Tuesday – Another WFH day so I started it again at the gym…
and after work, I had a hair appt.
Wednesday – It is hard to leave when my cats like lap time in the morning…
But I did get to the gym again.
Today was the 5th week of mentoring the Training Challenge group. I always try to arrive a little early to add some running before the group arrives.
actually 4 mentors and 2 runners – crazy but we did 90:60 intervals and almost 3 miles…
Thursday – With a dentist appt. before work and a dinner out with my tennis friends planned for after work, that meant that I had to squeeze in my run sometime during the day. I wound up having time after my dental appt. (which happens to be near the rail trail.)
drizzly at first but then it warmed up when the sun came out and we almost have bathrooms and leaves on the tress!!
We decided on Hibachi and as always, a fun time.
Friday – Trying to frontload in some daily gym visits since I won’t be going for the next two weeks.
I snuck out at lunch and met a running friend for a walk (as she recently retired.)
We walked to that stable that I discovered during my Monday run
In the evening, I played mah jongg.
Saturday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k.
I’ve run this race many times in the past. I love the country atmosphere, the fresh chocolate milk and the pie (as an age group award).
With 3 half marathons in 3 months and zero speed work… I wasn’t confident in a speedy finish time (or a pie) but I was excited to do the race regardless (even though rain was predicted…)
Well, it rained all night and then it was still raining lightly when I got up. It was an hour drive, I seriously thought that it was crazy to drive that distance to get soaked.
But I decided not to wimp out and did it along with many other crazy runners. (At least I only signed up for the 5k, not the 10k).
And it POURED but I DID WIN THAT PIE!
Of course, later in the day, the sun came out… then it rained again but finally it stopped and I was able to get out for a walk
lots of magnolias in bloom at the Pine Hollow Arboretum
Sending positive vibes to Jenny as she was running her first 50 mile race!!! I spotted these pics on FB.
Sunday – I plan on gym time (or the long run that didn’t happen the day before) and packing for two upcoming trips!!
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – early train to NYC (for work), blogger meet-up, run & other assorted NYC activities
Tuesday – work, run?, dinner with a local friend
Wednesday – work, train home, finish packing
Thursday – early flight to Ft Myers, FL for annual Naples Tennis vacation
Friday –run, tennis
Saturday – walk, tennis
Sunday – Tropicool 5K
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this winter? How’s the weather? Did you watch the Boston Marathon or track any runners? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
The race starts and finishes near the Grandstand in the center of the Altamont Fairgrounds.
The 5K is an out & back on Brandle Road, using the first 1.55M of the half marathon race.
This is a new race for me but I have run the half marathon several times.
2020
2021
2022
Although I think I might have run this same course or close to it when the Workforce Challenge changed its original course and date during the Pandemic.
All that being said, this race was never on my radar and I didn’t plan to run it this year.. or ever (it is hilly. lol)
But this was the goal race for the group of STEM runners that I mentored for 9 weeks this fall.
I have done this many times already and it really depends on who shows up whether or not, I run the race, walk the race or just run it slowly…
I never know until race morning.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
As I’ve mentioned, I participated once a week in the 9 week Couch to 5k program with this group of new runners.
At our final Monday of training, the participants walked 5 minutes, ran 30 minutes straight and then walked 5 minutes. Not how I would run or train for a 5k but that’s what the app recommends.
The Wednesday before the race, one of the participants, who was not able to attend the race, did her own 5k. Many of the other participants including myself ran it with her.
It was a great confidence booster for all.
Instead of a long run the day before the race, I only ran/walked 3 miles in case I would have to race the race.
The organizer of the group picked up all our bibs.
Race Day:
The race started at 9:15 am. (15 minutes after the half marathon which started in the same place.)
We were asked to arrive at 8:15 to get our bibs and warm up.
I arrived early and sat in my car because it was COLD!!! and very windy!!
Eventually I got out went to meet the group and get my bib.
I had on my down jacket over my race shirt and was deciding whether or not, I should take my jacket off.
We were all cold but anxious to get started. As I mentioned, it was the STEM group’s FIRST 5k ever.
While waiting, I chatted with other runners whom I knew that were actually racing the 5k.
All the mentors were assigned a pace group. I had the 11-12 min/mi. runners. And so I ran with those runners that I had practiced with each week.
Soon it was time to head to the start.
I put my bib over my jacket… I was freezing and I knew that I wouldn’t running so fast that I would get warm.
