Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY.

In 2020 and 2021, my friends and I rented a house for 3 nights in Hampton Beach, NH and ran a half marathon (among other fun shenanigans.)

It was so much fun that the next year, we rented in Old Orchard Beach, Maine and we ran the Portland Half Marathon or Marathon Relay.

Two years ago, we stayed in NYS but rented a house in the Finger Lakes Region. We all raced different distances (5k, 13.1, 18 mi) and enjoyed ourselves (despite some rain.)

Last year we had fun during our time on Cape Cod.

We rented a house in Lake Placid (NY) this year.

So I signed up for the Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon (HM #75) for several reasons:

• A race-cation.
• Race was held on Columbus Day weekend. I would have Monday off from work.)
• My friends would be racing with me.
• Views of the Adirondack high peaks.
• There was a 5k and 10k option in addition to a half marathon.
• I was mostly trained as a result of a half marathon 5 weeks prior.

About the race:

Originally started in 1970 as a marathon run from Paul Smiths to Lake Placid, this family-friendly race has evolved into a beloved annual event featuring the beautiful Olympic Village of Lake Placid and some of the most breathtaking fall scenery in the Adirondacks. Each year an average of 550 athletes gather together for this amazing community race to help raise funds for a local cause and to enjoy the splendor of racing during peak fall foliage. 

The 2025 Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon, 10K, and—new this year!—5K begin and end at the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds surrounded by the Olympic Ski Jumps, the 1980 Olympic Cauldron, and views of the breathtaking High Peaks. The race route encompasses two moderate hills, one at the start and one towards the end. The start time is 8:00 am, with the course closing at 12:00 pm.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends or part of another race; 5 mi+5k +2 mi, 10k, 11 mi, 10k, 5k+3 mi, 13.1. (Not exactly following my 8, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 mile plan)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My taper consisted of 5k race with miles added before and after (as pictured above) and two short runs during the work week.

We carpooled and left for Lake Placid early on Friday morning. Our first stop was for lunch in Wilmington, followed by a drive up to the top of Whiteface Mountain.

At 3 pm, we met the owner of our VrBo in Lake Placid. She gave us a quick tour and then we headed to get our half marathon bib/shirts, check out the race start and parking.

Last year, everyone either ran the half marathon or the 5k.  Although this year, a 5k and 10k were offered, only four of us registered for a race and it was for the half marathon (however one was injured and couldn’t run it).  The others chose to be our cheerleaders.

We ordered pizza for dinner (of course) and ate at our house.

Finally #flatmes were organized and we headed to bed early (though I never can sleep the night before a race.)

Race Day:

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

If I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:30 and 2:45 (due to all the HILLS). Maybe even 3 hours if things didn’t go well.

Actually, even more important would be to run a smarter and less painful race than my last half marathon Labor Day weekend. Slower the first half so that I could enjoy the second half of the race…

The course:

Starting at the Horseshow Grounds (5514 Cascade Road), go NE into horseshow stable area. Run clockwise around stable area returning to the start line, heading towards exit of horseshow grounds. Exit heading south, up John Brown road, clockwise around John Brown circle, turning left onto western John Brown road, at the junction Old Military Road, turn left, along Old Military road until Newman road, down Newman road to Route 73 south. Cross over at Corner Store to left hand shoulder head south on Route 73. Remain on Route 73 to River road, Out and back on River road, finishing at the regular finish area on the grass of the Horse Show grounds.

As I mentioned above, only three of us were running the half which started at 8:00 am.

There were about 250 runners in the half marathon which was the most popular of the 3 races.

We left at 6:30 and easily found parking. Those not running would arrive later to cheer us on at the finish line.

It was quite chilly when we arrived and so we waited until the last minute to leave the car.

It didn’t look to be chip timed from the start so I moved up a little but didn’t didn’t want to get too close to the speedy runners. Deb and Barb moved toward the back.

I really couldn’t give you a mile by mile update of the race.  But I’ll recount what I do remember.

