry a bottle of water or waste it.

Mile 4:

I think there was one more water stop… I was getting dizzy so I don’t really remember.

I was expecting the steep hill in the last mile. And it did not disappoint. I was wishfully thinking that I could run up the whole thing and finish strong (for once.)

Nope! I had to walk many many times.

I bumped into a friend and she was walking as often as I was.  We tried to motivate each other to get it done.

Again this year, they gave out ice pops. I took one and tried to eat it as I continued to run/walk up the hill very slowly. Eventually I threw it away since it was getting me nauseous.

Finally I spotted that big American flag which meant we were approaching the finish line.

I sprinted as fast as I could at this point. I saw 38:xx on the clock as I crossed the finish line and was pleasantly surprised that I beat 39 minutes (barely). I knew I was running slower and walked a lot more than the previous year but I expected worse.

Post Race:

I immediately went to grab a bottle of water and a banana and chatted with those I knew that had already finished.

Stan finished around my time and Sherry finished soon after.

Eventually we spotted Heid and Deb and they did great.

sorry Deb on this photo fail…

I checked the website to see if I won an age group award. Last year, I came in 2nd.  This year, in my new age group, I came in 5th (no surprise since I had slowed down…)

out of 25

Like last year, we decided to stay in Saratoga to have brunch.  First we walked back to our cars to change into dry shirts. We had hoped that at this point, all the runners would have left and the restaurants wouldn’t be so crowded.

Several were closed and one was full. I put our name on a waiting list but then we found a table in another restaurant farther down the street.

After a delicious breakfast highlighted by mimosas, we all felt a lot better.

We walked back to our cars and also decided that we needed to reward ourselves further with ice cream (now 85 degrees, humid and sunny!!)

Additional Race Reflections:

I felt that I could have done better if I didn’t walk as much (but I always say that AFTER the race.)

Of course, I think the weather had a lot to do with my pace.  I suck at running in humidity.

But probably the most important factors why I enjoy running the race are connecting with friends, challenging myself and the feeling of normalcy on this national holiday!

Win. Win. Win.

Positives:

• Ample parking (parking garage and street parking)
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course.
• Friendly volunteers.
• Music entertainment along the course.
• Enthusiastic spectators (sprinklers and ice pops)
• Easy and organized packet pick-up on Saturday, Sunday. and race day.
• Real restrooms before and after and ample number of port-potties
• Two or three water stops for a 4 mile race.
• Additional unofficial water tables.
• Awards (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
• Photo Booth
• good air quality

Negatives:

• Steep hill at mile 4
• Weather (hot, humid)
• $$ for photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I enjoyed it.  I hope that I can make it work and run it again next year.

Final Stats:

2021’s race was a big PR for me – 36:26.

Today was not my day.

As you can see below, I’m still the Queen of the Positive Splits.

Next Up:

Another July 5k and possibly a 5k in August before the half marathons and full marathon arrives in the Fall.

July 15, 2023

Happy Running! Did you race on July 4th?  Any summer races on your schedule? Please share.

(Today’s topic is the same as I posted on 6/23. So if you read it already, sorry for the re-posting…)

Here’s what happened the first 6 months of 2023:

One Broken Bone

5th metatarsal of the left foot and it healed in 4-5 weeks

Two Florida vacations

East coast in February and the west coast in May

Three Months of Gym Membership

free due to my participation in the Freihofer Training Challenge

Four In Person Races

Brooklyn Half Marathon, Miles on the Mohawk (10M), Freihofer Run for Women (5k), Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run Race (5k)

Five Days of Tennis (in Florida)

I used to play several times a week but now it’s only during my Florida May vacation

Six + Hikes

Several Monday hikes in MA with friends and other solo hikes on Sundays

Seven Months Pregnant for my DIL

Hopefully I will have a granddaughter in early September

Eight Movies/Shows

Broadway is my favorite activity when I am in NYC

Nine Visits to NYC

Mostly for work but there were few times there for races and friend meet-ups

Ten + (Non-Running) Books Read

I love to read and do it every night but often do not keep track of the books I read 😦

1. Stone cold fox / Rachel Koller Croft
2. Sam : a novel / Allegra Goodman
3. Becoming Duchess Goldblatt / Anonymous.
4. Horse / Geraldine Brooks.
5. Trust / Hernan Diaz
6. This time tomorrow / Emma Straub
7. The housekeeper : a novel / Joy Fielding
8. Dreamland : a novel / Nicholas Sparks
9. Our missing hearts : a novel / Celeste Ng
10. The love story of Missy Carmichael / Beth Morrey

