It wasn’t much of a race for me. But I’ll review it since other runners may be interested.
I signed up to do this race the DAY AFTER my 20 miler…
Crazy, right?
It was not too far away. Only cost $10. It started at 10 am and I had the day off from work. There were a BBQ after the race. Several of my friends expressed interest in doing the race.
So why not???
I was VERY sore after the 20 miler and even my hubby doubted that I could even walk 3 miles.
But I woke up feeling NO PAIN. I mean, I felt like I had NOT run the day before. Go figure.
Even so I was planning to be smart and walk most of the race.
I wound up going with Judy since she did not want to go alone. We arrived very early and got a great parking spot (in a small lot).
We got our bibs and walked around waiting for our friends to arrive.
Eventually they did and we discussed our plans for the race. There was 5k and a 5 miler. We all had signed up for the 5k. (The 5 miler apparently had steep sections and was more technical.)
Some of us thought they may run it. Jan and I agreed that it was too treacherous to do that and we would walk most of (and try not to get lost.)
The course looped around the start and along the lake a few times at the beginning. I think Jan and I missed messed up one of the last loops. (But we didn’t care.)
For the rest of the race, we ran on the trails. They had lots of roots and leaves so we walked mostly but at times if it were clear, we ran.
It was so nice to relax during a race and look at the scenery and take pictures.
The weather was picture perfect.
And we never got lost and we weren’t LAST.
As I approached the finish line, I heard our other friends cheering.
So I had to sprint and try to beat Jan. LOL.
And we beat our goal of 1 hour!!
Everyone got a homemade medal.
As soon as we finished, we were treated to cider donuts!!
And then we went inside to get some food. There were chips, cider, hot dogs, veggie burgers, caramel apples. Not bad for only $10.
Afterward, there was a fall festival there with lots of activities for kids.
So it was fun-filled morning. I recommend the Lawson Lake Trail Race. I may do it again if I have the chance.
It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. I registered for the NYC Marathon and then when I looked at my race training plan, my 20 miler was scheduled for this weekend. I ran this race back in 2013 (post broken foot) and since I run on this route often, I wasn’t particularly enamored with the race.
However, I did run the Hannaford Half Marathon as my 39th Half Marathon for these reasons:
Many of my running friends were planning to run it. (Though in the end, they could not).
It is a popular local race and I would know many runners.
I needed a long run as part of my NYC Marathon training. so I could just add 7 to it
I found out that blogger and skirt sister Cari may be running it.
It is a “relatively flat course.”
Most importantly, I needed company for my 20 miles (and it turned to be the right decision since my running friends decided to race the day before.)
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 in September. I started a 18 week training plan to be ready for the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.
As with my half marathon training, I did not really care about my week day runs. They were usually 3-4 miles. However, I did try to do longer runs on the weekend.
So I actually was not training for this half but preparing for Nov 3. Technically I was scheduled for a 20 mile run but just adapted the long runs to make this work.
The goal for this half marathon was finishing!! Not to race it and not to get injured!!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I learned some valuable lessons about pre-race prep during a previous race-cation — rest the legs and fuel adequately the day before the race.
So I went to the expo early to pick up my bib. I met a lot runners that I knew and scored some good deals ($5 compression calf sleeves). For a small race, the expo was pretty decent.
Then the hubby and I drove to Lake George to spend a relaxing day on the boat with our friends.
carb loading, of course
We came home pretty early and I got together my race outfit.
Another restless night. I have not been sleeping well lately 😦
Race Day:
I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)
Since the race was supposed to be the last 13 miles of my 20 miler, that meant I had to get to the race start by 6 am and run 7 miles.
So 4:30 am wake up with my normal oatmeal and coffee pre-race meal. It was in the 40s and pretty chilly so I added my DIY arm warmers and gloves to my race attire.
It was pitch black when I started running on the trail and even with my knuckle lights, it was creepy.
So after a mile, I opted for plan B and ran along the main road for the next five miles, watching the sun come up.
Eventually, it was light enough to continue on the trail back to my car.
I ran the 7 miles way too fast since I was anxious about getting back in time, meeting friends, checking a bag. But it turned out that I returned in plenty of time.
While I was running, I warmed up but now sweaty, I put my arm warmers and gloves back on. Brrr.
I chatted with many runners that I knew. This was a local race and it is very popular.
Soon I connected with Cari who was also running this race since she was here to visit her brother.
We hung out for a while and then headed to the start line.
My plan for this race, 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 at every other water stop. I planned to walk whenever necessary and NOT RACE it.
Cari and I lined up together but I lost her right away. The race started in Colonie Town Park and we ran around the park for most of the first mile. It was a bottleneck and you really could not make any headway. And this was the only hilly part of the course. So after 7 miles, this was a perfect start for me.
After we exited the park, we were running for many miles along the bike path. The foliage was beautiful and it was a slight downhill.
And as you can tell, I started speeding up and I was running TOO FAST!!
Miles 5-8:
10:30, 10:24, 10:49, 10:57
I stopped briefly at each water stop but by mile five, I was getting pretty hungry so I ate a GU and walked longer.
