High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…
Last year 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…
2023
Some racing friends did go and they said that it was awesome.
So I mentioned it to my running friends Heidi and Sherry.
LOL. Heidi & I had already been there on Monday.
and they agreed with me.. Let’s do it!
definitely hillier than it looks here!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Again I am training for a marathon.
I ran my long run of 9 miles the day before…
And then the hubby and I spent the rest of the day on the lake where I enjoyed a beer and a good book.
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.
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 my shirt/bib.
There were almost 300 runners at this race. I even bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.
obligatory pre-race photo
The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.
Soon it was time to line up.
We decided to run together… that meant using Heidi’s intervals (2min:30 sec) since she was the slowest of the three.
It sounded like fun to me.
start and finish line
Mile 1:
It was pretty crowded but we tried to stay together. The race started on a dirt path with holes and rocks. It would have been hard to run on.
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.
Mile 2:
By the second mile, it was getting increasingly hard to stay together. It was crowded and when Heidi got behind us, it was hard to hear the beeps to know when we were walking and when we were supposed to run.
I also like to walk on the uphills and run on the downhills which didn’t always coordinate with the intervals.
So we got separated..
Sherry was close behind me and I often slowed for her to catch up… since we said that we would run the race together.
Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.
The course repeated itself so youknew what was coming…
Mile 3-3.1:
By mile 3, I was wanting to be done… so I did my usual run some, walk some.
I actually felt pretty energetic and could have run this race…
But there was no reason to chance a injury.
And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.
I crossed at 42:09. (41:57 – Garmin time)
A PW 5k but faster than the ones I walked.
No regrets!!
Post Race Activities:
Sherry finished right after new and we waited for Heidi to cross.
They gave you a coupon for free ice cream and there was also free chocolate milk…
farm fresh = delish!!
We got on line for our free ice cream
and chatted with the other runners while we waited.
posing with our empty milk bottles. lol
They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 5th in my age group.
The winners got to name a new calf (very cool). The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon.
And of course, the ice cream was worth the drive!!
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 friends to come along).
Next year when I will not be training for a marathon, I may even race it!!
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked scenic course
Some familiar faces
Friends to share the experience
Nice gender-specific tech shirt
Free chocolate milk
Free (homemade) ice cream
Immediate results
Negatives:
Hilly
Long drive
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:
I wonder how many calories that chocolate milk and ice cream cone were? LOL
Next Up:
a 10k.
Aug 3.
Then 13.1:
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? Please share.
When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.
in 2008 – my first year of running
in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)
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 60 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 and 2023 (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2023
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years.
Last year, 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:
pretty similar…
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.
view on the way
I got a spot in a nearby lot, picked up my bib/shirt
and then left the shirt in the car.
There were about 600 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.
The weather was warm … around 75 at the start and sunny. I just hung around and chatted with other runners that I recognized.
isn’t he cute?
and there was a photo booth so I took my obligatory pre (and post) 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 not too far back since there was no timing mat at the start.
Mile 1:
I always feel like I start out fast but it still seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead.
But my biggest problem again was the heat (and yes, I know that it’s like this in most places and worse in Florida)..
And it was sunny and there was very little if any shade on the course.
Mile 2:
By the second mile, I was really wanting to walk… I was hoping to wait until the water stop which was about half way.
nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from 2019’s Saratogian
Now that they changed the course by having an out and back on one street, I was able to cheer on runners who were way ahead as well as those behind me.
I did appreciate those folks who put sprinklers out… I ran through each one!
I made it to the water stop and walked (for probably too long)… but I felt a lot better after.
Mile 3-3.1:
By mile 3, I was really fading but I continued to make sure to hit the tangents (there were 15 of them!!)
Finally we turned the last corner…
I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. I had hoped to finish under 31 minutes… a 2024 5k PR.
I crossed at 30: 03. (29:50 – Garmin time)
YAY!!
Post Race Activities:
I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.
I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race). There were only bananas so I grabbed one.
They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 2nd in my age group.
Then they announced that any car in the nearby grass lot would be towed.
Yup, that be me!!
Off I ran and decided to leave rather than wait around for my age group award medal.
