It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever (since February 2019, I believe).

So this year, I did run the Publix Florida Half Marathon as my 55th Half Marathon for these reasons:

• A warmer weather race-cation opportunity.
• I had a enough frequent flier miles for a free flight.
• I had enough points for the night before in a hotel.
• It was advertised as a scenic course with ocean views.
• I had run this race before in the POURING RAIN. I wanted a re-do.
• I had four friends that lived nearby (for the winter.)
• When I originally planned to run it in 2020, my SIL & niece lived here (and I would stay with them).
• I had gotten BOTH of my COVID vaccines and the booster so I felt safe (even in Florida).

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 three weeks prior, a cold hilly one, in NYC.

As with all my half marathon training, I did not really care about my week day runs. They were usually 3 easy miles.

However, I do try to do longer runs on the weekend. I did manage ALL year to run 8-10 miles every weekend.  But with the change in my NYC half marathons, I had run one three weeks earlier.  So I just recovered and then tapered.

Adjustment from freezing temps to humid Florida temps would most likely be my biggest issue.

Though I did feel somewhat prepared to run 13.1 miles, my goal for this half marathon was still to just finish and to ENJOY RUNNING A RACE with warm temps and ocean views!!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Although the half marathon was scheduled for Sunday morning, I arrived (with no flight drama) in West Palm Beach on Thursday afternoon. I rented a car there and drove Delray Beach where I spent the next two days staying with a friend.

I got to hang out with several friends while visiting the beaches, gardens, bird/turtle/fish sanctuaries and outdoor restaurants. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

On Saturday afternoon, I left Delray and headed up to Palm Bay (3 hours away). I stopped at a favorite garden in Vero Beach on the way.

After checking into my hotel, I headed to the expo in Melbourne to pick up my race packet and figure out the parking logistics for the next morning. Th expo was quite small but you could buy essentials and pick up freebies.  This year, you did not get a race shirt unless you paid extra.  They were long sleeves and gender-specific but still I did not need another shirt.

It was still early so I stopped on my way back to the hotel and visited a nearby nature preserve.

For dinner, I ate my usual pre-race pizza.

And I headed back to my hotel in time to organize my usual race outfit (tank, skirt, cap) and hit the sack earlyish.

There’s always a chance for RAIN in Florida.  Fingers crossed that it would not happen until after my race if at all (although the forecast indicated otherwise.)

Race Day:

I brought my oatmeal and coffee from home with me and got up around 4:00 am to get ready and have breakfast in my hotel room.

I left early to make sure I got parking close to race start/finish area. (There was a parking garage but it was quite a hike).

And yes, it was raining.  I did find a spot in a nearby lot and stayed in my car for awhile to stay dry.

Eventually I did venture out to use the rest rooms.  There were multiple canopies to wait under

in addition to inside the building where the expo was. Here there was also bag check.  I did check my Oofos, a jacket and umbrella for after the race.

The marathon started at 6:30. am, then the half marathon at 6:40 followed by the 5k and 10k at 7:00 am.

We were soon told to line up with the pacers.  I reluctantly took off my rain poncho and throw-away.  It had been pouring but now it was just a welcome drizzle.

I started with the 2:15 pacer but knew that I would move up and then back down (And I was right.)

Elevation:

I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)

My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at EVERY water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU around every 4 miles.  I planned to walk whenever necessary and NOT RACE it. I was obviously not acclimated to the weather.

Around mile 4, I took my first Gu and then at mile 5.5 we hit the first causeway (Eau Gallie Causeway) and DAMN, in addition to being long and steep, the wind picked up and we were running into the wind (of course).  I ran and walked. I wanted to save my legs for the rest of the race. I was looking forward to passing the guy playing the baby grand as in all the past race photos.

Miles 6-10:

Yes I tried to look happy for the photographer but we were running UP over that bridge.

Going down was fun, though.