We left the Horseshow grounds and immediately encountered a huge hill that seemed to go on forever. For me, this was great since I always go out too fast.  I walked most of it with an occasional sprint.

I immediately regretted adding that extra shirt. I took it off and tied it around my waist.  I also had on DIY arm warmers which I rolled down and gloves that I eventually carried.  The weather was absolutely perfect. No humidity, No wind and sunny.

By the 2nd mile, there was a downhill and I was able to pick up the pace as we headed back past the start line.

I remember going through town but most of the race was on a tree-line roads with mountain and river views.  It was beautiful!!

What was not beautiful was that there was one hill after another…. (One runner said that there were 22 hills!!)

I followed my plan: walk/run/walk up the hill, sprint down it.

Barbara soon passed me. She was killing it.

There were quite a few water stops (7, I think) and although I wasn’t thirsty, I did drink water at each one.

I also ate my Gus as planned: miles 4, 8, and 12.

Around mile 4, a local friend, Gail, caught up to me.  We ran together and chatted for about a mile or two.  She was struggling with a sore hamstring and I was walking up the hills.

Eventually even with her sore leg, she ran ahead of me (though I could always see her and finished ahead of her.)

Being in the woods for most of the race, there wasn’t a lot of crowd support but those who were watching or volunteering were very enthusiastic and high fiving those who passed them.

I have to say that nothing hurt the whole race (not even my feet). My legs were never tired.  I just took in the scenery and continued up and down the hills. This may have been the first time ever that I didn’t crash and burn (or at least in a very long time.)

Around mile 9 or 10, we hit the turn around.

No difference, the downhills were now uphills and the up hills downhills.  And I continued walking when necessary and running fast when I could.

I was able to see those behind me: Deb and two other local runners.

Around mile 13, I caught up to Gail and we dragged each other up the last hill; the steepest one on the course (how cruel!)

Finally we turned into the Horseshow grounds and could see the finish line ahead.

As I approached the finish line, our friends were ringing bells and screaming my name.  It was great to have their support.  I tried to sprint and look good as I passed them.

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal and some water.

Barb had already finished (She ran a great race,) and we all waited at the finish line to cheer on Deb.

I’m not sure what the post-race refreshments were (I think bagels, fruit). I decided to wait and eat once we got home.

We checked out the results and both Barb and I won age group awards (gourmet popcorn and a coaster).

After we collected out awards, we headed home for lunch,

a long soak in the hot tub

and later out for a celebratory dinner in town.

We ended the day with drinks and s’mores.

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.

In past years I would have wanted a faster finish time…

I am competitive but I now know that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.

I felt fine the next day. We walked around Mirror Lake

and visited High Falls Gorge.

Positives:

• Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
• Half marathon, 10k, 5k options.
• Well-marked course.
• Easy packet pick-up.
• Long sleeved tech shirts
• Swat included a bag, beer glass and discount coupons.
• Enthusiastic volunteers.
• Friends cheering you on at the finish line.
• Instant race results.
• Nice medal provided to all runners.
• Adequate number of water stops.
• Perfect weather.
• Pretty scenery.
• Plenty of parking.
• 4 miles from our VRBO.

Negatives:

• HILLS (especially the one at the end).
• Most of my friends decided not to race.
• No photos.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

All in all, I was happy with my results.  My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger. Actually, it was my fastest Half marathon this year (and the most challenging.).

Next Up:

two 5ks

Happy Running! Have you run a fall race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

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

 

In 2021 when most of the local races either cancelled or went virtual, Albany Running Exchange (ARE) began scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races.

That March, I ran their 5 mile race and then in May a point-to-point 10 miler.  The courses were along the Mohawk River and the bike path, mostly flat or downhill and in Schenectady, NY. (Both these races are now part of their regular schedule.)

In September of 2021 and again in 2022, 2023 and 2024, another organization (NARK) offered a half marathon (Run 4 the River) on a similar course.  Of course, I signed up (and convinced some friends to join me.)

