October 22, 2022 – 10:00 am – The Crossings

This was the 7th year for this 5K race which is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.summersmith5k.com/summer-s-story

I was in the middle of training for a November 15k race and a half marathon…

However, I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.

The first 4 years that I ran this race, it was held at the end of May and started at a local High School.

Due to COVID, the 2020 race was cancelled (but run virtually) and in 2021, the date was changed and the location was switched to The Crossings.  The Crossings is not my favorite place to race. I have run there so often but it is what it is.

2021

I guess they decided that this was a better date and location since this year’s race was held again in October and at The Crossings.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

It was a few weeks after a half marathon (Oct. 2) and a few weeks before another half marathon (Nov 20).

So I’ve done the short runs on weekdays. It was a little challenging this week since I was in NYC and then Rochester.  But I got it done.

And long runs on the weekend? 13.1, 8, 3.1 miles…

I carb load with pizza whether it is 13.1 miles or 3.1.  I also wear a similar outfit:

always a skirt and compression calf sleeves!!

Race Day:

The race, as previously mentioned, started at The Crossings where there are real bathrooms, easy parking, and ample room to hang out before and after the race.

I arrived early just to make sure I got parking. I had already picked up my race packet on Thursday after I returned from Rochester.

Honestly, I didn’t really want to run a race.  I know, that sounds strange coming from me.  But I was pooped having spent two days in NYC and two days in Rochester this past week.  (I don’t sleep well and even worse in hotels.)

I knew once I got there, my mood would change.

Several who were in Summer’s STEM group (that I had mentored) were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.

Unfortunately, for the first time, there were no STEM participants running this race as their first 5k.  That was disappointing. I hope the program resumes in the spring.

This race is always one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. (There was also packet pick up two days before at Fleet Feet which I had taken advantage of.)

There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies.

There were also many many raffle items and this year, I remembered to bring $$.

Before the race (at 9 am), there was a prayer, dedication ceremony and many speeches.

followed by a balloon release.

31 balloons were released for Summer (that was her age when she died).

Then purple balloons released for the others who also lost their lives due to drugs or alcohol.  Probably not a dry eye in the crowd.

The ceremony was followed by music and a kids race.

I waited around and chatted with many of the runners that I knew and two whom I haven’t seen since the last STEM race.

Kim (center) was a participant and Annette a mentor.

The race’s start was delayed until 10:15 so I had some coffee and something to eat (my breakfast was at 6 am)

I also talked to my former Freihofer & Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge coach (who was timing the race.)

As you can see, it was very cool (low 40s) before we started the race. I had on a jacket, two shirts, arm warmers and gloves.

Then the sun came out and I wisely took off my jacket, arm warmers, gloves and even my long sleeved shirt.  There was no bag check so I just hid them under a tree.

The course:

a 3.2 loop around the park

Elevation according to my Garmin:

looks hillier than it was… mostly flat with some rolling hills

I have run this 5k route for several races … and it’s never been one of my better 5ks. But you never know.

Mile 1:

I lined up pretty close to the front since there were many slower runners and walkers in this race. It was not chip-timed (from the start) either.

I just did the best I could.  Not PR fast but I wanted to finish with a respectable time.  With the chilly temps and no warm up, my legs felt like lead at the beginning.  There was a lot of support along the course.  Friends of the families who lost loved ones to drugs were holding signs in their memory.  I was glad that I was running to support this charity.

It felt really hard to breathe. I thought it was the cold air.  But probably when I look at my pace, as usual I started out too fast. The course was a loop and the trees were at peak color.  Running into the wind was a bit annoying.

Mile 2:

The rolling hills started during this mile.  I slowed down and I felt a lot better  The crowd also spread out and I was following a women in red most of this mile. She kinda acted as my beacon.

As per usual, I stopped to walk at the beginning of this mile.

This was a water stop so I stopped again and grabbed a cup.

The crowd support was great.  Every volunteer that I passed who carried a sign (for a loved one lost to drugs/alcohol), thanked me for running the race.

Mile 3-3.1:

Ok now I was getting tired.  I probably could have dragged myself through the last mile and not walk. But I always felt energized after a quick walk and I did.

But as I got closer to the finish line, I walked one more time.

Finally the finish line was in sight, I gave it all I had (which wasn’t much at this point).

I looked at the clock and it said 28:XX. Phew!

I was pleased. I knew all the walks would definitely prevent me from having a sub 28 finish. I never considered a PR.

Post Race:

I hung around for awhile, chatted and then looked at the results.

I was starved since I had eaten breakfast 5 hours ago so I had some chocolate milk, a brownie and pizza.

I did win my age group. I was surprised because it was 60-69 (and I am 69.)  And the lady in red who was ahead of me?  Apparently I passed her at the finish line and she was in my age group!  (And yes, she pointed that out to me!)

By the time, I got back to my car, changed my shoes, it was almost noon.  I really did not feel like running anymore… but I did drag myself around the park and a trail to add some more miles to my legs.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was happy to support this charity. Plus the race was so well-organized. There were over 200 participants. Many who have overcome drug or alcohol addiction.

I am so humbled by the STEM women and others who have overcome adversity. And I am glad to have been a part of their lives.

Tyler has WON this race 6 years in a row honoring his brother. 

Positives:

• • Ample parking.
  • Well marked course.
  • Varied park scenery.
  • Indoor restrooms
  • Flatish course.
  • Immediate results.
  • Chocolate milk.
  • Many familiar faces.
  • Crowd Support
  • Great Post-race Refreshments (pizza!)
  • Important cause.

Negatives:

• • Too familiar a course
  • Annoying uphills and WIND
  • No photos
  • Same medal as previous years (and no date on it)
  • No speedwork to prepare (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Great organization. Great cause!!!

It will in the spring again (I believe) and back on its original course.

Final Stats:

Splits:

4 walks in a 5k?? Geez…

Next Up:

a 15k  on November 13 and another half marathon on November 20.

SEPT. 24, 2022

A brand NEW race.  A downhill course.  A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up??

The only negative was that I should have been running a long taper run (since my half marathon was in ONE week.)

It would only be a fun run since I haven’t trained for speed.

At least, I did run two 5ks in May and June, one 5k in July, one in August and one 2 weeks ago.

But anything could happen… I mean it’s my FIRST downhill 5k!!

No pressure…

Here’s some stats on my 2022 5ks (pretty consistent but far from a PR.):

• 05-01-22 – Sasha’s Super Hero 5k* – 28:40
• 05-15-22 – Tropicool 5k – 29:07
• 06-04-22 – Freihofer Run for Women 5k – 28:24
• 06-18-22 – Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 28:43 (GT)
• 07-06-22 – Al Goldstein 5k (in Brooklyn) – 29:11
• 08-14-22 – Run for the Roses 5k – 29:20 (GT)
• 09-10-22 – Malta 5k – 28:46

PR = 27:04 – Back in 2018.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for a 5k… my usual 3 mile weekly runs plus a longer run on the weekend in preparation for my next half marathon.

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. Medals for Kid’s Run participants

the “Barn”

the rail trail

the “bridge” (not really but I love this one) .25 mi. past the finish line

Slingerlands parking lot and the race finish!

The weather forecast seemed to be perfect – a little chilly, a little windy wind but sunny.

the usual… it may be fall but I’m not giving up on the tank yet! (I’ll add my DIY arm sleeves if I have to)

I ate pizza for dinner as I do for any race (even though it was only 3 miles. lol)

Race Day:

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

But the race didn’t start until 11 am.  Quite an adjustment for my usual 6 am meal.

I was hungry again by the time I left for the race.

It was a point-to-point race. So I could have taken the easy way out and park at the start and then take a shuttle back to my car after the race.

But I decided to park in a lot 1.5 miles from the start and then after the race run 4 miles back to the start.  That way I could get my 8 miles in as my last long run before the half marathon.

wore a throw away shirt on my run to the start

Bib/shirt pick up was at the Barn (near the start.)  Since my car was more than a mile away, I had no place to store my shirt or throwaways and no place to wait and stay warm.

I got there pretty early.  But I immediately bumped into an old friend.

We used to play tennis together before I became a runner

Being an inaugural race, bib pick up was pretty unorganized.  I got my shirt and bib but those who didn’t get there as early had to wait in a very very long line.  They also allowed day of race registration even though it as supposed be capped and sold out.

Luckily my neighbor showed up and she put my shirt and throw away in her car.

Even though it was breezy and in the 50s, the sun made it feel warmer.  I was perfectly dressed with a tank and skirt.

Soon it was time to head to the start.

Since this race has never been held before, I had no idea what the course was except by the map (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.

So I stood just behind my faster friend Carolyn (though I knew she would quickly leave me in the dust.)

I’m back there somewhere

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.

It was quite breezy too. As soon as I started running, one side of my bib ripped off (see the pics below.) I was afraid that the other side would rip too and I would lose the bib.  So I spent most of the race running and holding the bib with one hand. lol.

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 get onto 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 wind.  You really didn’t feel it at all.

Mile 2: 

As always I was tempted to walk as soon as I saw the mile 2 sign… but I held off.  There were no water stops so I had to decide when to walk.

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

I walked around mile 1.5 and I think it helped me pick up the pace during this mile.

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

Since I ran the last 1.5 miles of this course before, I do have the photos below.

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 also crowd support at all the crossroads pictured above).  I could see the finish line ahead and so I sprinted across it.

not me!! (the winner) 15:xx

I forgot to look at my time but I did stop my Garmin.  In fact, I didn’t check my time until I got home that evening.

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

Post Race Activities:

Some my friends finished before me and some after.  But everyone was happy with how they did.

I ran into a former student…

Susan and Carolyn (my competition)

There were no age group awards and it was so nice not to talk about finish times! Everyone just ran for FUN!

the top 3 male and female finishers were recognized.

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

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out free COVID tests and many other freebies.)

There was music, games, and food trucks.

When you crossed the finish line, you got a ticket for food from one of the food trucks. There were also FREE drinks (including chocolate milk!!)

I decided on pizza… it was quite a wait (since they made it there)

and I didn’t realize that you got a whole 6 slice pie.

Well, remember I planned to run 4 miles back to my car so today would count as a long run?

Plan B:

I decided to take the shuttle back to the start and walk (carrying the pizza) to my car.

Then I had to rush home to go to my MIL’s 97th birthday dinner party!

my SIL and the men in her life…

Luckily the weather held out and I was able to get some miles done the next day.

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.

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 speedy time (faster than my previous 5ks this year.)

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

Negatives:

• I could run here for FREE!
• No parking at the finish (but some nearby)
• Late start (11 am)
• No age group awards
• No bib pick-up before race day (leaving a bottle neck on race day)
• Long wait for food (needed more food trucks)
• No photos

Would I recommend this race?

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

Final Stats:

I was pleasantly surprised

OCT. 2, 2022

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.

September 10, 2022

This race used to be one of my favorites. Not because the director, Paul Loomis, reads my blog or that my stepson works at Global Foundries, one of the sponsors of the race. But because of the easy parking, indoor restrooms, post race chocolate milk, generous age group awards, lots of familiar faces to run with and its flawless organization.  For these reasons and more, I kept coming back.

This was my 7th time running the 5k. So you can say that I was familiar with this course. I skipped 2017-2020 but I did run it last year. And now they also added a 10k.

according to my Garmin

The course itself is not very exciting…you are running around chip plants but twice during the race, the loops let you see the fast runners and all those runners that are behind you. And though there are a few uphills and downhills, it’s basically flat so no complaints.

For my first two years of running this race, I was recovering from injuries (a broken ankle and then a broken foot.) I finished in 29:53 and 29:49 and was thrilled with a sub-30 minute time.  In 2014 and 2015, I was healthy and so I improved my time to 28:47 and 28:56. Finally I got a course PR in 2016 and finished in 27:30. As I mentioned, I took a break and then last year when I ran it, I finished in 28:15.

However, my hope for the race this year was to finish uninjured and have enough in the tank to run more miles after the race. (My next half marathon is 3 weeks away!!!)

Based on my recent 5k efforts, I had no PR dreams as old age has set in. LOL. But if the other old ladies didn’t show up, I could maybe win an AG award.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Surprisingly I had time to run 3 times during week in spite of the rain and a flu shot.

My legs felt pretty good even though it was only a week after running 13.1 miles.

Packet pick-up was on Thursday and Friday at the local Fleet feet store but it wasn’t worth the long drive so I decided to arrive early and pick it up on race day.

Race Day:

The forecast was for cooler weather and sunshine. Perfect running weather for the second weekend in a row. Hope this is a trend.

my usual race day outfit

I got there early to get parking and did get a spot in the parking lot right near the exit.  I’m glad I got there when I did because the lots really filled up quickly. There seemed to be more runners this year.

As I’ve mentioned, it is very well-organized – signs for the race, indoor and outdoor bathrooms

Race day packet pick-up was between 7-8 am. You received a bag with shirt (if you paid an extra $10),and a bag of Death Wish coffee. I opted not to buy a shirt.

PPU was normally set up inside but it was outside again this year (still seeing some COVID adjustments)..

always fun to bump into a friend and fellow Skirt Sports ambassador

The 5k race started at 8:30 am (15 minutes after the 10k.) So I walked around to shake out the legs.

There was food, drinks and freebies set up. I grabbed a bag and filled it with some useful stuff.

This was a welcome sight:

and this:

Starbucks!!!!

I had so much extra time before the 5k started that I ran around to squeeze in a mile before the race.

There was also a table with representatives from Saucony. You could try a pair of their newest running shoes.  I sure was tempted and many runners did.  But I don’t think they have a wide enough toe box so I guess I’m stuck with Topos, for now.

Finally I headed to the start line.

I remembered that although it was chip-timed, awards were given according to gun time.  So I moved up but of course, not too close to the starting line. I chatted with a woman who complained that she was getting so slow (She is not and she won my age group. LOL). We also talked about last weekend’s half marathon (which she DNS’d).

Mile 1:

As usual, I tried to start out slow but didn’t.  It again was my fastest mile and the only one where I didn’t have to walk during.

I was able to run until the mile 1 sign and then I walked.

Mile 2:

The course goes straight for about 1.5 miles and then loops back.  There was a water stop during this mile that you passed twice.

Halfway through this mile we turned right and ran uphill. Not a steep hill but they always feel hard to me. I tried not to walk until the mile 2 sign but I’m pretty sure that I had to stop and walk a few times.

This part of the course is nice because you get to see the faster runners and then you loop back and see the slower runners.

this pic was from last year

It was downhill for a bit until we turned.

Mile 3-3.1:

As usual, I was petering out. So I walked. Then I got back my energy for a while until I neared the finish line. Ugh! I walked again.

That gave me the ability to at least to sprint through the finish line.

No pic of me 😦 but here’s my competition (see below.)

I was surprised to see 28:XX when I crossed the finish line.. I had expected much worse.

The 10k runners got a medal. The 5k runners only got one if they were under 12. (Totally ok by me!!)

Post Race:

The refreshments were outside again this year. I grabbed some chocolate milk and fruit and chatted while waiting for the results to be posted.  If I didn’t win, I wanted to take off so I could get in some more miles before meeting friends for brunch..

A lady came up to me and told me that I was her beacon and that she was happy to finally pass at the last water stop. She came in 2nd in her age group and it turned out that we were in the same age group.  Phew! I came in third.

60-69 winners

When I ran this race (in 2016), everyone got a small bottle of champagne and a gift card to a restaurant.  For 2nd place, it was to the Recovery Room and for $50. Last year, there was no awards ceremony and if you won an award, you had to pick it up at the local Fleet Feet store. It was gift card but I never picked it up.

For 3rd place this year, you got a Starbucks metal water bottle, a bottle of champagne and a medal.. (I think I got my $15 worth!)

After I got my award, I left and drove to the Zim Smith bike path. (It was close to the race so my friends picked it as their running meet-up.)

When I arrived, no one had not finished running yet so I was able to get in 2 more miles. I had wanted to run 11 (total) but realistically thought I may run 8. In the end, it was 6 miles.  Good enough!!

I had to rush home to go to a party and then get my COVID booster.

No worries because I felt good enough to finish my long run the next day.

Additional Race Reflections:

The weather was lovely.  I always enjoy the race atmosphere.  This one id not disappoint.

My finish time was slower than last year but it was not unexpected.  I’d love to be back finishing 5ks in 27:XX or even faster..

Not thinking that will happen but it may if I could run negative splits.

Oh well, there will be more 5k races. Just happy to be to out there. and healthy enough to run.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Varied park scenery.
• Both 5k and 10 options.
• A no shirt option (at a lower cost)
• Participant manual provided several days before the race.
• Indoor restrooms
• Flatish course.
• Immediate results.
• Medals to 10K finishers.
• Medals to 5k finishers 12 and under.
• Chocolate milk.
• Starbucks coffee.
• Great age groups award swag

Negatives:

• 10 year age groups
• No medals to 5k finishers over 12.
• Lack of speed work (my fault).
• Gun time rather than chip time for awards

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Great organization. You may be able to PR for the 5k but the 10k would be a challenge.

I may even sign up for the 10k next year.

Final Stats:

Splits:

As expected, positive splits!!

at least I ran the first mile without walking

Next Up:

Another 5k on Sept 24

and then a half marathon.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend? Any Fall races on your schedule yet? Do you enjoy 5ks? Please share.