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

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 70 half marathons.

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

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

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

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

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

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

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

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

15 turns in this course!!

Here’s the 2023 course:

I didn’t get much running during the week – too many other activities such as tennis, pickleball, hikes, and HEAT/HUMIDITY. Plus my ankle/achilles has been weirdly tight since tennis/pickleball on Monday.

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.

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

I left at 6:30 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up my bib.

It wasn’t raining where I  live but I should have checked the forecast where I would be racing (about 45 mi, north).

It started to rain during my drive.

And there were no available parking lots this year so you had to park on the street.

Eventually I found a spot and now it was pouring.

I grabbed an umbrella and got my shirt/bib.

You also got a free ticket to the race track.

I went back to my car to drop off my shirt and now it was thundering and lightning… awesome?

But of course, I was going to run this race…

So I headed back… with my umbrella (that I would stash somewhere).

It is usually a very popular race but I didn’t see anyone I knew. I bet that most were seeking cover…

Of course, I needed a pre-race photo.

Soon it was time to line up.

I stood somewhere in the middle. This race attracts many speedy runners and I didn’t want to get run over… but I forgot that there was no timing mat or start line (and I started my watch late.)

Miles 1-3.1:

No reason to recap this race mile by mile.

There was torrential rain… The rain did not let up and rained harder and harder and the puddles got bigger and bigger.

There was thunder and lightning so it got scary.

I started out at a decent pace because I wanted to get done but as the puddles became lakes, it was hard to keep up any kind of pace.

Plus I felt my gait was off and my ankle or achilles (can’t figure out which) was still tight. So I walked much more often the second half.

I managed to sprint across the finish line and not fall.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a water and found my umbrella.

I checked the results and I came in 2nd but I decided that I didn’t need another medal and left.

Additional Race Reflections:

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

A miserably wet race (but not hot!)

And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my half marathon training (Run 4 the River – Aug. 30).

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

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

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

Positives:

• Well organized race
• Well marked course with many course marshals (even in the rain)
• Flat course
• Immediate results
• 5 year age groups for awards
• Free ticket to the race track.

Negatives:

• RAIN!
• Only bananas post race.
• Unisex shirts
• No parking lots

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:

Still queen of the positive splits:

With an increasing number of walks with each mile…

Next Up:

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? Would you race in a thunderstorm? Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

I signed up for the “New” Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k for several reasons:

• I love Spiked Cider and Cider Donuts.
• This year, I wanted to run some NEW races.
• It offered cool swag (shirt, medal, wine glass).
• It is in a very scenic area (https://youtu.be/XLMtIsBf6As)
• It was originally scheduled on June 21.
• It was local.
• The charity:

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 weekday short runs (Mon, Tues, Wed this week).

And oops, there was a 5k the day before!!

But truthfully, if it’s fewer miles than a half marathon, I just go out and run it. At this stage of my racing, I don’t think about getting PRs.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I mentioned, this was a brand new race for this area (I believe the company sponsors this race elsewhere).

I have participated in several trail run/walks at here at Indian Ladder Farms.

But I was glad when they said the race course would NOT be on technical trails. (I am NOT a trail runner.) But it would be 2 loops and some grassy sections and some paved.

This race was only for fun… no pizza the night  before.  I think there was hot dogs, salad and ice cream followed by fireworks.

Race Day:

My Race Plan:

Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!

I would most likely do a lot of walking… because my legs would be tired after the 4 mile race I ran the day before and it’s hard to run fast on grass.

I hesitate to even call this a “RACE.”

Advertised Course Map:

Elevation:

I arrived early and parked in the grassy parking lot.

I collected my shirt and bib.

 

What I thought was odd was that they gave you your medal before the race began.

And they said that you could wait and just get your donut and cider and NOT run the race at all??

Um… I was planned to do the race!!

It was crowded for a new race…  probably over 250 runners. I race fairly often, as you know, and I didn’t recognize anymore?!

Maybe these people weren’t runners or maybe most local runners did the 4 miler the day before?

Anyway, I put my medal and shirt back in my car (so no post race medal pic)…

and got ready to head to the start…

Finally, someone I knew showed up.

We discussed our race strategy which was the same since she had also run the Firecracker 4 the day before… slow running, walk often!

As I expected, there were many walkers and always annoying when they start in front.