Eventually we left the bike path and entered the ugliest part of the course. We ran through Watervliet, along the noisy highway and past the Arsenal.
I was feeling great and sailing along until mile 7. That’s when EVERYTHING started to hurt – my legs, feet, lower back and hips.
So I just painfully trudged along…I was not having fun.
Miles 9-13.2:
11:25, 10:52, 11:11, 11:32, 11:11, (.2 – 8:37)
I stopped around mile 9 for another GU and walked for a bit. It was still painful to run but I knew I had to finish so I just pushed through it.
At least now we were on the Corning Bike Path with beautiful foliage and views of the Hudson River.
I chatted with a woman feeling the same way but she started walking so I continued on without her.
Finally with a little more than a mile to go, my running friend Chris appeared. She had volunteered to run me in. I told her that after 18 miles (my longest so far), I would no doubt be struggling. And I was.
She ran with me but I stopped and walked quite a few times. The finish line seemed to so distant.
And then I saw it and my running friends with cowbells, cheering me on. It definitely lifted my spirits and I got a second wind.
I tried to sprint as much as I could (after 20 miles) and I crossed at 2:22:05.
Much faster than I had planned. I was thinking that at marathon pace, it would be around 2:45. It was also a course PR.
After getting my medal and some water. I headed to bag check to put on my race shirt and then to get some food.
I got an additional medal because I ran the Helderberg to Hudson Half in April.
I ate a banana with some chocolate milk and posed for the obligatory medal photo.
I bumped into another friend who is also running the NYC Marathon. She had a PR and was then adding her 7 miles afterward. Yes, of course, this is what I usually do and the thought did cross my mind so I could have a decent finish time (and win an AG award). But I do think I made the right decision. I was glad to have my 20 miles done.
I headed back to my friends and I celebrated my run with this:
Additional Race Reflections:
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up.
Decent expo for a small race.
Lots of parking.
Sufficient number of port-a-potties. At the start and along the course.
Sufficient number of water/Gatorade stops) – 1 had Gu
Bag Check. Easy pick up at the end.
Well marked course.
Free Massages at the finish
Clocks at several points in the race.
Very cool medal.
Chocolate milk at the finish.
Shuttle bus from the finish to the start.
Great weather.
Beautiful course in spots.
Extra medal if you ran the Helderberg to Hudson race in April.
The Bad:
The middle of the course was pretty boring.
The course was a little long.
The Ugly:
Nothing 🙂
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. It was well-organized. The course was mostly flat and scenic at the beginning and end.
Final Stats:
I have yet to figure out how to negative split a long race.
My finish time was the slowest I’ve had in many years. But not a bad time considering it was a training run. Definitely not complaining. No injuries. (But my first post race discomfort.)
If you read my blog, you may know that I LOVE races in NYC especially ones in Central Park. (Even though, they are HILLY!)
France Run 8K
Dash to the Finish
Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off
The Grete’s Great Gallop 10K race takes place just FOUR weeks before the New York City Marathon and covers 6.2 miles of the roads of Central Park, passes the Marathon finish line and ends near where it started.
Click here to read about Grete’s amazing career but to sum it up, she ran her first marathon (NYC) in 1978, won it and then won it again 8 more times. She’s an icon for women’s running in NYC.
I was scheduled to meet my tennis friends for lunch on Saturday, October 5 (the same day as this race) and then go to a Broadway show afterwards (an annual thing).
So it was a no brainer to sign up for this race. Plus, another Skirt Sport Ambassador, Elizabeth, was planning to run this race, as well. (Unfortunately, she was unable to run it.)
Luckily I signed up early because the race sold out pretty quickly.
Thank to numerous trips to NYC for work, I had enough points for a free hotel room.
I knew that the race would be a hilly one (see map below) but I did run a 5 miler there last year and a 8K there in August of 2017 so I thought that the course would be similar in difficulty.
Unfortunately, I had had a pretty off running week. I was driving in traffic all week and training on my feet all day. I only ran 3 miles on Monday and 3 slow TM miles on Thursday. So with Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday as rest days, I should have been pretty well rested for the Saturday race.
So I took the bus to NYC on Friday. After I checked into my hotel, I headed off to pick up my race packet. Normally I might have taken the subway to rest my legs but this was just a fun race so I walked and met my friend Cari (sorry no pic).
cute top – amazingly so many runners did wear this shirt on race day
Cari and I walked back toward my hotel and then I went out for pizza and ice cream (carb loaded like it was a marathon LOL). I still was not tired so I walked around Hudson Yards.
over 7 miles walking
When I got back to the hotel, I tried to plan out my race outfit for the next day. This is always difficult for me at this time of year. Capris or skirt? Short sleeves or long sleeves?
decided on a skirt, compression calf sleeves, short sleeve top with DIY arm warmers
After a restless night, I got up the next morning around 5:30 am and had my usual oatmeal and coffee pre-race breakfast.