And I signed up for the 5th annual Run 4 the River Half Marathon for several reasons:

• It was local and I could sleep in my own bed the night before.
• It was local so I would know a lot of the runners.
• I was familiar with most of the course as I had already run this half marathon FOUR times.
• I convinced a friend to run it too.
• My other running friends could meet me after their long run at Frog Alley.
• It was advertised as having a Net Downhill Course and FREE BEER, Food, and LIVE MUSIC

Honestly, this year, I mainly decided to run this race because I hadn’t run a half since April and I wanted to stay in running shape for our group race-cation in October (Lake Placid Half Marathon).

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a half marathon training plan. I usually complete three short runs during the work week. However this time, with ankle issues, vacation, being on Prednisone for 5 days (and not being allowed to run) did complicate things. I only got one short slow run done race week. And even the weeks prior, the runs were spotty.

And on the weekends, I always try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have the company of several running friends. Due to the extreme heat and humidity this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk/run intervals.  It really helped me get through the long runs (even though we switched to 60:60 for most of them.)

Though I did complete several 5ks on the weekends, I managed to get most of my long runs done – 10, 11, 8, 11 milers (but no 12 miler this cycle 😦  )

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Since it was a point-to-point race, the logistics were complicated. Either you parked at the start and got a ride back to your car after the race or you parked at the finish and got a ride to the start (or paid for the shuttle).

Barb and I were the only ones racing so we decided to carpool to the start.

On Friday, I picked up our bibs.

As always, I carb loaded on pizza the night before. Then I debated about what to wear the next day.

It was supposed to be cooler than my previous long runs. But still in the 60s by noon and sunny.

In the end, I wore my usual race outfit of skirt, top tank, cap, compression calf sleeves.  I added a throw away and DIY arm sleeves in case it was cool at the start.

Race Day:

As it did the previous four years, the race started at 8:00 am at Mabee Farms in Rotterdam. The race again ended at Frog Alley Brewing near Schenectady Community College (SCCC). The first year,  it ended right at the college.

So I got up around 5:15 am on Saturday morning (after a sleepless  itchy night) and was on the road by 6:15 to meet Barbara.

Some of our other friends (who were not running the race) would have parked their cars near the finish so I knew that Barbara & I could get a ride back.

When we arrived at Mabee Farms, there was plenty of parking in a grassy lot.

We were early so I had time to chat with other runners…

 and use the restrooms. We also knew that in addition to porta-potties, there would be REAL restrooms (always a great perk.)

I checked a bag with a dry shirt and my Oofos for after the race and then I ate half a Honey Stinger Waffle (since it was already hours since my breakfast).

And then we waited in Barbara’s warm car…

Finally, it was time to head to the start.

The race started promptly at 8:00 am. There were no waves or corrals… They called out finish times asking the faster runners to line up first.

As I mentioned the Lake Placid Half Marathon was my focus this fall so my goal for this race was to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

All my long runs have been done slowly and with walk intervals. I discovered during my last race (which was a 5k) that it didn’t exactly make me slower (or maybe it did?) but I found it hard to run for more than a minute or two without walking… I used to be able to run 1-2 miles straight (not that it matters…)

Miles 1-3:

As I already mentioned, the race began near Mabee Farms Historical site. The first mile headed west, mostly on Route 5S. We ran along the road and fairly soon connected with the Erie Canal Bike Path.

I was determined this year to start out slower so I would not die at the end. (Spoiler alert: I did but I still died.)

Although many of friends use run/walk intervals, I would do what I normally do: run and then walk whenever tired.

I managed to run the first mile but by mile 1.5 I needed to walk. That need continued each mile and the number of times I needed to walk increased as the race progressed (Ugh!)

To make matters worse, I was very itchy when I started running and had to remind myself not to scratch my rash the entire race.

The weather was great. I rolled down my arm sleeves almost immediately and eventually took them off completely. (If it weren’t for the rash, I would have worn a tank and been compfortable.)

The canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views. Around mile 1.7, I spotted my running friend Heidi who was volunteering.

The scenery was pretty. The Mohawk River changed to being on the left eventually.

The first official water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S. I  stopped but waited on my Gu until mile 4.