We began on a rocky dirt road and then continued onto grass.

I ran slowly until there was a hill and then I walked.

This pace continued until the end.

Although it was advertised (see above) as a two loop course, there was several turn arounds. It was very confusing since runners were on different loops  and often it was hard to know where to go…

They needed more course marshals on the turns but runners just kept running. I heard several runners saying that they went the wrong way.

I did not although I almost missed turning into the finish line.

Since the course did not go into the woods, it was very sunny and more humid that the day before.

I was glad to not be racing.

I occasionally glanced at my Garmin and was surprised when I saw that I completed 3.1 miles and there was no finish line in sight.

Eventually I did finish this 3.6 mile 5k!!

and then waited for Linda to arrive.

Actual course map:

and elevation:

Post Race Activities:

Since we  already had our medals, Linda and I headed to the building with the cider and donuts.

I checked my email and saw that I won my age group (as I was the only one!!)

When we were approaching the building, I asked someone where the awards were given out.  She replied that she didn’t know but would taken me to someone who did know.  We went in the back, through the kitchen and eventually found out that the awards were way back at the race finish line.

I may have groaned since we were very sweaty and thirsty.

She handed us two freshly baked cider donuts and two glasses of cold cider…. ahead of a LONG line of race finishers.

Did we feel guilty?? Maybe  just  a little plus she didn’t take our tickets…

We then headed back to the finish.. and I got a golden star pin as my award.

By the time, we headed out to our cars, the line was miles long (so no temptation to wait and use our drink &  donut tickets for seconds..)

Additional Race Reflections:

Racing two days in a row is not ideal (esp. at my age.)

I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was slow but running on grass and dirt is not easy…

I am unbelievably happy that after the race, my legs/feet felt fine.. no pain anywhere (always a good thing at my age.)

All in all, I thought this was a fun race. No regrets.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up before the race.
• Lots of parking.
• Trail but not a technical one.
• Cool swag esp. the wine glass.
• Many porta-potties in addition to real bathrooms
• A cool medal (that is also a bottle opener).
• Free finisher photo.
• Cold spiked cider for all.
• Warm cider donut for all.
• Important charity.
• Virtual option.

The Bad:

• The DATE! (last minute change but they did option a refund.)
• 10 year age groups (but it wasn’t a huge race.)
• Confusing course.
• Long line for refreshments.
• Course was over 3.1 miles!!
• Cotton race shirts

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

But since there are many other races in the area during the summer, I doubt I would repeat this one unless my friends decided to do it.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

 

 

 

 

 

I signed up for the Mastercard NYC Mini 10k for several reasons:

• I love NYC.
• I love running in Central Park.
• I hadn’t run a race there since Dec. 2022.
• I had enough pts for a free hotel room.
• I thought my NYC BRF Cari may be running it too or at least we could meet up during the weekend.
• 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 3 sisters).

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 weekday short runs (Mon, Tues, Wed this week).

and get in some longer runs on the weekend (although the weekend before this race, it was only a 5k race): 10m, 8m 6m

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.

I’ve always wanted to run this race. However, it often conflicted with the Freihofer Run for Women or work. I finally got in in 2020 and then it was cancelled due to COVID.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Believe or not, my friends picked June 5 to visit the NY Botanical Gardens.

So I stayed in a hotel in the Bronx that night

and then the next morning, I took a subway into Manhattan and immediately got busy with all my scheduled activities.

First I headed to NYRR Run Center to pick up my bib and race shirt and also attend a panel discussion.

I walked back to my hotel but my room still wasn’t ready. So I took the subway downtown to visit the Anne Frank exhibit.

Afterward, I walked back to my hotel stopping on the way for a late lunch (pizza). I finally checked into my room and then headed uptown to the newly renovated Frick museum.

Cari met me there and accompanied me to my next activity, a Broadway show. But first a gelato stop.

I walked back to my hotel and called it a day. Don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before this race…

Race Day:

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:30 am. My hotel was on West 36th and 6th Avenue. I have in the past taken an Uber but I decided to leave super early (6:30 am) and take the subway from 34th St & 8th Ave.

And it was super crowded with runners!  I chatted with one who was running her first race ever.

I got off at 86th and followed all the runners to the start at 90th.

