but recently I convinced a friend to run a 10k race around Governor’s Island (NYC) with me.
Aug. 8, 2026
Why?
I said because I usually run NYC races three times and I’ve only run this 10k race twice. A stupid reason, right?
In 2024 and 2025
The 2025 one actually took place in September (but it was the same course.)
Coincidentally or Karma, on the same day as Heidi and I decided to run this race, NYCRuns advertised a brand new marathon which will be 9 loops of this island:
photo from that 2024 10k… can you spot me?
Here are my NYC threes:
I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, 2023, 2024
and the NYC Half Marathon in 2019, 2024, 2026
and the Brooklyn Half Marathon in 2018, 2023, 2024
So why THREE times?
The first time, the race is new, exciting and you are facing the unknown so you have no big goal.
The second time, you are familiar with the course and logistics and you hope for a course PR.
Since #2 rarely happens (at least for me), the third time, you run it purely for fun and you enjoy the race.
So I am planning on a great weekend for the Governor’s Island 10k.
Does that mean I should run Fred Lebow Half Marathon one more time in January? I ran it in 2020 and 2022.
or the NYC Mini 10k? I ran that race in 2025 and 2026.
Happy Running! Do you run races more than once? Why? Please share.
High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…
Three years ago was the first year that they offered this race and of course, it was on my radar.
DESCRIPTION
The High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K is a 3.1 mile walk or run that is open to all abilities and levels of fitness. 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit Berkshire Bounty. Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide.
The course is beautiful, starting runners at the farm, then passing along Laurel Lake before returning to the farm to celebrate at the food truck where runners enjoy a well-earned High Lawn Farm ice cream. Visit the historic century worth of memorabilia in the High Lawn Farm Museum, open specifically for the runners following the race!
But it’s a long drive and I was marathon training…
I convinced Heidi and Sherry to join me two years ago. We had fun and really enjoyed the ice cream after. LOL.
So I signed up to run it again last year. I even convinced Heidi, Deirdre, Stan and Sherry to join me.
But it was POURING when we got up. Since it was a long drive and no guarantee that the rain would stop, we decided to skip the race. Of course, the rain did stop.
Hence FOMO and Heidi and I signed up again this year..
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
If you read my blog, you know that I haven’t been running much due to a sore right Achilles.
It started to feel better so I began to get in some runs.
My focus has not been on this race but to complete a half marathon on Sept 12. So I ran my long run of 6 miles on Friday so I could have a rest day the day before the race.
I was on the fence whether or not, I would just walk the whole thing or run/walk it. Racing it was out of the question in my mind (due to my recent Achilles issues).
Race Day:
The race started at 8:30 am.
I got up at 5:15 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.
I left at 6:15 in order to get to Heidi’s house since she offered to drive.
It took us 45 minutes but we got there early enough to get parking and pick up our shirts/bibs.
Unfortunately most runners had picked up their shirts the day before and there were only women’s XL and men’s sizes. I chose a men’s small but it will be too big to wear (ok with me since as you could probably guess, I don’t need any more shirts).
There were about 200 runners but this year I didn’t bump into any runners that I knew. But everyone was super friendly.
The weather was cool and breezy… around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.
Note that I wasn’t wearing my Spi belt. I left it home for the first time ever…
Soon it was time to line up. I just stashed my jacket. I knew I’d be warm while running but may need it later.
Even if I wasn’t having issues with my Achilles, I still may have walked most of the race. It’s hilly and I signed up for the ice cream.
start and finish line
an out and back course
according to Strava
Mile 1:
It was pretty crowded and Heidi and I separated from the beginning. She was going to run her intervals and I was planning to do whatever felt right.
We left the farm and ran on the road before we turned onto a dirt path with holes and rocks. I kept my eyes on the ground.
Then it was a long downhill (Of course since it was an out and back, you would be running up that long hill!!)
After that hill, it was just rolling and shady with a view of a lake on the right.
I ran slowly and my Achilles felt ok so I continued to run most of the first mile (unless I approached a hill, then I walked/ran it).
Mile 2:
Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.
