This was my 2nd time running this half marathon. I ran it in 2018 in the pouring rain… I definitely did not get to enjoy my post-race Coney Island experience.

So I signed up to run Brooklyn in 2023 for several reasons:

• I love NYC (and Brooklyn).
• I surprisingly got a guaranteed entry.
• My two local running buddies were running it too.
• We all ran a local half marathon a month before so we were sorta trained already.
• NYRR races are so well-organized.
• Who wouldn’t want to finish at the beach on Coney Island.
• It was on a Saturday so I would not have to take the next day off from work.
• I wanted to re-do this race after the wet one in 2018.
• I had to DNS on all my 2023 half marathons so I was super excited to give this one a try!!

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 April 15 November 20, 2022.  I broke my foot and had to DNS my half marathons in February, March and April.

Since March 20, I have completed easy SHORT weekday runs and a few longish runs on most weekends.

Though I don’t usually care much about my short runs, I usually like to get in a 10, 11 and 12 miler before each half marathon.

Thanks to support from my running friends, I used run/walk intervals and got those long runs done.

They were slow and they all felt very hard.

After the 12 miler, I went to Florida and skipped my long run in favor of a short easy run (in the heat/humidity.)

So I tapered with another SLOW (hard) 10 miler.

Obviously I was a little worried about my endurance. However, I didn’t expect to run the half marathon at a PR pace anyway. I was running it purely for the experience. I was very excited to be back out there racing.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

As I did for the NYC Half Marathon, I planned this race with my two local running friends Sherry and Stan.

Stan’s friend, Lisa, also decided to come along and support us even though she was not running the race.

We all took the train to Manhattan Friday morning. While on the train, I decided to use my app to check into our hotel.  Well, the reservations had disappeared!! What? So I called the hotel, they gave me some bogus stories about me cancelling my reservations. Long story short, it appears that the hotel had closed and they didn’t notify anyone. Luckily we were able to find another hotel (although it cost a lot more and  it wasn’t within walking distance of the race start).

Once we arrived in Manhattan, we took the subway to our new hotel, left our bags and started carb loading at a nearby restaurant.

After lunch, we took another subway to Pier 2 (near the Brooklyn Bridge) Pre-Race Party location to get our shirts and bibs.

I didn’t buy anything at the expo although I was tempted to buy another pair of Goodrs.

We took the prerequisite photos

and then headed back by subway to check into our hotel.

As you can tell by the photos, it was a beautiful day (perfect for a race… LOL).

After we checked into our hotel and unpacked, it was time to head out again (by subway) for dinner.

Stan had finished just after me followed by Sherry. We walked toward the exit to find them.

They both exceeded their time expectations and were cold, wet but happy, as well.

We quickly headed to the subway where we shivered for 16 stops before arriving at our hotel.

I took the longest HOT shower ever, changed into dry clothes and bandaged up my blood blister.  We were all starved and I hoped that Lisa had found a nearby restaurant for lunch.

Luckily the food was delicious because we walked several miles in a monsoon there and back.

Then we had to shop for Stan’s birthday celebration (more walking in the rain.)

Will this day ever end?

Nope, we hopped the subway and headed to Manhattan for an recovery/celebration Italian dinner…

It was sooo delicious (sorry no pix).

Finally back to Brooklyn for dessert and champagne.

My bed that night never felt so good.

Additional Race Reflections:

Though there were timing clocks at every mile during the race, they started when the elites of wave 1 started so I really wasn’t sure how I was doing.  I kept thinking that I was about an hour less than the displayed time.

So I was really pleased at my time. I thought I would finish much slower. I knew I would not come close to my 2018 time of 2:11:23 but secretly, I wanted to finish faster than 2:27.  That was the qualifying time for my new age group for the NYC Half, Brooklyn Half and NYC Full Marathon in 2024. (I may not run them all but it’s nice to have that option.)

Well, this was a bucket list race for me.  Since I couldn’t train hard, I was expecting to completely enjoy my experience, take lots of photos, hang out at the beach, etc.