The rain in the forecast disappeared and insane humidity replaced it.

It was already warm and I had decided not to do bag check (besides it was a mile from the start). I was originally worried that I would get soaked from the rain.  I changed my mind. A little rain would have felt good.

It was still early but the time passed quickly.

My Race Plan:

Do not get injured!! 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 humidity 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).

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

Course Map:

Elevation  according to Strava:

Miles 1-3:

I started in Corral F:

It only took 5-10 minutes to get to the start line.

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. Although I thought I had started my Garmin, somehow I did not.  I realized it about a half mile into the race.  No big deal except for not knowing what mile I was at. At least there were clocks at each mile.

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) so I grabbed some Gatorade.

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 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… More Gatorade!

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).

Still no rain.  Even the sun peaked out. So humid!!!!!

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.

And somehow, my Garmin stopped and I lost my stats for the last .5 miles (?).

I think there was one more water stop (around mile 5.5) but I skipped it as I just wanted to be done…

I did feel good enough to sprint across the finish and was pleasantly surprised at the time on the clock.

I saw many runners with flowers but I guess they had run out by the time I finished.

Post Race Activities:

I immediately got my medal, grabbed a heavy bag of food (water, Gatorade, apple, pretzels, bar…)

and posed for a quick pic. or two!

While I was waiting for Cari to finish, I met two lovely runners who would be running their first NYCM in November. We became instant friends.

Soon Cari arrived…

with her friends. Another photo op.

So two Cari meet-ups in one weekend.  Always a pleasure and hopefully, we’ll meet up again soon.

As I exited the park, it was so inspiring to see all the runners happily finishing their race.

The rain finally arrived but not until around 1:30 pm.

And luckily I had indoor plans (the Morgan Library and Museum) for the rest of the day:

Additional Race Reflections:

Running in the heat/humidity may not have been exactly fun. But at least without the rain, I could enjoy the pre and post-race experience.

I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was almost 9 minutes slower than a 10k that I had run in this park

but it was not a PW and faster than I expected on this course 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, my legs/feet felt fine.. no pain anywhere (always a good thing at my age.)

All in all, I thought this was a fun race.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up at Run Center and also race morning near the start).
• NYRR sponsored events before race dy.
• Cool purple tank
• Bag Check if needed.
• Water at almost EVERY mile. Gatorade at most.
• 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.
• Blogger meet-up with Cari
• No Blisters. No pain.

The Bad:

• Humidity.
• Hills in Central Park. I did not do any training on hills (my bad)
• Post-race food – just pretzels and apples but I guess I missed the bagels and cookies
• They ran out of flowers.
• Photos?

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:

No age group award but 8 out of 64 ain’t bad.

Next Up:

 

 

 

 

 

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 18th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 17th in-person FRW race.)

It has always been held the Saturday after Memorial Day except in 2021, when due to COVID, the race was moved to September. In 2022, it again returned to its regular date.

My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:

I mentored a beginning running group of moms in 2010 which was very rewarding:

In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:

I even ran it in 2013 after breaking my foot at mile 1:

And in 2019, it was the last race for my VT friend Andrea (who died of cancer).

As you can tell, there is a lot of history attached to this race for me.

In 2020, I was named an Ambassador. That honor continued through 2022.

Believe it not, I even chose to skip my high school reunion in 2022 in order to run this race!!

Then last year they changed the name of the race!!

It’s now called the Sara Lee Delightful Run for Women.

Nevertheless, I knew that I would do this race (no matter what they called it).  I’m pretty sure I will always do this race!!

Unfortunately, last year, I had food poisoning the night before the race but I showed up and walked it with my friends.  And actually I had the most fun ever.

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did in 2018. Even have to walk the whole race. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.

And this was also my tenth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC).

This year, I decided again to become a Mentor.  I wanted to support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And connect with my “past TC” buddies, as well.

I volunteered on Wednesday evenings on the rail trail near where I live.

Many years ago, the day before I would walk to the Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past few years, they have held it at a local college.

As I did the past few years, I signed up to volunteer on Friday evening at packet pick-up and then I skipped playing mah jongg in order to prepare my #flatme.

Race Day:

I hate parking garages and traffic so I usually parked on the street and walked to the start. However, with the new(er) course, it was an even longer hike. Like almost 2 miles!

