June 15, 2024 – 9 AM

This race was not on my radar.  I was planning a long run and taking a break from racing.

Then my friend (as she did the past two years) asked me to do it with her.  How could I say No?

This was the 6th time that I had run this race.  I ran it in 2010!!

they gave out free ice cream that year,

Yes, 14 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time.

This is the race where I met new running BFF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her twice.

Kelly and Mary (on the right)

Then I ran it again in 2016. I knew a lot of runners by then. And it was even more fun.

here with my friend Tom

and my age group competition, Carolyn

My time back in 2010 was 29:40 but improved to 28:47 in 2016.  Both years, I was 2nd in my age group (won a cap, then gloves).

2022? Anything could happen… no expectations.

A course PR! 28:43

2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….

The good news last year was that Carolyn didn’t turn 70 until later in the year.

I won my age group!!

But my time was slower: 29:11 (GT)

I was sure that I would have a PW this year since the finish times for the two 5ks I’ve run this year were in the 30s and I walked my recent 5k.

It’s all good. I’m thrilled when I am ABLE to race (especially in a year that included a sprained ankle and food poisoning).

My friend Heidi would be running it with me again. It is always fun to run a race with a friend.

2022

2023

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

Last weekend, I kept up my base and ran 6 miles

and then during the week, I ran a few short runs in NYC.

Marathon training does not start until July 9!! Besides, I had Monday off so if necessary, I could run my 6 mile long run then.

The truth was that after FIVE days working in NYC, I was exhausted.  The last thing I wanted to do was get up early on Saturday and run a race!!

Nevertheless, when I got home Friday night I put together my running outfit.. at least rain wasn’t forecast (like last year.)

Race Day:

I dragged myself out of bed and had my usual race breakfast (coffee and oatmeal)

The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:15.

I immediately found Heidi and then got my shirt and bib.

In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game.  This year they added a ticket to the Strawberry and Wine Festival that was also held that day. Heidi and I traded tickets.

We milled around chatting with runners that we knew.

Then I spotted a runner that I had met in April while waiting for the H2H half to start.

I forget to get a pic but she’s in the middle

She read this blog and decided to drive several hours from MA to run the race!  It was so fun to meet up again!!

We finally found the mascot for our annual pic.

With the breeze, it seemed like perfect weather for a race.

Below is the course map and elevation:

“their” elevation chart

and “mine”

It had been about 6 weeks since my last 5k…

I had not been thrilled with my lack of speed and thought I would do some speed drills on a nearby track.  But nope… that never happened.

And then I, due to food poisoning, I was forced to walk my favorite 5k.

So again, my race goal was to finish happy and uninjured… zero expectations of a fast finish time…

As you can see from the pics above, this race began and ended at the home of the Valley Cats, a local baseball team that plays at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College.

There was no chip timing at the start line so I probably should have moved closer to the front (but I didn’t really think about it…)

Mile 1:

The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods.

I wear my Garmin for races but as mentioned, it had been awhile.  As soon as I started it, it began updating the software.  Boo!

I played with it but there wasn’t much I could do.

I had started with several friends but they quickly got ahead and kept gaining on me as the race went on. My goal became to just keep them in sight and cut as many tangents as possible.

Eventually I was able to start my watch … I don’t remember much about the first mile other than I was dragging (and it felt warmer than it was due to the sun).

I think I willed myself to run and not walk…

Mile 2:

Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile.  I tried to run up it but the legs just weren’t having it. So I ran/walked it.

We repeated most of the course afterwards in 2022 so here are some pics from the neighborhoods 

It felt warm as I mentioned… occasionally we did feel the breeze but as usual, it was was when we were running into it.

My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep, out of shape?

And was there a mile 2 marker or did I miss it?

Mile 3-3.1:

A few more walks, I think. And then there was a welcome downhill during mile 3.

We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything (which wasn’t much at this point).

I didn’t expect a course PR however I thought of finishing under 30 minutes. (I think that’s just a dream now…)

As I approached the finish line, 29 turned to 30 minutes and then 30 turned to 31.

A course PW!

Post Race Activities:

I may have come to accept my lack of speed because I was not really disappointed in my time.

I waited for Heidi to finish.

She was happy with how she did.