All of this impossible in such miserable weather conditions.

But no, I don’t regret running the race.  I actually liked the course more than I thought I would.  The hills weren’t as bad as Central Park.  More than 25,000 excited runners. So much energy. NYRR puts on a first class event.

And running a race with friends made the experience even better.

The Good:

• Easy organized packet pick-up.
• Lots of information from sign up to race day
• The excitement and energy
• Prospect Park part of the course
• Ending on the board walk of Coney Island
• Hot Dogs and Beer at the Post-Race Party (even though I didn’t have any)
• Water & Gatorade Stops at every mile (many tables of cups and many enthusiastic volunteers)
• Crowd Support (even in the rain)
• Having friends to train with and spend the race weekend

The Bad:

• Running down Ocean Ave for so long was a little boring
• Pre-Race Party was disappointing – very few vendors
• Prospect Park Hills (since I didn’t train on hills)
• Slippery Boardwalk at the finish
• DOMS two days after.

The Ugly:

• The Weather!!
• That blister!

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Definitely.

And my finish time will give me a guaranteed-entry into this race for 2024.

Though I wish that I could wait to see the weather forecast before I sign up again.

Final Stats:

It was not my slowest half marathon. And as I mentioned above, it was faster than I expected (based on my long run pace).

I’m pretty sure than if I didn’t take 5 weeks off from running due to a broken foot and have to skip THREE half marathons, I would have run this race more confidently and had a better finish time.

But it is what it is and I am truly grateful to to able to race again.

I didn’t use run/walk intervals but I did stop and walk at EVERY water stop and the 2nd half of the race, I walked several times between water stops.

Next Up:

Happy Running!  Have you ever run this race or any NYRR races?  Do you prefer large races or small ones? Do you enjoy running in the rain? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).

I ran the first annual H2H half marathon in 2019. Due to COVID, in 2020, I ran the race virtually and in 2021, I ran it on a completely different course (a hilly one). Last year, it returned to its original course

So I signed up for 2023 Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon for several reasons:

• FOMO. Many of my 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)
• I was already sorta trained from my March 19 Half.
• It was part of a challenge with the Miles on the Mohawk race that I had also signed up for.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I broke my foot on Feb. 14 while on a vacation in Florida and I had to DNS TWO half marathons (Fort Lauderdale and NYC).

I casually started running again after a month but really started after my 5 week x-ray revealed the the fracture has fully healed.

I debated over and over again on what to do about this race:

• Transfer my bib and volunteer or spectate
• Walk 13.1 miles
• Run/Walk 13.1
• Go for it… Run it!

The complication with the transfer was that I registered for the Challenge and it included TWO races – this half and  a 10 miler on May 28. So I would be transferring both.

So I contacted the Race Director and they said that they would be able to separate the registrations.

I had started running short and slow distances and gradually increased my weekend runs from 4 to 6 to 8 miles Using run/walk intervals).

Could I run 13.1 miles???

Ultimately, pride aside, I opted to skip the race, not risk injury and concentrate on being prepared for my May 20 half marathon.

And my running friend Barbara bought my registration to this race but I kept the one for the May 28 Miles On The Mohawk 10 miler (for now.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

So before my injury, I was hoping that again this race would be my fastest of the year.

Today, I could just watch.

Several of my friends were running this race so I decided to volunteer to help in the finish area.

Race Day:

Since I had run this race before, I was familiar with the start and finish logistics.

Course Map:

My assignment was to help set-up at the finish line which was at Jennings Landing in Albany (along the Hudson.)

I arrived around 8:15 am and got a great spot in the parking lot by the boat launch and walked to the finish.

My first job was to help unload the bus with the checked bags.

I wanted to hang around and wait for runners to finish.

So I had also volunteered to hand out medals to the finishers.

I was fortunate to see the winners…

and of course, I got to see so many of my local running friends.

Soon some other friends who were course marshals joined me.

And we anxiously awaited our friends Sherry and Stan,.

They finally did and I was able to give them their medals.

And then we headed to get our boxed lunches (but skipped the beer tent.)

Post Race Activities:

And since it was Saturday I met my running friends for our usual brunch date.

And on Sunday, I ran 10 miles and 5 with my friend Barbara who ran this race virtually…

Additional Race Reflections:

The temps were warmer than usual for this time of year.  I think I made the right decision not to run the race.

We’ll never know.

Hopefully, next year, I will be healthy enough to train for the race.

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
• Free bus from the finish to the start.
• Many porta potties at the start and finish.
• 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.
• GU available at several water stops (even salted caramel)
• Great crowd support
• Well marked course for each mile
• Clocks at 5k, 10k, 15k, 20k
• Very cool medal.
• Great post race refreshments (boxed lunch)
• Immediate electronic race results
• PR bell
• Free photos
• Nearby – no transportation or hotel costs.
• Support from friends

The Bad:

• The boring, unscenic last 2 miles.
• Fat-free chocolate milk (I deserve the real thing after 13.1 miles)
• This year, it was very warm!!

The Ugly:

• Not being able to run the race (due to recent injury (broken foot)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes. ARE did a fantastic job attending to every detail.  I hope actually race it again next year.

Next Up:

and finally:

Happy Running!  Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Ever do a half marathon not properly trained? Do you volunteer often at races? 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.

The past two Octobers, my friends and I rented a house for 3 nights in Hampton Beach, NH and ran a half marathon (among other fun shenanigans.)

This year, the house that we rented was located in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

So I signed up for the Maine Half Marathon (in Portland) as my 61th Half Marathon (54th if you don’t count the 2020 virtuals) for several reasons:

• A race-cation.
• Nine of my friends would be running/supporting the race.
• Running along the ocean.
• There was a marathon and marathon relay option.
• Lobstah rolls to eat and lighthouses to visit…

Surprisingly, I was also named as an Ambassador for this race.

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 3 miles several times during the work week. My weekday runs are sometimes solo and sometimes not.  The last one was unplanned. I just needed to try out new shoes.

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. However, some shorter races did interrupt my mileage (as shown below).

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My taper consisted of a 5k race + several easy runs (as mentioned above). I did schedule two rest days before the race. Perfect, right?

We carpooled and left for Maine on Saturday morning with a stop for a delicious lunch (in Hampton NH)

before checking into our AirBnB in Old Orchard Beach, ME.

After we all picked our rooms, we headed to the expo in Portland (held in the gym of U of So. Maine).

We were in and out in no time… not much interesting to buy. We just picked up our bibs and shirts (in addition to a shopping bag and a Dunkin Donuts gift card).

while our cheerleaders made signs.

and then we explored the race logistics (i.e. where to park on race morning).

By the time were were done, it was time for an early dinner. We parked in the waterfront area and had pizza (of course).

Coincidentally, two bloggers were also in Portland and we coordinated a very quick meet-up.

Finally we headed home, #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.) But if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:15 and 2:30.

Actually, even more important would be to run a smarter and less painful race than my last half marathon four weeks prior. Slower the first half so that I can enjoy the second of the race… (Spoiler alert: it didn’t really happen.)

Video of the course: http://viewtherace.com/maine/maine-half-marathon

The race was advertised as follows:

The half marathon takes place alongside the Maine Marathon. Enjoy the Back Cove, views of Casco Bay and fall foliage along the out-and-back route. All three races are together for the first 6.5 miles before the half marathon heads back to Portland. The courses features a mixture of rolling hills and flat sections, but start and finish with two flat miles along Baxter Boulevard. (dirt path detour due to construction.)

The half marathon course is well supported with water stops with Gatorade (lemon-lime Endurance Formula) located approximately every two miles. 

according to my Garmin (after the race)

One of my friends was running the 6 am early start marathon. Four Three of my friends were running the marathon relay and then three of us were running the half marathon.  Both races started at 7:45 am. Two others (as pictured above) were cheering us all on.

As you can imagine, coordinating the race logistics would be quite challenging.

