I signed up for the Ellen’s Run 5k for several reasons:

• This year, I wanted to run some NEW races.
• It was near where my college roommate lives and I would be visiting her.
• My college roommate would be volunteering at the race.
• The charity: I have several friends who have had breast cancer (including one who died recently.)

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 and a long run on the weekend.

The week of the race, I ran 3m (Tues) 3.5m (wed) and then 8m (Fri).

But truthfully, if it’s fewer miles than a half marathon, I just go out and run it. At this stage of my racing, I don’t think about getting PRs.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I mentioned, this was a brand new race for me. I knew nothing about it and I guessed that the weather would be HOT!

After my run in NYC on Friday, I took the train out to the Hamptons. And on Saturday, I did nothing but read and float in her pool.

As per usual, I had pizza for dinner and not per usual, I had ice cream (but it was only a 5k so I wasn’t worried.)

Race Day:

My college roommate, Barbara, had signed up to volunteer at the race and her assignment began at 6:30 am.  Ouch… since the race did not begin until 9 am.

So I grabbed my oatmeal and coffee to go and hung out at the school where the race began.

I got my shirt and bib…

I decided to dedicate my run to my friend Ava who had died recently from breast cancer.

and walked around… Grabbed some freebies and bought a pair of socks (as a donation.)

Soon there was a kids race

followed by the 5k…

My Race Plan:

Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!

I would most likely do a lot of walking… I didn’t want to hurt my ankle and it was very warm and sunny.

I hesitate to even call this a “RACE.”

Advertised Course Map:

It was chip timed so I started somewhere in the middle…

I was surprised how many runners were in this race.  I think there were around 900!  Survivors wore pink bibs and there were MANY!! (There were tears in my eyes as I thought of Ava who fought this disease so courageously.)

I always have high hopes as I begin a 5k….

This one was no different…

I remember being able to run 2 miles (during the Silk & Satins 5k in July) before I had to walk…

Nope, not today. I walked at least 3 or 4 times during the first mile and I continued to walk more and more as the race went on…

I didn’t care much and I tried to at least run fast when I was running…

There was zero shade as we circled the neighborhood… I was very warm!!!!!!!! It was just survival until the end.

Nothing hurt and I was able to sprint through the finish line (in a little over 31 minutes)….

Post Race Activities:

They handed out medals and water…

A lady came up to me and asked me how old I was. She said I was her pacer. She walked when I walked and tried to catch me when I ran but she couldn’t.  She was glad when I told her my age and that she was in the next older age group.

We had both won our age groups so I decided to wait around for the award ceremony.

They only announced first place and only took a photo. Apparently for the 30th anniversary, they ordered more elaborate medals for EVERYONE so no age group awards this year.  (I was ok with that.)

We drove home and the first thing I did was jump in her pool to cool off.

Then we spent a relaxing afternoon tasting wine and listening to music.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was happy with my finish time. Yes, my pace was slow but it was sunny, warm and humid.  I wish I didn’t have to walk so often but that’s how it is these days.  My time was not much different from the other 5ks I’ve run in 2025. (Those under 30 minute 5ks are a thing of the past!!)

• Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – 31:16
• Tropicool 5k -31:00
• Run for Women 5k – 31:28
• Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 30:10 (GT)
• Silks & Satins 5k – 31:42 (GT)
• Run for the Roses 5k – 32:16 (GT)
• Ellen’s Run – 31:33

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. No regrets.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up before the race.
• Lots of parking.
• Flat course with only one loop and water views.
• Two water stops.
• A cool medal.
• Free finisher photo.
• Important charity!!
• Virtual option.

The Bad:

• Summer heat and humidity.
• No mile markers (that I noticed)
• No age group awards (and only 1st place announced in each.)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

I may do it again if I am visiting Barbara during this time.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

a Half Marathon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the summertime, I try to do my long runs on Saturday and then go boating on Sundays.