Then we headed for the food. There was a decent spread: popcorn, chips, cookies, bananas, apples, coffee, water. There was also a barbecue. I ate a hot dog and several cookies.

Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.

I checked the results and I did win an award – 2nd in my age group as did several of my friends.

And my friend from MA was the FIRST FEMALE!! Woo Hoo!

So we waited around for the awards ceremony (which took place after the kids race.)

this year’s award was a hat

Then off we went to brunch… I only had iced coffee. lol.

After showering and changing, I invited a friend to join me at the Strawberry and Wine Festival.

wine, sprits, music, ice cream, crafts… loads of fun and it was FREE!!

Additional Race Reflections:

When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was not feeling good about running this race.

As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, ran a decent race and don’t regret it one bit.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• 4 free tickets to a game as swag
• 1 free ticket to the Strawberry and Wine Festival there
• Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Free photos
• Decent post-race food
• Cute age group award (my hubby likes it)

Negatives:

• Gun time (not chip timed)
• Long course (many said it was 3.2 this year)
• My Garmin missed the beginning of the race
• Hills (but don’t most races)
• Unisex tee shirts (but there were tech material this year)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. It’s a nice local race. And very well organized. Maybe someone will twist my arm to run it again next year. LOL.

Final Stats:

Gun Time = 31:10

Next Up:

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 7 Miler

June 22, 2024

Skipping this race for the first time and waiting until…

Happy Running!  How did you celebrate Father’s Day Weekend? Running any summer 5ks? Please share.

June 1, 2024 – 9:00 AM

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 17th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 16th 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.

on their webpage…can you spot me in the pink cap?

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:

Unfortunately, I’m the only one from this group who still runs.

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

and this photo made the cover of our local paper.

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.

Cari, recognize where that photo was taken?

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

This year, however, I wasn’t as excited about the race as in previous years… sprained ankle, several slow half marathons and lots of doubts about fitness/racing. Especially shorter races since my last 5k were weeks ago…

And 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!!

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. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.

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

photo from 2022

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 last year, I signed up to volunteer on Friday evening at packet pick-up

I was able to get the bibs & shirts for 7 of my running friends

even though the race name changed, we still get Freihofer cookies (along with Sara Lee bread)

and then I skipped playing mah jongg in order to prepare my #flatme.

Cat-approved outfit

If you read my WRD, you know that I had food poisoning that night and was very doubtful about running the race the next day.

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.

pics from 6 years ago…

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

elevation according to my Garmin

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

heading downhill to the finish line

This year, my running friend, Deb, offered to drive as for work she has a nearby parking space. I gladly accepted.

As I mentioned above, this was my 17th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak.  Plus, I had my friends’ bibs.

I know it sounds crazy but I decided to go to the race.  If I felt sick, I would hang out in the TC tent (near the porta-potties) and if I felt ok, I would WALK the race.

Obviously, running the race was out of the question…

So we met at 7:15, Deb drove and then from the parking garage, we walked to the start area.  I quickly found the TC tent…

I got there in time for the photo (missed it last year. LOL).

just the “mentors”

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

I still had time to chat with many runners and meet up with my local running friends.

we call ourselves the “Sole Sisters”… Barb’s daughter and Heidi’s MIL joined us.

I was scheduled to start in corral 3 but since I was walking, I headed toward the back of the pack.  I was lucky that several of my friends had decided to walk too.

Mile 1:

It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years. I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to walk comfortably.

The race began with a long steep uphill. I remember it being hard when I was running but walking and chatting, I barely noticed it.

The best thing about walking was that I could take in the scenery and take lots of photos.

And we were so slow that the lead runner was heading to the finish before we hit mile 1.

Keira D’amato leading the pack

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.

The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…There were cones over the potholes but you had to weaving back n forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes pealed to ground to make sure you didn’t trip.

Then again, we were walking so much fewer issues with the state of the pavement.

1 mile done

Mile 2:

There was a water stop around mile 1.25.  It was warm out and I would have stopped had I been running but today, there was no need.

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.

We tried to pick up the pace for the second mile.

But we were having so much fun that I doubt we got much faster.

Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.

2 miles down

Mile 3-3.1:

There was a second water stop around mile 2.5 but again, none of us needed to stop.