To complicate things further, one of my friends had to leave before the race due to a death in the family. That meant that one of the relay runners had to run two legs rather than one (and change the leg that she originally planned to run.) Oy!

It did get sorted out and we all left for the race.  It wasn’t far but what we didn’t consider that there would be so much traffic.

We planned to park in the parking garage (as we did for the expo) but my car (the half marathoners and relay runner #1) wound up taking a detour and parking (maybe illegally) in a bank parking lot near the start.

We ran to bag check to get rid of a bag with warmer clothes for after the race.

Then we headed to the start line. (Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to coordinate meeting Deborah.)

My memory is a little vague but here’s how I remember it:

Miles 1-3:

Bag pipes played to begin the race.  I lined up with my friends at the over 11 minute mile sign.  Since it was chip-timed, I really didn’t care where I started.

I was cold so I kept on my gloves and throw-away jacket. The course started at Back Cove and we ran along a path that circled Casco Bay. Though it was very windy, the temps were perfect for running.

We almost immediately had to detour due to construction onto a dirt path.  It was so much narrower than the road we started on that we came to a complete stand still.

But I enjoyed the scenery and the dirt felt softer on my feet. I was happy so far.

The wind seemed to stop and I threw away my jacket.  The temps couldn’t be more perfect.

I was determined NOT to start out as fast as my last half marathon so I walked a bit at the mile 1 sign and then again at the water stop around mile 2.

Eventually we ran over the Martin Point Bridge which was the beginning of the rolling hills that continued throughout the race.

There were pacers and I was ahead of the 2:15 runner until the second half of the race.

Miles 4-6

There were so many water stops during this race.. It seemed to be one almost every mile. I stopped at most of them to walk and ate my first GU at mile 4.

As you can see from the map, we ran inland for a bit but still the scenery was so pretty. And it warmed up enough to get rid of my gloves. And then the sun came out (glad to have those Goodrs.)

I unsuccessfully tried to spot my friend at the first relay exchange.

And around mile 6, we encountered the steepest hill.  As per usual, I walked/ran up ALL the hills. It has always worked for me and has enabled to run faster on the flat sections.

All the music especially the drummers helped me to forget about hills and enjoy my run.

Miles 7-9

Finally we got to the turn around..  This was a relief knowing that I was heading back. It also gave me to the opportunity to see any of my friends who were behind me.

The 2:15 passed me and I never saw her again.  But I never saw the 2:30 pacer so that was good news.

The monster hill turned into a downhill so I picked up some speed.

I was hoping that my new shoes would be miracle workers and I would have zero pain. Unfortunately that was not the case.  My lower back started to and continued to ache. My right bunion and left neuroma hurt on and off until the end of the race.

I don’t regret wearing new shoes since my feet didn’t hurt worse (and the pain disappeared as soon as I finished running.)

I continued to walk when necessary, especially at the water stops.  I ate a 2nd Gu around mile 8.

I was surprised at how much crowd support there was and volunteers supporting all the water stops.

Miles 10-13.1

The course was repeating itself with just a few changes. Instead of along the water, we ran through Payson Park.

It was still beautiful.. The sun was out and I was even getting warm. I rolled down my arm sleeves and covered my Garmin. I wasn’t concerned one bit about my finish time. I was so ready to be done!

One last Gu for this road so that I wouldn’t feel dizzy after the race (It worked, I think.)

Of course, it seemed like forever until I saw the finish line. But when I did, I sprinted (even though my legs started to cramp… OUCH!)

I crossed at 2:18:XX and I was very happy!!  And it was an awesome feeling to hear my friends cheering me on.

Post Race Activities:

After I got my medal and foil sheet, I went and got my bag since I was quite cold.

I also grabbed some snacks. There were cups of cookies, bars, fruit, chocolate milk, etc. Then I headed to the finish line to wait for the two other half marathoners.  I also found our Relay leg #1 runner.

