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 signed up for a half marathon on Feb. 18.

But as you know I sprained my ankle in December and although it had healed and I had returned to running, I decided to defer my entry until next year and focus on training for the March 17 NYC Half Marathon.

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

Nope. So I signed up for Bridge the Gap 5k because:

• A race.
• (Only) a 5k and I had done runs up to 10 miles (though slow run/walk)
• The price didn’t go up if you registered at the last minute.
• 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)
• I’d never been to Singer Island.

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.

the course (according to Strava (after)

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.

zumba, anyone?

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.

see me struggling on the right?

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.

my friend took this pic as she was walking over the bridge

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.

she was the Masters winner (with a time of 23 minutes)

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:

still holding my title as “queen of the positive splits”

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).

October 22, 2022 – 10:00 am – The Crossings

This was the 7th year for this 5K race which is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.summersmith5k.com/summer-s-story

I was in the middle of training for a November 15k race and a half marathon…

However, I just had to do this race. I knew that there would be many other runners and volunteers from the STEM program. I wanted to support this cause and I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.

The first 4 years that I ran this race, it was held at the end of May and started at a local High School.

Due to COVID, the 2020 race was cancelled (but run virtually) and in 2021, the date was changed and the location was switched to The Crossings.  The Crossings is not my favorite place to race. I have run there so often but it is what it is.

2021

I guess they decided that this was a better date and location since this year’s race was held again in October and at The Crossings.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

It was a few weeks after a half marathon (Oct. 2) and a few weeks before another half marathon (Nov 20).

So I’ve done the short runs on weekdays. It was a little challenging this week since I was in NYC and then Rochester.  But I got it done.

And long runs on the weekend? 13.1, 8, 3.1 miles…

I carb load with pizza whether it is 13.1 miles or 3.1.  I also wear a similar outfit:

always a skirt and compression calf sleeves!!

Race Day:

The race, as previously mentioned, started at The Crossings where there are real bathrooms, easy parking, and ample room to hang out before and after the race.

I arrived early just to make sure I got parking. I had already picked up my race packet on Thursday after I returned from Rochester.

Honestly, I didn’t really want to run a race.  I know, that sounds strange coming from me.  But I was pooped having spent two days in NYC and two days in Rochester this past week.  (I don’t sleep well and even worse in hotels.)

I knew once I got there, my mood would change.

Several who were in Summer’s STEM group (that I had mentored) were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.

Unfortunately, for the first time, there were no STEM participants running this race as their first 5k.  That was disappointing. I hope the program resumes in the spring.

This race is always one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. (There was also packet pick up two days before at Fleet Feet which I had taken advantage of.)

There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies.

There were also many many raffle items and this year, I remembered to bring $$.

Before the race (at 9 am), there was a prayer, dedication ceremony and many speeches.

followed by a balloon release.

31 balloons were released for Summer (that was her age when she died).

Then purple balloons released for the others who also lost their lives due to drugs or alcohol.  Probably not a dry eye in the crowd.

The ceremony was followed by music and a kids race.

I waited around and chatted with many of the runners that I knew and two whom I haven’t seen since the last STEM race.

Kim (center) was a participant and Annette a mentor.

The race’s start was delayed until 10:15 so I had some coffee and something to eat (my breakfast was at 6 am)

I also talked to my former Freihofer & Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge coach (who was timing the race.)

As you can see, it was very cool (low 40s) before we started the race. I had on a jacket, two shirts, arm warmers and gloves.

Then the sun came out and I wisely took off my jacket, arm warmers, gloves and even my long sleeved shirt.  There was no bag check so I just hid them under a tree.

The course:

a 3.2 loop around the park

Elevation according to my Garmin:

looks hillier than it was… mostly flat with some rolling hills

I have run this 5k route for several races … and it’s never been one of my better 5ks. But you never know.

Mile 1:

I lined up pretty close to the front since there were many slower runners and walkers in this race. It was not chip-timed (from the start) either.

I just did the best I could.  Not PR fast but I wanted to finish with a respectable time.  With the chilly temps and no warm up, my legs felt like lead at the beginning.  There was a lot of support along the course.  Friends of the families who lost loved ones to drugs were holding signs in their memory.  I was glad that I was running to support this charity.

It felt really hard to breathe. I thought it was the cold air.  But probably when I look at my pace, as usual I started out too fast. The course was a loop and the trees were at peak color.  Running into the wind was a bit annoying.

Mile 2:

The rolling hills started during this mile.  I slowed down and I felt a lot better  The crowd also spread out and I was following a women in red most of this mile. She kinda acted as my beacon.

As per usual, I stopped to walk at the beginning of this mile.

This was a water stop so I stopped again and grabbed a cup.

The crowd support was great.  Every volunteer that I passed who carried a sign (for a loved one lost to drugs/alcohol), thanked me for running the race.

Mile 3-3.1:

Ok now I was getting tired.  I probably could have dragged myself through the last mile and not walk. But I always felt energized after a quick walk and I did.

But as I got closer to the finish line, I walked one more time.

Finally the finish line was in sight, I gave it all I had (which wasn’t much at this point).

I looked at the clock and it said 28:XX. Phew!

I was pleased. I knew all the walks would definitely prevent me from having a sub 28 finish. I never considered a PR.

Post Race:

I hung around for awhile, chatted and then looked at the results.

I was starved since I had eaten breakfast 5 hours ago so I had some chocolate milk, a brownie and pizza.

I did win my age group. I was surprised because it was 60-69 (and I am 69.)  And the lady in red who was ahead of me?  Apparently I passed her at the finish line and she was in my age group!  (And yes, she pointed that out to me!)

By the time, I got back to my car, changed my shoes, it was almost noon.  I really did not feel like running anymore… but I did drag myself around the park and a trail to add some more miles to my legs.

Additional Race Reflections:

I was happy to support this charity. Plus the race was so well-organized. There were over 200 participants. Many who have overcome drug or alcohol addiction.

I am so humbled by the STEM women and others who have overcome adversity. And I am glad to have been a part of their lives.

Tyler has WON this race 6 years in a row honoring his brother. 

Positives:

• • Ample parking.
  • Well marked course.
  • Varied park scenery.
  • Indoor restrooms
  • Flatish course.
  • Immediate results.
  • Chocolate milk.
  • Many familiar faces.
  • Crowd Support
  • Great Post-race Refreshments (pizza!)
  • Important cause.

Negatives:

• • Too familiar a course
  • Annoying uphills and WIND
  • No photos
  • Same medal as previous years (and no date on it)
  • No speedwork to prepare (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Great organization. Great cause!!!

It will in the spring again (I believe) and back on its original course.

Final Stats:

Splits:

4 walks in a 5k?? Geez…

Next Up:

a 15k  on November 13 and another half marathon on November 20.