I actually never heard of this race.

Apparently it used to be a half marathon but they changed it to a 10 miler and relay in 2023.

The Boilermaker 15k is very popular (and I plan to run it for the first time this July.) It ends at the brewery and you get FREE beer.

I ran the Boilermaker 5k back in 2008 (my first year of running.)

But my friends Jenny and Linda talked me into it.. the cost if you registered early was $26.  They said that we would carpool and Linda’s hubby would drive us.

How could I say no?

DESCRIPTION:

The Boilermaker’s Erie Canal Races include a 10 Miler & Relay as well as a 5K. The courses start and finish on the track in the Ed Wadas Athletic Complex at Whitesboro High School in Marcy, NY.

They will cover the trail along the pedestrian bridge over Rt. 49 and make their way to the scenic & historic Erie Canalway Trail and then back. 

10-Mile runners will turn around just before the Harbor Point Lock and return on the trail to Whitesboro High School to finish on the track.

Elevation according to my Garmin:

Race incentives include a performance tee shirt* and a finisher’s medal Shirt is 100% polyester moisture-wicking short sleeve and is a crew neck for men and v-neck for women

Pre-Race Activities and Preparation:

I ran a half marathon on April 11.

 

Since there have been short runs on weekdays and a few longer runs on the weekends (8m, 10k, 5k, 6m).

Hopefully there will be some muscle memory in my legs because I definitely didn’t feel trained for the 10 mile distance.

But it was a new race for me, in a new location and with 2 friends.

And since I had another 10 mile race scheduled for the next weekend, I didn’t plan to go all out and get injured.

My 10 miler last year was Miles on the Mohawk  – 1:48:33 so my expectations for this one would be around 1:55.

Race Day:

The plan was to meet Jenny at 4:40am and then drive to Linda’s house.  Linda’s hubby was going to drive us to the race.  Though the race started at 8am, we had to pick up our bibs and we weren’t sure of the logistics.

That meant  3:30 am wake-up, have my coffee and oatmeal and get out the door by 4:30 am.

How’s that for a Sunday?

It’s been chilly until the day before so I still packed throwaways.

Not necessary. It was humid and warm!!

We got there plenty early.

There was coffee and snacks and easy packet pick up.

and real restrooms!!

We just walked  around…

Surprisingly there were other runners from our area that made the drive…

Soon it was time to line up.  No corrals.  Everyone started together (the 10 milers and the relay teams).

And off we went.

I started behind Linda but quickly lost her.

The race looped the the track and then exited onto the road.

We ran along traffic and over two bridges before we finally entered the bike path.

It was sunny (but luckily the sun went behind he clouds until the end of the race.)

The humidity did not leave!!

As always I started out to fast.  I’ll blame Linda because I was trying to keep her in my sight.

The bike path was a welcome sight.  A little shady and views of the river and canal.

Not much to say other than there were rolling hills. Nothing too challenging but these days, even an incline seems hard.

There were 3 water stops but since this was an out and back, you passed them twice.

I ran as long as I could and added more and more walk breaks as the race went on. If there was a hill or a water stop, I made sure to walk and save my energy.

I only brought 2 Gus with me and ate one at mile 4 and the other at mile 8. (Since my breakfast was at 4 am, I had eaten a waffle before the race.)

Though Linda had been way ahead, I was gaining on her and after the turn around, I passed her. The humidity (and her speedy start) was getting to her.

Me? My lower back ached per usual and I developed a blister on my right foot.

There was a lot of volunteers along the course and they were very supportive. As were the faster runners that passed me by.  I tried to do the same and cheer on the slower runners behind me.

Since it was an out and back, I knew exactly what was coming… the bridges and the roadway.

Finally I made back to the high school track.

I tried as best as I could to finish strong.

Post Race Activities:

Linda was right behind me.

I immediately grabbed some watermelon and chocolate milk…

Picture time?

While Iwas waiting for Jenny to finish, I ate some of the post race refreshments: bagel and cream cheese and a few other snacks.

The went to see if I won an age group award.

