Another race is no surprise… Three weekends in a row!!
This time it was a 10k and on Governor’s Island in NYC. You know how I love NYC.
Last Week –
Sunday – The weather wasn’t that great (and my hubby wanted to watch the US Open men’s final) so we didn’t head up to the lake.
Instead I went to the gym and asked my running friend Deb to teach me how to dead lift… she taught me form and I just worked with free weights (not ready for the big time yet which starts at 65 lbs).
Deb demonstrating what to do
Afterward, I went to a former co-worker’s consignment shop party (where I did some retail therapy).
and finally I met a tennis friend at a restaurant to watch the US Open.
Monday – I started the day with a run with my running friend Deirdre.
in the 40s but felt great
After WFH, I had my first group mentor run with the STEM (Wednesday is my normal volunteer day).
unfortunately there were twice as many mentors as runners… hope we get more!
Tuesday – WFH all week and a run at UAlbany
another tough one… too warm and I prefer morning runs
before I met my BFF for a walk.
Wednesday – I hit the gym before work because in the evening I was going to the movies with a former co-worker.
so good!!! Sad that this is the end!!
Thursday – Always a sad day. I remember that day so vividly…
Too busy in the morning so I squeezed my run in after work with a running friend and then went out for pizza.
lots of signs on the rail trail for this upcoming 5k
Friday – Early train to NYC. After checking into my hotel, I bopped around the city checking off sights on my to-do list.
My first stop was the 9-11 Memorial.
bottom left is the survivor’s tree
Next I wandered over to the Hudson River and discovered the newly renovated Battery City and Rockefeller Parks.
many more metal sculpture pics on IG and FB
It was Feast of San Gennaro so I walked to Little Italy.
had a nice lunch and discovered a new art exhibit…
Time to head uptown and meet Cari at the Met. I had wanted to see the rooftop garden before it closed. I took the subway partially and then walked (30 blocks) down Fifth Avenue.
We wandered around the museum and then walked to the East River and of course, we ended out visit with gelato.
Yes, way too many miles on the legs the day before a race. But it’s NYC!!
Saturday – Squirrel Stampede 10k on Governor’s Island.
An early morning subway ride to get the ferry to Governor’s Island. I arrived a little after 7 and caught the 7:30am ferry. I arrived way too early but walked around, chatted with many runners waiting for the race to begin at 9am.
I loved the course though one loop would have been more fun and if it weren’t so darn sunny and humid.
I finished (even won my age group), grabbed my bagel and headed back on the ferry.
I took the subway and rushed back to my hotel, changed clothes in order to meet some college friends for a quick lunch and then to see a Broadway show.
we became friends when we studied together in France (hence a French show)…
I had cancelled my train ticket and booked a later bus so I could join them for dinner after the show.
Coincidentally, I sat on the bus next to a girl visiting from Paris (she was on her way to Montreal). .. We spoke French the whole ride 🙂
A LONG day but no regrets…
Sunday – After a late night, a gym visit is planned and then up to the lake today (weather permitting)…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – Day Off – hike, pickleball, covid & flu shots
Tuesday – run, hair appt
Wednesday – STEM mentor run
Thursday – run
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – gym, boating
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Squirrel Stampede 10k Race Recap
Friday – Reasons to Run with a Group
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Do you like 10ks? Does it feel like fall where you live? Are you a Downton Abbey fan? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
I signed up for the Mastercard NYC Mini 10k for several reasons:
I love NYC.
I love running in Central Park.
I hadn’t run a race there since Dec. 2022.
I had enough pts for a free hotel room.
I thought my NYC BRF Cari may be running it too or at least we could meet up during the weekend.
All woman’s race – so inspiring.
Elite runners do it! (Last year Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, Dakotah Lindwurm, Sara Hall, Molly Huddle, Jessica McLain, Nell Rojas and others ran it.)
10k is one of my favorite distances.
No Harlem Hill for this race (just 3 sisters).
Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do try to do those weekday short runs (Mon, Tues, Wed this week).
and get in some longer runs on the weekend (although the weekend before this race, it was only a 5k race): 10m, 8m 6m
Miles on the Mohawk 10m
I knew about the HILLS that would taunt me during the race. I have run in this park and I ran the Shape Half Marathon, Fred LeBow Half twice, Central Park Half and many other shorter races.
Shape Half ’17
Fred Lebow Half ’22
Central Park Half ’22
France Run 8k
Grete’s Great Gallop 10K
Poland Springs 10k
Shape 5.8 mile loop
Ted Corbit 15k
I’ve always wanted to run this race. However, it often conflicted with the Freihofer Run for Women or work. I finally got in in 2020 and then it was cancelled due to COVID.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Believe or not, my friends picked June 5 to visit the NY Botanical Gardens.
So I stayed in a hotel in the Bronx that night
and then the next morning, I took a subway into Manhattan and immediately got busy with all my scheduled activities.
First I headed to NYRR Run Center to pick up my bib and race shirt and also attend a panel discussion.
that’s Emily Sisson (who didn’t end up running the race)
I walked back to my hotel but my room still wasn’t ready. So I took the subway downtown to visit the Anne Frank exhibit.
Afterward, I walked back to my hotel stopping on the way for a late lunch (pizza). I finally checked into my room and then headed uptown to the newly renovated Frick museum.