For awhile, we ran by some crazy, gorgeous homes that were right along the water. I was surprised at how many spectators were cheering along the course, even in the rain.

I continued to slow down as the miles wore on but I only walked at the water stops.  I ate my second GU around mile 8.

Miles 10-13.17:

I was slowly losing the 2:10 pacer, then the 2:15 one but still held on to not being passed by the 2:20 pacer.

In spite of the weather, there was a lot of music along the course – either digital music played through speakers, or drive-by tunes from motorcycles as well as many live musicians playing under canopies.

I admit that at this point, it was getting hard.  Nothing hurt but I was losing steam.  I kept pace with a woman doing intervals for a while. I got ahead when she walked and then she passed me when she ran. We kept cheering each other on.

I took one last gel around mile 12 – a honey stinger… blech!!

Then at mile 12.5 (how cruel), we hit the 2nd causeway – the Melbourne Causeway. It seemed like an eternity until we reached the top.

Fortunately what goes up, must come down.

Not as much fun as the first bridge due to cramping legs.

And there went the 2:20 pacer.  Not that it mattered but there were no clocks on the course, only mile markers. (I never looked at my watch until after the race.)

Finally we headed toward the finish line and I dragged my cramping legs as across it as fast as I could.

I crossed at 2:20:XX. Injury-free and smiling!

Mission accomplished.

Post Race Activities

I was immediately handed the finisher medal. The food table had bananas, tangerines, donut holes.  I ate a banana which seemed to alleviate the cramps.  I ate a few donut holes, as well.

It was raining pretty hard now so I made a beeline for bag check to get my umbrella and change out of my wet shoes.

Frank Shorter was waiting to give out awards.  I scanned my bib and as expected, I did not win one so I walked to my car and headed back to the hotel.

I felt pretty good after a hot shower.  I quickly dismissed any negative thoughts about the race and focused on the rest of my vacation,

On the way back to Boca Raton, I stopped off to visit an old friend who lived in Jensen Beach.  We had lunch together.

Afterward, I drove to my final destination, my college roommate’s home. She winters in Fla (and lives on LI the rest of the year.)  She kindly invited me to stay with her for two nights.

The rest of my race-cation included a trip to Miami to see South Beach, Immersive Monet exhibit, Wynwood Walls and Little Havana.

and finally a run with fellow blogger, Jenny.

Additional Race Reflections:

The Good:

• Easy packet pick-up.
• Small expo
• Sufficient number of port-a-potties at start/finish and along the course
• Real restrooms at the start/finish
• Bag Check
• Beautiful course. Water views throughout.
• Water stops at every mile (with Gatorade, gels, tangerines, pickle juice)
• Friendly staff, participants, volunteers, residents.
• Pacers.
• Walker friendly – 6 hour time limit for the half marathon.
• Several distance options – full, half, 10k and 5k
• Legendary Frank Shorter was there handing out awards (and he ran the 5k)
• Big coconut themed medals (recycled metals)
• Free Photos
• Race Hats with the Coconut Themed Logo to all runners
• Music played throughout the course
• Brews courtesy of Florida Beer to runners

The Bad:

• No shirts – purchased separately (maybe that’s a good?)
• Bridge crossing at mile 12.5!
• I had no friends running this with me.
• My SIL no longer lived here (a long drive from where I was staying).
• the RAIN (felt good but limited the entertainment and post race festivities)

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

It was super well-organized.  The course was beautiful. And if the sun comes out, it will be even better.

Final Stats:

Splits:

I am so proud that my body can run even when the conditions are not optimal.

A far cry from my 2:06:52 PR in 2017 and my NYC qualifying time of 2:11:15 in 2019.

This old broad will just have to be content finishing upright from now on, I guess.  And three years after I ran this same course, I was only 26 seconds slower!!

Next Up:

 

 

 

---

My fifth and final half marathon for 2021.