Eleven New Running-Related Items

Yes, I may be a run shoes-a-holic but I’ve cut down on buying running apparel…

• Shoes -4
• Skirts – 2
• Tops – 2
• Sunglasses – 3
• Socks – 0

Twelve More Races Planned

1. 06-24-23 – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lakes
2. 07-04-23 – Firecracker 4
3. 07-15-23 – Silks & Satins 5k
4. 08-14-23 – Run for the Roses 5k
5. 09-02-23 – Run 4 the River Half Marathon
6. 09-09-23 – Malta 5k
7. 09-23-23 – Finger Lakes Half Marathon
8. 09-30-23 – Great Pumpkin Challenge 5k or Barn to Bridge Fall Fest 5k
9. 11-05-23 –NYC Marathon
10. 11-12-23 – Stockade-athon 15K
11. 11-19-23 – Upstate Classic Half Marathon
12. 11-23-23 – Troy Turkey Trot 10k

Happy Running! How has the first half of 2023 gone for you?  Please share.

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:  Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

Many of the races that I plan on running this summer are ones that I have run in past years and all are local.

Of course, if I didn’t have to start training for the NYC Marathon on July 3, there would be many more races!!

• 06-17-23 – Valley Cats Father’s Day Home Run 5K (2022 recap)

• 06-24-23 – Adirondack 7M Race to the Lakes (2022 recap)

• 07-04-23 – Firecracker 4 (2022 recap)

• 07-15-23 – Silks & Satins 5k (2019 recap)

•  07-19-23 – Al Goldstein Speed Series 5K   (2022 recap) MAYBE since I’ll be working in NYC then…

• 08-14-23 – Run for the Roses 5k (2022 recap)

• 09-02-23 – Run 4 the River Half Marathon (2022 recap)

• 09-09-23 – Malta 5k or 10k (2022 recap)

Big Goal:

• Finger Lakes Half Marathon in September!
• NYC Marathon in November!

Happy Running! What races do you have on your summer schedule? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

Join the link party!

Hey, runners! Tomorrow is a holiday just for us!

I found an old post for this topic that I wrote 7 years ago so I’m bringing it back.

Below are the same questions but I’m updating my answers (when necessary):

Why do I run ?

I started running because 2 tennis friends talked me into it.  But I continue to run because I enjoy it.  It makes me feel younger, stronger and empowered. And I’ve made some great friends (both in-person and virtual) because of it.

How do I plan to celebrate National Global Running Day?

Running, of course.

I have a busy work day so it may not be until after work.

How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

About 325 miles which is way off my original goal of 1000 miles for the year.

But after being sidelined with a broken foot for 5 weeks, I revised my goal to 800 miles and I’m on target for that.

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

I had four half marathons scheduled of which I only ran one.

Brooklyn Half on 5-20-23

I will probably run a few more half marathons.

I’m most excited about this race-cation with my running friends.

And of course, Marathon #2 in November.

Before I leave for a run, I must have…

My iphone.  I like to take photos with it on ALL my runs. Sometimes I even listen to music or a podcast on it. Of course, I also have it in case of an emergency.

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

I record all my runs on this blog and track only my races in Garmin Connect and Strava.

Who is your favorite running partner?

I often have to run alone during the work week but for longer runs, I am lucky to have the company of running friends such as Stan, Sherry and Barbara.

I am part a group of runners called “Sole Sisters” so there is always someone I can count on for company on the run (no matter the distance or pace.)

What races have you run so far this year?  

A few fun informal winter races in January.

And only three serious races since then: Brooklyn Half Marathon, Miles on the Mohawk (10M) and Freihofer Run for Women (5k)

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

Do it! You don’t have to be young or thin or fast.  Join a group and start to run and then sign up for a race.  You won’t regret it!!!

Describe your relationship with running in one word:

Empowerment.

From running 3.1 miles (at age 56) to 26.2 miles (at age 66)!!  (More things changed besides the clothes. LOL)

at age 70

Happy Running! How will you celebrate Global Running Day this year?  Please answer any of  the questions above in a comment.

My last race was a 15k at the beginning of December.  My last Half Marathon was at the end of November.

To many of you that doesn’t seem like a long layoff.

I used to run over 30 races a year and one half marathon almost every month…

So yes, I feel VERY RUSTY (and nervous.)

Here’s my advice and I hope to have followed it…

• Adjust Your Mindset

For me and many other runners, it’s not that I am not physically ready. It’s my mind that is not ready.

If I go into the race with a negative mindset, I am setting myself up for failure before I even start the race.

By a negative mindset, I mean that I think I will be slower than I hope or that the race will feel harder that I’d like.

So I need focus on the positives:

• • I get to race.
  • I am prepared for whatever the race throws at me. 
  • Racing is a gift.
  • Racing is an experience to enjoy. 
  • A bad race is only a single day in my fitness journey.
  • I can learn and grow from any sub-optimal performance. 

• Set Non-Finish Time Goals

Obviously, it depends on how long your layoff was and if it was related to illness, injury and other challenges in your life.

No matter what the reason for your time off from racing, your finish time will most likely be slower than your times before the layoff.

And the last thing you want is to be let down in your first race back.

Plus, focusing too much on a finish time could actually hinder your race performance.

Non-finish time goals could be:

• • Not starting too fast and running negative splits.
  • Thanking volunteers and waving at spectators.
  • Experiencing zero DOMS the next day.
  • Crossing the finish line with a smile.
  • Running with a friend so they can run their best race.
  • Sticking with run/walk intervals the whole race.
  • No walk breaks.
  • Successful use with a new fuel plan or new shoes/clothes.

• Embrace the Experience

No matter the reason for your time off, the first race back should be a joyful occasion.

Before the race, think about what you missed most from racing:

• • the spectators,
  • the start line excitement,
  • seeing new scenery,
  • crossing the finish line.
  • the bling,
  • meeting other runners,
  • sharing the experience on social media,
  • post-race refreshments,
  • the challenge

 Focus on these things during the race when things get hard, especially those final miles..

Go into your first race after a layoff with an open mind and eager heart.

And don’t forget – Racing is a Gift!

Happy Running!  Have you ever experienced a layoff from racing?  Any advice to share regarding your return to racing? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by 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.

I borrowed this idea from Judy and Donna when they turned 60 and 50, respectively.

I have already posted about ages 60-64. (You can read it here.)

Now I’ll talk about the last 5 years of this decade:

Age 65 (May 2018)

• In May, I ran one of my bucket list races – Brooklyn Half Marathon. It rained but it was important because my finish time from this race qualified me for another bucket list race – NYC Half Marathon (and also NYC Marathon but I didn’t realize it at the time).

hoping the rain would stop… it never did!

• In June, one of my favorite races got replaced (after 40 years) with a new 15k.

lake finish, ice cream, age group award!!

• In September, we took our 2nd Sole Sisters race-cation.

I did the 5k and the half.

• I also ran a 5k PR at a race on Governor’s Island.

hanging with Cari post race

• In October, I finally ran a race in Paris (my favorite city in the world!!)

a dream come true!

• I also ran a 10k in Central Park, NYC.

I had no idea that I would actually get into this race…

• In November, I ran the hilliest half ever with Alyssa.

• In February, I ran a rainy half marathon in Florida and injured my calf afterward.

• In March, I ran the NYC Half Marathon (and hooray, I was pain-free).

• In April, I ran the first annual local (downhill) half marathon. And my finish time qualified me to run the 2020 NYC half and full marathons. (Neither one happened due to COVID).

• Also in April, the Sole Sisters took over NYC.  And we ran a fun 15k in Brooklyn.

Age 66 (May 2019)

• In May, I ran a fun new half marathon near an upstate lake.

won my first (and only) trophy

• In July, I started training for the NYC Marathon. Lots of miles mixed in with lots of work travel.

• In September, I visited a college friend in RI and completed a (training) half marathon while there.

so fun meeting Michelle and Kim G. at the race

• In October, I ran a local half marathon as part of my 20 mile training run.

Did it!! Now taper!

• In November, I completed my FIRST (and only) MARATHON – NYCM. It was an amazing experience.  And I’m so happy that I took the plunge.

celebrating after with blogger Lacey.

• In January I ran a frigid (and painful) half marathon in Central Park. I also met up with Cari and Deborah the day before the race.

I may have been smiling but my foot HURT!!

• In February, I ran my first ZOOMA race. It was so fun and what made it even more special was that racing ended for a long time after that race (due to COVID).

Bloggers can jump!

• March-April – Race after race was cancelled. Some races were completed virtually.

