July 13, 2019 8:00 am

When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.

in 2008 – my first year of running

in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 37 half marathons.

My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.

After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).

I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017 and 2018, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37, 27:28)

Would I again this year???

Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:

15 turns in this course!!

The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)

Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well and woke up with a stiff neck, headache and nausea. I really didn’t feel like racing but I had told my friend Laurie that I would meet her there so I felt like I had to go.

I felt better after my coffee but still not great. But off I went around 6:15-30.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. A few years ago, I almost got towed.)

The pick-up area was behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell.  I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.

There were close to 500 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces.  This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start but not quite as warm and humid as it has been earlier in the week. I just hung around and waited for Laurie. In the meantime, I bumped into another Skirt Sports ambassador and my neighbor.

Laurie eventually arrived and we headed to the start together.

We stood not too far back and waited.

And then we were off. Laurie took off fast. I did not.

pic from last year’s Saratogian

It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead. Well I had run 6 miles on Wednesday and a hilly trail run on Thursday.  Oops.  My plan was to have negative splits anyway. Besides, I really felt lousy.

But my biggest problem was the SUN. There was very little if any shade on the course.

By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing. It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the sun. And it was sucking the life out of me. Plus, I felt like throwing up.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from last year’s Saratogian

I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point. And I did but for probably too long. At this point, I knew that I was not having a great race.  And it didn’t matter.

By mile 3, I was really fading. I walked one more time but only briefly.

I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. My Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach was at the finish line (his company timed the race) and he would be expecting me to finish strong.

I crossed at 28: XX.

I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.

I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race).

pic from last year’s Saratogian – NO watermelon this year

They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my age group (You know, it’s not speed but who shows up).

Laurie waited with me for the awards ceremony,  I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award (even if you didn’t run well.)

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. You get a free ticket to the race track (I hope to use it later this summer). Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.

Splits:

mile 1- 8:46
mile 2 – 9:09
mile 3 – 9:19
.14 – 8:02

28:18

Positive splits. And almost a minute slower than last year.

After the race, I would normally have driven to Saratoga State Park and add some more miles for a long run. But as I mentioned, I had run my 6 mile long run on Wednesday so I drove to join my running friends at brunch (after their long run).

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

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

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Please share.

I ran this race in 2014 and 2015. I remembered it being fun (even though there were hills) so I signed up again this year since it fit right into my schedule.

The 5K is a out and back and has one (BIG) hill just before the 1 mile mark, with the rest being flat and the down hill at about 2.25 and a slight increase at the finish. Course is both paved (along Hudson River) and packed dirt path in wooded area, for approx 1.25 mile.

It is about an hour north of my house (and on the way to our marina on Lake George.)

And most importantly, I love scenic. Here are some views of the course:

finish line view

The weather was beautiful. It was about 60 degrees and sunny when I left the house. It was predicted to warm up to the 70’s later.  Actually perfect running weather for a change.

I left early and arrived in plenty of time.  I parked nearby and got my race packet.

a women’s tech singlet 🙂 and in purple

Then I used the restroom – yes, there were real ones.

Since this race is north of where I live, it attracts a different group of runners. Because I often race in this area, I knew some of them and we chatted. This race this year was part of the the Girls on the Run series so there were lots of young girls there too.

I took some pictures and patiently waited until it was time for everyone to walk down to the water for the start.

Of course, while waiting for the gun to go off, I wound up talking to some older runners… about future races.

I planned to start near the front since there were no timing chips or start line but I was chatting and forgot.

I’m in there somewhere

I must say that this was one of the prettiest course I have ever run.  It was along the water most of the time or on a paved trail through a park.

I tried to focus on the scenery since I knew that this one would be tough due to hilly course.

The first mile had a small hill which I ran up and then came the monster hill.  I ran/walked up the whole thing and had trouble doing that it was so steep. I think I did the right thing since it was early in the race.

I wasn’t that warm but I walked through the first water stop anyway but very quickly.

Lately I am having trouble running fast.  I am trying but my breathing is labored and my legs just won’t go.  (Guess that’s why runners do speed drills!)