Cari met me there and accompanied me to my next activity, a Broadway show. But first a gelato stop.
I walked back to my hotel and called it a day. Don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before this race…
#flatme ready
Race Day:
I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 5:30 am. My hotel was on West 36th and 6th Avenue. I have in the past taken an Uber but I decided to leave super early (6:30 am) and take the subway from 34th St & 8th Ave.
And it was super crowded with runners! I chatted with one who was running her first race ever.
I got off at 86th and followed all the runners to the start at 90th.
The rain in the forecast disappeared and insane humidity replaced it.
It was already warm and I had decided not to do bag check (besides it was a mile from the start). I was originally worried that I would get soaked from the rain. I changed my mind. A little rain would have felt good.
It was still early but the time passed quickly.
My Race Plan:
Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!
I would most likely do a lot of walking… because there would be hills!!
I planned to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a gel around mile 4.
I was worried about the humidity so I brought salt chews and took 2 before the race and planned take 2 more at the halfway point.
My estimated finish time would be around 1:15 (far from my 57:xx PR at this distance).
Anyway, here’s how the race went:
Course Map:
Elevation according to Strava:
Miles 1-3:
I started in Corral F:
It only took 5-10 minutes to get to the start line.
the elites
We started running on Central Park West (W90th St) and eventually entered the park at 72nd.
I was feeling good but tried to keep it slow due to the weather conditions. Although I thought I had started my Garmin, somehow I did not. I realized it about a half mile into the race. No big deal except for not knowing what mile I was at. At least there were clocks at each mile.
Once in the park, we ran south. I think I ran until the first water stop about 1.5m in before I walked… I was sweating (and I rarely sweat) so I grabbed some Gatorade.
Eventually we turned and ran up the east side of the park.
It was crowded but I didn’t really need to weave in and out. I was not running that fast and for my pace, many runners walked intermittently.
As the race went on, the humidity made me feel weaker and so I paced myself by walking up the hills and sprinting whenever I had enough energy.
There was a 2nd water stop around the 5k point… More Gatorade!
Miles 4-6.2:
Once we reached 102nd St, we looped around and headed back on the west side of the park toward 72nd where the race would finish.
I finally ate my Gu at the next water stop (around mile 4.5).
Still no rain. Even the sun peaked out. So humid!!!!!
And now came more hills.
I am pretty sure I walked more the 2nd half of the race.
I didn’t care. I just wanted to finish upright.
I did give it my all on any straight away and/or downhills.
And somehow, my Garmin stopped and I lost my stats for the last .5 miles (?).
I think there was one more water stop (around mile 5.5) but I skipped it as I just wanted to be done…
I did feel good enough to sprint across the finish and was pleasantly surprised at the time on the clock.
I saw many runners with flowers but I guess they had run out by the time I finished.
Post Race Activities:
I immediately got my medal, grabbed a heavy bag of food (water, Gatorade, apple, pretzels, bar…)
reusable cups
and posed for a quick pic. or two!
While I was waiting for Cari to finish, I met two lovely runners who would be running their first NYCM in November. We became instant friends.
Soon Cari arrived…
showing off our “skirts”
with her friends. Another photo op.
So two Cari meet-ups in one weekend. Always a pleasure and hopefully, we’ll meet up again soon.
As I exited the park, it was so inspiring to see all the runners happily finishing their race.
The rain finally arrived but not until around 1:30 pm.
And luckily I had indoor plans (the Morgan Library and Museum) for the rest of the day:
Additional Race Reflections:
Running in the heat/humidity may not have been exactly fun. But at least without the rain, I could enjoy the pre and post-race experience.
can you spot the bride and groom?
I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was almost 9 minutes slower than a 10k that I had run in this park
back in Oct. 2019
but it was not a PW and faster than I expected on this course and in these weather conditions.
Enough whining…I am so grateful to be able to visit NYC and run a race. And a race that included only women was just icing on the cake.
I am unbelievably happy that after the race, my legs/feet felt fine.. no pain anywhere (always a good thing at my age.)
All in all, I thought this was a fun race.
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up at Run Center and also race morning near the start).
NYRR sponsored events before race dy.
Cool purple tank
Bag Check if needed.
Water at almost EVERY mile. Gatorade at most.
Many porta-potties along the course in addition to real CP bathrooms
Well marked course.
Timing Clock at every mile.
No Harlem Hill.
Great crowd support!
Los of volunteers as course marshals and at water stops
Very cool medal.
Immediate results.
Blogger meet-up with Cari
No Blisters. No pain.
The Bad:
Humidity.
Hills in Central Park. I did not do any training on hills (my bad)
Post-race food – just pretzels and apples but I guess I missed the bagels and cookies
They ran out of flowers.
Photos?
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
Do it if you can. You won’t regret it (unless you hate hills lol).
No, it’s not an easy course. Only a little over 10,000 women runners usually participate so not a big race by NYC standards. And not an expensive one.
Final Stats:
1st and last 1/2 mile missing
No age group award but 8 out of 64 ain’t bad.
Next Up:
June 14
Happy Running! Ever run this race? Have you raced in NYC? Do you like 10Ks? Have you ever run an all women’s race? Please share.
It’s odd that this is my first race in NYC this year.
In the past, I’ve done Fred Lebow Half in January, Central Park Half in Feb, NYC Half in March and/or Brooklyn Half in May.
With a goal of running new races, this year, I only registered for the Mini 10k in June and Squirrely 10k in Sept.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym, did some gardening and errands and then went to a Floral Show and Tea Tasting.
at the Ten Broeck Mansion in Albany
Monday – WFH again this week so I had time to go to the gym before work.
I squeezed in a run at lunch..
spring temps and sunshine returned finally
After work, I met a running friend for a long walk on the rail trail followed by burgers & beer.
Tuesday – Since I had a hair appt after work, I got my run done before work and visited some horses..
another sunny day and perfect temps…
Wednesday – A very early morning run with a new running friend on Global Running Day…
very cool sunrise!
I asked Jenny to run with me… she is mostly a marathon runner and has complained about her lack of speed. She asked how I am so fast (and I laughed) but I replied “Walk intervals.” We did 90:45. She has never walked during a run or race. So it was hard for her to adjust but she wants to do it again. I ran faster but she walked faster. Good for both of us and better than my 2 solo miles, I did 4. (in the 9s for the run and 15s for the walk.)
After work, I met my BFF for a walk.
Thursday – I drove with 3 tennis friends to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. In addition to the gorgeous roses, this year, the Garden’s theme was Van Gogh (which happens to be one of my favorite artists.)
it was a scorcher of a day but we still had a good time
After our garden visit, I checked into a nearby hotel and stayed there overnight.
dinner in Little Italy
Friday – After I checked out of my hotel, I took the subway to my new hotel in Manhattan.
There were many activities on my to-do list including picking up my bib/shirt for the race the next day. I also had tickets for a panel discussion so I stayed for that.
got to meet Emily Sisson. and hear stories from a very diverse group of women…
I walked back to my hotel and my room still wasn’t ready. So I took the subway downtown to visit the Anne Frank exhibit.
so moving… I loved The Diary of Anne Frank as a kid…
Afterward I walked back to my hotel stopping on the way for a late lunch. I finally checked into my room and then headed uptown to the newly renovated Frick museum.
gorgeous…. wish they allowed photos…
Cari met me there and accompanied me to my next activity, a Broadway show. But first a gelato stop.
the show was great!!
I walked back to my hotel and called it a day. Don’t ask how many miles I walked the day before a race. It’s NYC!
Saturday – Mastercard NY Mini 10k.
The rain in the forecast disappeared and insane humidity replaced it.
I took the subway to the start which was on W90th St.
I got there early. So many women runners!! Some were new to the race. Others had run it many times. Some were young and some were older.
Eventually the race began and somehow my Garmin didn’t start. I noticed it about a half mile in. (It also died the last .5 mi. WTH)
It was warm and so humid. I even drank Gatorade and ate salt chews and still felt like dying.
So I ran slowly, walked up all the hills and didn’t die!!
While I waited at the finish for Cari and met two runners training for their first NYCM. We became instant friends.
❤ this race
Eventually I exited the park fearing that it would pour on me. It didn’t. I walked until 59th and took the subway the rest of the way.
After a long hot shower and some lunch I headed to the High Line. Finally the skies opened up.
Luckily I had an umbrella and tickets for the Morgan Library museum.
I stumbled upon a group tour the the Jane Austen exhibit…
I also visited more of the museum & library…
By the time I was done, the rain had stopped. And I retrieved my bag at my hotel and headed to the train station.
Another busy NYC weekend on the books.
Sunday – Gym first thing and more gardening unpacking laundry, errands…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, walk, dinner with former co-workers
Wednesday – run, wine tasting benefit
Thursday –run, trail run/walk
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Father’s Day 5k Race
Sunday – gym. boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k Race Recap
Friday – Unlucky at a Race
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Rain, heat? How’s your weather lately? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
In 2021, this inaugural race was my second local Pandemic race. And it was a five miler at the time.
yes in 2021, you had to wear a mask at the start and finish.
I signed up again for this 5 mile race in 2022 because I am a sucker for a race, any race. Many of my friends had lost interest in racing but I knew that I would know many of the runners at the race from past races. It would be fun to re-connect.
worst weather conditions EVER!
Due to construction, ARE had to change the course and now it is a 10k race. I was pretty sure that the weather would have to be better than in 2022.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
My speedwork has been non-existent and my pace has slowed to a crawl. So I entered the race will zero expectations other than being out there running with other runners.
I was going to wait until race morning to pickup my bib but Deb, who works downtown, volunteered to pick it up.
This time of year is tricky to decide what to wear. It could be winter frigid or what they call in “fake spring.” I tried to remember what I used to wear to race at this time of year. (I seems to have dressing amnesia.)
This is what I wore to this race in 2022 (on a cold March day):
In the end, I decided on something very similar:
beanie, 2 shirts, vest, arm warmers, wind breaker, etc.
But of course, the weather is so unpredictable in the spring here…
Race Day:
I got up early, had my habitual race breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) and met Deb and Barb at 8am at a nearby park n ride.
I had been to Mohawk Harbor (where the race started) before but I still wanted to leave early. We arrived around 8:30 and parked in casino hotel parking garage. (The race didn’t start until 9:30.)
And then there was a snow squall.
you couldn’t see a thing and then the roads were covered with a light layer of snow (over some existing ice).
We chatted with some other runners. There were many crazy runners like me. We were allowed to wait in the casino hotel and use their restrooms.
So we were nice and toasty warm…
We hung out until the last possible moment.
Around 9:25, I had to head to the race start area and shiver with all the other runners. The snow had stopped but it was cold and VERY windy. I was wishing that I had something to cover my face.
Course Map:
It was advertised as “mostly flat and relatively fast course uniquely includes 2 crossings of the Mohawk River.” But we all know that means there are hills. I really did not remember the course from 3 years ago.
does this look flat to you?
Believe it or not, I actually wore my Garmin, I didn’t look at it at all during the race since it was only 6.2 miles and there were mile markers. But I wanted to see my splits afterward. My goal was to run consistently but not hard. Not slip and fall!!! Or blow away. LOL
I don’t remember the course in detail since it was windy the whole race and quite slippery. At times, I just wanted to get done. But it was varied and lots of river views. If it weren’t for the weather, I would have enjoyed the scenery even more.
The last time I ran this race, there were about 450 runners but today about 1200!!
Obviously the start area was very crowded and so Barb & I headed toward the back of the crowd and pushed our way in.
can you spot me?
You’d notice in the FB pics below that the faster the runners were, the less clothing they wore…
oh yes, at least the sky was blue
I must admit that I was cold. My hands and feet were numb and I didn’t warm up until mile 3. I am rarely cold when I run but it was so windy and it was blowing in my face most of the race..
It was hard to run fast in the beginning but that was fine. It was sooo crowded and the wind was howling.
We were also running uphill for the first few miles. I tried to run but there were times when the wind was so strong that I had difficulty even walking
We turned off the main road around mile 1.5 but the wind was still in our faces.
I just trudged along, running when I could and walking when I had to.
Around mile 2.5, we turned and got a little reprieve from the wind. It was blowing in the opposite direction and it was pushing us along. Of course, there were many icy spots so you had to be careful and not slip and fall.
I was running mostly alone but around mile 3-4, I caught up with a friend and we chatted while running. She was telling me about a 10k that she was going to run in the Netherlands,
I do remember a few downhills as we headed toward the river. There was a the bridge going over the Mohawk River. I continued running slowly and there were a few times that I almost slipped but caught myself.
The bridge was uphill but then there was a nice downhill. We were also finally running with the wind at our backs. I almost warmed up. (I may have taken off my gloves at this point.)
Around mile 5, we ran through the old Stockade area before we hit riverside again. The river was completed covered with chucks of ice.
kinda cool to look at (thanks to Dennis for the FB pic)
I continued walking on the uphills or when it was too windy to run but not as much as earlier since I wanted to get to the finish line and get out of the cold.
mile 5.2 and happy to be nearly done…
Finally the finish line was in sight.
this is what happens when you don’t see the photographer..
This might have been the slipperiest part of the course. I ran as fast as I could on that snow-covered icy turf.
But I didn’t fall. Yay!
As I crossed, the RD, Josh (who knows everyone’s name) announced my name.
Post Race Activities:
I immediately found Barbara who had finished ahead of me and we took a quick pic.
It was too cold/windy to hang out and cheer on the other runners so we went inside the hotel to wait for the others and get some refreshments. Previously at this race, you were given a boxed lunch but today instead, there were tables of bagels, muffins, burritos and chocolate milk. I grabbed a few items but didn’t eat anything since we were meeting others for brunch at a nearby diner. (I heard that a lot runners went to Druthers afterward to enjoy the free beer or ber-mosas. Next year, if it is warmer!!)
We all agreed (well, maybe not all) that it was fun in spite of the weather.
Additional Race Reflections:
This was the first real local race of 2025. It was so great to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again. Now if only, we could get some mild temps for a race…
Positives:
Discount to ARE members
Optional race shirt.
Participant manual and lots info before the race
Ample parking.
Real restrooms (in Casino Hotel)
Dry, warm place to hang out before and after the race.
Well marked course.
Varied scenery including river views.
Sunshine.
Lots of course marshals.
Well organized.
Familiar faces.
Free photos.
Post-race food.
FREE Beer and ber-mosas at Druthers.
Negatives:
No water stops (in this weather though, it was not necessary)
The Wind!
The Cold!
No age group awards.
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when there are nicer weather conditions.
Final Stats:
Obviously this was almost a 10k PW. I could blame the weather. But we all know it’s that I’m slowing down…
a whole lot of walking going on…
75-79ers – I placed 2nd.
In fact, I was pleased with my time. I wasn’t expecting much. I did exactly what I had planned. Just ran… slowly. I wasn’t ever tired. My feet didn’t hurt. Woo Hoo!
So I definitely think I could have run faster. But there didn’t seem to be a reason to. No age group awards. It was slippery. I was just running for me and because it makes me feel good to race. And it’s definitely more fun to share to the experience with your friends.
Next Up:
I plan to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon next weekend (where the weather that is predicted to be in the 70s. Gulp!)
Happy Running! Have you run a 2025 race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one soon? Please share.
I had done it when it was a 5 miler but it was the first time for a 10k.
Last Week –
Sunday – Just a fun run with Deb and other racing friends.
Unfortunately I woke up to temps 30 degrees colder than the day before. I really was tempted to bail.
My legs were tired from the 10 miles on the previous day and I had cut my leg tripping on a car trailer in a diner parking lot (well, I stayed upright at least.)
Anyway, I met Deb to carpool and I connected with 2 runners (among others) that I would be doing the DC half with in 2 weeks.
I thought I would walk it with some friends that were walking but it was freezing (10 degrees)
Then I thought maybe I run it slow with two other friends.
In the end, I did run/walk intervals the WHOLE race with Deb. This was first for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My legs felt great and I was happy with my time since the cold wind was insane.
And I won my age group (with a PW for this race.)
All is good but hoping for a warm-up in temps.
Monday – I started the day at the gym. After work, I got my 2nd COVID vaccine and then stopped off to see my granddaughter.
reading at 18 mos?
Tuesday – I felt ok (after the vaccine) so I went to the gym and then for a run at lunch (since rain had been predicted for Wed & Thurs.)
my legs felt really dead so I rewarded myself with ice cream
After work, I met a friend to walk around the mall.
Wednesday – This afternoon I had to set up for my in-person class. That meant I had to squeeze in my run at lunch and I got it done before the rain started. (barely).
very dreary and muggy… I was overdressed. 50 degrees!
After work I was tired but a friend asked me to walk with her at the gym. I couldn’t say “No.”
Thursday –Today I had to teach that in-person class. That meant Starbucks before work
tried something new and it was yummy
and a run after work. Deb agreed to share the fun.
pretty breezy but not as cold as I thought
Friday – Same as yesterday but no run after work.
Saturday – Electric City 10k.
of course I signed up for all 3!
Barb, Deb and I decided to do this race. So we carpooled.
With a half marathon in one week, this would be my taper run which is usually 8-10 miles. I had thought of maybe adding on a few more after the race but… you know how that goes…
It was cold!! And when we arrived, there was a snow squall. The snow stopped but there was 60 mph wind gusts during the whole race in addition to slippery footing (from the snow.)
We joined 1200 other crazy runners and all of us stayed upright. As they say “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
After the race, we joined the others, who didn’t run the race, for our traditional Saturday diner brunch.
Sunday – Most likely the gym and maybe start packing for DC.
We lost an hour of sleep but at least it will be lighter after work each day.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – gym, hair appt.
Wednesday – run
Thursday – run
Friday – early flight to DC, expo
Saturday – Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon
Sunday – visit some DC sights, late flight home
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Electric City 10k Race Recap
Friday – Luck on the Run
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Sunday – Upstate Classic 5k. I was a mentor for 9 weeks and this race was the participants of the STEM program’s first 5k.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate as it was freezing and very windy.
But everyone did great. I am so proud of them.
yup… I ran in a down jacket.
In the evening I went out to dinner to celebrate playing mah jongg for 16 years with this group of women (though the group has gotten smaller each year… 😦 )
there are now 7 in our group… at one time, we had 12!
Monday – Day off! I went for a run once it warmed up a little
the sun made all the difference
and then I met my SIL for lunch…
in the evening, I stopped off to see my granddaughter Nope, my stepson and granddaughter were sick 😦
Tuesday – A WFH day so I was able to run after work at UAlbany
my go to place for a night run…
and then met my BFF for a walk around the outdoor mall.
Wednesday – Another WFH day but a rest day since I had a 10k scheduled for the next day.
I got some very sad news. A good friend who had been battling cancer lost her fight today. Almost 25 years of tennis, dinners, mah jongg, Broadway shows, games and more… (You can read her obit here.)
Thursday – Troy Turkey Trot 10k.
This was my 9th time running it and even though I get slower each year, I still look forward to this race.
I had picked up my bib last Saturday and laid out my clothes the night before.
new bib but same outfit as last year.
I knew the weather forecast was for RAIN so I added a rain poncho and jacket…
I woke up early to hard RAIN and procrastinated about getting up… Then my friend who lives north texted me that there was zero visibility on the road and she had returned home.
That cemented my decision to stay home… so NO TURKEY TROT this year. 😦
my friends and 7k others were bada$$
In the afternoon, we headed to my MIL’s where the family gathered for take out turkey dinner… (it’s not about the food or is it? LOL)
Unfortunately, my stepson, his wife and my granddaughter were still sick and couldn’t come… so there were only 5 of us.
I confess that I ate just as much as when I did run 6.2 miles and submitted my pic from the past weekend’s 5k for our annual blogger Thanksgiving collage.
Thankful for these wonderful people that I’ve come to know virtually
Friday – Last WFH day this week (and since I had to work, I couldn’t go to my friend’s funeral.)
I would have tried to squeeze in a run after work but mah jongg tonight was at my house.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Nothing to train for yet but I hoped to run at least 6 miles…
The bike path that we had planned to walk/run on was too icy so plan B was to head to UAlbany.
I ran 2 loops while my friends walked and then we had brunch
Since we weren’t able to attend our friend’s funeral, we drove to Boston to visit with her family who was sitting shiva…
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall/winter? Did you run on Thanksgiving? Do you bail on races if the weather is bad? Planning any warm weather vacations? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Obviously I signed up for this race because there was ice cream.
Well, only partly true.
I had a free hotel room that was going to expire.
I could combine this NYC trip with a visit to my roommate who lives on LI.
I like Governor’s Island.
It offered a 10k option and there are not many 10ks.
Yes, ice cream.
I’ve actually run a race before on Governor’s Island. Back in 2018.
my first unsuccessful attempt (with my friend from Russia) due to a thunderstorm
rescheduled a month later and it is still my 5k PR. I also won my age group at that race.
And I have already run a NYCRUNS Ice Cream Social race. Another 5k and it took place in Brooklyn. And also in 2018.
another age group award crystal paper weight
Just last month, I spent the day on Governor’s Island with a friend and so I was familiar with the logistics and the ferry.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
The day before the race, I arrived by train in Manhattan and took the subway to my hotel in the Financial District. I chose this hotel because it was near the ferry to Governor’s Island.
It’s been a hot, humid summer and today was no different. I decided to head to Brooklyn (by subway) and visit the Brooklyn Museum. Museums are air-conditioned, right?
I thoroughly enjoyed it there as there were several great exhibits.
But it was still early and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was right next door so I thought, why not?
Beautiful but HOT HOT HOT.
Cari got out of work early and so she took the ferry to meet me (back near my hotel). We chatted and had pizza (carb loading for me) and ended our visit with drinks at the rooftop bar of my hotel.
oops, a race the next day…
Don’t ask me how many miles I put on my legs .. LOL.
I got my stuff ready for the next day.
Here is the description of the race and the course map:
Treat yourself to two laps around Governors Island, and we’ll treat you to a well-deserved post-finish ice cream. Talk about a perfect summer day.
Entry to the NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10K includes a ferry ride, your race entry, a tech shirt, and post-race eats (the aforementioned ice cream!)
They also mailed you your bib several weeks before the race.
I tried unsuccessfully to get a good night’s sleep..
Race Day:
I got up before I needed to and had coffee and oatmeal in my hotel room. Although the race did not start until 9 am, they suggested that you take the 7 am or 7:30 am ferry.
I left my hotel around 6:45 am and arrived to a long line at the ferry.
The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. UGH!
I just missed getting on the 7 am ferry (it only hold 290 persons) but that was fine since I was planning on the 7:30 one.
The line got longer and longer (we joked that it may have stretched to the Brooklyn Bridge since there were about 900 runners for this race not counting families and spectators).
It was a nice quick ride.
As soon as we arrived, we noticed that there were real restrooms. Always a great race perk.
Then I followed signs toward the race start.
It wasn’t a short walk but lots to view (old buildings, forts, Manhattan skyline).
Eventually I arrived at the starting area.
I picked up my shirt (You could wait until after but doubtful to get your size).
Bag check was very organized so I left my shirt there…
zone 4 since my bib ended in 45
Then I walked around checking out the logistics
Nuun and water tables
nearby start line
around the corner was the finish line being setup
and eventually taking a seat and chatting with other runners while waiting for the race to begin.
they even sold coffee
I had loved the course in the past and was excited to do this race…
As you can see from the map, the course winds around the island.. TWICE. There were rolling hills throughout but nothing steep.
Yes, it was HOT… HUMID… SUNNY and NO SHADE!!!
I knew that it would be hard and I would suffer but it was worse than I thought!!
I am not going to give a mile by mile recap of the race (as I normally do). Suffice it to say, that I felt defeated by the heat but tried to enjoy the race as best as I could.
I was not smiling at the end. lol
From the get go, I was sweaty…
but so was everyone else…
I ran the first mile (what I thought was slowly). I normally only drink water but today luckily every water stop (and they were almost every mile) offered Nuun and I drank that in addition to water.
The hills as I said were not steep but annoying because it was so sunny and the trees provided zero shade.
As a result, I ran slower each mile and really thought of quitting after 3 miles.
But obviously I did not and I just walked A LOT.
The views were great and island scenery varied.
at least someone is happy during this race.. not I.
And I finished!!!
Post Race Activities:
I grabbed some Nuun and water, retrieved my race shirt and of course, looked for the ice cream. There were pretzels and Haagan Dazs ice cream cups and ice pops.
I grabbed a cup and ate it as I headed back toward the ferry.
I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!! (They usually mail the award several weeks after.)
LOL. The OLDEST woman there!!
Honestly, I felt shaky (like I did after the Brooklyn half) and so I grabbed a seat on the ferry. On the way back to my hotel, I grabbed a bagel and a Starbucks cold brew…
Phew! Much better…
I showered, changed, checked out of my hotel and arrived in plenty of time at Penn. Sta. to catch the train to LI.
I quickly erased my 10k experience from my mind and enjoyed a few days with my college roommate.
Additional Race Reflections:
Definitely a tough one but hey, I did it.
Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least a few hours afterward.)
Positives:
10k and 5k on separate days (less crowded)
Bibs mailed.
Free ferry.
Shirts distributed before after the race.
Real restrooms,
Organized bag check.
Nuun at the water stops.
Water Stops at each mile.
Well marked course.
Scenic views.
Ice Cream after the race.
Free Massages after and before.
Free MarathonFoto pics.
Negatives:
10 year age group awards
Little shade
Warm temps (but hey, it’s August!)
Having to rush back to my hotel
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. And if I lived in NYC, I would run it again in the FALL or SPRING.
There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.
Final Stats:
Heat is not my racing friend!!!
10k PW by a long shot. Even a slow pace for a half marathon…
scary positive splits
faster pace on my Garmin because the course was long
Next Up:
hope its a cooler day…
Happy Running! Ever run an ice cream themed race? Does the heat affect your racing pace? Please share.
Vacations are great but it’s so hard to get back into a routine (whatever that is? lol)
For me, it’s: Work and fitting in gym time, running, walking and family/friend activities.
Last Week –
Friday – After an early morning train to Manhattan and checking into my hotel, I had to figure out what to do in the extreme heat..
So I took the subway to Brooklyn and visited the Brooklyn Museum (museums are air-conditioned!)
there was a great Paul McCartney photo exhibit
and several other very interesting exhibits..
The Brooklyn Museum is next door to the Botanic Gardens so I thought why not?
so pretty but sooo HOT!!!!!!!
Of course, when in NYC, there is usually a Cari meet-up! She took the ferry to my area and I met her and then we walked to an Italian restaurant for dinner followed by the rooftop bar at my hotel for drinks.
surprise, surprise – no ice cream!
Saturday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k!
Long story short – I loved the race but I WILL NEVER RACE again in AUGUST!!!
The ferry and the race logistics were easy peasy but the race started at 9 am (with feels like 91 temps) … no shade, full sunshine and mile by mile I fell apart.
Yes, you got a nice shirt, ice cream after and I won my age group but …. running in the heat is no fun!!
The good news was that I didn’t die and I got to Penn Statin in time to catch the LIRR in order to spend a few days visiting my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons).
We started the weekend with a waterfront drink but then thunderstorms forced us indoors for dinner.
Sunday – I began the day with a run at a nearby preserve.
a view of Hampton Bay and a newborn fawn
The afternoon was spent at a wine tasting that also had live music.
Again rain forced us indoors for dinner.
Monday – I got up early again for a run (that may have been mostly walking). This time I headed through the neighborhoods toward the bay.
When on LI, you must hit the beach and so we did.
Finally a dry evening.. we planned on a boat ride but it got cancelled so instead we just had drinks and dinner at an outdoor restaurant along the water.
Tuesday – The forecast was for rain so I didn’t get up early but then it didn’t. We decided to visit a wildlife sanctuary and walk the trails.
We barely made before the rains came. And then rain continued for the rest of the day.
I ended my visit with a nice lunch and then took the LIRR back to NYC and finally the train to return home.
Wednesday – Glad to be WFH and able to squeeze in a run before work..
the overnight rains had cooled down the temps but it was still very humid
So many errands after work…. (vacations are hard work!)
Thursday – After a rainy evening, another WFH day allowed me to get a run done before work.
temps in the 60s!! just a slow flowery run in a different neighborhood
Thursday night is trail run night or walk as I do it. Pouring Rain!! Boo!
Instead, we visited an injured running friend and ate ice cream sandwiches there.
Friday – Finally got up early to head to the gym… it had been a while.
Not a tropical storm but lots of rain!!
Even mah jongg in the evening was cancelled.
Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch).
11 miles on my schedule and fingers crossed that the rain would stop and I had company on some of the miles.
It wasn’t easy but yes to both and 6 of us were to get together for brunch (which was longer and more fun than the run. lol).
Sunday – Back to the gym and back up to the lake!!
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – Run
Tuesday – GYM, movie/dinner with a friend
Wednesday – Run, walk w/BFF
Thursday – AM run, trail walk
Friday – GYM, mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
Sunday – GYM, boating
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap
Friday – Finish Line Songs
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Any vacations planned? Get hit by Debby? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Saturday – NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k.
An early morning as I had to take the 7:30 am ferry to Governor’s Island for the race.
Check out IG and FB for how it went… AND there was ice cream!!
After the race, I took the ferry back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and headed to Penn Sta. to catch the LIRR. I had plans to stay with my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons) for a few days.
Sunday – Run! Relax! Maybe head to the beach… have fun!!
pic from my visit in 2021
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – AM Run, some fun LI activities
Tuesday – AM Run, LIRR to NYC, Amtrak home
Wednesday – GYM
Thursday – AM run, trail walk
Friday – GYM
Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
Sunday – GYM
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – What I am focusing on this month
Friday – Training Tips for Running
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Do you love ice cream like I do? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Every year, I plan to sign up for the 10k and then I chicken out.
10K
The 5k is pretty flat!! So why not?
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
This small race in the country has always been one of my favorite 5k races. I ran it for the five years straight (2013-18) and again in 2021 and enjoyed it each time. (I was out of town in 2019 and 2022. It was cancelled in 2020 and I was injured in 2023).
It was always well-organized and had great food – the usual food but also chili and homemade muffins & cookies (including gluten free ones).
And there was chocolate milk, fresh from the dairy. (You know how I LOVE chocolate milk post-race.)
Plus, I also won a homemade pie as first in my age group for the five years. 28:56, 28:01, 27:54, 27:32, 27:01. Yes, it seems that I was getting faster but then in 2021, I finished at 28:20. (Still speedy compared to my latest 5ks).
That being said, I decided to not stress about having a fast time and to push myself to tackle the hilly miles… yup, I registered for the 10k (for the first time). Besides, I was supposed to be training for an upcoming half marathon.
Packet pick-up was the day before. But since I lived so far away, I planned to pick mine up the morning of the race.
Again the weather was tricky. What to wear? Will it be cold or will it be warm (as in 2021)? Lately it has felt more like winter than spring…
So this was the plan: long sleeved shirt and capris (with compression calf sleeves) – see pic below.
Of course, I had pizza for my race carb loading (yes I carb load even for 10ks. lol)
Race Day:
The race started at 10 am which was great since it would be an hour drive from my house.
After my race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee, I left my house around 8:00 am and met my friend Heidi in Round Lake. I had talked her into running this race with me but she chose the 5k.
We got to the race early (around 9:00 am) and found a parking spot in a grassy field next to the church. The race started at the church in the town of Bacon Hill, a small farming town with awesome scenery. (It reminded me of Vermont.)
these pics are from other years…everything still looked the same)
So as soon as we arrived, we picked up our shirts and bibs and then we went back to Heidi’s car to drop them off.
I wasn’t sure if I would know anyone else at this race since many of the runners that I usually run this race with were not coming (There were a few other local races scheduled.).
I stopped by the timing truck to say hello to my former FTC coach who usually asks me if I was going to PR. But he wasn’t there. No pressure 🙂
We walked around a bit scouting out the logistics and trying to stay warm.
one of the reasons I love this race – this local dairy and their chocolate milk
But I did bump into a few runners that I knew and we chatted. A guy came up to be and said that he loved my blog. He had just started running and picked this race based on my review. (The 2nd race in a row where someone has been reading my blog… who knew?)
obligatory pre-race pic
There was music playing and close to 200 runners. With your race entry, you also got a raffle ticket to possibly win some very cool prizes.
The sun was out so we both decided to ditch our jackets.
Course description:
The 10K Course will head North on Stonebridge Road and then will u-turn at 0.7 miles into the run to head South on Stonebridge Road. The route will then turn left onto Ballard Lane (dirt road). At the end of Ballard Lane, the course will then turn Left onto West River Road to head North. Continue North on West River Road, at 2.7 miles the course will then turn Right onto Harris Road (dirt road) and follow Harris Road until it loops back to the intersection of West River Road and Callahan Road (3.4 miles). The course will continue straight onto Callahan Road until it intersects with Stonebridge Road (4.5 miles). At this point, runners will turn Left to head South on Stonebridge Road and return to the Bacon Hill Reformed Church to finish out the race (6.2 miles).
Garmin elevation chart…
The pastor read a prayer, the church bells rang and we were off.
I loved all the signs along the route. Many of them were riddles. I wish I could remember them but they were a nice distraction.
My legs immediately protested my attempt for speed. I felt my short distance racing lay-off.
There were no volunteers on the course calling out times. There were mile markers and a few scattered volunteers cheering on the runners.
I always have positive splits so I didn’t even glance at my watch until after the race. (I was correct.. see below.)
As indicated above, we headed out with the 5k runners and then tuned around. At this point we were running into a strong head wind.
Then we turned left on to a dirt road and left onto a long hilly road. The scenery was beautiful. We even ran along the Hudson River for a while.
The first huge long hill had me rethinking my choice to run this race. I had a hard time walking up it… so I just shuffled (run/walk) along. It was followed my some smaller hills where I did the same. Finally the last steep hill..
We eventually looped back to the road we started on.
Of course that meant ending the race by running into a head wind. Oy!!
I felt very warm the whole race and rolled up my sleeves (I could have run in a shirt and short sleeves – spring time races are so hard to dress for.)
There were several water stops but the first one was not until almost mile 3 and then every mile or so after.
I had a GU in my pocket but never really felt the need to eat it.
Some pics from a run after a previous race:
The last few miles I ran with a lady who was running this race for the first time. Her teenage daughter talked her into it. She had run the same half I did 2 weeks ago. We both agreed that those 13.1 miles were easier than this race.
Eventually, the finish line was in sight. I was out of gas and walked a few times so I could at least sprint at the end… especially since my friend Heidi was waiting to take a photo.
Post Race Activities:
I immediately grabbed a bottle of chocolate milk
and checked to see if I won a raffle prize. Nope.
They were announcing the 5k awards so we checked out the refreshments – bananas, oranges, all sorts of home-made baked goods.
I was happy that my friend Sue won.
They also had 3 kinds of chili (veggie, beef, turkey) and it was delish.
Surprisingly I actually won my age group.
I guess some races, you just have to show up..
The 5k winners took all the apple pies..
On our way back to my car, we stopped for dessert:
Additional Race Reflections:
I usually only run one 10K a year (Troy Turkey Trot) and it is flat. So this race was most likely a PW. This could be the year of the PW but I’m running!! But I am winning awards.
I enjoy racing and that’s all that matters.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Beautiful countryside scenery
Funny signs on the course
Chocolate milk, chili and homemade cookies as post-race refreshments.
Super friendly volunteers
Raffle prizes
Free Photos
Virtual option
Negatives:
Hills!!
Need an earlier first water stop for the 10k
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail.
Final Stats:
Official GT time: 1:07:00 (Garmin time: 1:06:54)
things got ugly after 3 miles
I wasn’t thrilled with my time. Then again I had zero goals. I was just running for me and because it makes me feel good to race.
Icing on the cake was the company, the food and an age group award.
All in all, I loved this race. I will definitely do it again…
Next Up:
A few shorter races –
Then finally:
MAY 18!!
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Do you prefer an easy race flat race or a challenging hilly one? Please share.