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

always stop and pose when you see a photographer…

It was a long downhill and I remember it being longer than it looked.

notice how fast my friends walk… and the 80 something is leading the way…

Eventually I saw the 3 mile sign.

Heidi’s MIL (who was in her mid 80’s) wanted to finish under 60 minutes.

It would be close so we all started to RUN!!

And we did it!!

and since we started after 9:00, we were even faster than the clock.

Post Race Activities:

We got our medals and some water and then headed toward the refreshments.

The lines were very long so we decided just to head out and go out to brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run but I still really enjoyed myself.

It was different this year. If I had raced, I would have been chatting after the race with my racing friends and we would have discussed our finish times and age group awards..

Of course, I had FOMO. It would have been more fun to have run but sometimes life gives you lemons.  And so I made lemonade.

Today was about friendship which is more important than pace.

Besides 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
• 20:24 –

stiff competition

Well, there’s always next year…

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 finish and start 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)

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 #17 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 and RUN it.

Next Up:

June 15

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? Ever walk a race? 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

MAY 5, 2022 – 7:30AM

As you may remember, this race took place during my annual non-running tennis vacation in Naples, Florida. I 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.

Well, in 2017. we changed our dates and 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.

Despite the loops and warm temps, I had a blast and did fairly well.

I also unexpectedly bumped into a tennis friend, Rebecca, who had moved to Naples.

As a result, I signed up for the same 5k in 2018 and 2019. I won an age group award each time and met up with Rebecca.

Our vacation was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 and the race in 2021 did not occur during our time in Naples.

So I was pretty excited to run this race again in 2022.  The downside was that Rebecca died suddenly in 2021 and I knew that the race would remind me of her sadly.

I decided to run the race anyway and each year, if I was able. in Rebecca’s honor.

and yes, again I won an age group award

However since I was still recovering from a broken foot, I decided to skip the race in 2023 but this year, I put it back on my racing schedule.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

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 stopped at an ice cream shop.  Obviously, it turned out to be a later night than normal.

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.

elevation according to Strava – FLAT!!

Race Day:

Sunday morning, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast at 5:30 am.  As she did in previous years, 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.

There was no packet pick up before the race this year.  So I got my bib on race day. The swag was a shirt. And I had to hide it under a tree since I did have a bag or a car.

Then I walked a block to the beach to hang out until around 7:15 am.

This was not a big race.  There were about 250 runners – all ages and very friendly.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. I checked the weather app on my phone. Holy cow!!! 80 degrees. 99% humidity!

I wore my usual race attire minus the compression socks:

the same outfit as 2022!! LOL

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 friends so I could play tennis with them. (Gone are the days when I finished this race in 27:xx!!)

I also haven’t raced in weather this warm since last August. This made me a little nervous. Can I run well in the heat? Will I die? LOL

getting ready to start

Mile 1: 

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…

Actually I could not wait to walk…

Mile 2: 

It seemed like forever but I think it was during mile 2.  I stopped for water and walked for a while (longer than the first walk).

I continued my running which was painful and seemed to be like a slog…

The course ran through neighborhoods with a few twists and turns and  then repeated itself.

I walked whenever I felt I had to… I really didn’t care about my time as long as I finished.

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

I actually felt worse after walking so I ran and tried to just get to the finish line without puking.

Eventually the arch appeared and I gave it my all.

this was from a video

I was shocked when I crossed at 31:xx. I felt so much slower.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some water but skipped the refreshments which were only bars and navel oranges.

I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!!

I told the RD that I had to leave so he gave me my award before the awards ceremony.

I texted my friends Lorraine and Pat and they had already arrived to pick me up. It was 8:30 am and so I had plenty of time to get ready to play tennis at 9:30.

Additional Race Reflections:

Definitely a tough one and one of my slowest 5ks in years but hey, I did it. (and it was a little faster than the 5k I ran in Feb but that one had a bridge you had to cross twice…)

And I will do it again!

Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least afterward.)

Age Graded results always make me feel better!!

as do awards…

Positives:

• flat course
• well organized
• nice shirt (gender-specific)
• creative age group award (picture frame)
• important charity (scholarships to HS students)
• podium for winners

Negatives:

• Rebecca was no longer there. 😦
• 2 looped course
• Warm temps and humidity

Would I recommend this race?

Yes! There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

May 18

This was NOT a planned race.

I had planned to sign for a half marathon on Feb. 15.

But I surprisingly got into the NYC Half Marathon and it was a week before my race-cation to run the Asheville Half Marathon.

With TWO half marathons in March, I decided not run one in February.

But could I go on a vacation without a race scheduled?

Nope. So I signed up for Race For Hope 5k because:

• A race.
• (Only) a 5k.
• It wasn’t too far from where I was staying in Florida.
• There was Senior Sneaker pricing (for those over 65)
• The course was described as scenic (running along the water and over a bridge)
• It raisdmoney for an important charity. (

Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I have started running again but slowly and with a lot of walking.

My ankle was not 100% but it didn’t hurt when I ran.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations: 

Truthfully I was not sure that I would run the race. I was on vacation and enjoying relaxing while hanging out with friends.

In fact the night before the race, my friend and I went out for Mexican and had a few margaritas. Then we stayed up discussing all the world problems until midnight.

Oops. All the things you shouldn’t do before a race.

My friend wasn’t going to run it but I thought she might drive there with me so we could spend the day together after.

I decided that if the weather was nice and I could get up at 5:15 am, I’d do it. If not, we’d just go to the beach.

If I did run the race, my goal for it would be just finishing especially since I would NOT be acclimated to the temps and/or humidity and I’d probably be hung over and sleep deprived

Race Description:

…a beautiful 5K run beginning at Ocean Walk Singer Island across the 65 feet high Blue Heron Bridge. This challenging and incredibly scenic course takes runners up and over the Blue Heron Bridge with views of Peanut Island and the Port of Palm Beach, returning back over the bridge and finishing at Ocean Walk on Singer Island.

• Prerace: Coffee, bananas, bars.
• Post race: DJ Dance party, vendor booths
• Age Group Awards (5-year age groups, 3 deep)
• New for 2024: Ruck Division, a special division to walk with a ruck sack, weighted vest/ backpack.

Your registration fee includes a premium long sleeve shirt ($50 value), a collector’s finisher medal + a tote bag with goodies:

• Garden of Life Digestive & Stress Probiotics
• 4Ocean Signature Bracelet
• 1st Phorm Meat Stick or Protein Bar
• Lip Balm
• Mint Eco, Free Car Wash
• and more!

Proceeds from this event benefit Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County and provide scholarships, mentors, and hope for low-income students.

Race Day:

As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal.  I was up at 5:15 am in order to be ready to leave by 6:00 am. The race started at 7:30 am and it was a 45 min ride there.

I didn’t even check the weather. I just put in a tank and skirt. I decided to forgo the compression calf sleeves since it would most likely be warm and humid.

Believe it or not, my friend got up too and said she would come if I drove.

We were deliriously tired but hey, carpe diem.

There was no traffic at that hour and we saw the sun rising as we drove over the Blue Heron Bridge.

We easily found parking in an outdoor mall near the start.

I picked up my bib and shirt.

And my friend signed up for her first 5k!!! She said that she would just walk.

I was ecstatic.

Since we were early, we walked around collecting freebies and taking photos.

Then we walked back to the car to drop stuff off.

Soon it was time to line up.

I pushed into the crowd and my friend ended up in the back. There were close to 800 racers. All ages and paces. Everyone was so friendly and cheerful.

I was very relaxed. But at the same time, wondering how it would go. Would I remember how to run fast? My last 5k was back in September.

Here’s what I remember about the race (Warning it’s kinda a blur)

There was a bang, confetti and off we went.

I vowed to enjoy the course and not look at my Garmin the whole race.

I remember that it was an out and back before we headed over the bridge.  It was nice to see the speedy lead runners and also I spotted my friend among the walkers.  She yelled “Go Darlene!”

I don’t think I walked until the first water stop, about a mile in and before we hit the bridge.

I admit that I never train for hills so whenever I see one, I just walk.  But most of the runners around me were walking too.  I walked, ran a bit, walked more… ran a bit.

There were drummers helping us get to the top… It was needed.

But then, I could pick up the race and sprint down the bridge.

Of course, we had to do it all over again.  There was second water stop… I was getting warm and had two cups this time.  I also saw my friend again and we waved to each other.

The second time over the bridge wasn’t any easier and I ran/walked up it and ran down it.

Then we ran along the water (I think I walked some more as I was tiring and hot) and finally the finish line was ahead.

Unfortunately there was no sprint in me but I did my best and I crossed with a smile and bubbles in the air.

I looked at the clock and of course, my first thought was “Over 30 minutes! How did I run this slow? WTF?”

The negativity didn’t last long. “What a beautiful course. Nothing hurt. I ran over a bridge twice.  I raced!!!!! I am very lucky!! Such a great day. Can’t wait to do another.”

Post Race Activities:

After I got my medal (and a towel), I got a text from my friend that she was doing good and was at Mile 2.

I had some coffee (that I hadn’t noticed before the race.)

I waited at the finish line for a bit but then it dawned on me that it would be fun to encourage my friend.

So I ran the last mile and joined her as she walked to finish her first 5k. She was so proud.

We then checked the results and surprisingly I won my age group.

While they were announcing the top 3 in the race, the Masters and Grandmasters winners, I noticed someone who looked like Jeannie Rice. (A 75 year old who holds world records at most distances.) Yes, it was her and I fangirled big time.

For the age group awards, you just picked up a pint glass. East peasy.

Of course more photos before headed off for our free breakfast.

and some free ones:

Scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy. We skipped the mimosas/beer.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up.
• Pre-race emails with instructions and maps.
• Cool uva projection long sleeve shirt. Gender specific too.
• Warmup Zumba before the race.
• Lots of freebies.
• Real bathrooms at the start/finish area.
• Two water stops along the course.
• Well marked course.
• Water views the whole race.
• Out and back sections so able to see the faster and slower runners twice.
• Nice medal.
• Free breakfast and mimosas/beer post race.
• Free photos (over 1,000)
• Awards announced for top 3 but age group awards just picked up separately.
• Age group award was a pint glass
• Scavenger hunt prizes
• Important Charity – education scholarships
• Great weather (sunny and not too hot)
• Meeting Jeannie Rice
• Ankle felt fine after the race.

The Bad:

• Running over that steep bridge twice.
• My slow finish time.
• They ran out of shirts in some sizes

The Ugly:

• Nothing

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.  For all the reasons above.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

SEPT. 30, 2023

The 2nd year for this race.  A downhill course.  A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up??

Two negatives:

• It was the same day as one of my favorite races in Saratoga – Great Pumpkin 5k/10K (recap here)

• More importantly, I was training for a marathon and needed a 12 long run that day.

Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in 12 miles, as well.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I was working in NYC for 2 days, then had to teach live for 2 days back home and I ran a half marathon (+5 miles) the previous weekend in preparation for the NYC marathon.

Needless to say, I was pooped and seriously considered staying in bed.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The race extends from the Hilton Barn area of New Scotland to the finish line across the bridge in Slingerlands. The race kicks off the Fall Fest at the Slingerlands trailhead that will feature live musical performances, food trucks and vendors, as well as fun games and activities as participants come down the home stretch. Shuttle service will be available. T-shirts and one free meal ticket for all participants. Awards for top 3 overall Male/Female. 

the “Barn”

the “Bridge” – there was an old one, they took it down, built a new one, then it collapsed so they are building another new one

the rail trail

Slingerlands parking lot and the race finish!

The make things worse, the forecast which seemed perfect changed to RAIN!!!!

Race Day:

Yup, I woke up to pouring rain. But I was praying that it would stop.

I had my standard breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I guess I’m a creature of habit.

Since the race didn’t start until 11 am, my plan was to park 3 miles from the finish (where I often park to run on the rail trail). run 6 miles to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run back to my car… that would be my 12 mile long run.

Perfect, right?

Not in the rain!!!

Plan B was to stay in bed and run long on Sunday.

Nope, I wanted to go to the lake.

Plan C.

Park at the finish and take the shuttle to the start.  Get wet and after the race, change my clothes and run 9 more miles if the rain stopped.

So that’s what I did.

Being the second year of the race, bib pick up was better organized.  This year, shirts were given out after the race.

I chatted in the rain with some runners that I knew.  Although 500 has signed up, I think only 250 ventured out in this weather.  Most of my running friends actually decided to run the 10k in Saratoga.

Soon it was time to head to the start so I had to ditch my rain poncho.

Since I ran this race last year, I was familiar with the course (as pictured below)

Race Course (according the web site)

There was no elevation chart but now I have one from my Garmin:

actually a very gradual downhill  -100 ft total descent from beginning to end.

There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember:

Mile 1: 

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started.  And there were not going to be any age group awards for me.

So I stood just somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Although it was advertised as starting at the barn and going downhill from there on the rail trail, you actually had to run around the nearby neighborhood (in order to get to 3.1 miles by the parking lot).

That was not downhill and that was not fun.

The only positive part about circling the neighborhood was that I could run the tangents and I did!!

Oh and that this mile would not be my fastest.

Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.

And the trees on the trail blocked the rain a little.  Though it rained the entire race, it often felt just like a drizzle.

Mile 2: 

I believe last year, there were no water stops but his year there were two.

As always I was tempted to walk as soon as I see one even if I’m not thirsty

Maybe someday I can run 3 miles without walking but today was not that day.

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

By mile 3 I was losing steam big time.

I wanted to finish strong and so again I had to decide when to walk.

And so I did walk at mile 2.5 or so and longer than my previous walk.

Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was no crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail and of course, the inclement weather).

I could see the finish line ahead and so I sprinted across it.

At the finish line, there were bottles of water, bars, oranges, apples, bananas, etc.

And the rain slowed to a drizzle and eventually stopped.

Post Race Activities:

As soon as you were done, you got your race shirt and a coupon for free food and drink.

This race was part of a Fall Festival put on by the county.

check out the line for the food truck

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out many freebies.) I snagged a pumpkin and some baby books.

some of these pics are from last year when this was not a MUD pit

There was music, games, and food trucks. and lots of MUD!!

I got some chocolate milk here

so cute!

Since the rain had stopped, I had to stop procrastinating and run my 9 miles.

I went back to my car, changed out of my wet shirt, socks and shoes and headed back to the rail trail.

What a struggle!  But I dragged myself 4.5 miles out and back.

The festival was still happening so I used my food coupon and sat on a bench listening to the music.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this race. If I am around, I will probably run it again next year.

The past few years, I’ve mostly focused on half marathons and this year training for my 2nd full..

Truthfully, I was a little nervous about how I would do in a 5k. Especially without doing any speedwork.

I definitely credit the weather and the course for my speedyish time (faster than my some of my previous 5ks this year although I was a minute faster last year on this same course.)

I have a ways to go if I want to PR. I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

However, I am happy to be healthy, to be running regularly and interacting with others.

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Positives:

• Well organized
• Participant guide provided beforehand
• Inexpensive ($10)
• Well marked course
• Shuttle to the start from the finish and vice versa.
• Cute gender specific race shirts
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Downhill course
• Immediate results
• One free meal ticket for all participants.
• Free drinks (including chocolate milk)
• Entertainment after.

Negatives:

• I could run here for FREE!
• Late start (11 am)
• Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-30, 30-59?)
• No bib pick-up before race day (leaving a bottle neck on race day)
• Long wait for food (only ONE food truck)
• No photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!  A good race to try for a 5K PR.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

11-5-23

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

Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies and you should too.

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

June 17, 2022 – 9 AM

This race was not on my radar.  I was planning a long run and taking a break from racing.

Then my friend (as she did last year) begged me to do it with her.  How could I say No?

This was the 4th time that I had run this race.  I ran it in 2010!!

they gave out free ice cream that year,

Yes, 13 years ago! I ran with Amanda, a running friend at that time:

This is the race where I met new running BFF Mary. We ran many races together after that. When she eventually moved to Palm Springs, I visited her twice.

Kelly and Mary (on the right)

Then I ran it again in 2016. I knew a lot of runners by then. And it was even more fun.

here with my friend Tom

and my age group competition, Carolyn

My time back in 2010 was 29:40 but improved to 28:47 in 2016.  Both years, I was 2nd in my age group (won a cap, then gloves).

2022? Anything could happen… no expectations.

A course PR! 28:43

2nd in my AG again to Carolyn and won a bat….

The good news this year was that Carolyn doesn’t turn 70 until later in the year.

And my friend Heidi would be running it with me again.

2022

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

Last weekend, I kept up my base and ran 7 miles and then during the week, I ran a few short runs.