Eventually the course looped around and you headed back to the start.  I passed through the second water stop and then finally came the big hill. This time you were running down. These hills always scare me so I hold back especially with my falling history.

rule 1: always look goofy when you see a photographer

Then I think I walked once more before the final (smallish) hill which led to the finish line.

I mustered up enough energy to sprint.

At least I finished under 29 minutes!

Splits:

mile 1 – 9:24
mile 2 – 9:12
mile 3 – 8:47
.14 – 8:05

28:20 – Garmin time.  28:23 (GT)

I was faster than four years ago (29:25) but slower than last week’s 5k. Still happy about those negative split times!!

After the 5K, there was a one mile race.  Not for kids but for everyone.  It was fun last time so I signed up for this one too (I am crazy like that.)

Of course after the hilly 3.1 miles, my legs were too tired to run even ONE mile but I wanted to give it my best shot.

got to cheer on the runners who were not finished

I walked/ran to the start of the second race. Boy, that one mile seemed really long!!

the start of the One Mile race

Most of the runners did not do the second race. I was hoping that with such a small group I would not be DFL.

The one mile course was rolling hills but NO big steep hill, thank God.

caption: the little engine that could

Still after a half hour break, it was tough to get the legs moving.

Little by little, I picked up speed and crossed under 9 minutes. Barely.

8:52 Garmin time. 8:53 (GT)

Someday I would like to run a one mile race without a 5k preceding it. Just to see what I could do.

I was wondering if there still would be refreshments left after the second race. And there were. Bagels, watermelon and lots of homemade treats. Yay!!

I ate quite a few pieces of watermelon and grabbed some cookies and brownies to go.

They gave out the awards and I won first place in my age group in both races. 

I didn’t stay. I have enough medals. It was enough to know that I won.

2 medal pic form 2015

Besides my hubby was patiently waiting for me at the marina.

I did change into a bathing suit eventually

I will definitely do this race again.  I loved the course and the scenery.  Next time, maybe I’ll try to do some hill repeats in advance so I could run up that big hill.

One of the reasons for choosing this race was that it was on the way to our marina so I could join my hubby and spend the day on the lake.

Racing+Boating=Perfect Sunday

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

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

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! What did you do this weekend? Did you run or race? Ever run two races back to back? Do you care if the race is hilly?

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 12th time!!!!!

The website – can you see me? Right center – Pink hat & top

My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:

Due to construction, they changed the course four years ago.

They say that this course is faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.

course map

I did run the new course the past four years and I liked it.

heading downhill to the finish line

As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did last year.

And this was also my fifth Freihofer Training Challenge.

did my green hat stand out much last year?!

Training is a loose term. I kinda just showed up on most Monday runs. But each Monday seemed to follow either a half marathon or a long run. As a result, although I registered for the Advanced group, I never participated in any of the speed drills. Instead I ran easy with  the Intermediate or Beginner group. I only attended two of the Saturday runs since I was usually racing or resting.

2019 FTC group

But I was excited to be part of it and support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And see my “advanced” buddies who would hopefully PR.

In past years, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past two years, they have held it at a local college. I was able to stop by after work. This year, the expo was much improved. I met up with a few friends and quickly browsed the booths and only bought a pair of sunglasses (Goodrs, what else? I’m obsessed.)

yup, you get cookies and bread

Earlier in the week, they had predicted rain, But the forecast changed and it was a pretty nice morning. – sunny and around 60.

I hate parking garages and traffic so I parked at a yoga place and walked to the start. I used to do this every year. However, with the new course, it was an even longer hike. Like 2 miles!

It was still strange to walk down Madison Avenue and not see the race banners and not see the giant poster on the bridge.

pics from 4 years ago…

The start was near a park across from the Capitol Building. I ran most of the way (about a mile) but then I bumped in a few people that I knew and I thought it rude to just run by.

I used to play tennis with Cindy. She has participated in all 41 Freihofer races (though now she just walks).

Finally I set off in search of the Freihofer Training Challenge tent.

I chatted with many of my running friends and took quite a few pics.

I also bumped into many runners wearing Skirt Sports skirts.

there were even more but we couldn’t find them in time for the pic

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quickly and soon it was time to line up.

Although it was very crowded, there were fewer runners than when it was Madison Avenue but it did seem to be more than last year (The loaded the corrals from the slowest to the fastest and everyone seemed to be in the correct corral).

Times Union photo 2016

Anyway, with the start (on a wider street), it didn’t take as long to get moving and the first hill was longer but not as steep.

heading up that hill

I started with Holly and Nancy from my FTC Group. I lost Holly behind me and Nancy (who is faster than both of us) surged ahead. I kept her in my sight but could never catch up to her. Right from the beginning, I had the feeling that my legs were moving but so slowly.

Smiling but it’s only the 1K point – my friend Holly (in orange) is still to my right

It was sunny at the start but then it got cloudy and HUMID!!! I felt very warm and thirsty.

When I got into the park and looked at my time, I was shocked at how slow it was. Usually mile 1 is my fastest.

I took this pic after the race

I continued to trudge along and couldn’t wait to walk at the first water stop around mile 1.25. (I was so thirsty.)

This course had you run around more of the park and it also seemed to avoid the bigger hills of the park.

I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile since the crowd had thinned out. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop. That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get some energy.

leaving the park and trying to keep up with the youngsters

Kevin Morris Photograph (from FB)

Finally we left the park and headed downhill to the finish. Not the steep downhill that we used to have with the old course, but at least it was downhill.

At the 4k point – SOAR leader Karen (with unicorn headband) is to my right

I tried to run fast but I started my sprint too early and had no energy left as I approached the finish line. The humidity had really gotten to me. I walked briefly (Karen surged ahead) and then I picked up my pace as I crossed the finish line. At least it was under 28 minutes.

heading to the finish line

I knew with 3 walk breaks, I couldn’t come close to a PR (and I was not expecting one) but it was a decent time (even if it was slower than last year). I was happy!!

I grabbed some cookies and some chocolate milk. It was definitely less congested than when it was by the fountains on the Plaza. No long lines for food.

yum!!!!

I ran into even more runners again that I knew. Every where I turned, there was someone familiar – from work, tennis, races, etc. That’s what’s great about running a big local race.

The first time runners were so excited. That put a smile on my face. I remembered why I love this race and it was never because of my awesome finish times.

I walked back to the Training Challenge Tent to get some more food and chatted with friends for awhile.

Many runners were excited about their PRs. I may not have run my fastest time but I still enjoyed myself.

You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also just ran a half marathon and I am no spring chicken. My time may not have been as fast as last year (a course PR of 27:37) but faster than two years ago (27:52). So I was very pleased with that.

Splits:

mile 1- 9:10
mile 2- 8:54
mile 3 – 8:40
.14 – 6:47

Chip time – 27:47

Negative splits!!!! Woo Hoo!

There was computer set up so you could check your time and to see if you won an age group award.

And 5 out of 98 in my age group. Even a PR wouldn’t have gotten me an award. (Who is that lady from Boulder!?)

I hung out for a while in the FTC tent making plans for a post race brunch (the important things).

Sole Sisters +1 and -2

Eventually I walked back to my car. (It was uphill for about 2 miles). I walked part of the way with a friend Denise and we walked the along the last part of the course. We got to cheer those last few runners in…so cool!!

I have a 15K in a few weeks so I had planned to run another 3 miles. Brunch with friends was calling my name. And I am weak. Last year, I ran the extra miles. This year, I ate coconut crusted French toast.

So FRW #12 is in the books!

The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with over 3,500 women running it. Can’t wait to run it again next year.

On a side note: When I got home, I check IG and found this picture.

This is my friend who is in the midst of chemo treatments but drove from VT to do this race!  It puts everything in perspective!!

It’s Tuesday so don’t forget to link up with these wonderful ladies:  Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).

I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year?

May 5, 2019- 7:30 am

As you may remember, this race took place during my annual non-running tennis vacation in Naples, Florida. I take lessons and play tennis every morning and then spend the afternoon on the beach.  Each evening I go out for drinks, dinner and dessert with my tennis friends. Eight days of pure relaxation and enjoyment… (every May since 2005)

I love it.  It’s usually my only vacation that doesn’t include a race.  You have to admit that racing during a vacation does add an element of stress.

Two years we changed our dates. We were in Naples two weeks earlier and that meant that the temps were only in the 80s (not the 90s) and that the racing season was not over yet.

I happened upon a 5k race that took place on the Sunday during our stay. One of my friends offered to get up at the crack of dawn and drop me off and another offered to pick me up.

I unexpectedly bumped into a tennis friend, Rebecca, who had moved to Naples and despite the heat, did fairly well.

And so I registered for the same race again last year. I did even better than the year before.

met Rebecca again at the race

Here again is the description of the race and the course map:

Enjoy a wonderful 5K race that showcases the beautiful streets of Olde Naples. This course is two loops starting on Broad Street.

I’m not a fan of loops but at least it was only a 5K and I don’t remember it bothering me. So of course, I signed up again!!

As she did last year, my friend Catalina agreed to drop me off at the race start.  I was familiar with the race location so I didn’t need to arrive as early as I did the first year.

The day before the race, we went out to an awesome dinner which included a few glasses of wine.  (Oops I don’t usually drink the night before a race but I was on vacay…) Then we went to the theatre followed by a stop at an ice cream shop.  Obviously, it turned out to be a later night than normal.

Sunday morning, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast at 5:30 am.  I got dropped me off in town around 6:30 am. It was still kinda dark and there were still not many runners there.

Unlike last year, I did not pick up my race packet the day before.  So I did before the race. It was again a mug (instead of a shirt).  I had to hide the mug under a tree since I did have a bag or a car.

so happy to get practical swag.

Then I walked a block to the beach to hang out until around 7 am.

This was not a big race.  There were about 350 runners – all ages and very friendly.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm.  But it was not as warm as it could have been.  I checked the weather app on my phone. Holy cow!!!

I wore my usual race attire minus the compression socks –

I wasn’t sure if my friend Rebecca was racing but she was and showed up only minutes before the start of the race.

As you can see from the map, the course winds around town and through the neighborhoods twice. And it was flat!!

I had no plan for the race – just finish and get back to my tennis friends so we could get on with the day’s activities.

I race a lot as you know but lately it’s been longer races. In fact, I hadn’t raced a 5k since the end of September. Over SIX MONTHS ago!!

This made me a little nervous. Do I remember how to run fast?

From the get go, my legs felt like lead but my biggest problem was that I had a hard time breathing and I felt dizzy. Was it the heat?  Most likely it was not being acclimated to the humidity. I couldn’t wait to get to the water stop… It seemed like forever but I think it was during mile 2.  I stopped and walked for a while (longer than normal). I actually felt worse after walking so I ran and tried to just get to the finish line without puking.

Eventually it appeared and I gave it my all.

I was shocked when I crossed at 28:xx. I felt so much slower.

As soon as I crossed, I saw my friend Pat who was picking me up.  I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award.

Two years ago, I was 3rd in my age group. Last year, I was the Senior Grand Masters Winner. But this year with my slowest time on this course, I came in FIRST!!

I told the race director that I had to leave so he gave me my award and I didn’t have to wait for the awards ceremony.

Race Splits:

mile 1 – 8:58
mile 2 – 9:12
mile 3 – 9:08
.14 – 8:00

So back to the race…

The course was small so there were spectators cheering all along it.  Although we looped, I didn’t find it boring because I didn’t even notice.

I enjoyed running around Olde Naples and especially along Gordon Drive where you could see the Gulf at the end of each cross street.

I am so happy that I ran this race again.  I loved the course and it was very well-organized. (I am sure that I’ll return next year.)

Yes, last year I ran this race in 27:28 under similar conditions. But my slower time was due to injuries, more long races or maybe just the aging process. I am just thrilled to be running pain-free!!

After the race, I had to rush back to play tennis with my friends.

in Pat’s convertible 🙂