Yup, I did! 3rd place (70+)

I chose a gift card to one of our local supermarkets.

Additional Race Reflections:

Well, another PW.  But it was not unexpected.  It was humid. I skipped my long runs.

I may have hoped for 1:47  but I predicted 1:55.

A 10 mile race completed. Win. Win.

Positives:

• Well organized race
• Lots of pre-race information
• Relay option
• Well marked scenic course
• Carpooling with 2 friends
• Free photos
• Only $26
• real restrooms
• gift cards as age group awards
• A great section of post race refreshments

Negatives:

• 70+ year age group awards
• No Gatorade at water stops
• 2 hour drive (hence early wake up call)
• Few photos (and none of me)

Would I recommend this race?

All in all, this was a fun race.  I would recommend it if you live closer. But I’m glad I ran it once.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up?  Do you run many 10 milers? What is your favorite distance? Please share.

---

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

 

 

With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual in 2020, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races in 2021.  This was one of them and unfortunately, it POURED the whole race.

In 2022, I ran this 10 miler again but on a very hot day. I did it with several friends and had fun.

I ran it one more time in 2023 but skipped it last year (don’t remember why…)

This year, they offered this race as part of a 3 race challenge. Of course, I signed up for all 3.

The race is advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”

As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)

The logistics were also 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).

I signed up for Miles on the Mohawk 10M for several reasons:

• FOMO. Many of my racing/running friends were doing it.
• It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
• I am familiar with the course. I’ve run it 3 times.
• It’s a flatish course, mostly on a bike path.
• It was part 3 of a 3 race challenge.
• 10 miles is easier than a  half marathon!
• This is now the only local 10 mile race.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I have run several 10 mile races. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between as well as 2023’s at 1:43:12. If you’ve read any of my recent race recaps, you know that there’s little speed left in these old legs. And I am always prepared for a course PW and just happy to cross the race (without pain.)

Usually on the weekends this time of year, I run short races (which helps me work a little on my speed.)

But that also means that I have skipped some long runs. At least I did manage to get a 6 & 8 miler prior to this race.

I also squeezed in (between raindrops) 3 short runs during the week before the race.

Deb was nice enough to pick up our bibs on Friday so neither Barb not I had to arrive early and pick them up before the race on Sunday.

I met my running friends Saturday morning to walk and after have brunch.

Then I did some errands, gardening and carb loaded on Saturday evening.  I debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that it would not rain or snow like the previous races in this challenge.

Forecast: Mixture of clouds and sun. Between 46 and 66 degrees.  So most likely in the 50s during the race.

#flatme:

Race Day:

Deb got injured but was able to drive both Barb and I to the start (and then drive to the finish and meet us there after the race.) We met at 7:15 am.

Mabee Farms is a really nice place to walk around before a race (when the weather is nice) – animals, the river, real restrooms, etc.

Believe it not, it was raining!!!!  Yes, as it had been most of the week.

So we just sat in Deb’s car hoping the rain would stop.

The race started at 8:30 am. So soon it was time to head to the start area. And the rain had stopped!!!

I had decided to keep on my half zip as I thought that it was cool enough and that it might start to rain again.

There were no corrals so I just entered into the crowd somewhere in middle or perhaps closer to the front. Barb moved farther back. I chatted with friends until it was time to move.

Sorry to be a broken record but my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) Throw those time goals out the window!!

Miles 1-3:

From Mabee Farm, the first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path.

In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. As I ran the first mile, everyone appeared to be passing me by. But I didn’t look at my watch, just kept going with the flow.

The scenery was pretty. Of course, my pace was decent at first. I was feeling good… until I wasn’t.

Unfortunately I should have left my half zip in the car. It was humid and I got very warm right away.

By mile 2, I stopped and tied it around my waist.

The Mohawk river changed to being on the left.

The first water stop was at mile 3.3 (Kiwanis Park).  I was very thirsty and decided to  take a Gu as well. It wasn’t that it was so warm but humid and lots of pollen. I really had a hard time breathing.