Marathon training does not start until July 3!! Besides, Monday was a holiday so if necessary, I could run 6 miles then.

As it seems with most of my races lately, the forecast called for rain (but I’d only be wet for 3 miles, right?)

So I put together my running outfit with the addition of a rain jacket and rain poncho.

Race Day:

I woke up to RAIN!!!

At least it was not really cold… The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and I got there around 8:15.

I immediately found Heidi and then got my shirt and bib. In addition to the shirt, each runner got 4 tickets to a baseball game.

I had brought a plastic bag and I planned to eventually stash my jacket and umbrella in it until after the race.

We milled around chatting with runners that we knew.

Heidi asked me if I wanted to bail and just go to brunch.  It was tempting but I said NO!!

The rain seemed to let up a little and we got ready to head to the start.

Even the mascot came out for photos.

Below is the course map and elevation:

“their” elevation chart

and “mine”

It had been two weeks since my last 5k… I had not been thrilled with my lack of speed and thought I would do some speed drills on a nearby track before this race.  But nope… that never happened.

So again, my race goal was to finish happy and uninjured… zero expectations of a fast finish time…

As you can see from the pics above, this race began and ended at the home of the Valley Cats, a local baseball team that plays at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College.

There was no chip timing at the start line so I probably should have moved closer to the front (but I didn’t really think about it…)

Mile 1:

The race began in the parking lot and then we ran around the outside of the stadium before heading into the neighborhoods.

It had rained up to the start of the race… (phew.. we got very lucky!!).

But there were puddles everywhere and my feet immediately got soaked.

this was in 2016 

As soon as I started running, I was dragging…

I had started with several friends but they quickly got ahead and kept gaining on me as the race went on. My goal became to just keep them in sight and cut as many tangents as possible.

Mile 2:

Finally there was a water stop around mile 1.5 so I walked a bit. The neighborhoods were rolling hills but nothing too bad until one steep one during the second mile.  I tried to run up it but the legs just weren’t having it. So I ran/walked it.

We repeated most of the course afterwards in 2022 so here are some pics from the neighborhoods 

It was so muggy that I was sorry that it ws raining … just a kittle light rain would have felt good.

My legs weren’t tired but I found myself out of breath… pollen, lack of sleep (it had been a late mah jongg night), out of shape???

Mile 3-3.1:

A few more walks, I think. And then there was a welcome downhill during mile 3.

We finished the race inside the stadium and I gave it everything (which wasn’t much at this point). Especially since, it was so muddy and wet!!

I didn’t expect a course PR however I really wanted to finish under 30 minutes.

As I approached the finish line, 28 turned to 29 minutes. Maybe a course PW but UNDER 30 minutes. Mission accomplished.

Post Race Activities:

It started to rain as soon as I finished so I headed for the food tent while waiting for Heidi to finish.  There was a decent spread: popcorn, bagels, cookies, bananas, coffee, water. I had a hot dog, and several cookies.

I know.. a hot dog at 9:30 am?

Everyone whom I talked to before the race seemed to have a good race. Some finished ahead of me and some after.

Heidi was happy with her race, too.

She left to meet our other friends for brunch.

As I was waiting around for the age group awards, a lady came up to me and asked me if I remembered meeting her 3 years ago at a rainy Saratoga 5k… ?? Anyway, she said they I told about Topos shoes and she’s been wearing them ever since.  Foot pain gone!!

And so I did win an award – 1st in my NEW age group as did several of my friends.

Then off I went to brunch… No, I only had coffee. lol.

Additional Race Reflections:

When I dragged myself out of bed that morning, I was not feeling good about running this race. I had gone to bed too late.

As usually happens, I connected with some awesome people, ran a decent race and don’t regret it one bit.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• 4 free tickets to a game as swag
• Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Free photos
• Decent post-race food

Negatives:

• White Cotton shirt
• Gun time (not chip timed)
• Hills (but don’t most races)
• Wet and muggy
• AG award – medal, no date, all the same.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. It’s a nice local race. And very well organized. Maybe someone will twist my arm to run it again next year.

Final Stats:

Garmin time = 29:08

Next Up:

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k 7 Miler

June 24, 2023

Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? How did you celebrate Father’s Day? Please share.

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