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

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

It was so much fun that the next year, we rented in Old Orchard Beach, Maine and we ran the Portland Half Marathon or Marathon Relay.

Last year, we stayed in NYS but rented a house in the Finger Lakes Region. We all raced different distances (5k, 13.1, 18 mi) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (despite some rain.)

We rented a house on Cape Cod this year.

So I signed up for the Cape Cod Half Marathon for several reasons:

• A race-cation.
• My friends would be racing with me.
• Ocean views.
• There was a 5k option in addition to a half marathon
• The distance fit right into my marathon training plan.

Half Marathon Training:

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

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

13, 16, 18!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My taper consisted of  a 18 mile marathon training run and two short runs during the work week:

We carpooled and left for Cape Cod early on Friday morning. Our first stop was lunch.

Next we checked into our VrBo in Falmouth, MA.

Then we headed to get our half marathon bib/shirts and check out the race start and parking.

Some of us signed up for the half and those who signed up for the 5k would pick up their bib/shirts on Saturday.

We walked around the expo (I didn’t buy anything.) but Sherry did buy Frank Shorter’s book and had him sign it.

By the time were were done, it was time for an early dinner. We ordered pizza (of course) and ate at our house.

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

Race Day:

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

For this race, however, due to the date, it would actually be a training run for the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.

So if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:30 and 2:45.

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

The race was advertised as follows:

The race starts and finishes at the Mullen Hall School (130 Katharine Lee Bates Road, Falmouth, MA).

The Cape Cod Marathon Half race course is a fast and scenic route that hugs the Falmouth coastline of Nantucket Sound. Designed to maximize runners’ view of Martha’s Vineyard and the beautiful waters of the Sound, this out and back course is limited to one hill, the famous final hill for the Falmouth Road Race located in the Heights of Falmouth Heights. But don’t be alarmed – this one hill occurs at miles 6.6 and 10.5 and is over before you know it.

There are 6 stations total plus pre and post hydration at the start and finish line. All water stops will have water and Gatorade.

Portable restrooms will be at start/finish area, as well as at each water station along the course.

Included in entry fee:

• Long sleeve shirt
• Customized bib
• Secure gear check
• Unique coastal medal
• 6 water/Gatorade stations with Port-a-Johns at each location on the course
• Hot clam chowdah and soup station with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options at the finish line!
• Apple cider donuts!
• Changing tents at the finish (NEW)
• The best town, volunteers and committee to answer any questions you may have!

Four of us were running the half which started at 8:00 am.

There were close to 2000 runners in the half marathon which was the most popular of the 3 races

The runners left at 6:45 and we easily found parking. The others would arrive later and cheer us on.

I was definitely overdressed and took off most of my throw aways and hid them in the school. It was nice to have a warm place to wait.

I checked a bag with shoes and jacket for after the race. It turned out to be totally unnecessary.

Barb, Deb and Sherry left in search of the porta-potties. I waited inside for them.

Eventually they were starting the race. I guess the porta-potties lines were very long and so I left and headed to the race start.

They announced that they were starting in waves which was confusing since everyone just entered and started running when they crossed the start line.

Miles 1-3:

We started at Mullen Hall School and then headed toward the water (actually Salt Pond not the ocean yet). It was sunny but very WINDY.

I had decided to only walk at each mile until I needed to walk more often.  I made sure to drink at all water stops. I think there were at least 6 and eat a GU at every other or every 4 miles.

Miles 3-6:

We turned left onto a Bikeway which was really nice. Shady and less wind… but soon we were back along the water (now the ocean). It was again sunny but the wind seemed to be at our backs for a while. At mile 5 we turned onto Scranton Ave… still along the ocean but an inlet lined with restaurants and marinas.

Miles 6-9:

It was a beautiful course and now for several miles were running along the ocean.

The race advertised it as having one big hill… at mile 6.6.  Yup. It was steep and annoying and so I walked up it. There were also some smaller hills so not as flat as I had heard. A little past mile 8, we turned into the neighborhood and circled around heading along the ocean in the opposite direction,  Holy WIND!!!  So hard to move forward…

Miles  9-13.1:

We got a little reprieve from the wind around mile 9.5 when we turned and ran about a mile around a neighborhood.

But soon we were back along the water running into the wind. And at mile 10.5, we hit the big hill again. Of course, it was worse this time because the wind was in our faces.

As the miles went on, I struggled more and more. I walked more often. Miles 9-12 were pretty ugly. Nothing major hurt, just the usual aching lower back and sore left foot.

I was glad to be finally heading back to the school and the finish line. As I approached the finish line, our friends were ringing bells and screaming my name.  It was great to have their support.  I tried to sprint and look good as I passed them.

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal and a foil wrap (that was unnecessary) and headed to bag check (also unnecessary.)

Barb had already finished (She ran a great race,) and we headed back to the finish line to cheer on Deb and then Sherry (who had walked).

Once we all had finished, I went to the food tent and grabbed some chip (Cape Cod potato chips. LOL), some soup (You had a choice of clam chowder, turkey/rice or minestrone) and a cider donut.

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

We ended the day with drinks and s’mores.

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.

Of course, initially I may have wanted a faster finish time…

I am competitive but I realized quickly that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.

I felt fine the next day. We went on a hike.

I even ran Monday morning.

Guess what? We already picked our race-cation location for next October…

and rented our house:

Positives:

• Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
• Half marathon, 5k, marathon and marathon relay – 4 options
• They gave our group a $10 discount.
• Well-marked course.
• Easy packet pick-up.
• Frank Shorter at the expo.
• Long sleeved tech shirts
• Lots of volunteers and crowd support
• Friends cheering you on at the finish line
• Free Photos
• Instant race results
• Post race food – potato chips, apples, bananas, 3 types of soups (minestrone, clam chowder, turkey/rice and cider donuts
• Nice medal provided to all runners.
• Adequate number of water stops.
• $$ as age group awards
• Perfect weather
• Plenty of free parking
• 1.5 miles from our rental

Negatives:

• They changed the date of the 5k after we rented the house.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

All in all, I was happy with my results. Yes, it was one of my slowest half marathons.  But it was only 10 seconds slower than my last one which was on an easier course. And I’ve been training for a marathon. My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.

And when I checked the age group results:

Yes, I won my age group.  No big deal but check this out:

I WON $75!!!!!!!!!! First time I’ve ever won money for a race.

Next Up:

11-3-24

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

 

 

 

 

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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

 

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

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

In September of 2021 and again in 2022 and 2023, another organization (NARK) offered a half marathon (Run 4 the River) on a similar course.  Of course, I signed up (and convinced some friends to join me.)

And I signed up for the 4th annual Run 4 the River Half Marathon for several reasons:

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

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

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a half marathon training plan. But I was in the midst of training for my marathon and so I did complete three short runs during the work week.

And on the weekends, I always try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have the company of several running friends.  Due to the extreme heat and humidity this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk intervals.  It really helped me get through the long runs. (We have also often joked and re-labeled them walk/run intervals since we walk so often.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since it was a point-to-point race, the logistics were complicated. Either you parked at the start and got a ride back to your car after the race or you parked at the finish and got a ride to the start (or pay for the shuttle).

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

As always, I carb loaded on pizza the night before. Then I debated about what to wear the next day.

It was supposed to be little cooler than my previous long runs. But still warm and in the 70s by noon and very HUMID.  Thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon.

Race Day:

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

So I got up around 5:15 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 6:15 to meet Barbara and then I drove us to Deirdre’s. She would be driving us and Kevin plus Kevin’s friend to the start.

Some of our other friends would have parked their cars near the finish so I knew that Barbara & I could get a ride back.

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

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

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

Finally, it was time to head to the start.

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

The race started promptly at 8:00 am. There were no waves or corrals… They called out finish times asking the faster runners to line up first.

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

All my long runs have been done slowly and with short intervals. I found out during my last race (which was a 10k) that it didn’t exactly make me slower (or maybe it did?) but I found it hard to run for more than a minute or two without walking… I used to be able to run 1-2 miles straight (not that it matters…)

Miles 1-3:

As I already mentioned, the race began near Mabee Farms Historical site. The first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path.

I was determined this year to start out slower so I would not die at the end. (Spoiler alert: I did but I still died.)

Although many of friends use run/walk intervals, I would do what I normally do: run and then walk whenever tired.

Unfortunately I already needed to walk by mile 1. That need continued each mile and the number of times I needed to walk increased as the race progressed (Ugh!)