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. I walked and ran.  Those runners around me were doing the same.  I tried to run more than walk.  Not sure at times if I did or not. Some runners did continue to just run.  But we played leap frog as I passed them when I ran and they passed me when I walked.

Amazingly I was running here (and I didn’t see the photographer)…

There was finally a second water stop at mile 5.6 (Lock 8 Park). Again I was glad to stop and drink.

Miles 7-10

The third water stop was around mile 8.1 (SCCC Bike Path Parking Area). More water and I took my 2nd Gu.

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.

I was very happy that nothing hurt. Not my feet. Not my lower back.  I just was out of breath and had to walk.. A lot.

The  photographer even cough me running:

The crowd was also thinning.  And I was walking more and running slower.

But eventually we headed toward Mohawk Harbor where you could hear the roar of the crowds.

As I headed toward the finish line, I got one last burst of energy as I saw my friends Deb and Heidi waiting.

I crossed at 1:49:XX .  Happy to done and upright.

and my official finish line picture:

Post-Race Activities

I got my medal and some water. Barbara was waiting for me as she had finished several minutes before me.

Next, we grabbed our box lunches (that I would give to my hubby when I got home.)

I stopped by the results table and unfortunately I only came in 4th. No age group award!

I did get an extra medal as this was part of a 3 race challenge (10k+13.1+10).

Instead of eating our lunches or getting our free beer, my running friends and I decided to go out to brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

So yeah, I finished slower than I wished. A course PW. But hey, I felt good. Nothing hurt. I didn’t even feel tired.

It was also nice that finally, I ran a race where it didn’t snow or rain or was windy.

I never regret a race that I’ve run. I might even run this one again next year.

Positives:

• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
• Bag check
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Lots of course marshals
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Familiar faces
• Decent Post-race food.
• Race shirt optional for more money
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer (in Druthers)
• Free photos
• Immediate results (and live tracking)

Negatives:

• My slow finish time due to lots of walking.
• They ran out of  medals.
• If it were hot, I would have wanted more than 3 water stops.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when the weather is warmer/sunny and runners could hang out before and after the race comfortably.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

Happy Running! Have you run a 10 mile race? What is your favorite distance? What  would you prefer PR and pain or PW and no pain? Are you planning to run a long race this summer? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual in 2020, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races in 2021.  This was one of them and unfortunately, it POURED the whole race.

In March of 2021, I ran their five mile race (Electric City) which ends in the same location as this race.

Last year, it SNOWED the entire Electric City Five Miler. And this March, I was injured and only volunteered for the 5 miler.  The weather was awful too!!

Last May I ran this 10 miler on a very hot day. I did it with several friends and had fun.

The race is advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”

As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)

The logistics were also 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).

My preference was to park at the finish (even though that meant getting up earlier.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I have run several 10 mile races. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between as well as last year’s at 1:43:56.

Usually on the weekends this time of year, I run short races (which helps me work on my speed.)

This year, because of my foot injury, I choose to just run long slow runs and train for the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

With Brooklyn being the weekend before, I almost DNSed this race.

But I had already paid for it so I decided “What the heck?” And the next day was a holiday so I could relax at the lake.

I fully expected a PW and just wanted to enjoy another race but stay healthy so I could begin training for the NYC full marathon in July!!

I opted to not pick up my bib on Thursday or Friday.  Neither location was convenient. I decided that I would just pick it up before the race on Sunday.

I met my running friends Saturday morning to walk and after have brunch.

Then I did some errands, gardening and carb loaded on Saturday evening.  I debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that it would be cooler than last year.

Forecast:

#flatme:

Race Day:

Race morning was my worst nightmare.  My alarm never went off…. why?  No power!!

I woke up at 6:10 am and was planning to leave at 6:15!! Yikes.

No power meant no coffee and no oatmeal breakfast.  Luckily we have a generator but it doesn’t go on automatically.

Well, by the time my hubby got everything going, I ate breakfast and was ready to leave, I thought that I might miss the shuttle bus to the start. So I decided to drive straight to the start.  Of course now I would after the race need a ride back to my car.