It was in the 40s with a possibility of sun. I added gloves and a throw away shirt to my outfit . What I forgot again was a heat blanket. DARN!! I decided against bag check (to save time after the race) and hoped that I wouldn’t regret it.
I normally would again try to save my legs and grab a subway to Central Park. Not this time. Marathon training! I left at 6:30 am and walked the 3 miles to the start. And it was windy and COLD!!! Brrrr!!!
I wasn’t sure exactly where the start was but saw some runners and knew they were all headed to the same place so I followed them.
I got there very early. There were many runners just running. Probably warming up for the race or doing their long run before the upcoming marathon.
There would be almost 8000 runners in today’s race and the air was buzzing with excitement (or for NYCM).
It was still pretty early and I just walked around trying to stay WARM!!
Finally I headed toward the race start.
I sat on a bench and wound up befriending two other (older) ladies. We chatted and chatted until it was time to get in our corrals.
We lost one lady in the corral behind us so the just Lori and I waited and shivered together (I decided to ditch my long sleeve shirt and lost an earring in the process) until it was time for our corral to get to the start line. It was probably only 10 or 12 minutes but felt like forever. Brrrrr!
So what was my plan for this 10k race?
I had done a 14 mile training run last weekend and 18 the weekend before. I spent most of this week working and stressing. Definitely not feeling my best today…the cold windy temps certainly did not help.
No plan. Finish strong. Not get injured. Walk up the hills. Have fun! (Spoiler alert – I ran the whole thing except for water stops and enjoyed it immensely.)
Course Info
The course is slightly more than one counter-clockwise lap of Central Park’s six-mile loop.
Mile 1: 9:38
We started on East Drive near 69th Street (the east side of the CP loop) and headed north. It was a bottle neck at first which helped to slow me down. Cat Hill greeted us fairly soon. Cat Hill is about a quarter mile and not as steep as the north end’s Harlem Hill, but it’s a decent hill. I usually walk it but strangely I felt like running. I made it up the whole thing without walking. The rest of mile 1 was relatively flat, and I felt strong, like I could probably keep up this pace for another 5 miles. Maybe. Anyway, what that pace was, I had no idea since I did not look at my watch and the clocks at each mile were 11 minutes or so ahead of my actual time (no idea.) Toward the end of each mile, there was a water/Gatorade stop. I ignored most of them as it was pretty chilly and I was not sweating.
Mile 2: 8:57
We continued along East Drive and passed the Reservoir on the left. This mile supposed included the easiest section of the loop: the ultra-flat stretch that runs along the east side around 90th Street. I guess that explains my fastish pace.
Mile 3: 9:25
This mile was at the northern end of the loop. We first passed the 102nd Street Transverse on our left and descended down a steepish hill (YAY!) followed by a flat stretch. The second half of the mile was going up Harlem Hill, the steepest hill on the course. I am proud to say that I RAN up the whole thing (slowly, but not walking). At this point, I was getting pretty hungry as my 5:30 breakfast was long forgotten (I had planned to take a GU before the race but I was chatting….). I willed myself to wait until the next water stop. We continued past Lasker Rink. I tried to focus on the sites of the park and not my feet or my hunger.
Mile 4: 10:10
This mile and the next went down the west side of the loop and started by heading south on West Drive. There were a few rolling hills here. Compared to Cat and Harlem, these hills were no big deal. My legs were tiring but I was able to run up them. It helped that I walked for quite a while, eating a Gu and drinking water. Although there were almost 8000 runners in this race, I’m happy to say that there wasn’t really any crowding on the course, at least not around me. I passed some runners and some passed me. But there was always enough space to run and take the tangents as much as possible. The sun warmed the air. I rolled down the arm warmers, took off my gloves and even the wind died down. I smiled often as the it was PERFECT running weather.
Mile 5: 8:58
This mile continued down the west side (south on West Drive), passing the 72nd Street Transverse, and completing the lower loop of the park before the course turned back onto East Drive. Of course, there weremore rolling hills, up and down, up and down. I pushed a little harder here, as I knew I only had two more miles to go. I tried to make up time on the downhills and I am pretty slow running uphill. It is kinda a blur now. I think I stopped for water but only to grab a sip, not much walking. I just wanted to be done.
I took these pics during my walk out of the park after the race
Mile 6: 9:18
We continued north on East Drive on the south loop of the park. It seemed to be a relatively flat stretch. We passed the start line at 69th Street and then turned left at the 72nd Street Transverse and headed toward the finish line. Of course, it felt like a slight uphill (though maybe it wasn’t.)
Mile +.3: 8:54
I was hoping to be able to pick up speed but my legs felt like lead. I did the best I could. As you can see, that the course was long. I saw the clock each mile and as I crossed the finish line. I had no idea of my actual time until I looked at my watch. And I didn’t really care. I was thrilled to have run a decent race. And NO PAIN! Woo Hoo!!
I grabbed water and a bagel and immediately headed out of the park. Again I followed the crowds as to not get lost.
Again although I was pressed for time, I decided to walk the 3 miles back to my hotel. I was glad that I did not throw away my arm warmers and gloves. It was chilly in the city.
It was in my hotel room that I logged into NYRR and discovered the good news.
I won an age group award!!! Big surprise!!
So not a PR. My 10K PR is 57:03 (from November 2014) but I am thrilled at how the race turned out. I didn’t push my pace at any time and yet I ran well and most importantly, it was FUN!! I didn’t do my 14 mile training run but in addition to the race, I walked 8 miles. That will have to do!!!!!
After a quick shower, I had enough time to walk to the restaurant (Valerie) where I was meeting my tennis friends for lunch. I rewarded myself (again as if I ran a marathon).
Nutella filled French toast with bacon on the side
After lunch, we headed to Broadway to see Hadestown.
the show was GREAT!
And then we walked back toward my hotel and Penn Sta where we stopped for a light dinner.
So it was fun-filled day. I highly recommend the Grete’s Great Gallop 10K race. It was well-organized as all NYRR races are. I will do it again if I have the chance.
Happy Running! What is your favorite city to race in? What is your favorite NYC race? Do ever run 10K races? What is your favorite distance? Would you skip a long run for a fun race?
A short work week but I was in NYC AGAIN!!! And then off to RI to visit an old friend (college roommate, travel buddy, maid of honor) and to run a Half Marathon.
And NYCM Training continues, of course.
Last Week –
Monday – I had planned to either race a 5k or volunteer but for once I didn’t register early. It rained on and off all day. Instead I took a rest day to do fun things like laundry, errands, cleaning. More tiring than running…
Tuesday – Off to NYC by train. I had planned a rest day and a movie but I didn’t run on Monday and the weather was awesome so I decided to run and postpone the movie. Started around 50th and ran uptown along the Hudson until 96th and then headed into Central Park. Eventually walked back to the hotel.
Wednesday – Long work day with rain predicted. As usual, no rain so ran a bit on the High Line
and then went to the movies.
A fun flic especially for someone like me who is training for her first marathon and like Brittany, it happens to be NYC. But it was not as much about running as about how it changes your life.
Thursday – Day 3 of work and running. Pooped but managed to run to meet Cari and Elizabeth for dinner. And saw the most amazing sunset. How lucky am I?
3 miles run to Pier i
Then I walked all the way back to my hotel.
Friday – No run due to the train home after work and then to unpack and re-pack. Engine broke down on the way, had to return to Penn Sta and then no power…3 1/2 hours late returning home 😦
Saturday – Long drive to RI to visit my college roommate, Valerie. She recently retired and built a big house on the water and has been wanting me to come see it. She alerted me that it was 20 minutes from a half marathon in September. Last year I was running in Montreal, but this year..no excuses (except the timing with work stuff sucked).
sunset views from their deck and a few blocks from the beach
Sunday – Race Day – Surftown Half Marathon. I had planned to run this race before I signed up for NYC Marathon so it then changed to a training run. Good thing because it was hilly but still it was a beautiful course. And I got to meet two fellow bloggers – Kim & Michelle.
I ran the first half too fast and the 2nd half too slow but still ended up with 2nd in my AG
Afterward we went to Newport and walked around.
didn’t buy the shirt…just posted as a joke
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 11
Monday – DAY OFF, recovery run in RI
Tuesday – rest day, chiro appt, mall walk with BFF
Wednesday – run @ fleet feet
Thursday – run, movie – Downton Abbey!!!
Friday – rest day, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run – 16 miles, Sole Sisters party
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon this fall? Are you sad to see summer ending? Please share.
I’ve done this race 5 times before. And I’ve always enjoyed it.
2012
2014
2016
My previous times were: 2009 – 31:04, 2010 – 29:49, 2012 – 30:58, 2014 – 28:25, 2016 – 28:33.
In 2010, I was recovering from an achilles injury and in 2012 from a broken ankle. And obviously healthy in 2014 and 2016.
If I ran it again this year, I would be trying for at least a course PR but with racing, you just never know how things will turn out.
I remembered that in this race, you walk up a hill to start the race and you finished running down this hill. Couldn’t be any better than that. Right?
For some reason, I haven’t run this race the past two years. This year, I signed up because it fit into my schedule
Well, sorta. I should have been running a 12 mile LSD run per my marathon training plan. And I had been in NYC working all week (ran a 5k on Wednesday night) and got back late the night before. Not ideal. But welcome to my life!
The race started at 8:15 at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa which is about 45 minutes away from my house. I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 am and left around 6:45 am.
across the street from the museum
This nice local race usually has about 200-300 runners. There’s no parking lot but it is easy to find parking on the street. There are bathrooms in the museum which is always a plus.
I got there early enough to find a close spot and use the rest room (in the museum). The temps were warm and insanely humid. (Almost as humid as Wednesday night but with sun).
instead of a shirt, you got a buff – very happy since I have enough shirts
I bumped into a few runners that I knew and chatted until it was time to walk all the way up the hill to the start.
There I found my friend Laurie, whom I knew was running this race.
We started together but I lost her quickly.