Anyway, there was an un-official water stop around mile 1 but I did skip it. That was the only one I skipped. I did high five my neighbor who was there (she was recovering from an injury).

The canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

The scenery was pretty. The Mohawk River changed to being on the left eventually.

The first official water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was where my running friends were volunteering.  It was great to hear them cheering us on.

Stan passed me by there and Barbara was catching up.

Instead of eating my first Gu, I ate some salt chews (something new!).  I was hoping they’d prevent me from cramping and feeling dizzy at the end of the race.

Miles 4-6

Most of what I remember is that my feet hurt (specifically the neuroma on my left foo and then a blister forming on my right foot).

Stan disappeared quickly ahead but I could see Barbara in the distance. She was getting farther and farther ahead and eventually disappearing from view as well.

I continued to walk at least once each mile.  Running just felt HARD!

There was second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path. Here I ate my first GU.

And I continued to add additional walk breaks whenever there was a slight hill/incline.

Around this point, the crowd thinned out a lot and I was running mostly alone. In fact I felt alone for most of the race after mile 3.  Whenever a runner caught up to me, they then passed me.  I guess I was running pretty slow!!

Besides the water stop areas, there were few spectators due it being a bike path.

What I enjoy about races are the runners, the crowds, the energy.  Since there was none, I obviously was not having fun!!

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising, the sun came out but it was not too bad. I have raced in a lot worse conditions.

Both of my feet continued to ache. Bunion? Stress fracture? Recurrence of the neuroma? As these thoughts ran through my head, I ran slower and walked more.

There was another water stop was a little before mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again and then ate two more salt chews.  My neighbor appeared again and cheered me on.

Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared. Maybe there weren’t big hills and I was just getting tired. I tried to run up them but it was more like a slog. Though the course was advertised as flat and downhill, there were hills (not big ones) throughout. (Aren’t there always?)

Miles 11-13.1

The final water stop was a little before Mile 11 at MH Bike Path lot. I stopped again and ate my second Gu.

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

All of a sudden, a racing friend who was way behind me caught up. We chatted for a minute as I struggled and then she passed me.

I tried to pick up the pace and sprint through the finish line…

My friends who didn’t run the race were there cheering.  It was sooo nice to see familiar faces.

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

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

And that racing friend who had just passed me was in my age group and that motivated me to move my tired legs.

Yup. I beat her!!!! (She was very gracious. “Nice kick at the end,” she said to me.)

Boy, was I glad to be done!! I grabbed my medal and went in search of my bag (so I could put on my Oofos.)

Post Race Activities:

Barbara had finished already and so had Stan. I joined my non-racing friends near the finish line to cheer in Sherry who had not finished yet.

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

It was crowded but fortunately we got a table. Rather than a boxed lunch (as the first year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food above from a buffet or a whole pizza. I chose the whole pizza (and I ate it ALL!)

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

I did check the results and noticed that I finished 2nd in my 70-99 year age group.

Additional Race Reflections:

Of course, I am glad that I ran the race. Much more fun than a boring 13 miler on the bike path… (at least at the after party!!)

Yet I was disappointed. Not in my finish time. But in how I struggled to finish 13.1 miles. I felt that I did everything right:

• Long runs on the weekend
• 3 Short runs during the week
• 3 Visits to the gym during the week
• Carb loaded the night before
• Fueled before and during the race
• The weather wasn’t perfect but not awful
• The course was mostly flat.

IOW, what should I do differently? (Wear newer shoes??)

Positives:

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

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards.
• No photos of everyone.
• Restrooms at Mabee Farms locked.
• Porta-potties only at one water stop.
• Running alone.
• Foot issues.

Would I recommend this race?

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

Final Stats:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace. And my foot pain probably slowed down my running pace.  It just wasn’t my day!!

I finished this race in 2:20:57 in 2021, 2:20:53 in 2022 and last year in 2:19:21.  

Hooray for another course PW for 2024!!

(In hindsight, I am grateful that I completed the distance since I may not be running for a while. IOW, never take that gift for granted!!)

Next Up:

Another Half Marathon in 5 weeks.  Can I redeem myself? Due to injuries in a boating accident, will I even be able to run it???

 

 

 

 

---

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

---

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