NYC Virtual Half Marathon

Age 67 (May 2020)

• May- September- Races still cancelled.
• In October, my running friends and I had already rented a house in NH and even though our half marathon was cancelled, we decided to go anyway and run it virtually.

matchy matchy in our post race shirts

• Finally, in November, with many Covid restrictions, a local half marathon was held.

so happy to race again!!

• I missed NYC so much that I decided to go there for the weekend in December and run a 5k.

• My first plane trip in a year was in February to visit friends in Florida and run a half marathon.

with all the precautions and a heat wave, I still enjoyed it

Age 68 – May 2021

• In July, I ran a fun July 4th race for the first time and it was a 4 mile PR!

• In August, there was a surprise meet-up with runners whom I ran a half with in Philly back in 2014.

• In October, my running friends and I decided on a re-do race-cation in NH.

wearing matching shirts has become a tradition and as is a jumping pic

• In December, I ran the Albany Last Run for the last time. They discontinued this 5k around the holiday lights in the park. 😦

• January – April. Obviously trying to make up for lost COVID racing time.

Three NYC races!! A Florida race and a Local Half (and too many others to mention.)

Fred Lebow Half (NYC)

post-race meet up with blogger, Jenny (in Fla.)

Central Park Half (NYC)

H2H Half

• In early May, I ran a 5k in a costume!

Age 69 – May 2022

• In June, I participated in my favorite local 5k for the 15th time.

• Slowing down didn’t prevent me from participating in several 5k races. I even won an age group award in each (which is easier when you are my age!!)

• In September, October, and November I ran a half marathon.

• In October, the half marathon was part of another fun race-cation with my running friends.  This time in Maine.

• You know I couldn’t resist a trip to NYC so I ran a RAINY 15k there in December and ran with Cari in Central Park in January.

• There was also a winter escape to Florida in February where I was supposed to run my first of FOUR scheduled half marathons.

Instead, I fell and broke my foot.

Running and racing came to an abrupt halt.

Not the best way to end this decade…

Age 70 – May 9, 2023

Who knows?

Hopefully a lot of races and runs and race-cations (and age group awards!!) … and most importantly good health and good friends!!

And NO MORE INJURIES!!

**Just re-read my post about Ages 60-64 and realized that I started and ended the decade with a broken 5th metatarsal of my left foot!!!! What are the odds?

Happy Running!  Do you have a milestone birthday coming up?  If so, what has been the “running” highlight of the last decade? Please share.

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by 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.

Back in January, I was confident that this was going to be a great running year. At least SIX half marathons were planned and maybe a full in addition to countless other shorter races.

Here were the 13 goals I set: (Did I jinx things by picking 13?)

1. Run at least 1000 miles
2. Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)
3. Run with others (as often as possible)
4. Run at least 25 races
5. Volunteer (at several races)
6. Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up
7. Try something new
8. Listen to more podcasts
9. Update my music playlist
10. No Injuries
11. No PWs
12. No DNS or DNF races
13. Blog 3x each week

They all seemed so achievable and realistic.

Well, there’s still 8 months left in the year but Goal#10 certainly has changed everything!!

1.   Run at least 1000 miles

Need a big adjustment.  Now barring any more time off from running, I’d like to run at least 800 miles.

2. Run at least 3x a week (with one being a Long Run)

Before Feb 14 and after March 20, this was and it will be again possible.

3. Run with others (as often as possible)

Same as #2.

4. Run at least 25 races

As with #1, this needs to be reduced. Maybe 12 races?

5. Volunteer (at several races)

Yes. One good thing about being injured and not racing is that you have time to volunteer.

6. Participate in at least one Blogger Meet-Up

Yes but the 2nd one did not go as planned.

7. Try something new

Still working on this one.

Does going to the gym count?

8. Listen to more podcasts

Yes. Also the result of not running and using the stationary bike.

9. Update my music playlist

Not yet.

10. No Injuries

A big NO – Broken foot on Feb. 14.

11. No PWs

TBD… once I start racing all the distances, they may happen. (but I no longer care…)

12. No DNS or DNF races

Another fail due to #10.

Ft. Lauderdale Half Marathon – DNS
Electric City 10K – DNS
NYC Half Marathon – DNS
Helderberg 2 Hudson Half Marathon – DNS

13.  Blog 3x each week

Yes. Hooray, this still happened.

Thanks for reading and commenting!!

New 2023 goal (Thanks, Maria):

Happy Running! How is 2023 going for you?  Did you set any goals? Please share.

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.