As I mentioned, it was very windy and cold in the finish line area. I was glad that you didn’t feel the wind on the course. We had quite a wait ahead of us so Sherry and I went to find the food trucks.  Instead of using our $3 coupon, we ordered hot chocolate but they ran out and we had to settle for coffee (that we waited 1/2 hour for)

Soon our Relay leg #2 runner finished and we all found a spot in the sun to wait and nervously track Deirdre, our marathoner. I finally was getting hungry and ate several slices of pizza among some other snacks..

It was not an easy course and especially the 2nd 13 miles but she finished and we were all crying happy tears.

While Deirdre was recovering, we tried to figure out when our last relay runner (who ran legs 3 & 4) would be finishing.

We timed it perfectly so that the other two relay runners could join her and cross the finish line holding hands.

I think I enjoyed cheering in our friends as much as running the race.

Some of us took advantage of the free massages provided (I did not but should have…)

Eventually we all headed home to relax, debrief,

shower and then head out to a celebratory meal (in walking distance from our house.)

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.

During the first half of the race, PR thoughts always run through my head.. but I knew that I had NOT trained well enough for that and just focused on finishing the race healthy.  I may never be that fast again…but the good news is that my finish time was was over 2 minutes faster than my last half marathon (and a more challenging course.)

There’s still hope for this old broad.

More importantly, I felt fine the next day and ran Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat without any after effects.

Positives:

• Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
• Bay and Ocean views.
• Easy Packet pick-up
• Nice gender-specific long sleeved tech shirts
• Post race refreshments – pizza, snacks
• Food coupon for $3 for the food trucks and coupon for two free beers (though we used neither)
• Crowd support along the course.
• Friends cheering you on at the finish line
• Music along the course (including bag pipes and drums)
• Varied route – bridge, water route, neighborhoods
• Pacers
• Free Photos
• Instant race results
• Great swag for AG awards (pottery)
• Nice medal provided to all runners.
• Abundant water stops and porta-potties
• Free massages offered.
• Perfect weather
• Plenty of free parking (lots and parking garage)

Negatives:

• The course was long
• Some early start marathoners went off course
• Relay logistics were poorly managed
• Cold and windy in the start/finish area

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace. I already mentioned that things usually go downhill for me after mile 7…

My legs were more crampy after the race than usual. I attribute that to running those two 5ks and skipping those long runs (but sometimes fun trumps finish times). But it could have been that it was colder than I’m used to.

No award… I’m still in that age group where many runners are still very FAST.

All in all, I was happy with my results,

Next Up:

two 5ks …

followed by a 15k and another half marathon in November.

 

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

In 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.

In September, another organization (NARK) offered a half marathon on a similar course.  Of course, I signed up (and convinced some friends to join me.)

Again this year, I ran the same March and May ARE races on that Mohawk River course.

And I signed up for the 2nd annual Run 4 The River Half Marathon as my 60th Half Marathon (53rd if you don’t count the virtuals) 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 it was similar to the 10 miler that I ran in May and I had already run this half marathon last year.
• I convinced some friends to run it too.
• It was advertised as having a Net Downhill Course and FREE BEER, Food, and LIVE MUSIC
• I could run it as a training run for my October half marathon.

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 3 miles several times during the work week.

And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have company of several running friends.  Due to the extreme heat this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk intervals.  It really helped me get the long runs done.

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 pay for the shuttle).

My preference was to park at the finish (even though that meant getting up earlier) and tried to coordinate my plan with friends.

My running friend picked up my bib so that saved me time (and gas.)

I carb loaded on the usual pizza and debated about what to wear the next day.

It was supposed to be little cooler and less humid than any of my previous races. But still warm and in the 80s by afternoon. (Wish they had kept the earlier start time!!!!)

Race Day:

As it did last year, the race started near Mabee Farms. This year, start time was 8:00, a half hour later than last year and ended at Frog Alley Brewing near Schenectady Community College (SCCC).  Last year it ended right at the college (where we parked our cars.).

So I got up around 4:45 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 5:45 to meet Barbara and then drive to race parking.

We met everyone at 6:30 at SCCC. My friend Deb offered to drive me and the others (Barbara, Sherry, Deirdre, Kevin) to the start if someone would drive her back to her car after. (Quite a squeeze for 4 in the back seat.)

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

We were very early so we had time to walk around and sightsee.

It was a little chilly but the barn was locked this year so we waited outside.

We also knew that in addition to porta-potties, there were REAL restrooms (always a great perk.)

Finally, it was time to head to the start.

So we parted with our jackets and checked them at Bag Check (along with a dry shirt and my Oofos) I planned to eat a Honey Stinger Waffle (since it was already hours since my breakfast) but I forgot. Oops.

The race started at 8:00 am. There were no waves or corrals… They did ask the faster runners to line up first.

Sorry to be a broken record about not training well. But it was summer and my goal for races these days is FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

All my long runs were done slowly and with short intervals. I found out during my last race that it didn’t exactly make me slower (or maybe it did?) but I found it hard to run for more than a minute 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 Farm 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.

In other words, the canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

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

The first water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was my first walk break.  I decided to wait on my Gu. I ran most of the beginning miles with Karen and Alyssa and behind my faster neighbor. We chatted back n forth.

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. But I was feeling pretty strong. Until I wasn’t.  Karen and Alyssa eventually ran ahead. As did my neighbor.

Around mile 4, I finally got hungry so I stopped to eat my Gu (trying to eat and run slowly) and walked again at the second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path.

Around this point, the crowd thinned out and I was running mostly alone and my lower back started to ache…

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising but not too bad. I was glad to have worn a tank and skirt.

I realized too late that I was NOT strong enough to run without walk intervals and so the second half the race, I ran/walked… not timed but just whenever I felt like it… and I felt like it a lot!!

Plus, now both my feet started to hurt. Bunion? Neuroma? Stress fracture? As these thoughts ran through my head, I ran slower and walked more.

The third water stop was a little before mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again and then ate another Gu. This time longer.

Around mile 9, some annoying hills appeared. Maybe there weren’t big hills and I was just getting tired. 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 but skipped my last Gu.

My friend Barbara who ran/walked most of the race actually caught up to me. And she looked way less spent than I did (Intervals are the way to go!)

The race finish was different than last year, instead of heading from the bike path into the college parking lot, we headed into the city of Schenectady.

I tried to pick up the pace and sprint through the finish line… My friends who didn’t run the race were there cheering.  It was sooo nice to see familiar faces.

Well, I thought the finish line was straight ahead but instead you had to turn right…

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

Boy was I glad to be done!! I grabbed my medal and headed to bag check to put on my Oofos.

Post Race Activities:

I felt a little light headed so I ate my last Gu and I felt better.

I joined my friends near the finish line to cheer in the others who had not finished yet.  Everyone was happy with their race results.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. at a restaurant nearby (pictured above), the sponsor for the race.

It was crowded but fortunately we got a table. Rather than a boxed lunch (as last year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food below.

We stayed for several hours listening to the band and chatting…about running, of course.

Additional Race Reflections:

Of course, I am glad I ran the race.  I was disappointed with  the pain and how I ran the race.  I guess I need to accept that my endurance is not what it used to be. Maybe walk intervals are the answer.

Positives:

• Ample parking at the start and finish.
• Real restrooms at Mabee Farm
• Bag check
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views
• Shuttle to the start (if needed).
• Flatish course.
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Free Post-race food.
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards.
• No photos.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. I liked the course. It was well-organized.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace the second half of the race. I finished the first half in 1:04!!

Though my time was similar to last year, I ran a much better race then. I ran slower the first half so as a result it was much less painful.

I was NOT expecting a PR and my time was what I expected. I jokingly said that I wanted to finish at 2:22:22!

I need to be realistic…maybe those faster half marathon paces will not happen again. (But hey, I’m not giving up…)

I didn’t realize until I got home that I had won an age group award.  Huge surprise!!

Luckily my neighbor trains with the race director and she picked up my award several days later.

Next Up:

Two 5ks

and another Half Marathon.