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

Then my friend begged me to do it with her.  How could I say No?

I said that I would sign up if she ran 5 more miles after the race with me… (I wanted to be prepared for my 15k race the following weekend.)

This was not the first time I had run this race.  I ran it in 2010!!

Yes, 12 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.

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

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.

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

I had a tiring two days working in NYC before the race. And I returned home very late the night before.

At least I did get in a few short runs during the week.

Race Day:

Below is the course map and elevation:

I was really relaxed about this race.  I was soooo tired and so I had no real goals besides enjoying myself. And I also needed to save energy to run 5 more miles after the race!!

I got to the race early.. I never looked at the weather so I was surprised how windy and chilly it was.  I got my bib and shirt and sat in my car to stay warm (very odd since it was 91 degrees the day before when I was in NYC).

Eventually I did get out to hang out with friends.

Heidi (who talked me into this race) finally arrived.

She persuaded me to do one mile before the race so we would only have to run 4 more after.  It was more of a walk but still we got it done.

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.

Reluctantly I left my jacket in Heidi’s car since I had DIY arm warmers on.  Still I was COLD!!

There was no chip timing at the start line so I started pretty close to the front. Heidi moved farther back.

Mile 1:

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

As soon as I started running I was no longer cold. I even immediately rolled down my arm warmers. And the wind was not as bad as it was at the stadium.

But I was dragging… I so wanted to be back in my bed catching up with my sleep. I was running but I couldn’t catch my breath and felt to need to walk.

I had started with my friend Carolyn (my age group rival) but she quickly got ahead and kept gaining on me as the race went on.

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.

Carolyn was still way ahead but I also knew that she was fast and if I could see her in the distance, my pace wasn’t that bad. (I don’t look at my Garmin usually until the race is over.)

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 PR however I really wanted to finish under 29 minutes.

And I did  – 28:43 (gun time)!! Course PR!!!

Post Race Activities:

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

I waited for Heidi to finish (and she did well, too.)

We headed for the food while waiting for the age group awards to be announced.  There was  a decent spread: popcorn, bagels, cookies, bananas, coffee, water. I had a hot dog, coffee and cookie.

And I did win one – 2nd in my age group.

We planned to run more miles after the race.  Did we want to???

Nope!!

I insisted and Heidi couldn’t say No so we went back to her car to get my jacket (I was shivering…)

We sorta did intervals but mostly ran until we didn’t feel like it.  We started in the stadium/college parking lots and then decided that it would be more scenic to run in the same neighborhoods as during the race.

We got it done!!! And immediately headed to Panera’s for our reward.

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
• Interesting course (through the neighborhoods and finish in a baseball stadium)
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Free photos
• Interesting 5 year age group awards (a bat)
• Decent post-race food

Negatives:

• Cotton shirt
• Gun time (not chip timed)
• Hills (but don’t most races)
• Windy

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:

Splits:

Next Up:

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 15th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 14th in-person FRW race.)

It is always held the Saturday after Memorial Day but due to COVID, the race was moved to September last year. This year, it has retuned to its regular date.

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

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

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

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

And in 2019, it was the last race for my 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 has continued into this year, as well.

Believe it not, I chose to skip my high school reunion (also scheduled for today) in order to run 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 race with lots of women.

And this was also my seventh Freihofer Training Challenge.

did my green hat stand out much in 2018?!

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

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

In past years, the day before I walked to Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past 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 and then skipped playing mah jongg in favor of a pizza dinner and time to organize my #flatme.

Race Day:

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

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

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

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

course map

I did run the new course the past seven years and I liked it better than the original..

The start was near a park across from the Capitol Building. I wore a jacket because I thought it would be cool out. Nope.  Bright sunshine and warming up quickly.

Soon the start line as in sight.

I ran past it and entered the City Hall park in search of the Training Challenge tent. I left my jacket there. In past years, there was water and lots of snacks.  Not this year.

I was quite early so I continued to walk around until more runners arrived. I chatted with many of my running friends and took quite a few pics.

Catching up with everyone made the time go by quickly and soon it was time to line up for our Training Challenge photo.

Though, I didn’t get much out of the training itself, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.

I was scheduled to start in corral 3 so I headed that way and bumped into a few friends there too. While I was waiting, I ate a Honey Stinger waffle (with no water … blech)

Mile 1:

It is usually very crowded during the first mile but this year were fewer runners than in previous years (about 2500 vs 3500). I never really had to weave and had plenty of space to run comfortably.

The race began with a long steep uphill.  It’s a good thing since it kept you at a slower pace.

But I did run the whole uphill… it was slow but I did not have to walk.

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

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

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.

Mile 2:

There was a water stop around mile 1.25.  It was very sunny and I was getting warm so I did stop and walk.

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

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

Mile 3-3.1:

That was around mile 2.5. At this point, I was starting to get very warm so I stopped again for a drink and walked longer than before.

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

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

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

I did see that the timing clock read 28:XX…. No course PR for this girl today!

Post Race Activities:

I knew with two walks and zero speed work, I couldn’t come close to a PR (and I was not expecting one). It was a decent time (even if it was slower than all my Freihofer 5ks since 2016) and I was happy!!

I grabbed some snacks (apple sauce, bar, banana). I was hoping as in past years to snag some chocolate milk and maybe a bagel. Nope!!

Then I went back to the finish line to cheer in some friends.

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

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

Before we left, we checked out our finish times.  No award for any of us but a good effort by all.

We were hungry and so we didn’t stay around for the awards. There were, however, some well-known runners in the field.  (In past years, Sara Hall and Joan Samuelson ran this race).

And last but not least, this lady at age 92!!!

I walked back (uphill) to my car and then met Heidi and Deb at the diner for brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

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

You get what you put in. I did not do all the speed workouts so I can’t be disappointed. I also recently ran a half marathon and a 10 mile race and I am no spring chicken. My time may not have been as fast as 2018 (a course PR of 27:37) but it was faster than the previous two 5ks that I’ve run in 2022.

So I was very pleased with that.

And I always enjoy running through Washington Park too.

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)
• All women – all ages, all paces…
• Many free photo stations

Negatives:

• Uphill first mile.
• Uneven pavement in the park
• Sunny and warm
• No chocolate milk or bagels post-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:

Splits:

Negative splits!!!! Woo Hoo!

I have a 15k is a few weeks and I thought I might run a few more miles so today could also count as a long run.

And I would have if I hadn’t had the brunch option.  No will power!

So FRW #15 is in the books!

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

Next Up:

Adirondack Race to the Lakes 15k

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? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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

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 this year.  The downside was that Rebecca died suddenly in 2021 and I knew that the race would remind me of her sadly.

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.

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.

Unlike previous years, I did not pick up my race packet the day before.  So I did it before the race. The swag was a towel (instead of a shirt).  It turned out to be very practical. 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 300 runners – all ages and very friendly.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm.  But it was not as warm as it could have been.  I checked the weather app on my phone. Holy cow!!! 77 degrees. 90% humidity!

I wore my usual race attire minus the compression socks –

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

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

I race a lot.  But I 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

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…

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 normal).

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.

If you look below, there was more walking in this mile even close to turning into the finish line.

Eventually the arch appeared and I gave it my all.

I was shocked when I crossed at 29:xx. I felt so much slower.

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

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some water and some refreshments which was only bars and navel oranges. Oranges with no napkins = not a pretty sight!  I was super happy with my towel to wipe away the sweat.  Everyone looked as if they had jumped into a swimming pool.

Then I waited for my ride home and the awards.

First they announced the college scholarship winners:

The age group award was a pint glass…

Additional Race Reflections:

Definitely a tough one and one of my slowest 5ks in years but hey, I did it.

And I will do it again!

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

Positives:

• flat course
• well organized
• nice swag
• practical age group awards
• important charity (scholarships to HS students
• Podium for winners

Negatives:

• Rebecca was no longer there. 😦
• Warm temps and humidity
• Two Loops

Would I recommend this race?

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

Final Stats:

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

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

It is rare that lately I run a new race.  What I mean is not an “inaugural” race but a “new” race for me.  My running friends actually have run this race in the past but the date was never convenient for me.

But this year, I decided to make it happen because of the charity:  UKRAINE.  I know the race organizer from FTC.  And I chatted with her at a recent expo.

It would be a fun run since I haven’t trained for speed and I can’t remember the last 5k I’ve run… perhaps last fall?!

Yup – over 6 months ago….

• Malta 5k – 28:04
• Freihofer Run for Women – 28:16
• Summer Smith Memorial 5k – 28:31

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for a 5k… my usual 3 mile weekly runs plus a long run on the weekend in preparation for a half marathon in THREE weeks.

In fact, I took Friday morning off from work to run my 11 mile long run so I would be free to run this race (even though, my legs would not be in tip top shape.)

Since my weekly long run was done, I was free to join my running buddies for a leisurely walk and brunch.

I spent the rest of the day trimming bushes and weeding.  It seemed way more tiring and I was more sore than after my long run.  Good thing this 5k was just for fun

Here is the description of the race:

Sasha’s Superhero Run is a 5K run/walk and a kids run was organized by the family and friends of a local boy, Sasha, who passed away unexpectedly as a baby on Christmas Eve in 2016. The superhero theme of the event was adopted to honor all parents whose babies and children passed before their time…

Since Sasha’s family is Ukrainian, our 2022 event will be raising funds for the children of Ukraine, affected by the horrific war waged on its territory. The race proceeds will be split between the Global Ronald McDonald House Charities and few smaller local charitable organizations, based in Western Ukraine, providing direct assistance to displaced children and their families.

It is obvious why I picked this race (over several choices the previous day.)

The weather forecast seemed to be prefect – a little chilly but not much wind and sunny.

I ate pizza for dinner as I do for any race (even though it was only 3 miles, lol)

Race Day:

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

I looked outside and there was frost on my lawn. What?  It was in the 30s though it would surely warm up by race time.

I impulsively added a long-sleeved shirt under my shirt,  DIY arm sleeves, a beanie and I even brought gloves.

This year, the race once again took place in Halfmoon Town Park (just a few miles up the road from the original location in Mechanicville).

I had never been there and wasn’t sure about the parking situation so I left early.

No problem at all. Plenty of signs and volunteers directing things.

I picked up my bib and race shirt.

I walked to my car and left the shirt and got some money for the raffles (so many great prizes).

Soon more runners arrived and I knew many of them.

Race Course (according the web site):

The out-and-back course starts and finishes in Halfmoon Town Park and has a series of rolling hills, with elevation changes just under 150ft. The start is at the north end of the park near the playground and proceeds south to Route 236. The course crosses NY 236 and turns left onto Hayner Rd, proceeding left onto Lower Newtown Road, where the course reverses direction and proceeds back to the start.

Soon it was time to line up at the start. And it was much warmer than when I arrived.  I didn’t have time to go back to my car so I stashed my cape (it would be too annoying to run with it) and my arm sleeves in one of those mini library stands.

The RD announced that the race had raised over $30,000for Ukraine.  She is Ukrainian and it was very emotional as she spoke.

Then they played the Ukrainian national anthem. Sniff. Sniff.

Mile 1: 

The race was gun timed so I could have stood closer to the front.  But I am uncomfortable doing that and it really only makes a few seconds difference in my finish time.

There were about 250 in the race, many in costume and many walkers.  My legs definitely felt sluggish after lack of rest the past two days. But I tried to ignore it and just run.

It was only rolling hills at first.

But then…

Mile 2: 

The hills arrived and I thought I could run up them…

Nope, I resorted to walking.

I also stopped at the water stop as it was feeling warm due to all that sun (and being overdressed a bit).

Eventually we turned around and the course repeated itself.

But why didn’t I feel speedy on those downhills?

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

I was pooped…

I did my best but just didn’t have the mojo to go for it.

I walked several more times so at least I could sprint (and smile) going through the finish line.

I was pleased to see 28:XX on the clock.  I thought I was a lot slower.

Post Race Activities:

I retrieved my sleeves and cape.

I waited at the finish line cheering in my friends.

Then I grabbed some food – there was chocolate milk, snacks, bars fruit, etc.

I didn’t win any raffle prizes but my friend Judy did…

Then I checked the results…

The prize was a certificate and a beautiful calendar with photos of Ukraine. No ceremony.

There were also two kids races scheduled next but we didn’t stick around.

This was such a great race for kids too.

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.

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

I have a ways to go if I want or can get back to 27 minute 5ks.  I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

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

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Note to self: Do not wear a costume if you are serious about racing.  My h beanie kept flying off, my shirt was cotton so too hot. I didn’t wear my race belt so my phone & car key weighed down my skirt. Finally, those knee socks were not compression ones they kept falling down.  But it was fun dressing up!!

Positives:

• Well organized race
• Supported an important charity.
• Well marked course with many course marshals
• Great raffle prizes
• Real restrooms
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Perfect weather
• Immediate results
• 5 year age groups for awards
• Creative/meaningful awards

Negatives:

• Too much walking
• Hills (but few races are totally flat)
• Gun Time
• Shirts ran small.
• Costume annoyances (my fault)
• Lack of hill training (my fault)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!

There is really nothing negative to say about this race.

Final Stats:

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

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