The Albany Last Run is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1500). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill. I have run it every year since 2010 and it is one of my favorite races.

The course map:

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain. Another year, in a blizzard.  Last year, this was how I finished the race.

snowy, icy and very slippery!!

I was hoping for better weather this year.  Could it be any worse??

They used to give out windbreakers for this race and I have them in many colors

As usual I picked up my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night. (I also picked up shirts and bibs for NINE of my running friends.)

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD.  I hate to overdress but how to stay warm, dry and also be comfortable???

I wore several layers but ended up being a little warm because although it was in the 20s, there was no wind.

I carpooled with Barbara and decided to leave my car where I use to take yoga classes.  (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat (that I would ditch before the race) and I was still a little cold. At least we got to wait inside.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends, etc.

So excited to see my tennis pal who got me started on this running thing. She has recently finished chemo and this was her first 5k this year.

We chatted until it was time to head out. It was fun to see all costumes and how everyone creatively got into the holiday spirit.

Most of my “Sole Sisters”

Finally we left our warm home to go watch the pre-race fireworks.

The fireworks were awesome but we were COLD and anxious for the race to begin.

the senior (over 60) members of the group

About 20 minutes later, the race finally did.

Not worried about our times for this race, we waited until the fireworks were over before we headed the start line. Then we just pushed our way into the crowd and waited to cross the start line. The race was only gun-timed so if you were serious, you had to watch the fireworks from the front of the crowd in line to start the race.

This may have been the best weather we’ve ever had for this race and it was insanely crowded, especially when you were starting toward the back with the slower runners and walkers.

Mile 1: 10:26

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and usually the crowd thinned out but it never did. I unsuccessfully tried to run but just was weaving in and out, say “Excuse me, excuse me.”

I think this mile was much slower than my Garmin says because when I crossed the Mile 1 clock, it read over 12 minutes.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

Once in the park, we were running under the festive holiday lights.  Though the road was filled with ruts and cracks, it was much lighter than on the streets.  We hit our second hill and I would have normally been tempted to walk up the steep hill but I didn’t need to and actually picked up the pace. (After Pelham, these hills seemed flat.)

Mile 2: 9:40

It was still very crowded and I was passing everyone but since I felt like I was running slow due to the crowds. I was able to enjoy the lights and the crazy costumes worn by the runners.  I got positive remarks from spectators about my outfit, as well.

from the TU (last year)

During this mile, I was really having fun!!

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes and NOT FALL!! So far so good.  It was so nice that the roads were dry.

from my friend’s FB page

Mile 3: 8:53

Finally around mile 3, my hands had warmed up so I took off my gloves and there was enough space to actually RUN.

Eventually we left the park, the road was dark but it was DOWNHILL so I carefully sprinted to the finish.

Officially I crossed at 30:44 I guess.

On my Garmin, it was about 30:08 but not sure if I started or stopped at the right time.

Yes, my slowest 5k this year but one of my most enjoyable. Afterwards, I chatted with some of my friends but it got cold so I went inside to wait for my Sole Sisters, check the results and get some refreshments.

They gave awards to 10 age year groups so I was 6th. but would have won if it were 5 year increments. No big deal.  Some races are just run for fun. And this was one!!!

The food was nothing to speak of – apples and bananas and some bars. Once everyone had finished, we all headed to one of the Sole Sister’s house for a pot luck dinner (and knitting lesson).  It was a blast.  I am so lucky to call those women my friends.

The Last Run is a standard on my racing list each year.  It did not disappoint this year.

My time this year was the slowest of all my Last Run races (except for those years with snow, ice and injury). But there’s no way that this race could be a PR. I know in order to have those faster times again, I would have to ditch my friends and stand close to the start line at the beginning.

But this is more  important:

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running?  How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race this year? 

November 11, 2018                              8:30 am

This is my sixth time running this popular local 15k race.

In 2011, my first time (and 1st 15K), I finished in 1:36:08. I was injured in 2012 and then I ran it again in 2013 and finished with a disappointing 142:22.

“fake” happy

With over 2000 runners in this race, they were forced to make some changes to the course three years ago.

It no longer starts and ends in Central Park. It also starts earlier – 8:30 am

This is a description of the new course:

Since then, the race organizers have decided to stay with the same course.  In 2015, I was shocked that I finished at 1:31:35. Yes, a PR by almost 2 minutes.