The first mile was a gradual uphill but nothing too steep. I was going to try to hold back but my legs felt like lead so I didn’t need to worry about that. Boy, was it humid!!!!
I was hoping to run the whole thing but around halfway at the water stop, I was out of breath so I stopped and walked for a while. The humidity was killing me.
Mile 2 seemed to be flat but every time I tried to speed up, I felt out of breath so I walked again and again. I knew I had to give up on hopes of a PR and just finish the race.
I walked several times during the last mile.
I knew there was that downhill to the finish… but it seemed forever in coming.
Finally I got to the steep downhill, I wish I was confident enough to go all out but I was afraid of falling flat on my face so I held back.
Then I saw the clock. It was 28:xx and I ran as fast as I could.
I crossed at 28:30. (There was no timing mat at the beginning).
Although I was dripping wet, I did not feel as bad as I did Wednesday night. Most likely because I walked several times the last mile.
I grabbed some water and a banana and chatted with some friends while waiting for Laurie.
sweaty but glad to be done
I checked the screen to see if I won an award. My name was not listed so I talked to the person doing the timing and he manually entered my time.
that is a one speedy 60 year old…glad I’m usually in the next age group
They gave awards for 10 year age groups and I won 2nd.
No PR (over a minute faster in June on a harder course.) No course PR. (just a little slower.)
Coincidentally, I recently posted about slowing down. Well, maybe I am. My last two 5ks have not been stellar performances but I’m not giving up on speed. I’ll attribute it for now to the weather and weariness.
I decided after the race to go to the Zim Smith Bike Path to run 9 more miles.
UGH!! I did not want to…
It was 10 am by the time I started, sunny, still humid and I was BEAT!!!!
The run SUCKED!!! I ran, walked, dragged my feet but got it done.
The only thing that got me through it was some podcasts during and Leah’s Cakery’s chocolate milk at the end!
If you follow my blog, you know that I often get sent to NYC for work.
Usually, I just try to squeeze in a run on the East River, Hudson River or in Central Park.
Well two years ago, I found a race!!!!
Apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – if you sign up for the whole series, each race costs only $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These races are organized by the Prospect Park Track Club. I ran one that July and had a great time.
I was excited that they were scheduled again last summer and the first two races coincided with the dates that I would be working in NYC. I ran both of them.
Unfortunately, this summer a few of my trainings got cancelled and I was only in NYC to run the last one of this 5K racing series.
Here are some of the perks of these races:
Bag check
Bathrooms (real ones!)
Water before, during and after the race
Chip Timing
Marker at each mile
5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race
Results immediately emailed to you
Free photos
So it seemed like a no brainer to run any of these races if I could.
Again I had to work all day in Queens (getting up at 5:30 am and being on my feet until 4 pm). I would have to rush to take the subway, then the LIRR, walk to my hotel and change my clothes and then take a LONG subway ride to Brooklyn.
At least this year, I was pretty familiar with the route and knew that I would make the race on time (unless there were snafus with the transportation.)
The problem was the weather. Very humid and it looked like rain. I brought an umbrella just in case.
I actually for the first time exited the train station at the right exit. Right near the entrance to the park nearest the race start
But it was pouring!!!
So I entered the park and followed the signs and wondered why I was crazy enough to do this race.
I was pretty early and it wasn’t crowded at all yet. They moved moved bib pick up and bag check indoors.
As I mentioned in my previous recaps for this race, it was strange to be at a race and not know a single person.
I sat outside at a picnic table under an umbrella.
I just had a banana and some water and waited til it was time to head to the start line hoping that the rain would stop.
the race was dedicated to a runner whop recently died
Eventually runners started arriving. There were probably close to 500. And rain did stop. But it was warm still in the high 70s and incredibly humid. Felt like a sauna.
I was feeling exhausted. Sleeping in a hotel is not ideal and I had gone to bed too late the night before.
Still here I was running a 5k at 7:10 in the evening. Crazy lady, I know!
Night races are tough for me. My only goal was to run well and finish uninjured. There are not usually many older runners so I had a good chance as in previous years in winning my age group.
I noticed an older runner in a local race shirt. It was from a race that I had run several times. Yes, he was from my area and works in the city several days each week. We chatted for awhile and then headed toward the start line.
You pass the finish line on the way to the start.
We all lined up. No corrals or pace signs. Just everyone all together. It didn’t matter because believe it or not, this small local race was chip-timed.
Since I had just run a similar course in June, I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1.
As I mentioned previously, there are usually runners of all ages who all look like “runners” and the finish times are incredibly fast. A little intimidating.
I started running the first mile. My legs felt like lead. And then I got to the hill, I tried to run up it and it was tempting to walk but I managed to drag myself through it slowly.
Mile 2 was better but I was so hot. So I stopped at the water stop and walked a bit.
Every who passed me by looked they had gone swimming. Even I was dripping wet from the humidity.
By the end of mile 3, I was crashing. I tried to finish strong but I just had to walk. And walk again.
I did not have enough energy to sprint and barely finished under 29 minutes. My slowest 5k in a few years.
But under the those miserable conditions, I was not disappointed in the least.
I was a little dizzy and went directly to get water and sit down.
Then that local runner that I met before the race finished and we walked back to bag check.
They posted the results. I did win my age group (as I was the only one in my age group.)
I really didn’t want to hang around to get a medal but I did since I think it’s rude when runners don’t.
WEEK 7 of NYCM Training included TWO races in one week (both 5ks)
Last Week –
Monday – Well I really didn’t feel like getting up early and running. But the weather has been so unpredictable and I wasn’t sure what the week would bring besides work. So I dragged myself out of bed and actually did 6 miles. The temps were wonderful and I discovered a preserve and hiking trail just 3 miles from my house.
After work I headed to NYC for work. It was late when I arrived so just had dinner and went for a walk.
Tuesday – A long work day in Queens followed by meeting Cari for a walk. Haven’t seen her in awhile and it was great to catch up. It seems to always rain when we meet. Today was predicted to have heavy rain in the evening. Lucky for us, it never happened. So we took the subway to the GW bridge because I wanted to see the Little Red Lighthouse, walked over 100 blocks along the Hudson at sunset and then I took the subway back to my hotel. What a great way to spend the evening with a friend.
Wednesday – Another work day but as I’ve done in summers past, I took the long subway ride to Brooklyn to run a 5k. Crazy I know but it was enjoyable.
It rained until the start of the race and then 100% humidity!! Tough race but at least I won my age group.
Thursday – Met up with Cari again after work but this time it was to actually run. Instead of our original plan of running in Central Park, we headed to the pier on the Hudson to catch up with fellow Skirt Sports ambassador Elizabeth. Then caught the sun setting as we ran.
we may have walked and talked more than we ran but who cares?
Friday – Rest day due to returning home late after work by train.
Saturday – Today I ran the Jailhouse Rock 5k with my friend Laurie. After a hard work week and a late arrival home the night before, it wasn’t the best laid plans.
another tough one due to the heat and extreme humidity.. Came in 2nd in the 10 year age group.
Still fun and then ran 9 miles after to complete a long run. That was not fun.
don’t recommend starting a long run at 10 am when it is hot and humid and after a 5k…one of the worst ones ever.
Sunday – It’s Sunday and that means boating on Lake George. It was a gorgeous day and we got off the lake before the storms arrived 🙂
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 8
Monday – Saratoga Track Mile race, 3 miles before work
Tuesday – rest day, dinner out, Aurora Games at Times Union Center after work
Wednesday – train to NYC, 6 miles in NYC
Thursday – 3 miles in NYC, preview of Brigid Runs a Marathon??
Friday – rest day, train home
Saturday – long run 14 miles, tennis ladies weekend at Schroon River
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps/humidity? Please share.
In 2016, I discovered an 8.4 mile race called Race the Train that sounded interesting. You took a train ride along the Hudson River and then raced the train back. I signed up. It was lots of fun even with the challenging hills. I even ran it again in 2017.
2016
2017
Here is the course map. You can see what I mean about the long early hill.
Well, the train has been discontinued. No Race the Train without a train so now the race is called the Hudson River Ramble. This year was its inaugural year.
Instead of a train, buses transported runners from Johnsburg School to Riverside Station. Otherwise it was basically the same course. 8 miles (instead of 8.4) beginning on Riparius Bridge and going along the wooded rolling hills of river road a seasonal use dirt road paralleling the Hudson River, turning left to the flats and finishing across from Johnsburg Central School parking lot (instead of the train depot).
Riparius bridge
I thought about staying the night before the race at a friend’s who lived nearby but I got out of work very late. Instead I took the hour and 35 minute drive north on race morning.
The forecast for where I lived was showers and thunderstorms and it rained my whole drive up. But where the race took place, it was supposed to be sunny and warm.
The rain stopped as I neared the school. It was in the high 50s (I hadn’t felt those temps in a while and I was almost chilly) but I knew once the sun got higher in the sky, it would warm up (and it really did!)
school parking lot
I arrived around 7:30 am and picked my race packet (a cotton shirt, a bib and a raffle ticket). There were REAL restrooms inside the school too. Always a plus.
cotton unisex shirt Boo!
I was early so I walked around and wound up chatting with a runner, Judy, from NC. We talked running, racing, injuries and she told all about her struggles with recovering from cancer.
matchy matchy I guess because I got many compliments about my outfit
Soon it was time to board the bus. Judy and I sat together. Obviously not as fun as riding the train and no scenic views of the Hudson River either.
It was still only 8:30 am when we arrived at the train station so I just walked around. I felt really sleepy. I was wondering how I was gong to run 8 hilly miles. I took a SIS energy gel hoping for some energy.
What were my plans for this race?
No goals. I would automatically get a PR (my first race at this distance) and it would be nice if I got an age group award. But my real goal was really just to finish pain-free and enjoy the run.
And that’s what I did.
We started on the bridge as the previous race did. Judy sprinted ahead and disappeared. I just stayed with the crowd (which was much smaller than the previous races.)
The first mile and 1/2 was a STEEP uphill. First on asphalt and then on dirt. I attempted to run but decided that I would be better off walking. Everyone that was running was struggling. So I ran a little but mostly walked. There was a runner ahead with a neon green shirt. I tried to keep her in my sight and did until the last few miles. Then there was a guy who passed me in a blue shirt. I stayed behind him the whole race. (Many others did pass me by.)
A young runner and I were running together for a bit and she asked me to run with her. I said “Sure” and we stayed together running a little but mostly walking. But I guess I am lousy running buddy because I lost her and I’m not sure how or when.
There was someone who called out times at every mile. I was hoping to get my pace to between 10 and 11 and keep it there even if I walked the hills. That didn’t really happen (as I found out after the race when I looked at my splits. I never look during a race.)
There were a water/Gatorade stop at every 1.5 mile or so. I stopped and walked at each one as it was sunny and getting warmer and warmer. It was probably very humid as well because the temps were only in the high 70s.
Anyway, that first long uphill eventually turned into a downhill but after that it was just rolling hills. They never ended. (How could I have forgotten them??) They weren’t steep or as long except for maybe 2 more steepish ones (The one between mile 5 and 6 was so steep. I could barely walk up it.) That meant there were only 2 more steep downhills.
But because you were running on dirt with rocks, you couldn’t take advantage of the downhills as much as you would have liked. (I always fear a face plant.) And it was very sandy in parts and hard to run fast (even if I wanted to).
My legs felt tired from the get go. Was it from my 3.5 mile trail run on Thursday night? Or 4.5 miles on Wed? (I rarely run more than 3 miles on a weekday run.) Or most likely that I didn’t get a lot of sleep this past week.
It was hilly but I have fared better on hills in the past. I walked way too much and let the hills get the best of me. (I know, do hill repeats. That’s ain’t gonna happen.)
However, the scenery was nice as you ran through the woods (I missed hearing the train whistle as it passed you by) and toward the end, you could see the river. Eventually, you had to run through town in order to return to the high school. The end of the previous race was flat as it ended at the train station. This race added a few more (unappreciated) hills as we finished across from the high school.
Though I had no time goals, I estimated that I would finish between 1:28 and 1:24. I finished at 1:26:52. (Of course, I hoped for faster.)
Instead of a medal, you got a key chain (with a light)
It was a course PR of course and an 8 mile race PR.
But I was disappointed as my pace was slower than on the Race the Train course and much slower than on other hilly courses.
I waited at the finish for my friend Sue to cross and the runner that I was supposed to run with. Both had a tough race.
I went back to the school to get some food.
There were bagels, fruit and lots of homemade baked goods but the highlight was chocolate milk and watermelon.
I ate, chatted and waited around for the awards.
Remember my new friend Judy (the cancer survivor with all those medical problems)? She finished second female (at age 60)!!!
There were 3 in my age group and we all won hats.
After the awards, they gave away raffle prizes but as in the past, I did not win any.
All in all, a very challenging yet fun race. I think I’ll do it again (since I’ll probably block out any memory of those hills LOL)
A BOTP finish (50 out 68) and many miles over 11. A rare occurrence. But it is what it is and on to the next race (and marathon training).
As I drove back to the marina where we keep our boat, I passed a sign for a hiking trail that I usually do each summer – Cat and Thomas Mountains. I have yet to hike this summer so on a whim (yes after 8 hilly miles), I stopped, grabbed my water, changed into my hiking shoes (they are always in my car, phew) and started walking up the mountain.
It was around noon and quite warm but at least it was pretty shady but way longer to the top of Thomas Mountain than I remember (like 2 miles or so STRAIGHT UP!!).
I did finally get to the top…
I admired the view, chatted with some folks and then decided not to continue on to Cat Mountain and walked down to my car.
It was actually a perfect recovery for my legs, I think.
The next day, we went back up to go boating, my legs felt great (even with all the hills).
near the marina – just spreading my wings while waiting for friends to show up to go boating on the lake.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m also linking up with these ladies.
I’m linking also up with Coaches Corner–Debbie and Marc.
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big race coming up? Do you struggle on hilly races or do you prepare for them? How do you recover from a hilly race? Please share.
A new name for an old race. And it was also WEEK 5 for NYCM Training and I continued to get my runs done.
Last Week –
Monday – A quick run before work
we are already losing daylight hours – boo!
because I was going to the movies that evening. A friend got a free pass to:
I enjoyed it.
Tuesday – Instead of my regular job, this week, I worked tech support for the NYS Bar Exam. For nostalgia sake (I proctored where I used to work) I thought I might run a little in the area but it was too damn hot (and thunderstorms were lurking). I did meet my BFF to walk and talk in the mall. Got my steps in!!
Wednesday – Back at my regular job and this week, I set my alarm to run before work but changed my mind. Instead I did attend the ice cream run after work. It was at a convenient location and though I was tired, I can never resist ice cream.
scheduled for 5 miles… dragged myself through 2 at UAlbany and then 2.5 trail miles at 6 mile Waterworks. Thanks, Barbara for staying with me while I pulled up the rear.
Thursday – Back at the Bar Exam…exhausted but still excited to run the trails again. We returned to Thacher Park but ran on a different trail than a few weeks ago. Somehow once I started running, the weariness in my body disappeared and I ran with a new friend (Gail). We ran slow and enjoyed the views and then afterword went out to dinner with some of my Sole Sisters.
Friday – Rest day after day 3 at the Bar Exam so that I could get ready to run 8 insanely hilly miles the next day. and then recoup at my friend’s house on the Schroon River.
Saturday – Inaugural Hudson River Ramble (previously Race the Train). – an 8 mile race along the Hudson River (where a train used to run). I guess I had amnesia because I don’t remember the race being this hard…the hills were insane so I had no choice but to walk up every single one. Still I made some new friends, chatted with some old ones and even won my age group.
After the race, I stopped at a trail. Yes I hiked to top of a mountain… Sorry legs but I’ve wanting to hike all summer.
2 miles to the top
Sunday – Another Boating Sunday on Lake George. Again the weather was lovely and this week, we invited some friends along. Such a fun day sharing our love of the lake with others.
This Coming Week – Marathon Training Week 6
Monday – 3 miles (before work), nail appt.
Tuesday – rest day, dinner out with a friend
Wednesday – 5 miles (ice cream group run) on the rail trail or SOAR run at Thacher Park
Thursday – 3 miles (ARE trail run series or on the Corning bike path)
I encourage you to do the same. Grab the graphic, drop your link on the host blogs and play along! Please be sure to always comment on the HOST’s blogs, as well as visit and comment on as many other blogs as you can.
Happy Running! How is your running going? What’s new with you? Any races on the horizon? How are you dealing with the summer temps? Please share.
When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.
in 2008 – my first year of running
in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)
It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race. Since then I have completed 37 half marathons.
My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.
After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).
I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017 and 2018, lowering my finish time each year. (28:27, 27:37, 27:28)
Would I again this year???
2016
2017
2018
Here is the map for the course that I ran the past 3 years:
15 turns in this course!!
The race started at 8 am. That meant that I had to get up at 5:30. (And I was out late with friends the previous evening.)
Unfortunately, I didn’t sleep well and woke up with a stiff neck, headache and nausea. I really didn’t feel like racing but I had told my friend Laurie that I would meet her there so I felt like I had to go.
I felt better after my coffee but still not great. But off I went around 6:15-30.
This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there was already a lot of traffic at 7 am. I was glad to have left early and found parking in a nearby lot. (I was careful this year to park in the correct lot. A few years ago, I almost got towed.)
The pick-up area was behind the barn on the corner of Case & Mitchell. I picked up my bib and shirt and then went back to my car and watched the horses work out for a bit.
There were close to 500 runners at this race (I think there had been more in previous years.). So I bumped into quite a few familiar faces. This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.
The weather was warm … around 70 at the start but not quite as warm and humid as it has been earlier in the week. I just hung around and waited for Laurie. In the meantime, I bumped into another Skirt Sports ambassador and my neighbor.
Laurie eventually arrived and we headed to the start together.
We stood not too far back and waited.
And then we were off. Laurie took off fast. I did not.
pic from last year’s Saratogian
It seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead. Well I had run 6 miles on Wednesday and a hilly trail run on Thursday. Oops. My plan was to have negative splits anyway. Besides, I really felt lousy.
But my biggest problem was the SUN. There was very little if any shade on the course.
By the second mile, I was starting to struggle with my breathing. It was warm but I have run in higher temps. It was the sun. And it was sucking the life out of me. Plus, I felt like throwing up.
nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from last year’s Saratogian
I tried to run in the shade when there was shade and run the tangents (all 15 of them). I had planned to walk at the one water stop at the halfway point. And I did but for probably too long. At this point, I knew that I was not having a great race. And it didn’t matter.
By mile 3, I was really fading. I walked one more time but only briefly.
I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. My Freihofer and Turkey Trot coach was at the finish line (his company timed the race) and he would be expecting me to finish strong.
I crossed at 28: XX.
I felt very shaky and grabbed a bottle of water and sat down.
I was not even hungry (which is odd for me after a race).
pic from last year’s Saratogian – NO watermelon this year
They posted the results pretty quickly. I was shocked that I won in my age group (You know, it’s not speed but who shows up).
Laurie waited with me for the awards ceremony, I got a nice medal. It always feels great when you win an award (even if you didn’t run well.)
All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized. You get a free ticket to the race track (I hope to use it later this summer). Plus it raises money for a great cause (Special Olympics). So I plan to run this race again next summer.
Positive splits. And almost a minute slower than last year.
After the race, I would normally have driven to Saratoga State Park and add some more miles for a long run. But as I mentioned, I had run my 6 mile long run on Wednesday so I drove to join my running friends at brunch (after their long run).
My First 5K and More... 