I did arrive with plenty of time to pick up my bib, walk around, visit with the animals and use the (real) restrooms. (Still it was a stressful morning to say the least.)

As you can see from the photos, there was not a cloud in the sky!! A beautiful day.  And the conditions seemed perfect early that morning.. I was even a little chilly.

Though my running friends did not sign up for the race, I did connect with quite a few runners that I knew.

I decided to leave my throwaway shirt and DIY arm warmers in my car….

The  race started at 8:30 am. So soon it was time to head to the start area.

There were no corrals so I just entered into the crowd somewhere in middle or perhaps closer to the front. I chatted with friends until it was time to move.

Sorry to be a broken record but my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) Throw those time goals out the window!! Especially for race with those predicted warm temps

Miles 1-3:

The race began near Mabee Farm 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.

In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. As I ran the first mile, everyone appeared to be passing me by. But I didn’t look at my watch, just kept going with the flow.

The scenery was pretty. Unfortunately there was little if any shade! Of course, my pace was decent at first. I was feeling good… until I wasn’t.

The Mohawk river changed to being on the left. And the temps started warming up quickly.

The first water stop was at mile 3.3 (Kiwanis Park)  Dying at this point.  I was used to from the last race, water at every mile! Because there were so few water stops, I ate my first GU at this one… a new flavor (raspberry lime?) UGH!! Nauseating!

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. I walked and ran.  Those runners around me were doing the same.  I tried to run more than walk.  Not sure at times if I did or not. Some runners did continue to just run.  But we played leap frog as I passed them when I ran and they passed me when I walked.

There was finally a second water stop at mile 5.6 (Lock 8 Park). More water but I wasn’t really hungry so I just ate half a GU.

Miles 7-10

The temps were rising. I wished I hadn’t worn my calf sleeves. The third water stop was around mile 8.1 (SCCC Bike Path Parking Area). I finished the other half of my GU and gave myself a shower of water.

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.

At this point, my lower back started to ache. Why? My form? My shoes?  (Who knows?) My feet did not hurt much (and no blister) so there’s that!!

The crowd was also thinning.  And I was walking more and running slower.

But eventually we headed toward Mohawk Harbor where you could hear the roar of the crowds.

 

As I headed toward the finish line, I got one last burst of energy.

I crossed at 1:43:XX .  Happy to done and upright.

Post-Race Activities

I got my medal and some water.

I was excited to see that my running friends Sherry, Heidi and Stan showed up to cheer me on!!

Next, I grabbed my lunch (that I would give to my hubby when I got home.)

I stopped by the results table and surprisingly I did win an age group award. 2nd! You had a choice of shirts, and other stuff but instead I opted for a $10 coupon for a race registration.

I’m not a beer drinker but I would have loved something cold to drink. We got a ticket for a free one but this year, the restaurant didn’t open until noon!!

Instead, my running friends and I decided to go out to brunch.

Remember my car was at the start… luckily one of my friends agreed to drive me back to pick it up.

Additional Race Reflections:

So yeah, I finished slower than I wished. But hey, it was much hotter than I had hoped. Actually I realized later that it was a little faster than this race last year!

It was also fun to see the many running friends (that I missed when I skipped so many races this spring.)

I never regret a race that I’ve run. I bet I run this one again next year.

Positives:

• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
• Bag check
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Lots of course marshals
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Familiar faces
• Decent Post-race food.
• Race shirt optional for more money
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer (in Druthers) after noon
• Free photos
• Immediate results (and live tracking)

Negatives:

• HEAT
• More water stops needed (for this weather)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when the weather is cooler.

Final Stats:

Walking after mile 3 definitely slowed down my pace:

Next Up:

My favorite 5k

Happy Running! Have you run a race yet in the summer heat? ? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run a long race this summer? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races in 2021.  This was one of them and unfortunately, it POURED the whole race.

In March, I ran their five mile race (Electric City). For today’s event, ARE used the same course as the Electric City five miler but added a full marathon and also a point-to-point 10 miler again.