But I used to love to run down Madison Avenue and see the race banners and see the giant poster on the bridge.

They changed the course nine years ago. This course is supposedly faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.

course map

I did run the newer course the past nine years and I also liked it better than the original..

As I mentioned above, this was my 18th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak.

Most of my running friends were not running the race this year.  But Deb and Denise said that they would walk it.

So the three of carpooled and parked on the street and walked to the start.

Did mention the weather forecast?  RAIN! This has been a trend for every Saturday!!!

It rained most of the night before and I woke up to rain. So I grabbed a raincoat, umbrella and rain poncho… It was close t0 60 degrees which wasn’t bad except for the WIND!!

We were soaked by the time we arrived at the a park near the race start.

Being part of the Training Challenge group, I could hang out and leave my stuff in the tent.

We all complained about the weather but knew that we would run the race no matter what.

Soon it was time to leave the tent for the Training Challenge group photo.

Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I used to, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.

Then we returned to the tent and waited until the last moment to head out into the rain… And it was raining even harder now.

I was scheduled to start in corral 3 and squeezed into the crowd. I had taken off my jacket but kept on my poncho for the last few minutes and then tossed it.

Mile 1:

It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years   (due to the weather, most likely.) I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to run comfortably.

The race began with a long steep uphill. And of course, it was super windy and rain blowing in your face.

But I did run most of the hill… it was slow but I did it.

Mile 1 continued as we turned left and entered the park (and the hill ended).

There were rolling hills throughout the park. They were not bad and even I could run them without walking (but barely).

The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…And the puddles which were often lakes.  You had to weaving back and forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes peeled to the ground to make sure you didn’t trip.

Mile 2:

There was a water stop around mile 1.25. I wasn’t thirsty but I used it as an excuse to walk for a bit.

More rolling hills during this mile as you went around the park circling the lake. Only one of the hills was steep but it was very short.

I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop.

Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.

Mile 3-3.1:

There was a second water stop around mile 2.5. Again I stopped for a drink (even though I didn’t need one) and walked longer than before.

Finally we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.

It was a long downhill and I had to remember not to start sprinting too soon. I’ve made that mistake in past years. Besides it was slippery and so many puddles.

Eventually I saw the 3 mile sign and I started to run as fast as I could while posing for the photographers and running though the finish line…

As you can see below, I crossed at 31:xx, a big PW but considering the weather conditions, I was not disappointed.

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal and then headed toward the refreshments with a stop at the results table.

The food lines were very long so I just returned to the tent.

Deb and Denise were waiting for me there. In the end, they had decided due to the wind and rain to not even walk the race. They just waited for me in the tent (and took that photo of me heading to the finish and crossing.)

So we all walked back to the car (in the pouring rain) and then went out for brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run a PR or even close. In fact, it was a course PW but I still really enjoyed myself.

Since I can never remember my finish times. I looked up my recent ones after the race.

• • 2014 – 28:51
  • 2015 – 29:22
  • 2016 -28:50
  • 2017 – 27:48
  • 2018 – 27:37 (PR)
  • 2019 – 27:47
  • 2021 – 28:16
  • 2022 – 28:24
  • 2023 – 29:41
  • 2025 – 31:28 (PW)

I know. How can you have fun running in the pouring rain? And running one of your slowest 5k…

I wasn’t cold while I was running just before and after. Yes, I got soaked but it wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last.

I guess I just enjoy racing.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course (through a beautiful park).
• Downhill finish.
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Two water stops (for a 5k)
• The electric atmosphere.
• Virtual option.
• Free photos
• Immediate results
• Nice Swag for a 5k (tech shirt, medal, cookies, bread)
• Cool medal
• All women – all ages, all paces…
• Many free photo stations

Negatives:

• Uphill first mile.
• Uneven pavement in the park
• Long line for the refreshments
• Name change (it will forever be called the Freihofer race)
• WEATHER!!!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. It’s a great local race. And having it be ALL WOMEN makes it even more special.

Final Stats:

So FRW #18 is in the books!

The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with many women running or walking it. Can’t wait to do it again next year. I hope I can talk more of my local running friends into running it too. The weather has to be better, right?

Next Up:

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year? Do you prefer 5ks or longer races? How do you feel about racing in the rain? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs