I signed up for the Ted Corbitt 15K for several reasons:

• I love NYC.
• I love running in Central Park.
• I hadn’t run a race there since April 2022.
• I had enough pts for a free hotel room.
• I had thought my NYC BRFs Cari and Elizabeth may be running it too or at least we could meet up during the weekend.
• It kept me doing weekend long runs during the cold temps of upstate NY.
• A chance to see NYC decorated for the holidays.
• I had run a half marathon several weeks before (so I was sorta trained.)
• 15k is one of my favorite distances (I usually die at this point in a half.)
• No Harlem Hill for this race (just Cat 2x and 3 sisters).

Training:

As I mentioned above, I had run a half marathon two weeks earlier. I love to sign up for winter races because it motivates me to keep doing those long runs in the cold weather. (And this year, the temps were COLD!!)

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 (Tues, Wed, Thurs this week).

and get in some longer runs on the weekend..

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.

In case you have never heard of Ted Corbitt.  He was the first president of New York Road Runners, the first African American to compete in the Olympic marathon, and an ultramarathon pioneer who ran more than 200,000 miles in his lifetime.

I’ve always wanted to run this race.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I took the train to NYC on Saturday morning. I arrived at 11am and my hotel check-in time was 3 pm  but luckily my room was ready.  So I checked into my hotel on 39th St. and grabbed some lunch.

Then I headed to Run Center to pick up my bib and race shirt.

Though it was chilly, it was sunny and a perfect day to stroll Manhattan. Though rain was predicted for Saturday, I hoped they were wrong.  Just in case, I tried to see as many of the decorations as I could in one day!!

I started in Central Park… I couldn’t believe how pretty it was with the leaves STILL on the trees…

Then I walked down 6th Avenue, onto Rockefeller Center, then to Bryant Park and finally to 34th Street for a visit to the Refinery.

On my bucket list was to see the holiday lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.  So from 34th St, I took a subway to Brooklyn where I met up with a group for a walking tour.

The guide was great (and I was the only American on the tour.)

.The houses were HUGE and the lights way over the top!!

Afterward, I grabbed some pizza for dinner and took the subway back to Manhattan.

Still too early to go to bed so I continued my holiday in NYC experience. I walked back to Rockefeller Center and then watched the light show at Saks.

Eventually I returned to my hotel in order to plan my race day. So much for resting the legs the day before a race. 12 miles walked!!

I have not run many winter races so it was a challenge to decide on what to wear to keep warm but not too warm for 9.3 miles. And what to wear if it rains???

Luckily I still had gloves, DIY arm warmers to add to my outfit and there would be bag check so I could have a jacket and umbrella for after the race if it were raining.

Race Day:

I brought my usual race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee with me and got up around 6:00 am.  It was warmer than expected (high 40s) but RAINING so I changed to a lighter shirt and cap (instead of a beanie), added a throwaway shirt, DIY arm sleeves, grabbed a rain poncho and called an Uber. My hotel was on West 39th and the start was near E. 66th. However, bag check was on East 72nd. I could have run there but not in this weather. I also wasn’t sure of how often the subway ran. The Uber was just so easy (though $$$).

As I did in my previous Central Park races, I got there too early…  I had hoped to meet up with Cari at bag check or worse case in my start corral.  Cari had decided to skip bag check.  But to stay warm and dry,, I hid out in the park restroom…. I waited there until the last moment (I even met the runner who was singing the national anthem.)

I kept on my rain poncho but had to surrender my umbrella. Well, by now, the bag check line was MILES long and getting longer by the moment (due to a security check).  It moved quickly and I wasn’t worried since although there were almost 5000 runners, the race was chip-timed.

It was quite a LONG walk to the start and I had to walk to corral I.  By the time I got near, the national anthem was finishing up and Meb was giving a speech about Ted Corbitt and this race.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to meet up with Cari but I eventually got to my corral in plenty of time for my corral’s start.

I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)

The Race Plan:

Do not get injured!! (You need to be healthy to train for the Florida half in February!) And most importantly, have fun!!

I would likely do a lot of walking… because there would be umpteen hills!! (Several Cats and many other annoying smaller ones.)

I planned to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated even in the rain) and to stop and walk longer to eat a gel at every other water stop.

My estimated finish time would be around 1:45 (far from my 1:30 PR at this distance).

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

2022 Course Map:

Course Description:

The race will begin on East Drive near East 66th Street and will cover almost two full laps on the lower loop in Central Park.

From the start, runners will proceed north on East Drive up to the 102nd Street Cross Drive, and will then take a left turn to follow the Cross Drive toward West Drive. Turning left onto West Drive, runners will head south, continuing past Tavern on the Green toward mile 5 and what was the start line on East Drive.

Proceeding along the southern end of the park, runners will repeat the first loop up East Drive, onto the 102nd Street Cross Drive, and turning onto West Drive. As runners approach the 72nd Street Transverse from West Drive, they will turn left toward the finish line.

Check out this elevation:

and according to my Garmin:

Miles 1-3:

It took a LONG 10 or so minutes to get to the start line.

It was slow going at first due to the crowd but soon we heading for a downhill stretch. Of course, I tried to stay slow and it felt slow .

The first hill was Cat Hill and it was the steepest.  I ran up most of it thinking that it wasn’t so bad (my opinion changed by the second time around)

(In case you’ve never run in Central Park, it’s called Cat Hill because there is a statue of a cat staring down at you.)

Once I started running, I realized that I was indeed perfectly dressed. In fact during the 2nd mile, I decided to take off my throw-away shirt.  But I didn’t throw it away, I tied it around my waist and kept it that way the entire race.

There were many more water stops than necessary (or what I am used to).  Almost one every mile.  I tried to only stop at every other one.

I always tried to pick up speed on the downhills but they were short-lived as there were always smaller hills – the Sisters, etc.  According to Strava, each hill has a name.

And the rain continued… in fact it rained harder and harder, and the puddles got bigger and more numerous. (I was amazed at NO blisters and NO chafing.)

Around 90th St. & the Reservoir, we passed the statue of Fred Lebow.

We started looping around 102nd and heading to the West side.  The best thing about this race (compared to Fred LeBow HM was that the course did NOT include Harlem Hill (the steepest and longest in the park.)

Since I had eaten breakfast many hours ago, I was getting hungry, I ate a GU slowly around mile 3.5 (and this was the only one I ate during the race.)

There were timing clocks at every mile.  I wasn’t sure how much time had elapsed before I crossed the start line so they didn’t help much.  My watch was buried under my shirt.  But I really didn’t care what my finish time was anyway. (I had zero age group award expectations. NYC runners are fast!)

I just continued to run and as fast as I could and walk as often as I felt tired or there were hills (As usual, it was pretty often).

Miles 4-6:

We were still on the West side and soon we passed the finish line. Of course, I think the speedy runners were already turning in.

But there were still 5 more miles to go.

Around mile 4.5 we starting turning and heading toward the East side. And a little past mile 5 we were passing the start and now the course would repeat itself.

It never stopped raining.  My feet started to ache (no surprise there).  Of course Cat hill seemed harder the second time around as did the other smaller hills. I waved again to Fred and continued to stop at every other water stop.

The volunteers were so numerous and those cheering were awesome.  Imagine spending hours in the pouring rain. I wouldn’t be happy to be out there.

Miles 7-9.4:

Finally just past mile 7, we began turning and heading back to the East side.  To me, that signaled that the end was near… although it didn’t feel like it.

It was a long time getting to that Mile 9 sign!!

But I finally turned toward the finish line and I ran as fast as I could…. through those huge puddles!!

Post Race Activities:

I immediately got my medal (this was the FIRST year that medals were given out for this race), grabbed a bag of pretzels and posed for a quick pic. or two!

It was still raining HARD so I headed to bag check to get my rain jacket and umbrella.  I had also put some dry clothes in that bag but unfortunately, the bag was NOT really very waterproof and everything was soaked.

I still hadn’t met up with Cari but I texted her that I would be waiting in that same rest room.

We walked out of the park together in the RAIN. (I gave her my rain poncho since I had an umbrella.)

The rain definitely interfered with my plans to hang out with Cari and another friend, Elizabeth.

Cari headed home by bus and I started walking back to my hotel. Around 59th St, I changed my mind and hopped the subway.

After a LONG HOT shower, I checked out of my hotel, had lunch and then headed home on an earlier train.

I was so glad that I had got in All.The.Miles the day before.

Additional Race Reflections:

Running in the rain may not be exactly fun. I minded more about not enjoying the pre and post-race experience.

But it was a lot better than racing into a cold WIND.

I was happy with my finish time.  Yes it was like 5 minutes slower than my last 15K but it was not a PW and faster than I expected on that course and in those weather conditions.

Enough whining…I am so grateful to be able to visit NYC and run a race. And a race that honored such an important figure in NYC racing.

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 great race.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up at Run Center and also race morning near the start).
• Bag Check.  Easy pick up at the end.
• Water at almost EVERY mile. Gatorade at the last few.
• 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 even in the rain.
• Los of volunteers as course marshals and at water stops (and it was miserable out!!)
• Very cool medal.
• Immediate results.
• Blogger meet-up with Cari
• No Blisters.

The Bad:

• Long line at bag check.
• Loops!  2.
• Hills in Central Park.
• I did not do any training on hills (my bad)
• Post-race food – just pretzels and apples
• Boring shirt design.
• No photos
• RAIN!!!

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 5,000 runners usually participate so a small race by NYC standards. And not an expensive one.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Next Up:

This one should have warmer weather but you never know with Florida.  I ran this race two years ago in oppressive heat/humidity.

 

 

 

 

 

7:30AM

The race begins at SUNY Adirondack, works its way to the Warren County Bike path and ends at Battle Field Park in Lake George. Rolling course with a long down hill finish.

This is the third year for this 15k race. It replaced one of my favorite races – Adirondack Distance Run (10 miler). That was the one that started in Lake George Village and ended in a park on the lake next to the marina where we keep our boat.

I was very disappointed that they cancelled this race. (After 40 years, they decided that it was dangerous to run on the road.)

My friend Sue and I have had many running adventures together:

Since Sue was the organizer of this new race, I felt that I should at least run it the first year. It was hard especially the first 5k but I actually enjoyed it so I signed up again in 2018 and 2019.

Then the Pandemic came and the race was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.

It was revived this year and of course, I couldn’t resist signing up.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My weekend long run preparation for this race wasn’t great (5k, 7 miles, 5k +5ish more) but I felt somewhat prepared to give it my best shot.  I like the 15k distance. It’s always when I am running a half marathon where I wish it were over.

Due to the weather and work, I front loaded my short weekday (3 mile) runs which gave me two rest days in a row before the race.

The biggest challenge would be those hills. I knew that it was hilly. And we all know that I do not train on hills.  I expected that there would be walking on those hills. And I am totally ok with walking during races.

The weather was quite comfortable all week but then it started heating up toward the end of the week.  Just in time for this race!! 90 degree temps predicted…

I haven’t run very many 15ks.  My surprise PR was from the Stockade-athon in 2018 (1:30:15). I ran today’s race in 2018 and 2019 and finished at 1:33:54 and 1:32:38 respectively. But I recently finished at FLAT 10 miler at 1:43:56 so I was not expecting much from this HILLY course. And I had no goals besides having fun and finishing unhurt.

There were supposed to be 4 water stops along the route: one at mile 2 (which served runners on the way in and out) and then along the bike path at approximately miles 4.2, 6.2 and 8. I would be stopping at each one and hoped that this would be enough (since I never carry my own water.)

So what to wear? The usual. Tank and skirt.

Race Day:

The race started at 7:30 am. (Hooray for finally an early start!) I got up at 5 am and had oatmeal/coffee and then left my house around 5:45 am since I had over an hour drive.

The race began at a community college so there were real bathrooms and comfortable places to hang out before the race.