This year, it SNOWED the entire Electric City Five Miler.

I was a little nervous in signing up for the 10 mile option.  Maybe this course was weather jinxed.

It was advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”

As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)

The logistics were also complicated for the 10 mile race. 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).

My preference was to park at the finish (even though that meant getting up earlier.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I have run several 10 mile races. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between as well as last year (in the rain), where my time was 1:40:30. My expectation for this race would be around 1:40 again (but who can tell these days?)

Usually on the weekends, I do run 8-10 miles. But this month I skipped them in favor of a few short races.  It’s amazing how quickly the endurance that you built up leaves.

But I picked things back up with a half marathon the weekend before.

But being very lax about training, my only goal these days is to finish uninjured and have fun.  And when you run a race this time of year, it could be 85 degrees or 55 degrees. We all know that the weather greatly impacts the racing experience.   (2:12 vs 2:32 finish times. lol)

I picked up my race packet on Friday evening.

and carb loaded on Saturday evening (pasta instead of pizza) and debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that it would be warmer than last year but NOT as warm as last weekend.

Forecast was for WARM but I thought not that humid (WRONG) and so I added my compression calf sleeves and a baseball cap.

Race Day:

I got up around 6:00 am on Sunday morning, had my coffee and oatmeal, and was on the road by 7:00 for my 30 minute hour drive to race parking.

I parked my car in the Golub Parking lot near Mohawk Harbor, the finish for all races (but the start for the 5m & 26.2 mile races.)  I did not sign up for the shuttle because I knew that I could carpool with another runner.  My friend Sherry offered to drive again to the start if I would drive her back to her car after. I happily agreed

I met Sherry at 7:45 and we drove to the start which was about 15 minutes away.

There was plenty of parking in the grassy lot.  We were plenty early so we had time to walk around, visit with the animals and use the (real) restrooms.

It had been a while since my breakfast so I ate a Honey Stinger waffle.  There was water ad cups which was nice.

As you can see from the photos, there was not a cloud in the sky!! A beautiful day.  And the conditions seemed perfect early that morning..

The 10 mile race started at 9 am. Soon it was time to head to the start area.

There were no corrals so I just entered into the crowd somewhere in middle or perhaps closer to the front. I chatted with friends until it was time to move.

Sorry to be a broken record but it was summer and my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.) Throw those time goals out the window!!

Miles 1-3:

The race began near Mabee Farm 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.

In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. I ran the first mile wondering my knee (which had bothered me the day before) would hurt.  It never did.

Everyone appeared to be passing me by. I didn’t look at my watch, just kept going with the flow.

The scenery was pretty. Unfortunately there was little if any shade! Of course, my pace was decent at first. I was feeling good… until I wasn’t.

The Mohawk river changed to being on the left. And the temps started warming up quickly.  Those poor marathoners (and I had a few friends running the 26.2) I kept thinking.

The first water stop was at mile 3.3 (Kiwanis Park)  Dying at this point. I actually drank Nuun (which I don’t even like) and poured a cup of water down the back of my shirt.

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. I walked and ran.  Those runners around me were doing the same.  I tried to run more than walk.  Not sure at times if I did or not. Some runners did continue to just run.  But we played leap frog as I passed them when I ran and they passed me when I walked.

Around mile 4, I finally got hungry so I stopped to eat my Gu (trying to eat and run slowly). There was finally second water stop at mile 5.6 (Lock 8 Park). More Nuun and also water poured down my back.

Miles 7-10

The temps were rising. I wished I hadn’t worn my calf sleeves. The third water stop was around mile 8.1 (SCCC Bike Path Parking Area). They gave out GU gel so I grabbed a packet and ate it with some Nuun.  And gave myself one last shower of water.

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.

At this point, my lower back started to ache. Why? My form? My shoes?  (Who knows?) My feet did not hurt so there’s that!!

The crowd was also thinning.  I was often running alone.

And I was walking more and running slower.

Soon we were running on a dirt path (construction on the bike path?). That was followed by a trail of rocks…

But eventually we headed toward Mohawk Harbor where you could hear the roar of the crowds.

As I headed toward the finish line, I got one last burst of energy.

I crossed at 1:43:xx. Slower than I had hoped but happy to done and upright.

I got my medal and some water. I was feeling queasy so I ate another Gu. I immediately felt better.

Lots of tired happy folks.  The 5 milers were done and many of the 10 milers.  Only the leaders of the marathon had finished. There was a band, beer, food, etc.

Pictures first, right?

Next, I grabbed my lunch and ate the chips while waiting for Sherry to finish.

I stopped by the results table and not surprisingly I did not win an age group award.

I’m not a beer drinker but we needed something cold to drink so we got our free one nd sat at a table in Druthers to relax and eat.

I had wanted to wait around for a friend to finish the marathon but she was not going to be done for hours so we decided to call it a day.

Well, I turned on the air conditioning in my car (we laughed as last year, I had to turn on the heated seats) and I drove Sherry back to her car at the race start. We passed many poor marathoners still out on the course with many miles to go 😦

Additional Race Reflections:

So yeah, I finished slower than I wanted. But hey, it was much hotter than I had hoped. It was fun to see many running friends. I never regret a race that I’ve run.

Positives:

• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Several distances: 10 mile, 5 mile, marathon
• Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
• Bag check for 10 milers
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Lots of course marshals (even in the heat).
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Familiar faces
• Decent Post-race food.
• Race shirt optional for more money
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer (in Druthers)
• Free photos
• Immediate results (and live tracking)

Negatives:

• HEAT
• More water stops needed (for this weather)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when the weather is cooler.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace:

Next Up:

A 5k the Saturday after

and then a 15k a few weeks later.

Happy Running! Have you run a race yet in the summer heat? ? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run a long race this summer? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual, Albany Running Exchange has been scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races.  I completed a half marathon in November and in April.

In March I ran their five mile race. For this race, ARE used the same course as the five miler but added a full marathon and also a point-to-point 10 miler.

I was tempted to repeat the 5 miler to see if I could improve my time but I decided to challenge myself and run a 10 mile race.

It was advertised as “a very fast, point-to-point course.”

As you can from the elevation chart below, it is not exactly what I would call fast (I see hills!!)

The logistics were also complicated for the 10 mile race. 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).

My preference was to park at the finish (even though that meant getting up earlier.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I have run several 10 mile races but none lately. The last one was in 2017. My slowest was in 2014: (1:49:55), my first one, and my PR was my third in the same year (1:38:45). All the others were somewhere in between. That would be my expectation for this race but on the slower end (like 1:45:00).

Usually on the weekends, I do run 10 miles. But this month I skipped a few in favor of a vacation and racing.  It’s amazing how quickly the endurance that you built up leaves.

I picked up my race packet on Thursday evening.

and carb loaded on Saturday evening (pasta instead of pizza) and debated about what to wear the next day. I was hoping that for a race on May 30 I would be wearing a skirt and tank. But no, summer temps had decided to leave us and rain was in the forecast as well. I reluctantly picked a long sleeve shirt and hoped that I wouldn’t be too warm. I also packed a few throwaways for before and dry clothes for after.

Race Day:

I got up around 6:00 am on Sunday morning and was on the road by 7:00 for my 30 minute hour drive to race parking.

The 10 mile race started near Mabee farm and ended at Mohawk Harbor.

I parked my car at Mohawk Harbor, the finish for all races (but the start for the 5m & 26.2 m races.)  I had signed up for the shuttle so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting back to my car after the race.  However, my friend Sherry offered to drive to the start if I would drive her back to her car after.  I accepted so that I wouldn’t have deal with masking and walking to the shuttle.

I met Sherry and Jenn at 7:45, left my car in the Golub parking lot (1/4 mi from the race) and we drove to the start which was about 15 minutes away.

There was plenty of parking in the grassy lot.

It wasn’t raining yet…but it was COLD (in the 40s and very damp). We were shivering.

We headed to bag check where one of our friends was volunteering. I reluctantly handed over my bag with dry warm clothing and waited under cover.

The COVID Safety plan was identical to all 7 live events ARE had held before this one: masks required throughout your time on-site. Once you started, you could lower your mask but did need to raise it unless within 6′ of others. The significantly staggered start (ie. 8 people every 10 seconds) allowed the race to spread out quickly.

I couldn’t wait to start. I was freezing.  I was also hungry. It had been 3 hours since I had eaten breakfast. I decided to eat a Honey Stinger Wafflle (I know never eat something new on race day but it did work well.)

The 10 mile race started at 9 am. I was in wave 5 and before I knew it, it was time to move into the staging area.

Miles 1-3:

My wave started around 9:11 am.

As soon as I crossed the start line, I pulled down by gaiter.

The race began near Mabee Farm 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. In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

During the first few miles, the rain was only a drizzle. In fact, I took off my gloves and actually got a little warm.

That didn’t last. Close to mile 3, it started to rain. And rain hard and harder. It never stopped.

My legs were feeling good. The scenery was pretty. The Mohawk river changed to being on the left.

The first water stop was a little after mile 3 at Kiwanis Park.  This was my first walk break.  I used my paper cup (as I did in my previous in-person cupless races).  That waffle kept me going and so I decided to wait on my Gu,

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. It was raining hard. There were lots of puddles. I was feeling pretty strong.

In fact, a guy pulled up next to me and said “Your cadence is killing me.”  Not sure what he meant. I do try to lift my feet and have a decent cadence, but he passed me by and left me in the dust!?

Around mile 5, I finally got hungry so I stopped to eat my Gu (trying to eat and run slowly) and walked again at the second water stop little before mile 6 at Lock 8 Park.

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat until the last mile or so. The path was narrow and you had to be careful because the lead marathoners needed to pass on the left. (They had started an hour earlier than the 10 milers.)

The third and last water stop was around mile 8 at the SCCC Bike Path Parking Area. I walked again and took one more GU.

Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared and during the last mile as well. 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. And the puddles were getting bigger (more like lakes). It didn’t really matter. I couldn’t get any wetter.

We finished at Mohawk Harbor (the start and finish of the 5 mile and Marathon races).

I was so happy to have finished. Of course, at that point I ran as fast as I could.

Unfortunately once you stopped running, you were freezing and by the time I finished, they had run out of foil blankets.

So I grabbed my medal and headed to bag check to retrieve some clothes.

I found Jenn and Sherry. Both did well (Jenn had a big PR).

We grabbed our lunches and headed in the pouring rain to my car.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. So much planning goes into a race especially one during the Pandemic. Such a shame to have such awful weather conditions.

Well, I turned on the heated seats in my car and drove Sherry back to her car at the race start.

Then I spent a lot of time in a hot shower and then eating my race lunch (sandwich, chips, brownie, apple) in front of my fire place.

Ugh! On May 30? Can you believe it?

Additional Race Reflections:

This was a first annual race.  Most of the other local races are still cancelled so this racing company has been trying to hold a few races. I am so glad they are. It was so fun to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again (even in the rain).

I wasn’t expecting to feel as good as I did.  Maybe it was the cold temps.

Positives:

• Safety restrictions in place (staggered starts).
• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Several distances: 10 mile, 5 mile, marathon
• Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
• Bag check for 10 milers
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Lots of course marshals (even in the rain).
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• A real race.
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Familiar faces (under the masks)
• Decent Post-race food.
• Nice half-zip shirt as swag.
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer (in Druthers)
• Free photos (start, mile 8.1 and finish)
• A real race.

Negatives:

• Cupless water stops
• Cold temps
• Rain!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when there are no COVID restrictions and the weather conditions are nicer.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace:

All in all, I was very happy with how I ran the race. I probably ran the first 3 miles too fast but that’s how I usually race. lol

Not expecting a PR and faster than I thought I would do. Happy Camper!

Next Up:

A 4 miler in two weeks and then ???

There are not many races scheduled before the fall.