Mile 1-1.6:
We headed out and ran around the fair grounds before we ran on the road.
Whoa… my group was running a 10 min. pace, I wasn’t prepared for that and I cautioned them that this was too fast for them to maintain.
For a minute or so, I did get warm and unzipped my jacket. That was short-lived since it was so windy.
And yes we gradually slowed our pace and soon we turned and ran the same route back to the finish line.
We were now able to see the slower runners and offer them encouragement.
Mile 1.6-3.15:
It got sunny but now we were running into the wind… yup, we had a hard time maintaining our earlier pace.
I told the participant that I was running next to that we could walk anytime she wanted.
Several times, I got ahead of her but I stopped to wait for her to catch up.
So we did walk briefly and when we got to the hill, she wanted to walk up it… (I didn’t mind at all.)
After that hill, we turned into the fair grounds and I told her we were almost there…
A lie (LOL) since we still had several turns into the wind before we saw the finish line,.
Before the race, one participant wanted to finish under 40 minutes and the participant I was running next to said she thought she would run it in 38 minutes.
We crossed under 35 minutes!!
They were so happy and proud.
The STEM participants got their medals and then they took photos.
And we all waited until everyone had finished (some had walked).
Post Race Activities:
I went to check the results. I came in 2nd in my 10 year (old lady) age group. I could either pick a free race shirt or a $10 off coupon for another ARE race.. You can imagine how many shirts I already own….
Then I went get some post-race refreshments: chocolate milk, apple, box lunch of a sandwich, chips and brownie. (I really wanted something HOT.)
The STEM participants took lots of group pics.. and discussed having a post-race celebration in a few weeks.
Additional Race Reflections:
As I said, I’ve volunteered with STEM before but there was the largest group we’ve had continue in the training and actually run the race and the most serious.
I’m looking forward to volunteering again next Fall.
I had run the half marathon here several times before and I was so glad to not have to run it today with the wind and cold temps.
I may run this 5k next year if they choose a different STEM race.
I also realized that I could have run faster for the 5k distance but not much… those sub 30 minute 5ks are long gone..
But I’m still out there doing it and grateful to be able.
Positives:
My race registration fee was paid for by STEM.
STEM participants more serious than previous years.
Well organized as are all ARE races.
Participant guide emailed ahead of time with all needed race info.
5k and half marathon options.
Shirts optional for an extra fee.
Box lunches for all (including chocolate milk).
Useful AG award prizes.
Negatives:
Windy and cold temps.
As a mentor, I couldn’t run my own race (but that’s not why I was there.)
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. It’s a nice course and very well organized.
Final Stats:
out of 250 runners
we did run the first half…
Next Up:
A 10k on Thanksgiving Day:
Happy Running! Have you ever run a race as a mentor? Please share.
The 3rd year for this race. A downhill course. A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.
How could I not sign up??
Big negative:
I was training for a marathon and needed a 18 long run that day.
Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in 18 miles, as well.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Not much preparation for this 5k…
I was working in NYC for 3 days and I ran 16 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 rail trail
the Bridge
Slingerlands parking lot and the race finish!
Race Day:
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 at the start, run 1.5 miles miles, meet two friends and run 8 miles, run 1.5 miles back to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run 4 miles back to my car… that would be my 18 mile long run.
Perfect, right?
And I did just what I planned pre-race.
11 miles done… 8 with Barb & Deb ❤ them
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.
I arrived at the start in plenty of time. My friend Heidi had gotten my bib. I changed my shoes and shirt and I was ready to go.
I bumped into many friends. We chatted and took a few pics.
Karen’s first race in a year due to COVID
Some of my local running friends came as well:
The weather was absolutely perfect!!
Unlike last year when it RAINED!!
There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember.
Can it be called a “race” recap if I didn’t race? LOL.
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.
Judy was going to run the race. Deirdre, Heidi and I were going to run/walk it (using Deirdre’s intervals 15:60??)
So we stood just somewhere in the back 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 (if I were running the race.)
Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.
Mile 2:
I believe the first year, there were no water stops but his year there was one.
Even with our long walk intervals, I was thirsty and stopped for a drink.
I didn’t take pictures this year (although I walking so I could have.)
Mile 3 – 3.1:
Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was little crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail.
I could see the finish line ahead
and so I left Heidi and Deirdre sprinted across it.
I looked up and saw my college BFF and her husband. I was surprised and happy that she got to see me race (too bad, I wasn’t actually racing.)
Deirdre finished shortly after.
At the finish line, there was water and apples, bananas.
Post Race Activities:
As soon as you were done, you got your race shirt and a coupon for free food and drink.
There was also a kids race.
they got shirts and medals
This race was also 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.)
some of these pics are from the first year
I hung out with my BFF for a while.
I picked up some freebies (that I gave to Heidi) and even had a free ice cream float. (I turned down the free hot dog.)
My running friends went to get some food from the trucks… Me? I had to run 4 more miles to get in my 18!!
What a struggle! But I did it!!
Then I drove my car back to the finish area.
The festival was still happening so I used my food coupon and sat on a bench listening to the music.
so cute!
Two food trucks didn’t show (illness), one had run out of food so I waited A LONG TIME) from the ONE existing option.
While I was waiting I listened to the music and watched a few of kids shows.
Finally!!
It was delicious ( or maybe I was just hungry).
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 and last year training for a full marathon.
Next year, I hope to take this race seriously.
I doubt I’ll ever PR again. But I’d like to go back to sub-30 finish times. But 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 ice cream & hot dogs
Entertainment after.
Negatives:
I could run here for FREE!
Late start (11 am)
Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-30, 30-59?)
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:
2024
Splits:
None – I didn’t wear a watch.
Other than the 5k where I walked, this was a PW by far:
2023
2022
Next Up:
Half Marathon on 10/12/24
Happy Running! Run a 5k race lately? Do you enjoy 5ks? Are you creative about fitting in a race around a long run? Please share.
Saturday – NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k.
An early morning as I had to take the 7:30 am ferry to Governor’s Island for the race.
Check out IG and FB for how it went… AND there was ice cream!!
After the race, I took the ferry back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and headed to Penn Sta. to catch the LIRR. I had plans to stay with my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons) for a few days.
Sunday – Run! Relax! Maybe head to the beach… have fun!!
pic from my visit in 2021
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – AM Run, some fun LI activities
Tuesday – AM Run, LIRR to NYC, Amtrak home
Wednesday – GYM
Thursday – AM run, trail walk
Friday – GYM
Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
Sunday – GYM
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – What I am focusing on this month
Friday – Training Tips for Running
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Do you love ice cream like I do? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…
Last year was the first year that they offered this race and of course, it was on my radar.
DESCRIPTION
The High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K is a 3.1 mile walk or run that is open to all abilities and levels of fitness. 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit Berkshire Bounty. Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide.
The course is beautiful, starting runners at the farm, then passing along Laurel Lake before returning to the farm to celebrate at the food truck where runners enjoy a well-earned High Lawn Farm ice cream. Visit the historic century worth of memorabilia in the High Lawn Farm Museum, open specifically for the runners following the race!
But it’s a long drive and I was marathon training…
2023
Some racing friends did go and they said that it was awesome.
So I mentioned it to my running friends Heidi and Sherry.
LOL. Heidi & I had already been there on Monday.
and they agreed with me.. Let’s do it!
definitely hillier than it looks here!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Again I am training for a marathon.
I ran my long run of 9 miles the day before…
And then the hubby and I spent the rest of the day on the lake where I enjoyed a beer and a good book.
I was on the fence whether or not, I would just walk the whole thing or run/walk it. Racing it was out of the question in my mind.
Race Day:
The race started at 8:30 am.
I got up at 5:15 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.
I left at 6:15 in order to get to Heidi’s house since she offered to drive.
It took us 45 minutes but we got there early enough to get parking and pick up my shirt/bib.
There were almost 300 runners at this race. I even bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.
obligatory pre-race photo
The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.
Soon it was time to line up.
We decided to run together… that meant using Heidi’s intervals (2min:30 sec) since she was the slowest of the three.
It sounded like fun to me.
start and finish line
Mile 1:
It was pretty crowded but we tried to stay together. The race started on a dirt path with holes and rocks. It would have been hard to run on.
Then it was a long downhill (Of course since it was an out and back, you would be running up that long hill!!)
After that hill, it was just rolling and shady with a view of a lake on the right.
Mile 2:
By the second mile, it was getting increasingly hard to stay together. It was crowded and when Heidi got behind us, it was hard to hear the beeps to know when we were walking and when we were supposed to run.
I also like to walk on the uphills and run on the downhills which didn’t always coordinate with the intervals.
So we got separated..
Sherry was close behind me and I often slowed for her to catch up… since we said that we would run the race together.
Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.
The course repeated itself so youknew what was coming…
Mile 3-3.1:
By mile 3, I was wanting to be done… so I did my usual run some, walk some.
I actually felt pretty energetic and could have run this race…
But there was no reason to chance a injury.
And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.
I crossed at 42:09. (41:57 – Garmin time)
A PW 5k but faster than the ones I walked.
No regrets!!
Post Race Activities:
Sherry finished right after new and we waited for Heidi to cross.
They gave you a coupon for free ice cream and there was also free chocolate milk…
farm fresh = delish!!
We got on line for our free ice cream
and chatted with the other runners while we waited.
posing with our empty milk bottles. lol
They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 5th in my age group.
The winners got to name a new calf (very cool). The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon.
And of course, the ice cream was worth the drive!!
Additional Race Reflections:
Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.
But I don’t regret participating in this 5k. Though it was a PW, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday morning (especially if you can convince friends to come along).
Next year when I will not be training for a marathon, I may even race it!!
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked scenic course
Some familiar faces
Friends to share the experience
Nice gender-specific tech shirt
Free chocolate milk
Free (homemade) ice cream
Immediate results
Negatives:
Hilly
Long drive
Would I recommend this race?
All in all, this was a fun race. The hills were a challenge but I’ve seen and experienced worse.
I plan run it again even though it is not nearby.
Final Stats:
I wonder how many calories that chocolate milk and ice cream cone were? LOL
Next Up:
a 10k.
Aug 3.
Then 13.1:
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? Please share.
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 than a 5k. Since then I have completed over 60 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 and 2023 (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2023
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years.
Last year, 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:
pretty similar…
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.
view on the way
I got a spot in a nearby lot, picked up my bib/shirt
and then left the shirt in the car.
There were about 600 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 75 at the start and sunny. I just hung around and chatted with other runners that I recognized.
isn’t he cute?
and there was a photo booth so I took my obligatory pre (and post) 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 not too far back since there was no timing mat at the start.
Mile 1:
I always feel like I start out fast but it still seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead.
But my biggest problem again was the heat (and yes, I know that it’s like this in most places and worse in Florida)..
And it was sunny and there was very little if any shade on the course.
Mile 2:
By the second mile, I was really wanting to walk… I was hoping to wait until the water stop which was about half way.
nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from 2019’s Saratogian
Now that they changed the course by having an out and back on one street, I was able to cheer on runners who were way ahead as well as those behind me.
I did appreciate those folks who put sprinklers out… I ran through each one!
I made it to the water stop and walked (for probably too long)… but I felt a lot better after.
Mile 3-3.1:
By mile 3, I was really fading but I continued to make sure to hit the tangents (there were 15 of them!!)
Finally we turned the last corner…
I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. I had hoped to finish under 31 minutes… a 2024 5k PR.
I crossed at 30: 03. (29:50 – Garmin time)
YAY!!
Post Race Activities:
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). There were only bananas so I grabbed one.
They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 2nd in my age group.
Then they announced that any car in the nearby grass lot would be towed.
Yup, that be me!!
Off I ran and decided to leave rather than wait around for my age group award medal.
I drove up to the lake to meet up my hubby and some friends for a ride on the boat and a barbecue on an island.
Additional Race Reflections:
Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive. And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my marathon training.
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 actually was a faster finish than my previous 5ks race this year! That makes me happy.
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked course with many course marshals
Flat course
Lots of familiar faces.
Immediate results
5 year age groups for awards
Spectators with hoses and sprinklers
Negatives:
No longer get free tickets to the race track
15 turns!!
Hot and Sunny!
Only bananas post race.
Unisex shirts
Only one water stop (on a hot day)
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:
Another 5k or two.
July 28
And a 10k.
Aug 3
Then:
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? Please share.
Hopefully training plans are meant to be flexible since I’ve already skipped my 7 miler in favor of a 5k.
Last Week –
Sunday – We had planned to stay home and catch up on things since we went to the lake on Friday.
So I went to the gym.. and then my hubby decided it was too hot to anything but boating..
Off we went…
he was right… it was a perfect day to relax in the shade with a beer and a good book… those are my hubby’s feet as he drove into the water.
Monday – DAY OFF to go hiking with a friend.
First I had to squeeze in a 3 mile run on the rail trail with another friend..
Then we drove to Pittsfield, MA..
so buggy that we quit after two miles
We had a nice lunch nearby and then drove to Stockbridge, MA.
We took a wrong turn and so this hike turned into longer than planned and the trail to the Laura’s Tower was straight UP..
Not a great view but we earned ice cream after. LOL
Tuesday – Rest Day. So a visit to the gym before work.
With rain forecast the rest of the week (possibly), I had briefly considered a run after work.
Over 90 with a thunderstorm threat… NOPE!
Even my walking friends cancelled so I went out for a drink with a friend (while the hubby played tennis… outdoors?)
Wednesday – I was hoping again to squeeze in a run in the ‘hood before any rain arrived.
I agree… running conditions were poor. Not the temps but holy humidity!!!
And no storms….
Thursday – Not WFH today so my only option was a run after work
ugh… still hot and humid even along the Hudson (where a concert was preparing to start)
and then a walk on the trails (weather permitted).
no rain and still humid…
We ended the 3 miles with ice cream (what else?)
Friday – Again not WFH and a hair appt after work…
Nada today! (Good thing I don’t streak!)
Saturday – Long Run Day and Brunch. Many of my running friends were busy and my hubby had planned a day of boating so Plan B was to run the Silks and Satins 5k race
it was a hot one but I enjoyed it and even placed 2nd in my age group
and then drive up to the lake after.
another beautiful day for boating and today we invited friends from the marina to join us for a barbecue.
Sunday – Back to NYC (for work).. perhaps a walk there at some point to celebrate:
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run
Tuesday – run?, Broadway show
Wednesday – 5K Race (in Brooklyn) or friends meet-up?
Thursday – train home
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (8 miles) and Brunch
Sunday – GYM, boating
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – How to Get Through Summer Running
Friday – Five Favorite Race Photos
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Do you eat a lot of ice cream in the summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
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 Lakes7 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.
Of course, I always try to squeeze in a run or some social activity in the evening.
As they say: All work and no play…
Last Week –
Sunday – I was hoping to spend the day on the lake, reading and relaxing.
I woke up to pouring rain so I went to the gym. I spent even more time there than normal (walking 15 laps on the track).
I bought sandwiches in case the rain stopped and we could spend some up on Lake George.
I know the garden and lawn needs rain but enough already…
And yes, the rain finally stopped.. a little breezy and cooler but no complaints on the views…
Monday – I took an early train to NYC (for work the next day.)
I checked into my hotel, changed into running clothes and headed out…
I planned on taking the subway uptown and then run back along the Hudson to meet my friend but there were delays so I ran there instead…
yes my running friend has a broken foot so we just spent hours chatting…
Tuesday – Long work day in Jamaica, Queens.
Instead of rushing back to Manhattan to run, I went to the theater…
it was excellent!!
Wednesday – Another long day in Jamaica.
Tonight I had dinner plans with a college friend.
Fortunately, she couldn’t meet until later so I got in a few miles near Hudson Yards and along the Hudson
my hotel went all out for Pride week
and then I met Cari (where she works) and we walked together to my college friend’s apartment…
dinner and drinks with a view
Thursday – Still working all day in Jamaica…
I had dinner plans with a friend but they fell through… so I took advantage of the extra time and took the subway to the Harlem end of Central Park…
I just ran/walked around until the sun was going down…
Friday – After work, I rushed back to Manhattan to catch my train home.
Saturday – Father’s Day Home Run 5k.
Yes, I was pooped after the week in NYC but I’ve run this race with my friend Heidi the last few years
and without thinking, I signed up again.
I dragged myself out of bed and I was so glad that I did. This small local race has so many perks: tech shirt, post race barbecue, nice age group prizes, 4 free tix to a baseball game, free ticket to the strawberry & wine festival…
And I bumped into so many runners that I knew…
though my time was a race PW, I came in 2nd in my age group… the hat was the prize
Afterward we joined our running friends (who did not race) for brunch (I only had iced coffee).
I gave Heidi my baseball tix and she gave me her festival ticket.
After I showered and changed, I spent the rest of the afternoon at the festival…
tasted so many delicious wines and spirits…
Sunday – Hopefully my regularly scheduled program: GYM, day on the lake
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – DAY OFF, run, walk with BFF
Tuesday – GYM, walk with friends
Wednesday – DAY OFF, run, pool date
Thursday – run, Trail walk charity wine tasting
Friday – GYM, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, Boating
Sunday – train to NYC (AGAIN!)
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Summer Racing Plans
Friday – 5 Favorite Running Songs
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Any travel plans? Please share.
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
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.
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.
My First 5K and More... 