The course repeated itself so you knew what was coming…
I continued to run when I could and walk/run all the hills.
I was around the same runners. Some ran the whole time so when I walked I got behind them but I caught up on my runs.
Mile 3-3.1:
By mile 3, I was wanting to be done…but surprisingly my Achilles felt pretty good.
And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.
The only time I glanced down at my watch was during this walk. 19:xx pace!!!
Eventually after a few more small hills, the finish line was in sight.
I crossed at 36:37. (36:28 – Garmin time). Not sure if it was chip timed from the start and I didn’t start up front.
Another 5k PW but technically not a course PW (but I mostly walked the last time).
No regrets!!
Post Race Activities:
I grabbed a bottle of water and retrieved my jacket.
I immediately got in line for the free ice cream since the line was getting long.
They gave you a coupon for 2 free scoops in a cone or dish but there was NO free chocolate milk this year 😦
I chatted with the lady ahead while I waited. She claimed I got her through the race since she was trying to stay with me. (I laughed since when I was walking I was trying to catch up to her.)
Once Heidi finished she joined me. She informed me that they ran out of water.
You could buy a bottle but I when we ordered our ice cream, I asked for a cup of plain water and they complied.
The ice cream was as good as I remembered and worth the “hill” and the long drive.
We waited for the age group awards. Last time winners got to name a new calf. The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon. This year everyone got a gift card to the local running store (which organized this race.)
I didn’t check the results until I got home. And they didn’t announce my name for 70+ and I was actually the fastest out of 3. Boo!
Additional Race Reflections:
Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.
But I don’t regret participating in this 5k. Though it was a PW, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday morning (especially if you can convince a friend or two to come along).
Next year Heidi and I will try to get some of our running friends to join us.
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked scenic course
A friends to share the experience
Nice gender-specific tech shirt
Free (homemade) ice cream
Immediate results
Good cause (local food pantry)
Gift card to a running store as the AG prize
Negatives:
Hilly
Long drive
They ran out of water for the slower runners
They ran out of women’s shirts except XL.
Age group awards for only 1st place.
Would I recommend this race?
All in all, this was a fun race. The hills were a challenge but I’ve seen and experienced worse.
I plan run it again even though it is not nearby.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
An impulsive sign up for a 10k around Governor’s Island. More ice cream!!
Aug. 8
Another 5k. (maybe(
Aug 9.
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Have you ever run an ice cream race? Please share.
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 in 2022 and more of my running friends joined me
Three years ago, I convinced a few more friends to join me.
And 2 years ago, I also had company:
The group grew to 6 (Denise was there too but missed the photo)
We lost a few runners but added a few walkers last year.
I was hoping that they would sign up again this year but if not, I knew there would be many others there whom I knew.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that since late May, my Achilles has been bothering me.
I’ve done little running but some races and trying to rest and heal it as much as (mentally) possible.
After a race, it seems to be very sore and if I don’t run, the soreness pretty much goes away. My last race was a 5k on June 20.
To get ready for this race, I ran/walked 2-3 miles conservatively on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.
It’s not 100% pain-free but much improved. So I decided to give this 4 miler a go.
To save time on race day, I picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet on Wednesday
Well, I wasn’t successful in getting many of the friends above to race but one did agree to come and I knew I would see many others that I knew from races.
The weather forecast:
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Independence Day: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93.
Yup, not ideal. Too bad, the race didn’t start earlier.
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 be in pain after.
Race Day:
I ate my usual oatmeal and coffee breakfast and checked the weather – warm and muggy, as forecasted.
I planned on a similar race outfit since I wanted to wear red, white and blue but the RD emailed this:
A special favor if we might. The event shirts this year are white. That was done on purpose, inspired by white out days at sporting events. Our goal is to “white out” Broadway. So, this year we ask, if you are comfortable, please wear the white tee on race day so we can capture the amazing picture it will create.
I wanted to wear a blue tank top but instead, I cut off the sleeves of the race shirt and wore that.
The past few years, I carpooled with Heidi and she knew exactly where to park. I was thrilled when she again offered.
We used to look for parking on the street but as the race got more and more crowded, it was easier to park in the parking garage (though not free.)
Then we walked toward the finish…
Heidi’s friend Laurie’s daughter works for Fleet Feet and got on the list to be able hang out in their tent.
Then of course, we took our obligatory pre-race photos…
Eventually we headed tot the start line…
And we made plans on where to meet here after the race. It was cool to see how creatively everyone was dressed for this July 4th holiday race (even though they asked us to wear white…)
I was happy to see so many people racing… even more than last year (although I think they still offered a virtual option.)
There was so much excitement in the air. Live racing rocks!!
Eventually it was time for the race to the start line (9 am).
Heidi headed toward the back. I stayed toward in the middle and chatted with some runners whom I knew. It was very warm and humid. I took 2 salt chews hoping that it would help.
Though I had run this race 5 times already, 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 (and still did.).
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.
Then I remembered that I wanted to treat this only as a training run for my September half marathon. I needed to baby my Achilles and not make things worse.
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 3000 finishers.
As we ran through neighborhoods, spectators enthusiastically cheered us on. There were musicians or bands throughout. (I borrowed some photos from FB).
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.
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.)
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 even at this point decided to eat a Gu.
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.
Again this year, they gave out ice pops. I remember that it made me nauseous and I threw it away so this year I didn’t even take one.
I continued to run/walk up the hill very slowly.
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 46:xx on the clock as I crossed the finish line and was a little disappointed. I knew that I was running a lot slower than the previous years but I hoped to at least finish closer to 40 minutes (No biggie.).
Post Race:
I grabbed a water. I missed the bananas but for the first time since it was the 20th anniversary of this race, they gave out medals.
Laurie and her daughter had already left, I wanted to catch Heidi finishing but I didn’t. I headed back to the Fleet Feet tent.
At this point I was feeling kinda shaky from the heat.. I had 2 more salt chews and was thrilled to see watermelon in the tent.
I didn’t check the website to see if I won an age group award. Three years ago, I came in 2nd. The past two years, in my new age group, I came in 5th (no surprise since I had slowed down…) And this year, I knew that I was even slower…
6th
Heidi and I finally re-united. She was happy with her race.
Like the past few years, instead of fighting the traffic getting out of the parking garage and the city, we decided to stay in Saratoga to have brunch. First we walked back to our cars to change into dry shirts. We also knew from previous years that the restaurants would be crowded. So on Monday, I had made a reservation at the same one as last year for 10:45 am.
We had drinks while waiting for an our outside table.
Worth the wait… Brunch was excellent!
Additional Race Reflections:
I felt that I could have done better if I hadn’t had problems before the race with my Achilles. I was very nervous about even running it.
Yes, it was sore after and walking was not pleasant but no worse than after previous races.
But probably the most important factors why I enjoy running this 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, if you get there early)
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 Wed-Fri and race day
Gender-specific tech shirt
Real restrooms before and after and ample number of port-potties
Third water stop added this year.
Additional unofficial water tables.
Awards (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
Photo Booth
20th anniversary medal
Negatives:
Steep hill at mile 4
Late start – 9 am for a July race!
Hot humid conditions
My foot!
$ 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. Maybe I can be healthier and better prepared.
In other words, you registered for the race, maybe even picked up your bib, but chose to not to actually cross the start line.
If you race often enough, eventually you may choose to DNS a race. Maybe you already have.
In fact, I was planning to run the Boilermaker 15k on July 12 for the first time… but I made the tough decision not to…
Here are a few reasons why you may opt to DNS:
1.Weather
Some runners will race in any weather conditions.
But safety should always be a concern whether it be because of ice or extreme heat.
2.Injury/Sickness
It obviously depends on the seriousness of the injury but it may require you to skip the race.
broken foot = no race
Sometimes, it also may be because the injury will get worse if you do race. (Unfortunately runners are not always good listening to their body.)
Then there’s sickness. That also depends on the nature of the illness. They say above the neck is ok but below is nay.
walked it (after food poisoning the night before)
3. Schedules/Commitments
Family or work commitments can force to you miss a race. Life happens.
stuck on the subway one year and missed this race...