I drove up to the lake to meet up my hubby and some friends for a ride on the boat and a barbecue on an island.
Additional Race Reflections:
Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive. And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my marathon training.
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 actually was a faster finish than my previous 5ks race this year! That makes me happy.
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked course with many course marshals
Flat course
Lots of familiar faces.
Immediate results
5 year age groups for awards
Spectators with hoses and sprinklers
Negatives:
No longer get free tickets to the race track
15 turns!!
Hot and Sunny!
Only bananas post race.
Unisex shirts
Only one water stop (on a hot day)
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:
Another 5k or two.
July 28
And a 10k.
Aug 3
Then:
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? Please share.
Summer is HERE! And in many places, it’s been hot and humid!!
Sorry I’m a week late on the Tuesday topic…
Here are some of MY personal tips to enjoy running in the summer:
Stop complaining and posting about the temps and humidity.
Ok, I do it too. (But I will try not to…)
If the heat bothers you:
Don’t run.
Run earlier or later in the day.
Run indoors.
Run slower.
Run fewer miles.
victory for running in only a tank and skirt
Wear Compression Calf Sleeves.
I know it sounds crazy but it is so buggy in the summer. Besides protecting your legs from injury, it will help ward off ticks and mosquitoes. With spring rain, the bugs can be insane.
the ice cream helped as well as the socks lol
Wear a Baseball Cap.
It keeps you cool (if you have thick hair like me). It shields your face from the sun and most importantly, it protects your scalp from the sun. Most runners neglect to put sunscreen on their head and a visor will do zero for you there.
Plan your Hydration.
That doesn’t mean that you have to carry water. I don’t usually.
I mean, how much can you really carry during a hot weather run, anyway? An everyday runner does not have to purchase a hydration vest.
an old pic (I lost that water bottle 😦 )
But you need to drink even if you think that you are not a heavy sweater.
I usually plant water somewhere on my route or loop my runs so I pass my car (where I have water). I have even stopped a local convenience store during my run and bought a bottle of water.
Or you can buy a skirt or shorts that can hold a small water bottle or two.
Sign up for Races.
You knew this one was coming.
The adrenaline of the race will make you forget about the heat. There will be water stops along the course and maybe even watermelon or ice cream at the end of the race.
Ok not as comfortable as sitting in your air-conditioned home or floating around a pool but better for you and much more fun.
at one of my favorite summer 5ks
Happy Running! Any other tips for enjoying the summer run? 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
Last year, I convinced a few more friends to join me.
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.
Then I had to break it to my hubby as it would interfere with any lake plans.
pic from 2020
He went up on his own to do some repairs on the boat. Since we had planned to go on the boat after my hike the next day, he was cool with me racing today.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Since the race was on a Thursday, I was still able to get in a few short runs earlier in the week.
To save time on race day, my friend Deirdre picked up my race packet at Fleet Feet on Monday.
gender-specific tech shirt
The weather for race day: A chance of showers, mainly before 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
I hoped that they were correct and that it wouldn’t be too humid and we’d be done before the heat set in…
As I’ve said in most of race recaps, my goal in racing these days is to do my best but more importantly, have fun and not get injured. However, racing in cool dry weather, I think would be more fun. LOL.
Race Day:
I ate my usual oatmeal and coffee breakfast and checked the weather – no rain and already warm and humid… boo!
The past few years, I carpooled with Heidi and she knew exactly where to park. I was thrilled when she again offered. Deirdre and I met her at Leah’s Cakery (which was only a few miles from the race) at 7:45 am. Stan, Sherry and Denise planned to meet us at the race.
We usually found parking on the street but it seemed much more crowded this year and so we had to park in the parking garage. Then we walked toward the start…
We passed the finish line passing many runners that I knew.
Then of course, we took our obligatory pre-race photos…
Denise was late and missed out pic
And we made plans on where to meet after the race. It was cool to see how creatively everyone was dressed for this July 4th holiday race.
I was happy to see so many people racing… 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 start (9 am).
Heidi, Deirdre and Sherry headed toward the back.
I stayed toward the front and chatted with some runners whom I knew.
Though I had run this race 3 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…
I may be in there somewhere
I was also wearing running shoes that I hadn’t worn in a while… I did wear them at this race last year and don’t remember a problem.
Blisters=big problem!!
And it seemed like everyone was passing me by but when I glanced at my watch, it showed that my pace was 9:XX minutes!! WTH?
Mile 2:
I was surrounded by runners the whole race. Several times I bumped into runners or they bumped into me. Then again, it was a big local race with over 2000 finishers.
As we ran through neighborhoods, spectators enthusiastically cheered us on. There were musicians or bands throughout.
The best part was that there were many folks spraying the runners with water as well as sprinklers set up. I made sure that I ran through each one. It was very humid and very uncomfortable…
And my blisters seems to be growing…
There was a water stop during this mile. I did stop and walked for a bit to catch my breath.
I did feel a little stronger during this mile (but that was short-lived.)
The heat and humidity was sucking the life out of me.
Mile 3:
We ran into a few rolling hills during this mile but none too bad. As I mentioned above, there were many different groups playing music. That was a nice distraction.
Saratoga is such a pretty town. I enjoyed running through its streets.
But I started tiring and decided to just walk if I needed to.
I was surprised that there was a second water stop since the race was only 4 miles. I did appreciate it and I stopped again.
In addition to the official water stops, there seemed to be many spectators giving out bottles of water. I did not stop at any of those since I didn’t want to carry a bottle of water or waste it.
Mile 4:
I think there was one more water stop… I was getting dizzy so I don’t really remember.
And my blisters were getting more and more painful.
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.
a friend’s husband took this pic
I sprinted as fast as I could at this point.
I saw 40:xx on the clock as I crossed the finish line and was a little disappointed. I knew I was running slower and walked a lot more than the previous year but I expected to at least finish under 40 minutes (No biggie.).
Post Race:
I wanted to watch my friends finish
but it was getting too arm so I grabbed some water and headed to our meeting spot.
Stan finished around my time and Sherry finished soon after.
Eventually Heidi and Deirdre arrived and only a few minutes later, Denise who had walked. (She is a fast walker!!)
I checked the website to see if I won an age group award. Two years ago, I came in 2nd. Last year, in my new age group, I came in 5th (no surprise since I had slowed down…)
5th again!
Like last year, we decided to stay in Saratoga to have brunch. First we walked back to our cars to change into dry shirts. We also knew from previous years that the restaurants would be crowded. So before the race, I had made a reservation in the restaurant where we ate last year.
I made it for 11 am… oops, they stopped serving breakfast at 11 am… and so lunch and drinks it was.
Additional Race Reflections:
I felt that I could have done better if I didn’t walk as much (but I always say that AFTER the race.)
Of course, I think the weather had a lot to do with my pace. I suck at running in the heat and humidity.
Then there was the painful blisters!!
Lots of excuses. LOL
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 Mon-Wed and race day
Real restrooms before and after and ample number of port-potties
Two or three water stops for a 4 mile race.
Additional unofficial water tables.
Awards (3 deep) for 5 year age group awards
Photo Booth
15% discount at Fleet Feet with your bib
Negatives:
Steep hill at mile 4
Weather (hot, humid)
Late start – 9 am for a July race?
$$ for race photos
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. I enjoyed it. I hope that I can make it work and run it again next year.
Things have not been perfect (what ever is) and so there’s definitely room for improvement. Of course, some good things went down.
Running-Related:
407 Miles
My annual goal is 1000 but I started the year with a sprained ankle but if I stay healthy and train for that full marathon, I may actually reach my goal.
My favorite miles were those with friends…
7 Races (3 Half Marathons, 1 -10K, 3 – 5Ks)
Again, lower number than normal… Quality not quantity, right?
One of my favorites was when I skipped a half marathon and ran a new 5k in Florida instead (and met Jeannie Rice).
This race was not on my radar. I was planning a long run and taking a break from racing.
Then my friend (as she did the past two years) asked me to do it with her. How could I say No?
This was the 6th time that I had run this race. I ran it in 2010!!
they gave out free ice cream that year,
Yes, 14 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time.
This is the race where I met new running BFF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her 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? Anything could happen… no expectations.
A course PR! 28:43
2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….
The good news last year was that Carolyn didn’t turn 70 until later in the year.
I won my age group!!
But my time was slower: 29:11 (GT)
I was sure that I would have a PW this year since the finish times for the two 5ks I’ve run this year were in the 30s and I walked my recent 5k.
It’s all good. I’m thrilled when I am ABLE to race (especially in a year that included a sprained ankle and food poisoning).
My friend Heidi would be running it with me again. It is always fun to run a race with a friend.
2022
2023
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
Last weekend, I kept up my base and ran 6 miles
and then during the week, I ran a few short runs in NYC.
Marathon training does not start until July 9!! Besides, I had Monday off so if necessary, I could run my 6 mile long run then.
The truth was that after FIVE days working in NYC, I was exhausted. The last thing I wanted to do was get up early on Saturday and run a race!!
Nevertheless, when I got home Friday night I put together my running outfit.. at least rain wasn’t forecast (like last year.)
Race Day:
I dragged myself out of bed and had my usual race breakfast (coffee and oatmeal)
The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:15.
I immediately found Heidi and then got my shirt and bib.
In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game. This year they added a ticket to the Strawberry and Wine Festival that was also held that day. Heidi and I traded tickets.
We milled around chatting with runners that we knew.
Then I spotted a runner that I had met in April while waiting for the H2H half to start.
I forget to get a pic but she’s in the middle
She read this blog and decided to drive several hours from MA to run the race! It was so fun to meet up again!!
We finally found the mascot for our annual pic.
With the breeze, it seemed like perfect weather for a race.
Below is the course map and elevation:
“their” elevation chart
and “mine”
It had been about 6 weeks since my last 5k…
I had not been thrilled with my lack of speed and thought I would do some speed drills on a nearby track. But nope… that never happened.
And then I, due to food poisoning, I was forced to walk my favorite 5k.
So again, my race goal was to finish happy and uninjured… zero expectations of a fast finish time…
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.
I wear my Garmin for races but as mentioned, it had been awhile. As soon as I started it, it began updating the software. Boo!
I played with it but there wasn’t much I could do.
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.
Eventually I was able to start my watch … I don’t remember much about the first mile other than I was dragging (and it felt warmer than it was due to the sun).
I think I willed myself to run and not walk…
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
It felt warm as I mentioned… occasionally we did feel the breeze but as usual, it was was when we were running into it.
My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep, out of shape?
And was there a mile 2 marker or did I miss it?
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 however I thought of finishing under 30 minutes. (I think that’s just a dream now…)
As I approached the finish line, 29 turned to 30 minutes and then 30 turned to 31.
A course PW!
Post Race Activities:
I may have come to accept my lack of speed because I was not really disappointed in my time.
I waited for Heidi to finish.
She was happy with how she did.
Then we headed for the food. There was a decent spread: popcorn, chips, cookies, bananas, apples, coffee, water. There was also a barbecue. I ate a hot dog and several cookies.
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 – 2nd in my age group as did several of my friends.
And my friend from MA was the FIRST FEMALE!! Woo Hoo!
So we waited around for the awards ceremony (which took place after the kids race.)
this year’s award was a hat
Then off we went to brunch… I only had iced coffee. lol.
After showering and changing, I invited a friend to join me at the Strawberry and Wine Festival.
wine, sprits, music, ice cream, crafts… loads of fun and it was FREE!!
Additional Race Reflections:
When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was not feeling good about running this race.
As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, ran a decent race and don’t regret it one bit.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
4 free tickets to a game as swag
1 free ticket to the Strawberry and Wine Festival there
Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Free photos
Decent post-race food
Cute age group award (my hubby likes it)
Negatives:
Gun time (not chip timed)
Long course (many said it was 3.2 this year)
My Garmin missed the beginning of the race
Hills (but don’t most races)
Unisex tee shirts (but there were tech material this year)
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 = 31:10
Next Up:
Adirondack Race to the Lakes7 Miler
June 22, 2024
Skipping this race for the first time and waiting until…
Happy Running! How did you celebrate Father’s Day Weekend? Running any summer 5ks? Please share.
The race took me past the highlights of the city (Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, Arc de Triomphe, Bois de Boulogne, Roland Garros, Maison de la Radio, Grand Palais, Tuileries, Pont Royal, and left banks) but obviously I couldn’t stop and soak it all in.
So I’m due to go back, right?
I might even take a running tour this time.
Happy Running! Where is your dream running location? Have you run there yet? Have you ever run in Paris? Please share.
This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 17th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 16th 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.
on their webpage…can you spot me in the pink cap?
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:
Unfortunately, I’m the only one from this group who still runs.
In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:
and this photo made the cover of our local paper.
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!!
This year, however, I wasn’t as excited about the race as in previous years… sprained ankle, several slow half marathons and lots of doubts about fitness/racing. Especially shorter races since my last 5k were weeks ago…
And 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!!
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. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.
And this was also my ninth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC).
photo from 2022
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 last year, I signed up to volunteer on Friday evening at packet pick-up
I was able to get the bibs & shirts for 7 of my running friends
even though the race name changed, we still get Freihofer cookies (along with Sara Lee bread)
and then I skipped playing mah jongg in order to prepare my #flatme.
Cat-approved outfit
If you read my WRD, you know that I had food poisoning that night and was very doubtful about running the race the next day.
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.
pics from 6 years ago…
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
elevation according to my Garmin
I did run the newer course the past eight years and I also liked it better than the original..
heading downhill to the finish line
This year, my running friend, Deb, offered to drive as for work she has a nearby parking space. I gladly accepted.
As I mentioned above, this was my 17th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak. Plus, I had my friends’ bibs.
I know it sounds crazy but I decided to go to the race. If I felt sick, I would hang out in the TC tent (near the porta-potties) and if I felt ok, I would WALK the race.
Obviously, running the race was out of the question…
So we met at 7:15, Deb drove and then from the parking garage, we walked to the start area. I quickly found the TC tent…
I got there in time for the photo (missed it last year. LOL).
just the “mentors”
Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I thought I would, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.
I still had time to chat with many runners and meet up with my local running friends.
we call ourselves the “Sole Sisters”… Barb’s daughter and Heidi’s MIL joined us.
I was scheduled to start in corral 3 but since I was walking, I headed toward the back of the pack. I was lucky that several of my friends had decided to walk too.
Mile 1:
It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years. I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to walk comfortably.
The race began with a long steep uphill. I remember it being hard when I was running but walking and chatting, I barely noticed it.
The best thing about walking was that I could take in the scenery and take lots of photos.
And we were so slow that the lead runner was heading to the finish before we hit mile 1.
Keira D’amato leading the pack
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.
The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…There were cones over the potholes but you had to weaving back n forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes pealed to ground to make sure you didn’t trip.
Then again, we were walking so much fewer issues with the state of the pavement.
1 mile done
Mile 2:
There was a water stop around mile 1.25. It was warm out and I would have stopped had I been running but today, there was no need.
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.
We tried to pick up the pace for the second mile.
But we were having so much fun that I doubt we got much faster.
Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.
2 miles down
Mile 3-3.1:
There was a second water stop around mile 2.5 but again, none of us needed to stop.
Finally we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.
always stop and pose when you see a photographer…
It was a long downhill and I remember it being longer than it looked.
notice how fast my friends walk… and the 80 something is leading the way…
Eventually I saw the 3 mile sign.
Heidi’s MIL (who was in her mid 80’s) wanted to finish under 60 minutes.
It would be close so we all started to RUN!!
And we did it!!
and since we started after 9:00, we were even faster than the clock.
Post Race Activities:
We got our medals and some water and then headed toward the refreshments.
The lines were very long so we decided just to head out and go out to brunch.
Additional Race Reflections:
Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run but I still really enjoyed myself.
It was different this year. If I had raced, I would have been chatting after the race with my racing friends and we would have discussed our finish times and age group awards..
Of course, I had FOMO. It would have been more fun to have run but sometimes life gives you lemons. And so I made lemonade.
Today was about friendship which is more important than pace.
Besides 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
20:24 –
stiff competition
Well, there’s always next year…
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 finish and start 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)
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 #17 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 and RUN it.
Next Up:
June 15
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? Ever walk a race? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 