I was not as lucky in 2016 or should I say “not as fast” (due to stomach issues) and finished it in 132:49.

Last year, I was not able to run this race since I was in Las Vegas running the Rock n Roll 5k and half marathon.

Apparently, they modified the course slightly for this year. And it seems that they eliminated the bike path at the beginning of the race (which I did like because you ran along the Mohawk River and it was dirt so easy on the feet).).

This year whose knows?

Life and work have gotten in the way of my running.  I did not run Monday, Thursday and Friday and minimally on Tuesday and Wednesday. That meant that anything could happen!!

I didn’t expect to PR but just wanted a decent long run (and not get INJURED!!) since I was scheduled to run a half marathon in TWO WEEKS!!!

Usually to save time, I pick my race packet the day before the race. But I decided it was just as easy to pick it up on race morning.

Instead I spent a long overdue visit with the girl I mentor and her two sons.

Yes it snowed. Yes we all froze but they enjoyed the obstacles and I enjoyed watching them.

I kinda forgot about my race the next day and had a late lunch of chili. Oops not my usual pizza dinner.

As usual, I didn’t sleep much the night before the race. I had decided what to wear but still wasn’t sure about how cold it would be. It was in the 30s when I got up and windy but it was forecast to warm up a little and the sun to possibly come out. I hate this time of year. It’s so difficult to dress correctly. At least there was a bag check and I could bring extra clothes for after and in case I changed my mind.

just added some gloves and stuck with my original plan

Even though, I’ve been to this race before, I still left extra early.  Barbara and I carpooled. We got there around 7:10 am and found a spot on the street a few blocks from the start of the race.

nice long sleeved tech shirt – but too big 😦 (that’s why you go the day before.

We walked to the YMCA to use the restroom and check extra clothes. There I bumped into a lot of familiar faces and met up with my fellow Sole Sisters.

I used the restroom right away and was glad that I did since the line got longer later on. It was so nice to have some place to stay warm before the race.

We waited indoors as long as possible. But eventually it was time to head to the start.

during the National Anthem (no pic this year but the same view)

We arrived as they were playing the National Anthem and then quickly ran across the street (to the women’s side) to get ready to start.

waiting to start – men started on one side and women on the other.

I started with my Freihofer/Turkey Trot training group buddy, Nancy. But I knew that I would lose her immediately (She is quite fast.)

The course map:

As with any big race, it was very slow going at first.

from Daily Gazette (2015)

As the map above shows, we headed west into the Stockade section of town. Although it was chilly, when the sun peaked out, it was quite nice.  I even took off my gloves and unzipped my outer layer. There were mile markers at each mile and most of them had someone calling out times.

I ignored my watch. I just tried to run at a steady pace even up the hills but I had no idea if I was actually doing that until after the race when I check my split times.  But as I mentioned earlier, this was not a PR attempt…just a training run.

photo by David Giacalone (2015)

After the Stockade area, we ran past Union College and around various residential neighborhoods. I skipped the first water stop since I was not thirsty at all. The cold weather does that to me.

photo by David Giacalone (2015)

I knew a lot a runners in this race. They kept catching up to me, we’d chat and then they would go on ahead. That was ok with me. I was determined to run at my own pace and have a pain-free race.

The hills were relentless. But I was able to run up all of them. The wind was relentless as well. Why was it never at my back???

I figured that there would be no PR today so I just enjoyed the scenery and chatted with many runners as they went by.

Eventually I was getting hungry. My breakfast was at 5:30 am!! So I walked at the 2nd water stop and had a Gu.  I lost some time here since my tights & toasty checks skirt did not have a pocket so I had to squeeze my Gus into my race belt along with my phone. It was tough to get them out. Lesson learned.  Go back to my Skirt Sports tights, skirts and capris with TWO attached pockets.

Around mile 6, we entered Central Park with its rolling hills, lake, and pretty foliage.

photo by David Giacalone

I think I skipped the third water stop. I actually don’t remember but I made sure to smile for all the photographers.

leaving the park  (2015)

Between mile 7 and 8 is where the BIG hills were. I ran up the first one. Then I decided to run up the second. That was a first for me.  Usually in this race, I have to walk up the hills. The second hill was steep but not as steep as I remember. But that wind!!!!

Things were feeling good except for my foot (a lot of pain on the ball of my foot due to the bunion forcing my toes together) and a side stitch ever since I ate my GU.

At least the hills were over.. We proceeded to run through the cemetery and then through a park before heading DOWNHILL to the finish line at city hall.

Of course, the wind persisted and we were running INTO the wind!! But I was passing runners, even men. Pysched!

And when I saw the clock in the distance, I ran as fast as I could. I was shocked that I could possibly finish under 1:30.

But I did not!!!I finished at 1:30:XX.

I was happy anyway.

I bumped to another Skirt Sports ambassador and lots of running friends. I waited outside as long as I could but I was getting pretty chilled.

So we went back inside.  This year, the food was in the same area as bag check and we we waited before the race.

I got some chocolate milk, bread, potato chips, soup (carrot ginger) and pizza.  What a nice spread for a local race.

I also checked the results. All the speedy old ladies run this race. But this year, I was pretty close to an award for the first time.

We hung out waiting for everyone to finish the race and plan where we were going for brunch (and yes, I ate some more).

We ended up going to a nearby diner where we continued to chat about the race. We all had a good time running it.

2nd & 3rd 5ks exactly the same – wow!!

My Splits:

mile 1 – 9:05
mile 2 – 9:30
mile 3 – 9:27
mile 4 – 9:42
mile 5 – 9:41
mile 6 – 9:54
mile 7 – 9:52
mile 8 – 10:07
mile 9 – 9:34
.4 – 8:24

1:30:15

I am very happy with how the race turned out. My miles were pretty consistent (at least for me.) The slowest ones were when I ate my Gu (mile 6) and ran up the big hills (miles 7-8).

I really enjoyed this race. The course was so varied that it also took your mind off the hills. With the large number of runners (1500), I felt like I was always running with others and it kept me going.

Yes, it was hilly. The first half had a lot more hills but they were manageable. The second half had fewer hills but they were steeper.

The best part of the race was that I didn’t put it all out there and I just enjoyed myself treating it like a training run. When I was done, nothing hurt (not even that stupid foot.)

And guess what? It was a PR!!!!!! Over a minute faster than on this course in 2015.

This race is definitely on my must-do list. It was very well organized. Maybe all the stars will be aligned next year and I’ll gun for that sub 1:30 finish.

I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup.

Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend or do any other running? Do you ever run 15ks? Do you like them? Have you ever PRed when you weren’t trying to?

September 29, 2018 – 9:00 am

Back in August, my Russian friend Anna was in the US and we planned to meet up in NYC.

You wouldn’t expect me to go to NYC and not run a race, would you?  Actually, it was Anna’s idea not mine. She wanted to run a race with me and this race was happening the weekend of our meetup..

I’ve visited Governor’s Island once and I’ve always wanted to run there. So we both registered even though I didn’t know much about the race besides what was on the website:

THE RACE – This great midsummer’s race features a great course with world class views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty, starts off with a ferry ride and features a great post-race party.

COURSE – We have an exciting new course planned that improves on the one we used last year. The 5K is one loop and the 10K is two loops.

AMENITIES – Bag check and toilets will be provided. Water and Gatorade will be available on the course, and bagels, spreads, fresh fruit and more will make up the usual great NYCRUNS post race spread to greet you at the finish line. Free finish line photos and video will be available on the results page. The giveaway for this race will be a great tech t-shirt*. *Sizes are guaranteed – if we don’t have your size at the race, email theteam@nycruns.com within two days of the race and we’ll ship your shirt to you a few weeks later.

RESULTS, AWARDS, FINISH LINE PHOTOS & VIDEO – Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners overall in each race. Age group awards in the 5K will be awarded to the top three in each the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Finish line photos and video will also be available on the results page.

DIRECTIONS – There’s only one way to get to the island – the Governors Island ferry, and your ferry ride is included in your race registration.  You must arrive at the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. no later than 7:30 AM to check in and you must have your race bib.  The 4,5, R, and 1 trains are closest to the ferry terminal.

This was the same group that organized the Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k that I ran back in June and that was well-organized. So I was pretty psyched for the race.

waiting to board the ferry – no rain yet…

We boarded the ferry, got to the island….and…

Rain…Wind…Thunder…Lightning…

Then we got the bad news.  THE RACE WAS CANCELLED!!!

And back on the ferry all the runners went.

Boo!!!

So the race was re-scheduled for Sept 29 and NO REFUNDS!!!

I emailed them that I lived almost 3 hours away and would have to pay for a train and hotel room plus my friend lived in Russia!!

Their response was: No refunds!

So I wavered back and forth but signed up for the Sept 29 race.

As race time approached, I was thinking of skipping the race.

I had been in Montreal the weekend before and would be in France the following two weekends. Plus work travel during the week. Ugh!!

But I had paid for the race, had enough points for free hotel room (near the ferry) so I took the (cheap) Megabus to the city Friday night after work.

Luckily I had saved my bib from August and did not have to pick up a new one.  There was NO day of race pick-up.

So what to wear?

Last weekend, it was chilly.  So I packed my gloves, throw away shirt, jacket, arm warmers to be prepared.

Nope. I woke up to temps in the 60s already.

Still I thought that it wold be chilly on the ferry so I brought a bag to check my jacket but left my throw away at the hotel.

passed these on the way 🙂

sunrise on the East River

Getting to the ferry was no problem — just an easy 15 minute walk. I got there around 7ish and while waiting inside chatted with a runner doing her FIRST 5k.  So exciting!

The ride to the island was very short.  I wound up chatting with a Music teacher preparing to run a half in Disney and who had been at the cancelled race (he recognized my crinkled bib).

I arrived around 8 am and had an hour to stroll around the island.

It was relaxing not to rush to the start and I could check out the course — scenic with water views and pretty flat!!

tempting… but the line was long!

so many of the runners were wearing the race shirt

Eventually it was time to check my bag,…

use the bathrooms (there were real restrooms and tons of port-a-potties and then head to the start.

I lined up close to the front but not too close.

But as soon as we started, it seemed that for the first mile, EVERYONE was passing me by.

I had decided that I would enjoy the race as I did during my recent 5k in Montreal and especially since I had just run a half marathon less than a week before.

The course was one loop around the island so you had gorgeous views throughout. The biggest problem was that there was NO shade and it was very sunny.  I have run in warmer weather but for some reason, I was very warm. Even my legs were sweating in my compression socks.

The only water stop was around mile 2.  I supposed that it was placed there for the 10k because it was too late for this warm 5k. I instinctively grabbed a cup but just took a quick sip and tossed it.

As usual, I ran out of steam during mile 3. I was surprised because I didn’t think I was putting it all out there but maybe, it was because my legs were tired and/or I was very warm.

Still I was shocked when I approached the finish line and saw that I could have PRed.  But it was too late. (Watch me cross the finish line HERE)

checking my watch LOL

And happy with my time!!

I immediately ran into the runner running her first 5K and we congratulated each other.

Then I got some food.

a welcome surprise after the Montreal races.

There was an interesting outdoor art exhibit:

The first ferry back was not for another hour so I decided to re-do the course walking but in the opposite direction and cheer on the 10k runners who were still on the course (They had to run 2 loops).

Soon it was time to head back to Manhattan on the ferry.

After a quick walk to my hotel, a change of clothes, I hopped on the subway and spent a few hours meandering around the Village with fellow runner/blogger Cari before heading home It was a beautiful day and she was great company.

Back to my race:

I loved the course.  The weather was perfect.  I can’t believe that I hesitated coming to NYC for this race (yes, most people would think I’m crazy. But I’m a crazy runner!)

It didn’t hurt that I got an email telling me my finish time and that I won my age group.

NYCRuns personally engraves your award and mails it to you later.

I also realized that my finish time for this race tied my PR.  My 5K PR was gun time and this was chip timed. My chip time 5K PR was 27:01 (but I don’t know if that counts?)

Yes, part of me wishes that I had pushed more and gotten that PR.  At the time, it never crossed my mind for this race.  But I’m not getting any younger. Someone please tell me to do speed drills and get that 5k time lower before it’s too late.

Mile Splits:

mile 1 – 8:54
mile 2 – 8:52
mile 3 – 9:03
.14 – 9:03

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

I am joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

Happy Running! How is your running going this fall? Any recent races? Ever had a race cancelled due to weather? Do you train for a 5K PR or do you just race for fun?