Miles 4-6

Barbara was behind me (since I started out too fast) but eventually (not sure when), she passed me by.

I could see her in the distance. She was getting farther and farther ahead and eventually disappearing from view, as well.

I continued to walk at least once or twice each mile.  Running just felt HARD!

There was second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path. Again I stopped but held off on my 2nd Gu until mile 7.

And I continued to add additional walk breaks whenever there was a slight hill/incline.

Around this point, the crowd thinned out a lot and I was running mostly alone. In fact I felt alone for most of the race after mile 3.  Whenever a runner caught up to me, they then passed me.  I guess I was running pretty slow!!

Besides the water stop areas, there were few spectators due it being a bike path.

What I enjoy about races are the runners, the crowds, the energy.  Since there was none, I obviously was not having fun!!

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising, the sun was out but it was not bad. In fact, this may have been the best weather I’ve run in.

But unfortunately I really felt like I had zero energy to go on… I felt lightheaded and nauseous. I wanted to quit but I knew I would never.

If you are wondering about my feet (as I was wearing high heel drop Brooks for the first time), my neuroma was getting achy (but I could ignore that pain.) However, due to my ankle issues, I was wearing a compression sleeve. And it was getting tighter and tighter as the miles went on.  My toes kept feeling numb. (At least that took my mind off my itchy rash.)

Plan B: run 60-80 steps and then walk 20 steps. Repeat. Keep going no matter what.

There was another water stop was a little before mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again but decided to wait on my 3rd Gu until mile 10.  My neighbor caught up to me and complimented me on my outfit and then ran ahead (to never be seen again.)

Barbara was my beacon of hope and I could see her in the distance.  But she seemed to be walking too. Eventually I caught up to her and joined her on the struggle bus. We played leap frog for a while.

Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared. Maybe they weren’t big hills and I was just running out of gas. I tried to run up them but it was more like a slog. Though the course was advertised as flat and downhill, there were hills (not big ones) throughout. (Aren’t there always?)

Miles 11-13.1

The final water stop was a little before Mile 11 at MH Bike Path lot. I stopped again and willed myself to keep going with my run-walk strategy.

The race finish was the same as last year. We headed into the city of Schenectady.

I tried to pick up the pace and sprint through the finish line…

My friend Sherry who didn’t run the race was there cheering. It was sooo nice to see a familiar face.

This year, I remembered that you had to turn right to get to the finish line…

I was out of gas but at least it was downhill!!

Boy, was I glad to be done!! I grabbed my medal and went in search of my bag (so I could put on my Oofos and shed that compression  sleeve on my ankle)

Barbara finished right after me.

Post Race Activities:

I joined my non-racing friends Sherry and Heidi near the finish line. Heidi fetched Barbara & I a coke since we were not feeling great.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. at the restaurant where the race finished (the sponsor for the race).

It was crowded but fortunately we got a table. Rather than a boxed lunch (as the first year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food above. I chose the chicken. But I brought it home since I was not hungry.

I did take advantage of my free beer.

We stayed for a while listening to the band and chatting…about running, of course. I even bumped into a runner from CT whom we met last year at H2H.

I did check the results online and noticed that I finished 4th in my 70-99 year age group. It was the first time that I didn’t win an award at this race.

Additional Race Reflections:

Even with all my complaining above, I am glad that I ran the race. Much more fun than staying home and scratching. LOL

Yet I was disappointed. Not in my finish time. But in how unavoidable stuff disrupted my training. And how hard the last half of the race was. I should have started out slower but at the time, it didn’t feel like I was running too fast.  Perhaps I should do run-walk intervals from the start.

I guess I’ll have to run it again next year to get it right.

Positives:

• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Bag check.
• Real Restrooms.
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• Flatish course.
• Well organized.
• Friends supporting.
• A lot of pre-race information (though not as early as usual).
• Free Post-race food.
• Free Beer.
• Entertainment at the after party
• Cool medal.

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards.
• No photos of everyone.
• Porta-potties only at one water stop.
• Running alone for much of the race.
• The “Rash,” the ankle sleeve and other annoying factors.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I liked the course. It was well-organized. The after-race party was fun.

Final Stats:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace. And my foot pain probably slowed down my running pace too.  It just wasn’t my day!!

I finished this race in 2:20:57 in 2021, 2:20:53 in 2022, 2:19:21 in 2023, and last year in 2:31:30.  

But guess what? It was NOT a course PW and not a 2025 half marathon PW!!!!

(In hindsight, I am grateful that I completed the distance. IOW, never take that gift for granted!!)

Next Up:

 

 

 

 

 

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

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and tomorrow:

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

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

I ran the first annual one in 2019. Due to COVID, in 2020, I ran the race virtually and in 2021, however, I ran it on a completely different course (a hilly one). I ran it again on its current course in 2022 and then in 2023, I was recovering from a broken foot so I had to skip it and volunteered at the finish line instead. But then last year, I ran it one more time.

So I signed up for 2025 Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon as my 73rd Half Marathon for several reasons:

• FOMO. Many of my racing/running friends were doing it.
• It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
• I am familiar with the course. I run on it often.
• It’s a downhill course. (470 ft. elevation loss)
• It was part 2 of a 3 race challenge.
• I ran one just a month ago (so sorta trained.)

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on March 15 in Washington DC.

On weekdays, I tried to run 3x a week…sometimes it happened, sometimes it didn’t (and usually only 3 miles). This past week, I only ran twice since I had raced on Sunday.

And then on the weekends, I schedule my long run. This training cycle, I didn’t get the 10, 11 and 12 milers done that I had planned to do in order to prepare for this race.  Work, weather, work, weather, illness, etc…

I was counting on some muscle memory from the 13.1 miles that I completed 4 weeks prior.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Deb picked up my bib (and Barbara’s) on Friday at the race finish.

As usual I ate pizza for dinner.

I checked the weather and it looked lousy!! Snow… then rain.. and cold!

So what do I wear?

Similar to what I wore to the March 10k with an added throw away and rain poncho since the weather hasn’t improved much.

Race goals?

Also the same as usual. Finish happy with no injuries.  I have realized that having a time goal is difficult at my age. Having any expectations of a PR or even a course PR is unrealistic, as well.

That being said, since this race did not have the hills of DC or the heat of Florida, I was hoping to have a faster finish time than my last two half marathons … but again, anything can happen on race day.

Race Day:

Since I had run this race before, I was familiar with the start and finish logistics. But they still were tricky. There was a bus from the finish to the start (and no parking at the start). However this year, I knew when to get there and where to find nearby parking.  Over 2,000 runners had signed up for this race!!!

Well, I woke up to 35 degrees and SNOW!!

I kept my original race outfit added a throwaway jacket, rain poncho, extra pair of gloves, umbrella and dry clothes for after. I decided against bag check since we planned to park near the finish.

I met Barbara and Deb at 6:15am to carpool, We arrived around 6:30 am, found parking in the lot near the finish and then we walked to the bus.

There were so many busses and as soon as one was filled, it left.

We arrived around 7:15 am and the race did not start until 8:30. (A long time to wait when it’s miserable outside!)

There were so many familiar faces.. from former running groups, training groups, other races, etc.. All arriving and seeking shelter from the weather.

It was snowing and we were freezing!!

So we waited in a dugout (trying to stay dry).

Eventually, it was time to enter the start area. I ditched my umbrella, poncho, a pair of wet gloves and my throwaway jacket.

We entered near the back and waited (in a pool of mud!!)

Here are some posted pictures of the beginning of the race:

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

Course Map:

Miles 1-5:

The course started in the park and then we ran just over 2 miles on the roads of Voorheesville so runners could spread out before they got on the rail trail.

There were a few steep downhill sections but it was very crowded and slippery in places so this helped me not start out too fast.

From there, the course headed east for about 9 miles into Albany on the rail trail. If you read my blog, you may remember that this is a trail near my home and that I run on often. It was nice to only have to run on it one way…going downhill.  It was not steep and I was able to run at a comfortable pace.

The problem was that my lower back ached (from sitting at the computer ALL week?), I am used to only running for 90 seconds at a time and the snow was blowing into my eyes.

As per my plan, I walked at each water stop.  I think there were 2 in the first 3 miles. And after the first mile, I walked for a few seconds whenever I was tired.

There were clocks at each 5k (but that showed the time based on when the first runners started). However, my Garmin did notify me of my splits.  So I knew that I was running slow and in the comfortable 11ish per mile range.

My breakfast was at 5:15 am so I was getting pretty hungry.  Eventually around mile 4, I ate my first GU.

Although it was snowing/ sleeting, I was getting warm so I tied my jacket around my waist (it wasn’t waterproof anyway) and took off my wet gloves.

The great thing about a local race was the crowd support and volunteers.  Many called my name (since it was on my bib) and it was so welcome. I was surprised how many showed up in this weather!

Here are a few pictures from previous runs on this same trail when the weather was obviously nicer than today):

Miles 6-9:

So the race continued on this same trail.  The elevation felt a little steeper on this portion and my legs felt more and more tired.  Or should I say my quads were complaining from running downhill. Finally around mile 6 or 7, there was the water stop. I walked even longer than at previous ones.

At the 10k clock, it was obvious that I slowed but not much (since I had been running slow from the start).

What was nice about this race was that I knew so many of the runners.  They kept passing me by. Some just waved, others slowed and ran with me for a while. I also recognized some former work colleagues and some running friends who were not running the race and they cheered me on.

I wish that I hadn’t taken off my gloves because it seemed to be getting colder and the snow had changed to rain. (My hands were numb by the end of the race.)

I walked (too long) at the next water stop around mile 8 and ate my second GU.

More pictures from previous runs:

Believe or not, no blisters from those wet socks/shoes but by the 15k point, my neuroma started to throb and that continued until the end of the race. (At least I had almost 10 pain-free miles on that foot. LOL)

Miles 10-13.1

The rail trail finally ended and we were heading into Albany. This was my least favorite apart of the course – not scenic at all – running through the city (and not the nice part) and then along a busy road.

I was toast at this point. I just wanted to be done.

A few more water stops and longer walks. One last GU.

The clock at the 20k mark indicated that surprisingly I was still having a decent race (not PR decent but faster than my last two).

The last few miles seemed endless. It was no longer downhill. In fact going to the finish line was slightly uphill.

I walked a few more times and tried as best as I could to sprint through the finish.

I saw the clock ahead and I hoped to finish under 2:30…and I did!!

Post Race Activities:

I got my medal and some water.

Barbara had finished before me but she waited. It was too cold to take any pictures.

Pictures from last year (nicer weather. sigh!):

There was FREE Ice Cream and free beer. And a band playing music, food trucks, other info booths with freebies but we were FREEZING!

We just proceeded to the refreshments…

There was the usual food box for this race and chocolate milk.

Barb and I headed back to her car where she turned on the heat, I changed into dry clothes and we waited for Deb to finish.

Then we met other running friends for a celebratory brunch.

Final Stats:

Additional Race Reflections:

Well, again when you’re my age, you just have to show up.

My finish time was way faster than my previous two half marathons this year but this course was downhill and many PRs were earned. (FL- 2:39:25, DC -3:01:03). And it was slower than last year on this same course (2:21:44)…

In 2019, I wanted a sub 2:12 finish so I would qualify for the 2020 NYC Half Marathon. And I did!!

This year, I had no glorious expectations. I just wanted to finish. And I did!

As you can see from the stats above, my lack of training caught up to me after Mile 10 (or maybe it was my foot.)

I have confirmed that downhill races aren’t as easy as you may think. Rolling hills are actually easier on the body. (We runners are never satisfied.)

My quads were sore for a day or two. No injuries. So very happy!

The Good:

• Lots of race info emailed and on website including runner guide and spectator guide.
• Easy packet pick-up. Neat race-related items.
• Registration options – cheaper without a shirt or hoodie.
• Part of a 3 race challenge
• Free bus from the finish to the start.
• Many porta potties at the start. Long lines but they moved quickly
• Bag Check. Well organized before and easy pick up at the end
• Downhill course (except for first and last 2 miles)
• Water and Nuun stops.
• Decent crowd support
• Well marked course for each mile
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Very cool medal.
• Great post race refreshments
• Immediate electronic race results
• PR and Finish bell
• Free photos
• Nearby – no transportation or hotel costs.
• Support from friends

The Bad:

• The weather.
• The boring, unscenic last 2 miles.

The Ugly:

• Too cold to enjoy post race activities.
• Too much time waiting in the cold before he race.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. ARE did a fantastic job attending to every detail.  I may even do it again next year. The weather has to be better, right?

Next Up:

A few shorter races.

• Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k – April 26
• Tropicool 5k – May 4
• CDPHP Workforce Challenge (3.5 m) – May 15

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Have yu ever run a race in such weather as this? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY. We’ve also rented houses in New Hampshire (2x), Maine, Finger Lakes, Cape Cod and this October, it will be in Lake Placid.

However, this race-cation came about by accident. I was having a beer with a former co-worker and a runner that I recognized was seated at the next table.  She asked me what race I was training for and I replied: “NYC Marathon.”  She said that she wanted to get into the lottery for the NYC Half in March but if she didn’t she was considering the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half.  I replied: “Let me know because I’d never run in DC.”

To make a long story short, she didn’t get in and texted me that she (Gail) and two other runners (Val & Ginny) were going to run the DC race and asked if I would want to join them.  I, of course, said: “Sure” without even thinking.

A few weeks later, I mentioned this race to a friend (while volunteering for STEM) and she (Sue) said that her brother and sister lived there and she liked to go.  The more, the merrier I thought. And a local running buddy, Jenn, who had moved to the DC area, said that she planned to run it, as well.

Val, Ginny & Gail planned to take the train to DC & back.  That didn’t appeal to me at all since most of the weekend would be riding in the train. I mentioned this to Sue and she agreed with me and we booked airline tickets to DC.

So I signed up for the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC Half Marathon for several reasons:

• A race-cation.
• “New” friends would be racing with me.
• A New Race.
• A New City
• After the Feb. 15 HM in Florida, I’d be mostly trained already.
• Carpe Diem

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week. My weekday runs are often solo but lately I’ve convinced Deb to join me.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends.

For this race, however, I felt like I was just on recovery mode from my last half marathon due to the cold temps and winds.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I may have spent more time thinking and planning meet-ups than training. LOL.

Yes, I wanted to meet Coco for the first time and also see Deborah again as well. as, catch up with local friend Jenn.

Sue and I took an early fight on Friday and arrived without any snafus at DCA around 7:30 am.

We ubered to Georgetown and had breakfast with Coco. It was still early so we walked around the area.

Then we took the metro to the expo, got our bib/shirt and walked to our nearby hotel to check in. Of course, we had to start carb loading so we had pizza for lunch.

What does a runner do the day before a half marathon… walk 12 miles!!

Yup, since the weather forecast was iffy, we decided to see as much as the city as we could fit in.

We ended the day at a Mexican restaurant with my Sue’s nephews. I would have preferred Italian but I didn’t choose the restaurant.

Race Day:

As usual, I didn’t sleep well but had my standard race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee in my hotel room.

It was chilly but looked like it would warm up so I wore my usual race outfit and added a throw away.

We met the other three local runners in the lobby and we all walked to the race start (just following all the other runners…).

With about 15,000 runners, it was crowded but very organized.  We found bag check and I checked a jacket for Sue & I.

Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

So if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:30 and 2:45 but hey, it could be in 3 hours if my foot hurt or the hill killed me or I decided to walk it.

Miles 1-3: 

Though I was scheduled to start in corral 12 and Sue in 18, we all squeezed into Corral 15 and started running together.

It took us about 30 minutes to get to the start line.

It was crowded but Sue & I tried to stay with the others and run slow and enjoy the sights. We started on Constitution Ave passing the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

Then we ran over the Arlington Memorial Bridge and back along the Potomac.

Miles 3-6:

By mile 3, Sue and I were tiring and decided to let the others go ahead. Water stops were frequent enough and even if I wasn’t thirsty, I always stopped for water.  I had my first Gu around mile 4.

I took off my throw away and was going to toss it but I like it so I just tied it around my waist. My arm sleeves didn’t last long either. And I think I held my gloves in my hands the whole race. The temps was actually perfect. I never felt hot or cold throughout the race.

Sue & I continued together chatting and taking in the scenery.

She often told me to run ahead but I said that I wanted to run the whole race with her.

Miles 6-9:

Around this point, we running along Rock Creek and Potomac Pkwy. I found it hard to run at Sue’s pace so when I got ahead, I just stopped and waited for her at the next water stop.

I realized that since I was walking with Sue, I could for the first time ever take photos during a race.

Around mile 8 came to BIG hill.  I ate another Gu and we walked up it.

We were run/walking with a lot of the same runners.  Many were walking as we were.

Although there was one lady walking that kept walking faster than us.  We read the back of her shirt: 3x & a map of all 50 states.  It turns out that she was on her 3rd round of a half marathon in every state.  We chatted with her asking her about her favorite races.

She walked the whole race (at a pretty fast pace).  I told Sue that I wanted to beat her. LOL. (We did!!)

Miles  9-13.1:

We left Georgetown and passed by Howard University and headed back toward the National Mall….

Around mile 11, I lost Sue. So I just ran the rest of the race by myself.  I felt GREAT!!

It was amazing how much energy you could have at the end of a race if you run slowly (or walk a lot.)

 I ate my last Gu (I never ate any salt chews.)

You knew that you were getting close to the finish line when you saw the Capitol building in the distance.

Eventually we turned and ran toward it.

I tried to run as fast as I could!

Post Race Activities:

As soon as I crossed the finish line, I grabbed my medal and waited for Sue.

I grabbed some snacks but didn’t eat anything since we would be going out to lunch and then headed to bag check to get our jackets.

Our local friends had left since they were cold and my friend Jenn (and her fiancé) were waiting for us on our hotel.

After a quick shower, we enjoyed a delicious lunch with them.

One good thing about taking it slow in a race is that nothing is sore and you still have plenty of energy for the rest of the day’s activities. I think we walked about 10 more miles.

We finally caught up with our local friends for dinner and gelato.

Additional Race Reflections:

It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.

Of course, initially I may have wanted a faster finish time…

I am competitive but I realized quickly that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.

I felt great during and after the race.

Positives:

• Part of a 3 day race-cation with friends.
• Well-marked course.
• Easy packet pick-up.
• Tech shirts (gender specific)
• Lots of volunteers and crowd support
• Instant race results
• Nice medal provided to all runners.
• Adequate number of water stops.
• Lots of good music (heard American Pie twice)
• Age group awards
• Free beer and music after.
• Perfect weather
• Friends to share the race experience.
• A varied course…

Negatives:

• That hill in Rock Creek Park
• No pacers (at least I didn’t see any.)
• Disappointing expo.
• Expensive photos.
• Garbage truck blocked the view of the Capitol at the finish.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

But truthfully, I probably will not run any more Rock ‘n’ Roll races as they are overpriced IMO and there are many other races in the same city to choose from.

Final Stats:

All in all, I was happy with my results. Yes, it was the slowest half marathon I’ve ever done (by a lot). I think it was slower than my marathon pace.

My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.

It was my decision to stay with Sue and I don’t regret it.

And when I checked the age group results:

3rd place!?  They mail you your award. Cool.

Next Up:

Half Marathon #3 of 2025 and #73 lifetime. #6 for this one (but #4 on this course).

Happy Running! Have you run a 2025 big race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Been to DC? Do you like Rock ‘n’ Roll races? Please share.

 

 

 

 

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

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and tomorrow:

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