None of my close running friends were running the race but I was surprised at how many runners I did know. I hung out with them until the race began.

I asked my friend, the RD, about bag check.  She replied that there was none. I was planning like last time to bring a towel, dry shirt and flip flops to change into after the race.  Boo!

Everyone was looking around to find someone who was driving to start to give a bag to. I wound up giving mine to the guy in charge of the finish line timing.

We eventually all headed to the start.  Again, it was just a line in the parking lot. No chip timing for this race.

I lined up with some friends but not as close to the start as I should have.

So here’s how the race went: (The course photos are mostly courtesy D. Yeaton 2019)

Miles 1-3: 

I knew what the course was like. As I mentioned, I expected hills. I mean, it’s the Adirondacks so it is hilly everywhere.  We left the college and ran on a main road for a while.  And it was warm out already.  I knew that it wasn’t going to be a good day when I had to walk during the FIRST mile!

Soon we turned into a neighborhood. One of the volunteers we passed said “Enjoy the roller coaster!” Yup, huge hills…up and down. Just past the water stop at mile 2.5, you turned around and repeated those crazy hills.

I started slowly and tried to run up them. After the first hill, I realized that that was a mistake, I just ran/walked up them. No sense killing my legs. I ran most of the race around the same runners. Playing leap frog with them. They ran slowly and passed me on the hills and I got closer to them on the downhill and sometimes even passed them.

Miles 4-6: 

After the first 5K, we headed toward the bike path. The steep hills disappeared but it was a steady incline. I kept hoping for a downhill but it never happened (until mile 7). At least, most of the path was shady. And with the temps rising, that was a good thing!!

I stopped and walked at each of the 4 water stops.  I took a GU at the 2nd and 4th one.

The hills on miles 1-3, definitely tired me out. My plan changed from just walking at the water stops to walking up the hills to finally just walking whenever my legs were too tired to run. That seemed to be very often. Still I was keeping up with the same runners. Perhaps I was running fast when I was actually running. The steepest hill was between miles 5 and 6 (see pace below). Ugh!

Miles 7-9.3 –

The rest of the race was on the bike path and the part of the path that went downhill right into Lake George Village (opposite the lake). Finally running downhill!! Though, it seemed too little, too late to make up for the slow mile 6.

After my 2nd GU, I got a second wind and tried pick up the pace and eventually sprint to the finish.

The path to the finish was on grass – soft but so difficult to run fast on.

I crossed at 1:36:xx and I was happy to be done!!

As you crossed, they asked your age and then handed you an age group award if you won.

Post Race Activities:

Refreshments included watermelon, bananas, home made cookies and pastries. All the baked goods were individually wrapped.

I headed right for the watermelon. No ice cream this year 😦

I got my bag (which had a towel and flip flops) and headed with the other runners to soak my feet in the lake.

There wasn’t much time to relax in the water as I spotted two buses waiting to take runners back to the start. I ran to the bus as I remembered that the last time, there was quite a wait until the next bus (and by now it was very warm out!!)

In past years, I stayed and visited friends in Lake George or went on our boat. This year, I immediately drove home.

Back to the race:

They say “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And I was not sore at all the next day and back to running again on Monday. So all is good.

Additional Race Reflections:

I have to say that I’ve gotten spoiled with all the extras, my local race organization provides for its racers.  So I felt a little let down but with only 118 runners, it was a small race and not an expensive one to enter.

And those hills… with the heat, I was in no shape to give 100% to this race.  I was perfectly happy to just walk when it felt good to… And besides mile 6, I was running at a decent pace because by walking a lot, when I was running, I was running fast!

I think the last sentence of the first paragraph explains why I race so much!!

The Good:

• Easy organized packet pick-up.
• Lots of parking
• Real Bathrooms at the start.
• Early start time
• Scenic course – especially the bike path (with running water views and shade)
• Gender specific tech shirt
• 4 water stops
• Decent selection of post race food – bananas, watermelon, home-made baked goods
• Ended at the Lake
• Photographer at the finish line
• Shuttle back to the start

The Bad:

• Not chip-timed
• No port-a-potties along the course or at the finish
• The hilly looped miles 2-4
• Little crowd support
• No Nuun or Gatorade at water stops
• No bag check
• No music and national anthem at the start
• Recycled medals for age group awards (mug or car magnet in previous years)
• No ice cream (as in previous years)
• Long drive (for me)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes, if you live nearby.  It was a nice small race with challenging hills.