Also flight cancelations or travel plans can interfere. (I’ve learned the hard way to never schedule my flight arrival the day before the race and that subways can cause arrival problems.)
4.Training Plan/Mileage Requirements
Your training calls for a long run and you signed up for a short race. You may decide, if it’s an important race that you are training for, to skip the race.
Or you should be tapering and this race is challenging. Again, it may be in your best interest to DNS this race.
5. Lack of Mojo
For whatever reason, you just don’t feel like it.
Racing should be fun!
It should never be a “have to” but always a “want to” or a “get to.”
or at least FUN afterward.
Once you’ve made the tough decision to DNS your race, it’s entirely normal to go through a wide range of emotions from relief, to anger, to regret. Don’t let anyone kid you. FOMO is real!!!
But hopefully those situations will be few and and you will run many races…
Experiencing a sore foot for several weeks had me skip those runs that would prepare me to run 9.3 (hilly) miles. Even if my foot felt better, I would not be ready and I could risk injuring myself further and put my goal half marathon on Sept 12 in jeopardy.
I will have to stay off social media on July 12 so I won’t have to read my running friends’ posts about this fun race. LOL
However, maybe I will run this race next summer!!
Happy Running! Have you ever DNSed a race? What reason influenced your decision? Please share.
Sunday -I was scheduled to work in Jamaica, Queens Monday and Tuesday so I took the train to Manhattan this morning.
After checking into my hotel, I had plans to see a Broadway show….
I had a little time to kill so I walked (limped) to and around the theater…
and then afterward, I met up with a college friend for drinks on her penthouse terrace and then out to dinner….
visited the NY Public library, 6th Ave street fair and loved Every Brilliant Thing! MH was amazing!
Monday – My normal work day: early subway to Jamaica, work all day, subway back to my hotel.
Again, if you know me, I love to squeeze in a run in NYC.
Nope, I relaxed and met a friend for dinner and drinks… and ice cream.
Tuesday – Same agenda as the day before except when I was done, I took the train home.
Wednesday – I started the day at the gym and then one more visit to my chiro…
PT is next on my list of things to do so I can be pain-free.
Impossible to get an appt. The first one I could snag is for July 17!!!!
Thursday – In Person teaching the next two days… That means Starbucks and lots of time on my feet.
It’s the weekly trail run evening but I had to attend a STEM Board Meeting Zoom call.
When it was over, I met my trail friends for ice cream…
Friday- Day 2 of teaching and Starbucks..
with mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – My normal long run day… and brunch with my local running friends.
and it’s tough to skip it…
I decided to do a 3 mile run/walk with Deirdre to see how I felt.
No pain when running and sore when walking…
But it actually so much better later in the day.. (Am I not injured??)
Afterward we met the 5 others for brunch… it’s always fun to get together.
Sunday – Gym followed by a day on our boat (weather dependent).
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday– DAY OFF – gym, run?
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run?
Thursday – trail run/walk
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday –Firecracker 4
Sunday – Hike-athon, boating
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – When to DNS a Race?
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Is it finally feeling like summer where you live? Are you patient when you shouldn’t run? Any NYC trips planned? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
I had taken a break from this race and then a few years ago, I started running it again…
This year was actually the 8th time that I had run this race.
I ran it back in 2010!!
they gave out free ice cream that year,
Yes, 16 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time.
This is the race where I met a new running BRF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her there twice.
Kelly and Mary (on the right)
Then I ran it again in 2016. I knew a lot of runners by then. And it was even more fun.
here with my friend Tom
and my age group competition, Carolyn
My time back in 2010 was 29:40 but improved to 28:47 in 2016. Both years, I was 2nd in my age group (won a cap, then gloves).
2022? 6 years later. Anything could happen… no expectations.
A course PR! 28:43
2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….
The good news in 2023 was that Carolyn didn’t turn 70 until later in the year.
so I won my age group!!
But my time was slower: 29:11 (GT).
In 2024, I had a course PW with a 31:10 (GT) finish!
still snagged 2nd in my age group.
And last year, I improved a little (30:10)….
3rd age group award!!
As I mentioned in each race recap this year, I expect a PW.
It’s all good.
I’m thrilled when I am ABLE to race.
My friend Heidi said that she would be running it with me again. It is always fun to run a race with a friend.
2022
2023
2024
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
Two weekends ago, I ran a 10k in NYC
and I really haven’t run at all since then.
My Achilles had been sore and my chiro recommended that I rest it.
I’ve walked a few trails and that’s it.
Obviously that’s not how I planned to prepare for this race and the races to come…
I was nervous about racing and making things worse but I decided I had would go and decide what to do that morning – cheer, walk, walk/run, run?
Race Day:
I dragged myself out of bed and had my usual race breakfast (coffee and oatmeal).
My friend Heidi again had signed up along with a few others that we knew.
And for once we had nice weather!!
The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:30 to pick up my bib.
with Laurie (Heidi’s friend)
In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game.
I went back to my car to get rid of the shirts and tix and returned to the stadium to hang out and chat with runners that I knew. The conversation revolved around what should I do???
Linda joined us
I decided that I would run slowly (ego in check) and see how things felt. I could always walk. And fingers crossed that I didn’t make it worse (since I had a big 15k in 3 weeks).
Below is the course map and elevation:
“their” elevation chart
and “mine” from Garmin
As I mentioned above, it had been 2 weeks since I ran a 10k. But the weeks before that I ran a 5k and a 10 miler. All with that sore Achilles.
I was hoping that my time off from running would bring good news and running this race was the right decision.
My only race goal was to finish … zero expectations of a fast finish time or an age group award.
As you can see from the pics above, this race began and ended at the home of the Valley Cats, a local baseball team that plays at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College.
There was no chip timing at the start line so I probably should have moved closer to the front (but I didn’t really think about it…)
Mile 1:
The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods. (A different but similar start to last year.)
I had started with several friends but they quickly got ahead and kept gaining on me as the race went on. My goal became to just keep them in sight and cut as many tangents as possible.
I don’t remember much about the first mile other than I was dragging. My pace was much slower than usual… but I wasn’t in pain so I continued in that vein.
I think I willed myself to run and not walk… until a hill or a water stop.
Mile 2:
Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile. I tried to run up it but the legs just weren’t having it. So I ran/walked it.
We repeated most of the course afterwards in 2022 so here are some pics from the neighborhoods
My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep, out of shape, sore Achilles? All of the above?
And was there a mile 2 marker or did I miss it?
Actually I don’t think there were ANY mile markers.
Mile 3-3.1:
A few more walks, I think. And then there was a welcome downhill during mile 3.
We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything (which wasn’t much at this point).
I didn’t expect a course PR and finishing under 30 minutes is just an unrealistic dream..
As I approached the finish line, 34 turned to 35 minutes and then I crossed…
Post Race Activities:
I may have come to accept my lack of speed because I was not really disappointed in my time.
Unfortunately, now my Achilles really was sore and I was limping…
At that moment, it didn’t seem like a good idea to have run the race.
I waited for Heidi to finish and we took more pictures.
We headed for the food. There was a decent spread: bagels, popcorn,, bananas, apples, coffee, water. There was also a barbecue. I also had a hot dog and pasta salad.
Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.
I checked the results and I did win an award as did several of my friends.
bats for everyone
So we waited around for the awards ceremony (which took place after the kids race.)
There were only 2 in my age group so even if I walked, I would have won. LOL
Additional Race Reflections:
When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was nervous about running this race.
As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, finished the race and don’t regret it one bit. (I iced my foot, soaked in the hot tub and as the day went on it felt better and better. Time will tell… And PT.)
You may question why I ran it…
Mentally I needed to…
And if I walked it, I would still be wondering if I COULD run and how much pain I would be in after.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
4 free tickets to a game as swag
Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Free photos
Decent post-race food
Creative age group award
Negatives:
Gun time (not chip timed)
Hills (but don’t most races)
Unisex tee shirts
No mile markers
Lack of preparation and sore Achilles
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a nice local race. And very well organized. Maybe someone will twist my arm to run it again next year. LOL.
Final Stats:
Gun Time = 35:18
Garmin Time = 34:xx (I didn’t stop my watch right away)
Yes, a course PW (maybe a 5K PW) but a happy one.
Next Up:
Happy Running! How did you celebrate Father’s Day Weekend? Running any summer 5ks? Please share.
I signed up for the Mastercard NYC Mini 10k for several reasons:
I love NYC.
I love running in Central Park.
I ran this race last year and enjoyed it.
All woman’s race – so inspiring.
Elite runners do it! (Last year Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, Dakotah Lindwurm, Sara Hall, Molly Huddle, Jessica McLain, Nell Rojas and others ran it.)
10k is one of my favorite distances.
No Harlem Hill for this race (just Cat Hill & 3 sisters).
I convinced 4 local running friends to do it and we all got in!!!!
Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do try to do those 3 weekday short runs. Unfortunately this year, my Achilles had been troublesome so I went to the chiro and only ran a few miles on Thursday…
but did get in some longer runs on the weekend (although the weekend before this race, it was only a 5k race): 5k- 10m – 10m
I knew about the HILLS that would taunt me during the race. I have run in this park and I ran the Shape Half Marathon, Fred LeBow Half twice, Central Park Half and many other shorter races (see pics below).
I even ran this race last year but I don’t remember much about it.
Shape Half ’17
Fred Lebow Half ’22
Central Park Half ’22
France Run 8k
Grete’s Great Gallop 10K
Poland Springs 10k
Shape 5.8 mile loop
Ted Corbit 15k
Mini 10k
I had always wanted to run this race. However, it often conflicted with the Run for Women 5k or work. I finally got in in 2020 and then it was cancelled due to COVID. I logged on and crossed my fingers and got in last year.
This year, I convinced four of my local running friends to do the same.
And we ALL got in!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
We all took an early train to Manhattan, dropped our bags at our hotel, grabbed lunch
NYC bagels!
and headed to NYRR Run Center to pick up our bibs and race shirts.
neon green…
It’s hard to rest your legs when in NYC.
It was brutally warm so we spent the rest of the afternoon at the Arte Museum (which was amazing).
Then returned to check into our hotel to check in and change clothes.
I was intend on enjoying myself and even had a drink before dinner…
and during (A race no no for me usually.) Though I did carb load with pizza.
Back at the hotel , I prepared for the next day and tried to get some sleep.
Race Day:
With many tourists partying before, during and after the Knicks game (and other NYC noise), I got very little if any sleep.
So around 5:00 am, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee that I had brought with me.
The perks of repeating a race was that I was relaxed regarding all the logistics.
Our hotel was on West 39th and 8th Avenue. We decided to do what I did last year and leave super early (6:30 am) and take the subway from 35th St & 8th Ave.
And it was crowded with runners!
We got off at 86th and followed all the runners to the start at 90th.
It was already warm. No need to worry about bag check or throw-aways.
I was in corral I and my friends in J, K, L. We joked that we had a mile shake out before reaching the start line.
We got there early but the time passed quickly.
Eventually we separated and entered our own corrals but made plans to meet somewhere near the finish line after the race.
Everyone was so friendly and excited about the race (though very worried about how hot it was already.)
a mother -daughter team in tutus rook this pic.
My Race Plan:
Do not get injured!! (Hopefully my Achilles will cooperate.) And most importantly, have fun!!
I would most likely do a lot of walking… because there would be hills!!
I planned to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a gel around mile 4.
I was worried about the heat so I brought salt chews and took 2 before the race and planned take 2 more at the halfway point.
My estimated finish time would be around 1:15 (far from my 57:xx PR at this distance) and most likely slower than last year (1:07:18.)
Yup, expecting a PW but always hoping for better.
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
Course Map:
Elevation according to Strava:
Miles 1-3:
As I mentioned above, I started in Corral I.
After the National Anthem, the wheelchair racers started, then the elites.
It only me took 5-10 minutes to get to the start line (though it felt longer.).
We started running on Central Park West (W90th St) and eventually entered the park at 72nd.
I was feeling good but tried to keep it slow due to the weather conditions. I also tried not to worry about my sore Achilles. It wasn’t painful but I felt like my gait was off and that I was running slower as a result.
Once in the park, we ran south. I think I ran until the first water stop about 1.5m in before I walked… I was sweating (and I rarely sweat). There were misting stations at each water stop. Boy, were they a welcome sight.
Eventually we turned and ran up the east side of the park.
It was crowded but I didn’t really need to weave in and out. I was not running that fast and for my pace, many runners walked intermittently.
As the race went on, the heat/humidity made me feel weaker and so I paced myself by walking up the hills and sprinting whenever I had enough energy.
There was a 2nd water stop around the 5k point… Two cups this time (one to drink and the other to pour on me) plus the misting station.
Miles 4-6.2:
Once we reached 102nd St, we looped around and headed back on the west side of the park toward 72nd where the race would finish.
I finally ate my Gu at the next water stop (around mile 4.5).
And now came more hills.
I am pretty sure I walked more the 2nd half of the race.
I didn’t care. I just wanted to finish upright.
I did give it my all on any straight away and/or downhills.
I decided I’d better eat 2 more salt chews.
I think there was one more water stop (around mile 5.5) and I lingered even longer than the previous ones.
It wasn’t just me. With this heat, it seemed by the crowds at the station stop that every runner was stopping and drinking.
I did feel good enough to sprint across the finish…
I didn’t check my time until much later. It didn’t matter.
Post Race Activities:
I immediately got my medal, grabbed a heavy bag of food (water, Gatorade, apple, pretzels, bar…)
It was insanely crowded. Since I was finished before my friends, I waited in a long line and got some flowers
and posed for a quick pic.
I then moved to the stage area and texted my friends to meet me there.
There were lots to do if you wanted to fight the crowds and wait in lines: get autographs for the elites, get your medal signed, get an ice pop, go in the recovery tent, etc.
Once everyone had finished, we took a pic and headed out of the park.
tired, hot but happy!
As we exited the park, it was so inspiring to see all the runners happily finishing their race.
As we were waiting outside Starbucks, I spotted Elizabeth Clor. I follow her on IG and so I fangirled and asked for a photo.
she recounted how she ended up in the medical tent after the race
We took a crowded subway back to our hotel, showered, changed, checked out of the hotel but left our bags there.
We had reservations for a celebratory lunch…
and then headed to the theatre.
what an enjoyable show!!
We had enough time before our train to enjoy a delicious dessert.
Additional Race Reflections:
Running in the heat/humidity may not have been exactly fun. But at least without the rain this year, I could enjoy the pre and post-race experience. It was so much more fun sharing it with friends.
I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was a 10K PW and more than 8 minutes slower on the same course last year.
but it was exactly what I expected on this course, with a sore Achilles and in these weather conditions.
Enough whining…I am so grateful to be able to visit NYC and run a race. And a race that included only women was just icing on the cake.
I am unbelievably happy that after the race, although my Achilles was sore, it wasn’t more sore than after previous races…
All in all, I thought this was a fun race.
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up at Run Center and also race morning in the park).
NYRR sponsored events before race day.
Cool neon tank
Bag Check if needed.
Water at almost EVERY mile.
Misting stations at each water stop
Many porta-potties along the course in addition to real CP bathrooms
Well marked course.
Timing Clock at every mile.
No Harlem Hill.
Great crowd support!
Los of volunteers as course marshals and at water stops
Very cool medal.
Immediate results.
Flowers and other post-race perks.
No Blisters.
Racing with friends!!
NYC activities before and after.
The Bad:
HEAT!.
Hills in Central Park. I did not do any training on hills (my bad).
6.3 miles (not 6.2)
Not 100% physically (sad Achilles)
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
Do it if you can. You won’t regret it (unless you hate hills lol).
No, it’s not an easy course. Only a little over 10,000 women runners usually participate so not a big race by NYC standards. And not an expensive one.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
June 20
Happy Running! Ever run this race? Have you raced in NYC? Do you like 10Ks? Have you ever run an all women’s race? How do you do in the heat? Do you follow Elizabeth Clor? Please share.