But a few summers ago (2021), I got a FB message about this race from a runner (Lisa) who lives in Indiana and was part of a race-cation in 2014 that I participated in (with her high school classmates, Heidi and Andrea, who lives in VT) She was going to be in town and wanted all of us to race together again.

How could I refuse?

The event consisted of a USATF sanctioned 5K foot race, a 2.5 mile guided nature walk, (though the walk no longer is offered) and children’s 1 Mile Fun Run, at Grafton Lakes State Park.

The 5K race was advertised as “challenging but offering runners of all skill levels a beautiful race course through scenic Grafton Lakes State Park, and the surrounding area.” All participants also received a tee-shirt,  book, and a rose. The proceeds form the race go to support the Grafton Community Library.

And so without a second thought, I signed up.

I had never heard of this race but I knew that the area was scenic and I had hiked there in the winter.

As I always do, I scoured the Internet for a review of this race and I found one from someone I actually knew.  This what she started her race recap with: The race director came over to get things going, and opened with “Welcome to the 31st Annual Run for the Roses! As you know, this is one of the toughest 5K courses in the area, so we’re really glad to have you all here today.”

Ok, then. So at least I was prepared beforehand for hills and lots of them. By prepared I mean that I knew about them a few days before.

Despite the challenging course, I had so much fun hanging out with these ladies.

I even won an age group award.

So guess what?

I signed up again the next year for this 5k race.  Both Heidi and Andrea said that they would be there too.

And I won my age group again.

With marathon training in full force, I didn’t sign up for this race the past two years.

But no reason this year to not try it again.

Oh wait, I have a half marathon on my schedule in THREE weeks. And another 5k next weekend.

Oops. I should be running 11 miles then.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Outside of a few July races (July 4 & 12), I have done zero speed work. In some ways 5ks are harder than half marathons. You feel like you should run fast and before you get warmed up, it’s over. To make things were even more challenging, I never train/run on hills.

The week going into the race had me running 3 times: 4.5m, 4m and yes, 11m!! ( I ran my long run early so I could do this race on the weekend.)

This summer, the temps have been incredibly hot and humid.  Runs as a result have been SLOOOW!! BUt has kept me going has been run/walk intervals.

I usually use 90:45 but since I’ve been having ankle/achilles/foot issues for the past few weeks, I switched to 60:60 and even bought higher heel drop running shoes.

I think that it has made all the difference and allowing me to keep running.

The day before the race, I just went to the gym and a pot luck brunch with all my running friends.

Normally I would have said the weather was too warm for a great race but compared to past weekends, it seemed cool.

No matter what the temps, summer race dressing is fairly simple – tank, skirt, cap, sunglasses.

Race Day:

I had my oatmeal and coffee and left early. Although I went there a few years ago, I still was not very familiar with the area. Happily, I noticed that it was only in the 60s when I left at 7:30 am.

I had no problems finding the race location so I had arrived early. (There is an admission fee to this park but if you were racing, it was FREE!)

I picked up my bib and shirt and proceeded to pick out a free library book.

I immediately saw my running friend Heidi and of course, we snapped a pic.

She had also invited a friend.

It was still early which gave me time to connect with old friends and new ones…

It was a warm sunny day…

Soon it was time to head toward the start line.

As I mentioned, I knew that it was a looped course and after the first mile, it was mostly uphill.

I did my long run on Friday so I planned to at least enjoy the race.  You cannot expect miracles when you only run on flat routes and use very short run intervals for your runs. I had a funny feeling that I would be walking a lot of the course.

Mile 1

The race was not chip timed so if I really cared, I would have stood close to the starting line (but I didn’t.)

We started with a slight uphill on the main road leading into the park. Then there was a gradual downhill.

I also tried to pick up the pace since I figured this was the only mile that I would not be walking (and I was right.)  It was breezy by the lake but out on the road, there was no shade and warmer than I expected.

Looking back at this mile, I obviously ran it too fast. But at the time, I felt good (until I didn’t.)

Mile 2

There was a water stop at the beginning of this mile and a sprinkler (yay). I was not expecting water but it was welcome. I was getting warm.

The course shifted to flat and then about a quarter mile later, started heading uphill. And yes, I had to walk. And walk and walk.

Mile 3- 3.1

There was a second water stop here so I grabbed some and walked even longer.

After turning left around mile 2.1 (yup, 1.5 to 2.1 was pure uphill), we had a short little downhill.

Then it was a pure uphill for the next 0.6, with no breaks at all.

I walked several times during the last 2 miles…not sure how many times.  But a lot.  (Remember I’m used to intervals now.)

Around mile 2.7, we turned right to get back on the main road that the race had started on.

The uphill continued until 2.9, and then we got a short little downhill (30 feet of drop) before the course flattened out to the finish.

Unfortunately, while the final loop around to the finish was flat, it felt long – we crossed under the start banner and then made a huge circle around the parking lot.

We made the two right hand turns to reverse direction and finally I saw the finish line ahead of me.

I did my best to sprint through the finish line but the hills had sapped much of my energy.

But I saw on the clock that I was NOT finishing under 30 minutes – a course PW but an expected one.

As soon as you crossed the finish line, they handed you a rose. Very sweet.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some water, iced tea, fruit and cookies..

and waited for Heidi to finish.

I got a text with the results and I won my age group again.

I couldn’t stay for the awards ceremony since I was meeting my hubby up at Lake George to go on our boat.

I was happy to see that others whom knew did win, as well.

Additional Race Reflections:

I would never have picked this race on my own. But I really enjoyed the experience. I’m glad Heidi & Andrea clued me into it a few years ago.

And it was a lovely small town race with about 175 runners. Yes, it was challenging but maybe not so much if I actually trained for a 5k.

But I didn’t overdo and my ankle felt ok so I would be able to continue my weekday runs and weekend long run to be prepared for my next half marathon.

Maybe next year, I will actually bring my bathing suit and SUP and enjoy the lake after the race. And even convince some of my local running friends to join me.

Positives:

• Some familiar faces
• Nice swag – tech shirt, book, a rose
• location- pretty park with trails and a lake
• Easy parking
• Two water stops
• Real bathrooms and showers
• Free admission to the park

Negatives:

• the HILLS
• Gun timed
• Age Groups: 70-99!!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. It was well organized. I may run it again next year. It will be their 40th!!

Final Stats:

My finish time was, as I mentioned, an expected PW.

I ran this race in 2023 in 29:11 and 2022 in 29.27 (and I thought then that those were slow times.)

Those sub 30 minute 5ks may be over.

Obviously if I do not train, I can’t expect those faster times.  And let’s face it, I’m older!!

I was not disappointed since now, I am content just to be out there running.

Next Up:

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend?  Any races on your schedule this summer? Do you enjoy 5ks? Do you train for them? Please share.

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

 

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

It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race than a 5k. Since then I have completed over 70 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, 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024  (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05, 30:03)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years.

Two years ago, the organizers of the Firecracker 4 race took over this race and I decided to sign up.

I shocked myself with a decent pace so again I thought why not and my running friends were busy this weekend so it was a good excuse to skip my long run.

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

15 turns in this course!!

Here’s the 2023 course:

I didn’t get much running during the week – too many other activities such as tennis, pickleball, hikes, and HEAT/HUMIDITY. Plus my ankle/achilles has been weirdly tight since tennis/pickleball on Monday.

Race Day:

The race started at 8 am.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there would already be a lot of traffic at that hour.

I got up at 5:30am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:30 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up my bib.

It wasn’t raining where I  live but I should have checked the forecast where I would be racing (about 45 mi, north).

It started to rain during my drive.

And there were no available parking lots this year so you had to park on the street.

Eventually I found a spot and now it was pouring.

I grabbed an umbrella and got my shirt/bib.

You also got a free ticket to the race track.

I went back to my car to drop off my shirt and now it was thundering and lightning… awesome?

But of course, I was going to run this race…

So I headed back… with my umbrella (that I would stash somewhere).

It is usually a very popular race but I didn’t see anyone I knew. I bet that most were seeking cover…

Of course, I needed a pre-race photo.

Soon it was time to line up.

I stood somewhere in the middle. This race attracts many speedy runners and I didn’t want to get run over… but I forgot that there was no timing mat or start line (and I started my watch late.)

Miles 1-3.1:

No reason to recap this race mile by mile.

There was torrential rain… The rain did not let up and rained harder and harder and the puddles got bigger and bigger.

There was thunder and lightning so it got scary.

I started out at a decent pace because I wanted to get done but as the puddles became lakes, it was hard to keep up any kind of pace.

Plus I felt my gait was off and my ankle or achilles (can’t figure out which) was still tight. So I walked much more often the second half.

I managed to sprint across the finish line and not fall.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a water and found my umbrella.

I checked the results and I came in 2nd but I decided that I didn’t need another medal and left.

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.

A miserably wet race (but not hot!)

And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my half marathon training (Run 4 the River – Aug. 30).

But races challenge me and I think it’s important to challenge oneself.

Otherwise, my runs are slow and easy and I squeeze them in whenever I can. I also run with friends, some faster, some slower and always with run walk intervals.

So I don’t regret running this 5k.  Though it was a course PW, it was expected.

Positives:

• Well organized race
• Well marked course with many course marshals (even in the rain)
• Flat course
• Immediate results
• 5 year age groups for awards
• Free ticket to the race track.

Negatives:

• RAIN!
• Only bananas post race.
• Unisex shirts
• No parking lots

Would I recommend this race?

Maybe…

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized.

Not sure if I would run it again because it is not nearby.

In past years, I added more miles after the race a nearby park (and so at least it counted as a long run.)

Final Stats:

Still queen of the positive splits:

With an increasing number of walks with each mile…

Next Up:

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? Would you race in a thunderstorm? Please share.

---

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

---

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

I signed up for the “New” Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k for several reasons:

• I love Spiked Cider and Cider Donuts.
• This year, I wanted to run some NEW races.
• It offered cool swag (shirt, medal, wine glass).
• It is in a very scenic area (https://youtu.be/XLMtIsBf6As)
• It was originally scheduled on June 21.
• It was local.
• The charity:

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 oops, there was a 5k the day before!!

But truthfully, if it’s fewer miles than a half marathon, I just go out and run it. At this stage of my racing, I don’t think about getting PRs.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I mentioned, this was a brand new race for this area (I believe the company sponsors this race elsewhere).

I have participated in several trail run/walks at here at Indian Ladder Farms.

But I was glad when they said the race course would NOT be on technical trails. (I am NOT a trail runner.) But it would be 2 loops and some grassy sections and some paved.

This race was only for fun… no pizza the night  before.  I think there was hot dogs, salad and ice cream followed by fireworks.

Race Day:

My Race Plan:

Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!

I would most likely do a lot of walking… because my legs would be tired after the 4 mile race I ran the day before and it’s hard to run fast on grass.

I hesitate to even call this a “RACE.”

Advertised Course Map:

Elevation:

I arrived early and parked in the grassy parking lot.

I collected my shirt and bib.

 

What I thought was odd was that they gave you your medal before the race began.

And they said that you could wait and just get your donut and cider and NOT run the race at all??

Um… I was planned to do the race!!

It was crowded for a new race…  probably over 250 runners. I race fairly often, as you know, and I didn’t recognize anymore?!

Maybe these people weren’t runners or maybe most local runners did the 4 miler the day before?

Anyway, I put my medal and shirt back in my car (so no post race medal pic)…

and got ready to head to the start…

Finally, someone I knew showed up.

We discussed our race strategy which was the same since she had also run the Firecracker 4 the day before… slow running, walk often!

As I expected, there were many walkers and always annoying when they start in front.

We began on a rocky dirt road and then continued onto grass.

I ran slowly until there was a hill and then I walked.

This pace continued until the end.