I may run it again if I plan some nearby post-race activities.  Otherwise, I may chose a closer race.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Next Up:

and a few more 5ks this summer before the half marathons start in the Fall.

Happy Running! Any exciting plans for the summer? Have you run a lot of 15ks?  How do you feel about hilly races? How far do you usually drive for a race? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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There is a link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

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

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I’m linking also up with

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.

 

This is my 8th time running this popular local 15k race.

I ran it for the first time in 2011 and it was my FIRST 15k race ever. I was glad to just finish and I did in 1:36:08. I was injured in 2012 and then I ran it again in 2013.

With 1500-2000 runners in this race, they were forced to make some changes to the course.

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

Well, I loved the new course and my finish times improved for the most part (except for 2019 since the race was held a week after my first FULL marathon):

2014 – 1:33:23
2015 – 1:31:23
2016 – 1:32:49
2018 – 1:30:15 PR
2019 – 1:36:37 PW
2020 – cancelled

In 2019, they modified the course slightly. 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).)

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

My last long run was really hard… That did not make me feel super confident for this race.

During the week before the race, I just ran my easy short runs…

This race was supposed to be a taper for a half marathon that was scheduled for the next weekend. I even skipped my long run with my running friends and just walked with Sherry (who was also running the race) and then met the others for brunch.

So I didn’t expect to race this 15k. I just wanted some exercise and to hang out with 1000 of my running friends.

I picked up my bib and race shirt at Fleet Feet the day before (although it really wasn’t necessary.) As I mentioned above, it rained the rest of the day so I was forced to rest my legs.

I ate my usual pre-race pizza that night and got together my #flatme.

Race Day:

The temps were in the 30s when I got up on race morning and it was forecast to only warm up to high 40s and be cloudy. I hate this time of year. It’s so difficult to dress correctly. There used to be (before COVID) a bag check and I could bring extra clothes for after and in case I changed my mind.

Even though I’ve been to this race several times before, I still left extra early.  Barbara and I had planned to carpool.  But she got sick and was not able to run. I got there and again found a spot on the street a few blocks from the start of the race. It would have been nice to wait indoors at the YWCA and chat with the other runners.  I was cold but I knew that if I dressed warmer, I would be too warm.

I texted Sherry when I got there and we met in the YWCA where race day bib pick-up was being held.  You had to wear a mask but even though you were not supposed to stay inside, no one seemed to care.  So we stayed there to keep warm until the race start.

Eventually we made our way to start area. It was organized and marked by bib number (which corresponded to your finish time.)

I recognized a few runners so I lined up with them.  Sherry moved further back.  We agreed to meet after at the refreshments area.

The 2019 course map:

The course starts near Veterans Park in downtown Schenectady. The course travels west on State Street for 1K before entering the historic Stockade District and proceeding on a scenic bike path in Riverside Park along the Mohawk River. The course exits the Stockade District after crossing Erie Blvd. The course then proceeds east on Nott Street past Union College before entering the historic GE Plot residential neighborhood via Lenox Ave, Douglas Rd and Rugby Rd. The course exits Rugby Road and proceeds north on Waverly Place near the 5K mark. The course turns east off Waverly and follows Grand Blvd to the city boundary with Niskayuna, then proceeds south on Dean Street to Central Parkway past 8k. After a 1K residential loop on Central Parkway, the course enters beautiful Central Park and follows a bike path around Iroquois Lake and Duck Pond before reaching its highest elevation near 12K. The final 3k is mostly downhill or flat as the course exits Central Park and proceeds west through historic Vale Cemetery and Vale Park before a final downhill section on Franklin Street to the finish at City Hall.

Mile 1-3.1:

The race started running down commercial State Street. It was fairly flat but very crowded (with over 1,000 runners).

I quickly lost my friends and just weaved my way through the crowd.

Soon, we turned and entered the Stockade (oldest) section of town.

Although it was chilly, I instantly warmed up and even felt overdressed.  I eventually took off my gloves and rolled up my DIY arm warmers.

After the Stockade area, we ran past Union College and around various residential neighborhoods. I also stopped at the first water stop even though I was not thirsty at all. (Yay for a walk break).

The hills were relentless. Why do I not remember them from previous years? Not rolling hills, just running up, it seemed.

I knew a lot of 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 stress-free race.

There was clock at the 5k point and I was surprised that I was under a 10 minute pace. However, I doubted that it would last.

Mile 3.1-6.2:

By mile 4, I was getting hungry. We were still circling the neighborhoods. There were lots of course marshals directing throughout the course and many enthusiastic spectators.

Eventually there was a second water stop.  No more cups!!!! They ran out!?  I almost brought a cup but we were told that we didn’t need to… grrrr!

Around mile 5, I finally decided to choke down my Gu (without any water).

Around mile 6, we entered Central Park with its rolling hills, lake, and pretty foliage. More hills, of course, but not too bad.  The worst was yet to come.

There was another clock at the 10K point.  I had slowed down but I was still happy with my conservative pace.

Mile 6.2-9.4:

Between mile 7 and 8 is where the BIG hills were. I walked up them for the most part. They were steep but at least short.

I believe there was a third water stop but I don’t remember exactly where.  And there were cups. Hooray!

We proceeded to run through the cemetery and then through a park before heading DOWNHILL to the finish line at city hall. At this point, Renee (who I ran this race with two years ago) caught up to me.  We chatted and then she zoomed ahead.  My legs were shot by now.

One of reasons I love this race is that finish.

I ran as fast as I could but I had lost quite a bit of time at the water stops and the hills.

I crossed the finish line at 1:35:XX.

I admit that initially I was disappointed…5 minutes off a PR and one of my slowest times for this race.

But hey, I didn’t train and I wasn’t trying for a PR.  It was supposed to just be taper run for next Sunday’s half marathon.  (I know you all get it…)

Post Race Activities:

This year, instead of the food being inside at the YWCA, the same area as bag check and where we waited before the race, it was outside (another COVID restriction) and I was COLD!!  The sun had gone in and the wind had picked up. Brrrr.

One of my running friends was volunteering and she handed me a bag of goodies.

I also grabbed some chocolate milk and a cider donut. I checked the results (you just scanned a QR code with your phone). Awards would be mailed, I guess but I was not expecting one.

So I walked back toward the finish line to wait for Sherry. I watched many of my friends finish. Everyone was happy and especially grateful for the weather and to be racing again.

Sherry and I headed back to our cars. The others in our group did not run the race so we decided to skip brunch this year.

Additional Race Reflections:

Sure, I’d love to have those speedier legs return. I’m not sure they ever will but I do not plan to stop racing because my finish times are slower. I loved seeing all those runners that I only chat with at races.  I love the racing atmosphere and the challenge it always brings.

Positives:

• Safety restrictions in place
• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Great running weather.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course (through the historic part of the city, neighborhoods, park, cemetery).
• Downhill finish.
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Chocolate Milk.
• Crowd support
• Three real water stops
• The electric atmosphere.
• Virtual option.
• Instant results
• Free photos
• Gender-specific shirt
• A real race.

Negatives:

• Hills during miles 7-8
• Ran out of cups at 2nd water stop
• Outdoor refreshments
• No bag check

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. It’s a great way to see this city…a little bit of everything.  And if COVID ever goes away, it will be even more enjoyable. I would recommend that you train on hills. lol

Final Stats:

My Splits:

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 (1000+), 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 taper run. And nothing really hurt during and after!!

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 get a faster finish time … or maybe not.

Next Up:

A Half Marathon on Nov. 21!!!

Happy Running! Did you race this past weekend or do any other running? Do you ever run 15ks? Do you like them? 

 

 

 

 

 

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