I signed up for the Upstate Classic Half Marathon for several reasons:

• I had run the course twice before so I was familiar with the hills.
• 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 had run a half in September and October so I was sorta already trained.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. For 2020, I had the ambitious goal of running 12 Half Marathons – one each month. The pandemic wrecked those plans.  For 2021, it was just race whatever half marathons were available.  As a result, I was lucky to have already run FOUR this year.

The difference in the training cycle for the race this year was that I didn’t have to run all my long runs solo.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I did some short runs during the week prior to the race: Tues, Wed, Friday:

Packet pick up was easy peasy.  I just went to the race headquarters on Friday, drove in, gave them my bib # and they handed me a hoodie and a bib.  All was done outdoors.

I skipped my long run on Saturday and walked with friends and then after, I met those who ran for brunch.

My usual carb loading dinner was pizza, of course and then I tried to figure out what to wear.  It was forecast to be cold and cloudy. Similar to the weather in my last race but we would be at a higher altitude. I hate being overdressed (and was tempted to even wear a skirt) but I reluctantly chose a beanie, 2 long sleeved shirts, DIY arm sleeves, capris/skirt, compression calf sleeves and gloves.

My biggest dilemma was what to do about water.  I hate to carry my water bottle but there would be no cups of water provided on the course, only table to fill up your own bottle. In the end, I grabbed a paper cup, flattened it and put that in my pocket, as I have done in other post-COVID races.

Race Day:

I woke up early and looked outside and it was SNOWING!!  It did not stick but I re-thought the race outfit and switched from a skirt and compression socks to tights (under a skirt).

I had my usual pre-race breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. The race didn’t start until 8:30 am but I was ready so I left at 7am. I thought about my race plan on the ride …

So what was the plan???

• HM PR – 2:06:52 – no way!
• Last HM – 2:16:05 – doubtful!
• H2H April 2021 – 2:22:51 (same course)
• Upstate Classic Nov. 2020 – 2:23:37 (same course but no watch)

Just finish.  No time goal!! But I would love to have improved my time on this course (so under 2:22:51).

The course:

A loop starting and ending in the same location.

and not flat… at all:

I got there an hour early and parked in a muddy parking lot and then sat in my car.  It was in the low 30’s and I wanted to stay warm until the last moment especially since there was no bag check.

Around 8am, I dragged myself out of my warm car toward the race start.

Brrrrr! I shivered but I got to connect with many runners that I knew. I was especially glad to see Alyssa whom I used run and race with all the time.

There was no staggered starts this time.  They called runners to the start line by pace.  We waited until they said “Everyone else” since it was chip timed anyway.

Anyway, here’s how the race went:

(Some pictures are from a previous race since the course was identical.)

Miles 1-3:

I started running with Alyssa so we could chat and catch up on things. I was familiar with this course since this was my 3rd time but obviously since we were running on roads, there were cars. You were supposed to run on the shoulder but it was slanted and I found it awkward. So I ran toward the middle of the road until a car came by.  I was more comfortable that way. But the negative was not running the tangents. 😦

I lost Alyssa (whose asthma was bothering her) but continued to run with some other friends.  So far the hills weren’t too bad. I could even run up them.

Miles 3- 6.2:

I skipped the first water stop. I had a paper cup in my pocket but it was a pain to get it out and I wasn’t hungry or thirsty yet.

Around mile 4, we passed by Indian Ladder Farms and the smell of fresh cider donuts filled the air.

I started to get hungry about that time and ate a GU but boy was I wishing I had some water.

The rolling hills continued.

The hills ceased to roll and started to become steep hills.  Those type of hills where it was even hard to walk up them.  But walk I did and trying to pick up the pace on the downhill.

As soon as the big hills started, I lost my friends. And they continued to get farther and farther ahead.

I kept repeating to myself “Run your own race.” and “One foot in front of the other.”

Miles 6.2-8.75

Every now and then I would glance at my watch.  My pace was by no means fast but considering all the walking, it was not as bad as I feared.

The second water stop was around the 10k point and this time, I did stop and had my paper cup filled.

The big hills seems to more frequent the second half of the race.

Miles 8.75 – 11.1

It think there was another water stop around mile 8.75. I’m sure that I stopped and refilled my cup. I also ate another GU.  I never really felt hungry during the race but knew I should fuel.

The race continued the same way.  The amazing thing was that my feet did not hurt.  (I had decided for the first time not to tape them and to risk getting blisters.)  My quads were getting achy from all the hills.  It’s always something. So I focused on the scenery which was very pretty…farms, mountain views, etc.

The course marshals were very enthusiastic. I knew many of them.  There were some families camped out in their driveways.  But for the most part, we were running on the roads in the country… no place for spectators.

But surprisingly around mile 10.5, there was table of guys giving out bottles of water and alcohol.  It was one of our boating friends. He asked me if I was coming back around.  I yelled “Hell no!”  (This race had a marathon too…two loops of this insanely hilly course.)

Miles 11.1-13.3

More hills. They never seemed to end.  And one last water stop.  I just wanted to finish but I decided to fill my cup one last time.

Mile 13 seemed like a full marathon.   My legs just died. To make matters worse, there was one hill after another.  I walked most of this mile so that I could sprint across the finish line and not embarrass myself.

We were also running in a more trafficked area. It was annoying to keep moving over.

But eventually we turned into the fair grounds  And like that I was done.

I sprinted through the finish line and RD who was the announcer said a lot of cool things about me as I crossed the finish line.

Post Race Activities:

I immediately got my food – a boxed lunch but there was also a table of refreshments that looked more appealing – pastries, quiche, bread, etc.

That I went to see my results and found out that I came in 2nd in my age group.

Alyssa had also finished so we hung out at a picnic table and ate.  The sun had come out and it was a perfect Fall weather day.

Additional Race Reflections:

It seems that my recap above was a bunch of complaints.  But on the whole, the race was a really good experience. I have zero regrets in running it. And if you never run on hills, they are HARD. I walked them so I wouldn’t get injured. And I felt fine after the race.

In fact, my time was a lot better than I expected. In fact it was course PR – more than 3 minutes faster than in April on the same course.

It gives me hope that I could improve upon it on a flatter course. (It was more than 3 minutes slower than my last half marathon. lol)

The Good:

• A Live Race!!!
• Connecting with local runners.
• Felt safe with the provided restrictions.
• Decent post race food. (box lunch of pre-ordered sandwich, apple, brownie) and a table of other refreshments (quiche, bead, pastries)
• Well organized.
• Lots of pre-race information
• Easy packet pick up
• Ample parking
• Enthusiastic volunteers (even with the cold weather)
• Live tracking for others to follow runners and runners to get immediate results
• Free photos
• A live race!!!

The Bad:

• Hilly Course.
• No water provided (unless you carried your own bottle).
• Most of my running group did not participate.
• Not trained for hills or racing (my fault).
• Traffic during the last mile or so.

The Ugly:

• Nothing really

Final Stats:

Splits:

Would I recommend this race?

Sure.  Pretty scenery and the perks mentioned above. But TRAIN ON HILLS before you run it!!

Next Up:

A Thanksgiving 10K

A fun local 5k.

Then in February, I will be running a half marathon in Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

The plan was to run this race last October. My friends and I rented a house but the race was canceled. We decided to adapt the course and run it on own own.

So when the race was re-scheduled, we knew that we had to try again.

Though many races had been cancelled this year due to COVID, I managed to race three half marathons already: A1A Fort Lauderdale (Feb), Helderberg to Hudson (April) and Race 4 the River (Sept.)

So I signed up for the Smuttynose Half Marathon as my 52th Half Marathon (46th if you don’t count the 2020 virtuals) for several reasons:

• It was a ‘real” race.
• A race-cation.
• Eight of my friends would be running/supporting the race.
• Running along the ocean.
• Flat course.
• Smuttynose craft beer, lobstah rolls, clam chowdah, and live music at the finish line. Duh?

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. All my weekday runs are mostly group ones.

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 + a few more and then an short easy run on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.  That meant two rest days before the race. Perfect, right?

We carpooled and left for NH on Friday morning with a stop for lunch, then some jumping (and laughing) on the beach (why not?) and dinner out with a view of the ocean.

Jan and I woke up early on Saturday morning to catch the sunrise.  Then we all drove to Kennebunkport, ME to have lunch, and browse the shops before we returned to Hampton Beach, NH for packet pick-up.

We scored some matching shirts for $5 so back to beach we headed to see if our jumping could be improved. lol

We decided to pick up pizza for our carb loading and eat it by our fire pit.

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 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.) But I did hope (as I mentioned in a previous post) to finish one second faster than my last half marathon.

The race was advertised as follows:

With an elevation gain of only 60 feet, The Smuttynose Rockfest Half is the flattest, fastest and most scenic half marathon course in New England! The course begins with two thrilling loops around downtown Hampton Beach. It then heads north on Ocean Boulevard right along the beach and then turns inland for a loop on tree-lined roads before coming back out to the ocean at Mile 10. It finishes with a three-mile stretch along the beach, ending at the famous Sea Shell Stage for a well-deserved party! This course is very spectator friendly with great views of the runners at the Start, Mile 2, Mile 5, and at the Finish. All miles are marked with mile markers and all corners have at least one arrow. Race marshals and police will be stationed at any confusing corners.

We were asked to arrive at the start area between 6 and 6:30 am to avoid the traffic.  And they were right!!  We piled into one car and quickly found a spot in a nearby lot (the start was only about 5 min or 2.5 miles from our home.)

We hung out, chatted, used real restrooms and watched the sunrise. We got so lucky with the weather. It was PERFECT!! 50’s clouds/sun and a slight breeze.

The half marathon was scheduled to start at 8 am and the 5k at 8:40.

Soon it was time to head to start and line up by pace/finish times. We didn’t need to check a bag since two of our friends who were not racing held onto our throw-aways.

I lined up with Alyssa at the 2:10-2:20 finish time sign.  The others in our group moved farther back…

Miles 1-3:

We headed south to start our two “thrilling” loops.  I ran with Alyssa for a while but I knew that I needed to let her go ahead eventually since she was trying for a PR.

Although we started in a staggered fashion, it was very slow going and crowded for the first mile. I had to do a lot of weaving…but at least that kept my pace down.  Mile 1 was along the ocean and then mile 2 looped back to the start.  It was great to see our two cheerleaders there and I was able to throw them my DIY arm sleeves. I was perfectly dressed in my tank and skirt.  It was warm when the sun came out but heading south, we were treated to a nice breeze.

There was also a water stop toward the end of mile 2. I wasn’t really thirsty but stopped for a quick drink and a walk break.  Then we continued south again toward the bridge.

Miles 4-6

I forgot about the bridge… so I guess this was our first hill.  As bridges go, it wasn’t bad and the view was gorgeous. We were able as we crossed to see the speedy runners. I even spotted Jenn. At the end of the bridge was our second water stop. I ate my first GU here and walked a bit longer. Eventually mid-way during mile 5, we turned around and headed back.  This gave you the opportunity to see the slower runners and cheer them on.  I think we passed that same water stop.  I don’t remember if I stopped or not but probably I did.  We now followed the ocean route back toward the start.  I got to see for the 2nd time, our two race cheerleaders. Loved that!

Miles 7-9

For the next few miles, we were running along the ocean. It was visible at times but often not because of the high walls. There was another water stop around 7.5.  I think this was where that in addition to Gatorade and water, they handed out a gel.

Eventually around 8.5, we turned into the neighborhoods.  There was also another water stop before the turn and I ate my 2nd GU at this time.

The neighborhoods were a nice diversion but here came the HILLS!! It was very winding… six or seven turns.  Each one had a hill… the hills weren’t steep but at this point in the race, my legs protested and I walked a few times on the uphill.  Many homeowners were out in their driveways cheering us on. That was really nice!

Miles 10-13.1

Finally we left the neighborhoods and the hills and ran 3 miles along the ocean route toward the finish line.

This always where my pace dies….  The only thing that kept me going was the finish line and that the pain in my feet would end at that time (yes, my left neuroma ached the WHOLE race!!!)

The view along the ocean was exactly the same as before.  I loved being able to see the slower runners and even high five my friends as they went by.

There was one more water stop around mile 12.5.  I walked trying to gather up enough energy to reach the finish line.

It seemed like FOREVER but I finally heard cheers and caught sight of the clock. I sprinted, of course, and heard my friends yelling my name. For the first time EVER, my legs started cramping…OUCH!!

After I crossed, I was handed my medal and a bottle of water.  I immediately grabbed a banana and ate it.  That seemed to help with the cramps.

Post Race Activities:

We all waited at the finish line to cheer each of our friends in… and they all did great.

It was also cool that all you did was take a pic of the QR code on your bib to get your results and AG placement.

After everyone was done, we headed to the food tent and got our clam chowder and lobster roll. I was starved by this point.

Although we could have gotten two free beers, the line was too long and so we just headed home. I wanted to soak my achy feet in the cold water but it was just too far a walk in the sand.

Additional Race Reflections:

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

After 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 it was my fastest half since May 2019 (Sacandaga) and it was a 2020-21 PR (and almost 5 minutes faster than the last one).

Positives:

• A Real Race.
• Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
• Ocean views.
• Easy Packet pick-up
• Discounted shirts from previous years ($5)
• Post race refreshments – clam chowder, lobster roll, bananas, water, two beers
• Crowd support.
• Varied route – bridge, ocean route, neighborhood loop
• Free Photos
• Instant race results (scan QR code on bib)
• Great swag for AG awards
• Nice fleece and medal provided to all runners.
• Staggered start by pace.
• Adequate number of water stops
• Perfect weather
• Real bathrooms near start and finish
• Plenty of parking.
• Roads closed to traffic.

Negatives:

• Hills during Mile 8-10
• 10 year Age Groups
• Painful foot

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace the last few miles. I already mentioned that things usually go downhill for me after mile 10…

My legs were more tired after the race than usual. I attribute that to running those two 5ks and skipping those long runs (but sometimes fun trumps finish times).

I’m still in that age group where many runners are still very FAST (especially if it is 10 not 5 year age groups.)

All in all, I was happy with the results (things considered.)

Next Up:

a 5k …

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

 

With most of the local races either cancelled or virtual, Albany Running Exchange had been scheduling COVID Safety Plan approved races.  I completed a half marathon in November 2020 and in April 2021. Both of these races were held in hilly Altamont, NY.

In March I ran their five mile race and then in May a point-to-point 10 miler.  Although the weather did not cooperate, the course was along the river and the bike path, mostly flat or downhill and in Schenectady, NY.

So I signed up for the Race 4 The River Half Marathon as my 51th Half Marathon (45th if you don’t count the 2020 virtuals) for several reasons:

• It was a ‘real” race.
• 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 than I ran in May.
• I convinced some friends to run it too.
• It was advertised as having a Net Downhill Course and FREE BEER, Food, and LIVE MUSIC

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. All my weekday runs are mostly group ones.

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 I mention below).

The logistics were also complicated for this race. 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.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Usually on the weekends, I do run 10 miles. But this month I skipped a few in favor of a vacation and racing.  It’s amazing how quickly the endurance that you built up leaves.

I picked up my race packet Friday evening

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

It was supposed to be cooler and less humid than any of my previous races. I hated to jinx it but the weather seemed perfect!

Race Day:

I got up around 4:15 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 5:15 for my 40 minute drive to race parking.

The race started near Mabee Farms at 7:30 am and ended at Schenectady Community College (SCCC).

I parked my car at SCCC, the finish for the race.  I had almost signed up for the shuttle so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting back to my car after the race.  However, my friend Karen offered to drive me and the others (Alyssa, Sherry, Stan) to the start if someone would drive her back to her car after.  I accepted so that I wouldn’t have deal with masking and walking to the shuttle.

I met everyone at 6:00, left my car in the designated parking lot and we drove to the start which was about 15 minutes away.

There was plenty of parking in the grassy lot.

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

It was a little chilly so we hung out in the barn.

We also noticed 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. I ate a Honey Stinger Waffle (since it was already hours since my breakfast.)

The race started at 7:30 am. There were no waves, just instructions to social distance.

This was a FIRST annual race so there were no reviews to read. I had hoped that when they said it was a flat/downhill course, they were not lying.

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.)

Miles 1-3:

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. I ran the first mile with Alyssa and Karen. We chatted and chatted. It was great catching up since I don’t run with them often.

My legs were feeling good so I ran ahead caught up to an old friend, Elisa. More chatting which made the miles pretty painless. She is faster but slowed down because she was planning to run about 7 more miles after the race.

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

The first water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was my first walk break.  I used my paper cup (as I did in my previous in-person cupless races).  That waffle kept me going and so I decided to wait on my Gu,

Miles 4-6

Most of the race is a blur. I was feeling pretty strong. Soon Stan caught up to us and the three of us ran together until mile 9. I’m not sure I ever ran a whole race with someone but it was a lot more fun than running alone.

Around mile 5, 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 before mile 6 at Iroquois St/Bike Path.

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising. I was glad to have worn a tank and skirt. The third water stop was around mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again. 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.

At this point, my lower back started to ache and I waved Elisa and Stan ahead.

For the first time in the race, I was running alone.  And I was walking more and running slower.

Miles 11-13.1

The final water stop was around Mile 11 at MH Bike Path lot. I ate another GU – Chocolate Smores.  Ugh! This flavor made me very nauseous!!

Elisa had slowed down and Stan ran ahead. So I continued to run with her.

I hadn’t considered winning an age group award but at mile 12, my competition (Joan) passed me by (She wound up 4th in 10 year AG awards anyway.)  For a millisecond, I thought that I should try to pass her but nah, no reason.

Elisa and I continued together on the bike path until Schenectady Community College.  We raced each other through the finish line…and she beat me!

I was so happy to have finished that I didn’t care.

Stan had already finished. Soon Alyssa and Karen finished. Then Sherry.

And finally El.

So group picture time…

Post Race Activities:

We grabbed our lunches and I headed to my car to change clothes and shoes.

There was a band, beer, food, etc. at a restaurant nearby. There was a shuttle but since it was only .2 miles, we decided to walk.

By the time we got there, we were hungry.

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

Additional Race Reflections:

This was a first annual race.  Many of the other local races are still cancelled so this racing company has been trying to hold a few races. I am so glad they are. It was so fun to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again.

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).
• Flat course.
• A real race.
• Well organized.
• A lot of pre-race information.
• Decent Post-race food.
• Cool medal.
• Free Beer
• A real race.

Negatives:

• Cupless water stops.
• 10 year age group awards.
• No photos.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

I liked the course. It was well-organized. I bet more runners sign up next (if COVID ever ends.)

Final Stats:

Splits:

Walking definitely slowed down my pace the last few miles.

All in all, I was very happy with how I ran the race.  My splits were more consistent than usual.  But also the early miles were much slower than usual. Given the flatness of the course, I could have probably run faster but you can’t talk if you run fast. lol

Not expecting a PR and faster than my last five in-person half marathons.  I need to be realistic…maybe those faster half marathon paces will not happen again. (But hey, I’m not giving up…)

Next Up:

Two 5ks and another Half Marathon.