Although it was advertised (see above) as a two loop course, there was several turn arounds. It was very confusing since runners were on different loops  and often it was hard to know where to go…

They needed more course marshals on the turns but runners just kept running. I heard several runners saying that they went the wrong way.

I did not although I almost missed turning into the finish line.

Since the course did not go into the woods, it was very sunny and more humid that the day before.

I was glad to not be racing.

I occasionally glanced at my Garmin and was surprised when I saw that I completed 3.1 miles and there was no finish line in sight.

Eventually I did finish this 3.6 mile 5k!!

and then waited for Linda to arrive.

Actual course map:

and elevation:

Post Race Activities:

Since we  already had our medals, Linda and I headed to the building with the cider and donuts.

I checked my email and saw that I won my age group (as I was the only one!!)

When we were approaching the building, I asked someone where the awards were given out.  She replied that she didn’t know but would taken me to someone who did know.  We went in the back, through the kitchen and eventually found out that the awards were way back at the race finish line.

I may have groaned since we were very sweaty and thirsty.

She handed us two freshly baked cider donuts and two glasses of cold cider…. ahead of a LONG line of race finishers.

Did we feel guilty?? Maybe  just  a little plus she didn’t take our tickets…

We then headed back to the finish.. and I got a golden star pin as my award.

By the time, we headed out to our cars, the line was miles long (so no temptation to wait and use our drink &  donut tickets for seconds..)

Additional Race Reflections:

Racing two days in a row is not ideal (esp. at my age.)

I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was slow but running on grass and dirt is not easy…

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. No regrets.

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up before the race.
• Lots of parking.
• Trail but not a technical one.
• Cool swag esp. the wine glass.
• Many porta-potties in addition to real bathrooms
• A cool medal (that is also a bottle opener).
• Free finisher photo.
• Cold spiked cider for all.
• Warm cider donut for all.
• Important charity.
• Virtual option.

The Bad:

• The DATE! (last minute change but they did option a refund.)
• 10 year age groups (but it wasn’t a huge race.)
• Confusing course.
• Long line for refreshments.
• Course was over 3.1 miles!!
• Cotton race shirts

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

But since there are many other races in the area during the summer, I doubt I would repeat this one unless my friends decided to do it.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

 

 

 

 

 

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 18th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 17th in-person FRW race.)

It has always been held the Saturday after Memorial Day except in 2021, when due to COVID, the race was moved to September. In 2022, it again returned to its regular date.

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

I mentored a beginning running group of moms in 2010 which was very rewarding:

In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:

I even ran it in 2013 after breaking my foot at mile 1:

And in 2019, it was the last race for my VT friend Andrea (who died of cancer).

As you can tell, there is a lot of history attached to this race for me.

In 2020, I was named an Ambassador. That honor continued through 2022.

Believe it not, I even chose to skip my high school reunion in 2022 in order to run this race!!

Then last year they changed the name of the race!!

It’s now called the Sara Lee Delightful Run for Women.

Nevertheless, I knew that I would do this race (no matter what they called it).  I’m pretty sure I will always do this race!!

Unfortunately, last year, I had food poisoning the night before the race but I showed up and walked it with my friends.  And actually I had the most fun ever.

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

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 in 2018. Even have to walk the whole race. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.

And this was also my tenth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC).

This year, I decided again to become a Mentor.  I wanted to support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And connect with my “past TC” buddies, as well.

I volunteered on Wednesday evenings on the rail trail near where I live.

Many years ago, the day before I would walk to the 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 few years, they have held it at a local college.

As I did the past few years, I signed up to volunteer on Friday evening at packet pick-up and then I skipped playing mah jongg in order to prepare my #flatme.

Race Day:

I hate parking garages and traffic so I usually parked on the street and walked to the start. However, with the new(er) course, it was an even longer hike. Like almost 2 miles!

But I used to love to run down Madison Avenue and see the race banners and see the giant poster on the bridge.

They changed the course nine years ago. This course is supposedly faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.

course map

I did run the newer course the past nine years and I also liked it better than the original..

As I mentioned above, this was my 18th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak.

Most of my running friends were not running the race this year.  But Deb and Denise said that they would walk it.

So the three of carpooled and parked on the street and walked to the start.

Did mention the weather forecast?  RAIN! This has been a trend for every Saturday!!!

It rained most of the night before and I woke up to rain. So I grabbed a raincoat, umbrella and rain poncho… It was close t0 60 degrees which wasn’t bad except for the WIND!!

We were soaked by the time we arrived at the a park near the race start.

Being part of the Training Challenge group, I could hang out and leave my stuff in the tent.

We all complained about the weather but knew that we would run the race no matter what.

Soon it was time to leave the tent for the Training Challenge group photo.

Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I used to, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.

Then we returned to the tent and waited until the last moment to head out into the rain… And it was raining even harder now.

I was scheduled to start in corral 3 and squeezed into the crowd. I had taken off my jacket but kept on my poncho for the last few minutes and then tossed it.

Mile 1:

It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years   (due to the weather, most likely.) I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to run comfortably.

The race began with a long steep uphill. And of course, it was super windy and rain blowing in your face.

But I did run most of the hill… it was slow but I did it.

Mile 1 continued as we turned left and entered the park (and the hill ended).

There were rolling hills throughout the park. They were not bad and even I could run them without walking (but barely).

The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…And the puddles which were often lakes.  You had to weaving back and forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes peeled to the ground to make sure you didn’t trip.

Mile 2:

There was a water stop around mile 1.25. I wasn’t thirsty but I used it as an excuse to walk for a bit.

More rolling hills during this mile as you went around the park circling the lake. Only one of the hills was steep but it was very short.

I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop.

Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.

Mile 3-3.1:

There was a second water stop around mile 2.5. Again I stopped for a drink (even though I didn’t need one) and walked longer than before.

Finally we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.

It was a long downhill and I had to remember not to start sprinting too soon. I’ve made that mistake in past years. Besides it was slippery and so many puddles.

Eventually I saw the 3 mile sign and I started to run as fast as I could while posing for the photographers and running though the finish line…

As you can see below, I crossed at 31:xx, a big PW but considering the weather conditions, I was not disappointed.

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal and then headed toward the refreshments with a stop at the results table.

The food lines were very long so I just returned to the tent.

Deb and Denise were waiting for me there. In the end, they had decided due to the wind and rain to not even walk the race. They just waited for me in the tent (and took that photo of me heading to the finish and crossing.)

So we all walked back to the car (in the pouring rain) and then went out for brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run a PR or even close. In fact, it was a course PW but I still really enjoyed myself.

Since I can never remember my finish times. I looked up my recent ones after the race.

• • 2014 – 28:51
  • 2015 – 29:22
  • 2016 -28:50
  • 2017 – 27:48
  • 2018 – 27:37 (PR)
  • 2019 – 27:47
  • 2021 – 28:16
  • 2022 – 28:24
  • 2023 – 29:41
  • 2025 – 31:28 (PW)

I know. How can you have fun running in the pouring rain? And running one of your slowest 5k…

I wasn’t cold while I was running just before and after. Yes, I got soaked but it wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last.

I guess I just enjoy racing.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Interesting course (through a beautiful park).
• Downhill finish.
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Two water stops (for a 5k)
• The electric atmosphere.
• Virtual option.
• Free photos
• Immediate results
• Nice Swag for a 5k (tech shirt, medal, cookies, bread)
• Cool medal
• All women – all ages, all paces…
• Many free photo stations

Negatives:

• Uphill first mile.
• Uneven pavement in the park
• Long line for the refreshments
• Name change (it will forever be called the Freihofer race)
• WEATHER!!!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. It’s a great local race. And having it be ALL WOMEN makes it even more special.

Final Stats:

So FRW #18 is in the books!

The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with many women running or walking it. Can’t wait to do it again next year. I hope I can talk more of my local running friends into running it too. The weather has to be better, right?

Next Up:

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? Do you prefer 5ks or longer races? How do you feel about racing in the rain? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs