but to run an all-women’s 10k race with 4 friends.
Last Week-
Sunday – Another day with iffy weather. It didn’t rain until the evening but it was too chilly to be on our boat.
I started the day at the gym and then got a lot of errands done including my nails.
I spent most of the afternoon in the garden and then we barbecued before the rain. Phew.
Monday -I may be doing a lot of gym work this week. Since my race, my right Achilles (the good foot) has been sore. Better safe than sorry since I wanted to not limp through the NYC race on Saturday.
I even skipped my pickleball lesson.
I visited my granddaughter instead.
Tuesday – Another gym morning (I use different machines when I go 2 days in a row.)
One week GOTCHA birthday for my new cat… She is still isolated from the others so all is well.
Wednesday – 4th morning in a row at the gym.
I was lucky that my chiro Kerry had an opening at lunch so she could work magic on my right Achilles/ankle.
She said it was just tight muscles and that I was fine to run…
In the evening, I had tickets for a wine tasting/fundraiser. This was my 3rd time attending and again it was a fun event for a great cause.
There was lots of good food (and wine) and though we didn’t win any raffles prizes, I did win a door prize.
Thursday -I skipped the gym in favor of the dentist followed by a test run and errands. (I went into work late…)
a picture perfect day… and lots of flowers blooming everywhere…
The Achilles? A little sore but I was able to run…
Being cautious, I didn’t go to this week’s evening trail run…
The weather in NYC:
Yowzer!
Friday- I took the day off to take the train to NYC. There were 5 of us going on this mini race-cation..
After we arrived, we headed to our hotel then to have NYC bagels for lunch. From there, we walked to get our bibs & shirts for the race and we spent the afternoon doing some fun touristy activities before we carb loaded at dinner.
many more pics on FB and IG but the Arte Museums was amazing… go see it if you can!
Saturday – Mastercard NY Mini 10k.
I ran this race for the first time last year…
and this year I convinced 4 friends to do it with me. All women’s races are the best and this was no exception. It was MUCH warmer than we would have liked but we all had fun.
After our showers and change of clothes, we celebrated with lunch followed by a Broadway show.
the show was great!
Finally, we had some dessert, grabbed our bags from the hotel and headed home on the train.
Sunday – Gym visit and weather permitting up to the lake.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday-DAY OFF, hiking, lunch, pickleball dinner with some old friends
Tuesday – gym, walk, hair appt.
Wednesday – run
Thursday –trail run/walk
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Mastercard NYC Mini 10k Race Recap
Friday – Tips for Summer Running
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Are you a fan of big races? What about all women’s races? Have you run any?? Please share.
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.
This is the only race that I’ve run every year! This was my 19th time!!!!! (In 2020, it went virtual so actually my 18th in-person FRW race.)
It has always been held the Saturday after Memorial Day except in 2021, when due to COVID, the race was moved to September. In 2022, it again returned to its regular date.
on their webpage…can you spot me in the pink cap?
My first FRW was in 2008 (my first year of running). At the time, it was the farthest I’d ever run:
I mentored a beginning running group of moms in 2010 which was very rewarding:
Unfortunately, I’m the only one from this group who still runs.
In 2012, it was my first run after serious ankle surgery:
and this photo made the cover of our local paper.
I even ran it in 2013 after breaking my foot at mile 1:
And in 2019, it was the last race for my VT friend Andrea (who died of cancer).
As you can tell, there is a lot of history attached to this race for me.
In 2020, I was named an Ambassador. That honor continued through 2022.
Believe it not, I even chose to skip my high school reunion in 2022 in order to run this race!!
Then two years ago, they changed the name of the race!!
It’s now called the Sara Lee Delightful Run for Women.
Nevertheless, I knew that I would do this race (no matter what they called it). I’m pretty sure I will always do this race!!
Unfortunately, in 2024, I had food poisoning the night before the race but I showed up and walked it with my friends. And actually I had the most fun ever.
Last year, it poured and many of my friends did not go…
I did, of course.
Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:
As with this race every year, I never know what will happen… I could break my foot again (as I did in 2013) or could have a course PR as I did in 2018. Even have to walk the whole race. Most likely, it will just be a fun run with lots of women.
And this was also my tenth year participating in the Freihofer Training Challenge (TC).
2022
This year, I decided again to become a Mentor. I wanted to support all the runners who would be finishing their FIRST 5k. And connect with my “past TC” buddies, as well.
I volunteered on Wednesday evenings on the rail trail near where I live.
Many years ago, the day before I would walk to the Empire State Plaza concourse at lunch to go to the expo and pick up my race packet. They used to have a really big expo with vendors and health-related exhibits. But the past few years, they have held it at a local college.
As I did the past few years, I signed up to volunteer on Thursday evening at packet pick-up (and picked up my & Deb’s bib, shirt, cookies and bread)
48th this year and the shirt was gray…
and then I rushed off to my trail run.
The day before the race, I walked all day around the NY Botanical Gardens. No rest for the weary.
Race Day:
I used to love to walk down Madison Avenue and see the race banners and see the giant poster on the bridge.
pics from 6 years ago…
They changed the course nine years ago. This course is supposedly faster…less congested and has a less steep hill at the start and finish.
course map
elevation according to my Garmin
I did run the newer course the past nine years and I also liked it better than the original..
heading downhill to the finish line
Now this year, they decided to change it again but only slightly.
start higher up on Washington Ave (less of an uphill) and more time in the park…
As I mentioned above, this was my 19th year for the race and I really wanted to continue my streak.
Most of my local running friends were not running the race this year. But Deb and I carpooled and parked in the parking garage. And for the second week in a row it was RAINING.
Being part of the Training Challenge group, I could hang out and stay dry and warm in their tent.
We all complained about the weather but knew that we would run the race no matter what.
Soon it was time to leave the tent for the Training Challenge group photo.
the group was bigger since many arrived too late for the photo.
Though, I didn’t enjoy mentoring as much as I used to, I was happy to be part of this amazing group of women.
Then we returned to the tent and waited until the last moment to head out into the rain…
more familiar faces… (Gail, Jenny & Linda)
I was scheduled to start in the red corral and squeezed into the crowd. I had taken off my jacket and initially regretted it as I shivered waiting for the race to start.
The good news was that the rain had stopped but it was quite windy and chilly.
a few elites… (Steph Bruce, Masters winner, on the right)
Mile 1:
my friend Gail (black leggings) so I am behind her somewhere…
The race began with a long steep uphill. And of course, it was super windy. With the new course, the hill was shorter. It was crowded but it was the wind that was the issue.
But I did run most of the hill… it was slow but I did it.
Mile 1 continued as we turned left and entered the park (and the hill ended).
There were rolling hills throughout the park. They were not bad and even I could run them without walking (but barely).
The worst part were all the potholes and cracks in the roads…And the puddles. You had to weaving back and forth to avoid them and you had to keep your eyes peeled to the ground to make sure you didn’t trip.
Mile 2:
There was a water stop around mile 1.25. I wasn’t thirsty but I used it as an excuse to walk for a bit.
More rolling hills during this mile as you went around the park circling the lake. Only one of the hills was steep but it was very short.
I tried to pick up the pace for the second mile. I told myself that I would not walk until the next water stop but I did several times.
Soon we were getting toward exiting the park.
Mile 3-3.1:
There was a second water stop around mile 2.5. Again, I stopped for a drink (even though I didn’t need one) and walked longer than before.
Finally, we left the park and headed toward the street we started on.
It was a downhill (but unfortunately not as long as the previous course) and I had to remember not to start sprinting too soon. I’ve made that mistake in past years. Besides it was slippery from the rain.
Eventually I saw the 3-mile sign and I started to run as fast as I could while posing for the photographers and running though the finish line…
I crossed at 33:xx, a big PW…
I was surrounded by so many smiling faces. It was hard to be disappointed.
Post Race Activities:
I got my medal and then headed toward the refreshments. I grabbed a bagel, choclate milk and some pastries.
Then I returned to the tent to wait for Deb.
Our tent was next to the “elites'” tent but they were not there so they told us to grab some food – roast beef sandwich and potato salad 🙂
I checked my phone for the results. 5th in my age group. No award thisyear.
Additional Race Reflections:
Many runners were excited about their PR or their first 5k.. I may not have run a PR or even close. In fact, it was a course PW but I still really enjoyed myself.
Since I can never remember my finish times. I looked up my recent ones after the race.
2014 – 28:51
2015 – 29:22
2016 -28:50
2017 – 27:48
2018 – 27:37 (PR)
2019 – 27:47
2021 – 28:16
2022 – 28:24
2023 – 29:41
2024 – walked
2025 – 31:28
I am pretty used to the fact that as I get older, I will be slower. So my expectation for each race that I repeat is to have a course PW.
So this race did not disappoint and I had fun.
I guess I just enjoy racing.
When I checked the age group awards, I discovered that in my 70-74 age group, there were 50 runners!!! (So 5th out of 50 ain’t bad.) In the 75-79 group, 25 runners!! This makes me so happy! One of many things I love about this all-women’s race!
I plan to keep on running it and walking it when I am not able to run.
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
Lots of familiar faces.
Interesting course (through a beautiful park).
Downhill finish.
Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
Two water stops (for a 5k)
The electric atmosphere.
Virtual option.
Free photos
Immediate results
Nice Swag for a 5k (tech shirt, medal, cookies, bread)
Cool medal
All women – all ages, all paces…
Negatives:
Uphill first mile.
Uneven pavement in the park
Slow pace.
Long line for the refreshments
Name change (it will forever be called the Freihofer race)
WEATHER!!!
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Yes. It’s a great local race. And having it be ALL WOMEN makes it even more special.
Final Stats:
So FRW #19 is in the books!
The tradition is still alive! It was again a great local race with many women running or walking it. Can’t wait to do it again next year. I hope I can talk more of my local running friends into running it again too.
Next Up:
June 6
Happy Running! How was your weekend? Did you race? If so, how did it go? Do you have a favorite race that you run every year? Do you prefer 5ks or longer races? Have you ever run an all-women’s race? Please share.
A very busy week: 10 mile race, first boating day on the lake (rained out), lots of gardening, dinner out with tennis friends, a visit to the NY Botanical Gardens and my all time favorite race.
AND WE GOT ANOTHER CAT!
her original name was “Pulka.” Can you guess why her I renamed her Dali?
Last Week-
Sunday –Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler – I have run this race several times in the past so I was familiar with the logistics. It’s point to point so you park at the start and have someone drive you back after the race.
Unfortunately the weather forecast was accurate. It rained the whole race. But actually, we were only cold and uncomfortable before and after the race.
Monday – DAY OFF – Memorial Day.
I had booked a dock on one of the islands on Lake George and was hoping to take our boat our for the first time this season
Nope, too cold and rainy.
Eventually it was nice enough to do some gardening. So Plan B worked out fine.
Tuesday – Back to work and a beautiful day.
I started the day at the gym.
You may remember that we have 2 tuxedo cats . One is very sweet and the other is a BIG nuisance. My hubby thought that a 3rd may help. I wanted a kitten but they are hard to come by. And I happened upon this 2 yr old female who had been in a small cage for several weeks. I fell in love.
She is still in her own room and our nuisance cat is in hiding!?
Weather perfect for lunch on our deck (we redid it last summer).
the grill is to the far left and down the stairs is my hot tub…
After work, I was meeting my BFF for a walk so beforehand, I decided to run a little to see how the legs felt. Sluggish but not too bad.
sunset during our walk 🙂
Wednesday – Another nice day and I decided to run in the AM around the neighborhood
plenty of photo stops and I started too late as it had already gotten warm
and then after work, I went to my monthly dinner with the tennis ladies.
always fun to catch up (since I don’t play tennis anymore)
Thursday – I started the day again at the gym.
I left work early because I had signed up to volunteer at the expo for this weekend’s 5k. I took the opportunity to pickup my bib and shirt as well as my friends’.
Afterward, I rushed off to attend ARE’s first summer trail run. Or for me, trail walk.
and yes we had dinner and drinks afterward…
Friday- I took the day off to go on my annual visit to the NY Botanical Gardens. We drove part way and then took the train the rest of the way to the Bronx. This year’s the was Flower Power (the 60’s). And we were old enough to be nostalgic.
we were even treated to a warm sunny day!! (manyy more pics on FB & IG)
Saturday – Race for Women 5k – The only race that I have completed every year since I started running – so this was my 19th time.
I had to get there early as I was a mentor for the training challenge.
Deb did the race too and we carpooled to the start.
It was cold, windy and rainy … but everyone seemed to be smiling. Can’t ask for more!
Sunday -A gym visit and weather permitting up to the lake.
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.
A 10 mile race last Sunday and another 10 mile race today (in the rain)….
Last Week-
Sunday – Boilermaker Erie Canal 10 miler – a new race for me and I carpooled with two other runners (and the hubby of one drove us.). It was an early morning since it was almost 2 hours away and we needed to be there by 7 am.
It turned out that our weather went from winter to summer… so it was a humid warm morning. But we all endured and finished. Tired but ready to do another.
I was almost surprised at how many local runners made the drive as well..
I did some errands (too sore to garden) but we had our first barbecue of 2026.
Monday – Today was my normal running day but no, I decided it wasn’t a good idea so I went to the gym first thing. Then I met Jenny for a lunch walk (WTH? Feels like 90!!)
and after work, I went to my pickleball lesson.
Tuesday – Again back to the gym and and a walk at lunch and after work.
It was 95 and felt even hotter so my friend Jenny cancelled our lunch walk.
I had another walk planned with 2 former co-workers but when I arrived at our meeting spot, I found out that they also thought it was too hot.
I grabbed some water and walked on the rail trail… there was a breeze and it was shaded so not as bad as I feared
Wednesday – To prehab for my next race, I had an appt with chiro… then off to the office.
Unfortunately my chiro had to cancel but luckily I was able to get in to see her the next day.
After work, the training challenge preview run was scheduled. IOW, we all ran the race course.
I felt really sluggish and walked a lot but it was nice to see that so many runner showed up…
Thursday -Summer over? Back to spring temps but a live teaching day 1…
and finally had my chiro appt and a run afterward.
love to see all the flowers that are starting to bloom
Friday- Day 2 teaching live so just mah jongg in the evening.
Saturday – Since I had a race the next day, I met my running friends but walked instead and had brunch after.
In the evening, the family and I went out to dinner to celebrate my hubby’s b-day.
Sunday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler – I have run this race several times in the past so I was familiar with the logistics. It’s point to point so you park at the start and have someone drive you back after the race. Deb will be carpooling with me. Fingers crossed that the rain holds off (but the forecast doesn’t look promising)…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday-Holiday – DAY OFF, boating (weather permitting)
Tuesday – run, walk w/BFF
Wednesday – PM run (training challenge group) Tennis dinner
Thursday -AM run, volunteer at expo, ARE Trail run
Friday- DAY OFF – visit to New York Botanic Gardens
Saturday – Run for Women 5k
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Miles on the Mohawk 10 miler Race Recap
Friday –Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Do you race often in the late spring? Any exciting plans for the long weekend? How do you feel about racing in the rain? Please share.
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.
Apparently it used to be a half marathon but they changed it to a 10 miler and relay in 2023.
The Boilermaker 15k is very popular (and I plan to run it for the first time this July.) It ends at the brewery and you get FREE beer.
I ran the Boilermaker 5k back in 2008 (my first year of running.)
But my friends Jenny and Linda talked me into it.. the cost if you registered early was $26. They said that we would carpool and Linda’s hubby would drive us.
How could I say no?
DESCRIPTION:
rain last year!!
The Boilermaker’s Erie Canal Races include a 10 Miler & Relay as well as a 5K. The courses start and finish on the track in the Ed Wadas Athletic Complex at Whitesboro High School in Marcy, NY.
They will cover the trail along the pedestrian bridge over Rt. 49 and make their way to the scenic & historic Erie Canalway Trail and then back.
10-Mile runners will turn around just before the Harbor Point Lock and return on the trail to Whitesboro High School to finish on the track.
Elevation according to my Garmin:
no . the hills were not steep.. the hills were rolling…
Race incentives include a performance tee shirt* and a finisher’s medal Shirt is 100% polyester moisture-wicking short sleeve and is a crew neck for men and v-neck for women
Pre-Race Activities and Preparation:
I ran a half marathon on April 11.
Since there have been short runs on weekdays and a few longer runs on the weekends (8m, 10k, 5k, 6m).
Hopefully there will be some muscle memory in my legs because I definitely didn’t feel trained for the 10 mile distance.
But it was a new race for me, in a new location and with 2 friends.
And since I had another 10 mile race scheduled for the next weekend, I didn’t plan to go all out and get injured.
My 10 miler last year was Miles on the Mohawk – 1:48:33 so my expectations for this one would be around 1:55.
Race Day:
The plan was to meet Jenny at 4:40am and then drive to Linda’s house. Linda’s hubby was going to drive us to the race. Though the race started at 8am, we had to pick up our bibs and we weren’t sure of the logistics.
That meant 3:30 am wake-up, have my coffee and oatmeal and get out the door by 4:30 am.
How’s that for a Sunday?
It’s been chilly until the day before so I still packed throwaways.
Not necessary. It was humid and warm!!
We got there plenty early.
There was coffee and snacks and easy packet pick up.
and real restrooms!!
We just walked around…
the race started and ended on this track
getting ready
Surprisingly there were other runners from our area that made the drive…
grabbed a cup of coffee
Soon it was time to line up. No corrals. Everyone started together (the 10 milers and the relay teams).
And off we went.
I started behind Linda but quickly lost her.
The race looped the the track and then exited onto the road.
We ran along traffic and over two bridges before we finally entered the bike path.
It was sunny (but luckily the sun went behind he clouds until the end of the race.)
The humidity did not leave!!
As always I started out to fast. I’ll blame Linda because I was trying to keep her in my sight.
The bike path was a welcome sight. A little shady and views of the river and canal.
Not much to say other than there were rolling hills. Nothing too challenging but these days, even an incline seems hard.
There were 3 water stops but since this was an out and back, you passed them twice.
I ran as long as I could and added more and more walk breaks as the race went on. If there was a hill or a water stop, I made sure to walk and save my energy.
I only brought 2 Gus with me and ate one at mile 4 and the other at mile 8. (Since my breakfast was at 4 am, I had eaten a waffle before the race.)
Though Linda had been way ahead, I was gaining on her and after the turn around, I passed her. The humidity (and her speedy start) was getting to her.
Me? My lower back ached per usual and I developed a blister on my right foot.
There was a lot of volunteers along the course and they were very supportive. As were the faster runners that passed me by. I tried to do the same and cheer on the slower runners behind me.
Since it was an out and back, I knew exactly what was coming… the bridges and the roadway.
Finally I made back to the high school track.
I tried as best as I could to finish strong.
Yay! Done!
Post Race Activities:
Linda was right behind me.
I immediately grabbed some watermelon and chocolate milk…
Picture time?
While Iwas waiting for Jenny to finish, I ate some of the post race refreshments: bagel and cream cheese and a few other snacks.
The went to see if I won an age group award.
Yup, I did! 3rd place (70+)
I chose a gift card to one of our local supermarkets.
done and smiling!
Additional Race Reflections:
Well, another PW. But it was not unexpected. It was humid. I skipped my long runs.
I may have hoped for 1:47 but I predicted 1:55.
A 10 mile race completed. Win. Win.
Positives:
Well organized race
Lots of pre-race information
Relay option
Well marked scenic course
Carpooling with 2 friends
Free photos
Only $26
real restrooms
gift cards as age group awards
A great section of post race refreshments
Negatives:
70+ year age group awards
No Gatorade at water stops
2 hour drive (hence early wake up call)
Few photos (and none of me)
Would I recommend this race?
All in all, this was a fun race. I would recommend it if you live closer. But I’m glad I ran it once.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
10 MILER – MAY 24
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run many 10 milers? What is your favorite distance? Please share.
As you may remember, this race takes place during my annual non-running tennis vacation in Naples, Florida. I play tennis every morning and then spend the afternoon on the beach. Each evening I go out for drinks, dinner and dessert with my tennis friends. Eight days of pure relaxation and enjoyment… (every May since 2005)
I love it. It’s usually my only vacation that doesn’t include a race. You have to admit that racing during a vacation does add an element of stress.
Well, in 2017. we changed our dates and I happened upon a 5k race that took place on the Sunday during our stay. One of my friends offered to get up at the crack of dawn and drop me off and another offered to pick me up.
Despite the loops and warm temps, I had a blast and did fairly well.
I also unexpectedly bumped into a tennis friend, Rebecca, who had moved to Naples.
As a result, I signed up for the same 5k in 2018 and 2019. I won an age group award each time and met up with Rebecca.
Our vacation was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 and the race in 2021 did not occur during our time in Naples.
So I was pretty excited to run this race again in 2022. The downside was that Rebecca died suddenly in 2021 and I knew that the race would remind me of her sadly.
I decided to run the race anyway and each year, if I was able, in Rebecca’s honor.
and yes, again I won an age group award
However since I was still recovering from a broken foot, I decided to skip the race in 2023 but in 2024, I put it back on my racing schedule.
another age group award for a course PW
Last year, after I signed up for this race, I got an email saying that they had to change the course location. I could have gotten a refund. But what the hell. A new race!
and another AG award 🙂
This year, I knew in advance that AGAIN, they changed the course. And I still signed up. Vacation and a Race…
It was going to be held at Sugden Park. After some Googling, I discovered that in the fall, there was a 5k that was held in this park …
Race Description:
The 5K run will take place on the pathways of Sugden Regional Park. Athletes will have views of Lake Avalon throughout the course while winding through shaded wooded areas. The finish will be along the handset pavers between the cheering fans and the beach front by the lake.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
The night before the race, we went out to an awesome seafood dinner. No pizza or pasta and I had a glass of wine… Oh well. only a 5k. Carb loading not a must.
Here is the NEW course map:
I hate 2 looped races. I wasn’t surprised and I just had to suck it up and do it…
at least it was flat…
Race Day:
Saturday morning, I groggily ate my usual race breakfast at 5:30 am. As in previous years, a friend agreed to drop me off at the race start. The race started at 7:30 am and so we left at 6:30 am. I wasn’t familiar with the race location so I needed to arrive earlier than necessary.
If I had gotten there even earlier I would have seen the full moon:
There was no packet pick up before the race day (as in previous years). So I got my bib on race day,,,
.The swag was a shirt.
purple = my favorite color
Since I was early, I walked around…. this was a really beautiful park… very conducive to running, walking, biking…
I was a little chilly so I put on my race shirt… Eventually I had to hide it under a tree since I did have a bag or a car.
hooray for bug spray – it was needed!
just setting up the finish line…
post race refreshments
1/2 way point & water stop
surprise sunrise
yes I am sunrise obsessed…
almost ready for the race…
This was not a big race. There were about 225 runners – all ages and very friendly.
It was cloudy when I got there. At times, the sun did peak out. It was starting to get warm. I checked the weather app on my phone. Holy humidity!
I wore my usual race attire minus the compression socks:
3rd year wearing the same outfit LOL
As I was killing time and enjoying the sunrise views on the lake, I spotted a familiar face…
Yes. Jeannie Rice. It was my 2nd 5k encounter with her. I was very excited!! And she is so nice! She was nursing an injury and was running this 5k to see if she could run a longer race next weekend. (She winters in Naples.)
Soon it was time to head to the start line.
As you can see from the map, the course winds the park and loops back toward the start.
I had no plan for the race – just finish and get back to my friends so we could continue with our plans for the day. (Gone are the days when I finished this race in 27:xx!!)
I also haven’t raced in weather this warm since last August. This made me a little nervous. Can I run well in the heat/humidity? Will I die? LOL
I had no idea what the course looked like until after the race. Luckily, much of the course was through the park and shady.
Mile 1:
From the get go, my legs felt like lead but my biggest problem was that I had a hard time breathing and I felt dizzy. Was it the heat? Most likely it was not being acclimated to the humidity. I couldn’t wait to get to the water stop…
Actually I could not wait to walk…
Mile 2:
It seemed like forever but I think it was during mile 2. I stopped for water and walked for a short while.
I continued my running which was painful and seemed to be like a slog…
As I mentioned above, the course ran through the park and it was very pretty. It was a mixture of flat paths and wooden bridges and concrete sidewalks.
There were a few older ladies that I remembered from past years. One in particular was in front of me. I tried to keep up with her.
Mile 3 – 3.1:
The race is kind of a blur. I think I walked a few more times…
I tried to just get to the finish line without puking.
ugh!
Wish I looked like this. LOL
go Jeannie!
Eventually the arch appeared and I gave it my all.
I was shocked when I crossed at 31:xx. I felt so much slower.
I waited for another older runner to finish. She and I had chatted before the race..
Post Race Activities:
I grabbed some water and some refreshments which were cookies, bars, bananas and navel oranges.
I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!!
1 out of 6
My friend was not coming to pick me up until after her tennis lesson so I had time to stay for the awards ceremony.
she won grand masters.
Additional Race Reflections:
Definitely a tough one and again one of my slower 5ks but hey, I did it.
And I will do it again!
Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least afterward.)
Positives:
flatish course
well organized
ample parking
nice shirt (gender-specific)
Instant results emailed/texted to runners
creative age group award (picture frame)
important charity (scholarships to HS students)
Nice park
lake views
Sunrise
Meeting Jeannie Rice
Negatives:
Rebecca was no longer there. 😦
Warm temps and humidity
Would I recommend this race?
Yes! There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
A new 10 miler:
May 17
Happy Running! Ever run a 5K race while on vacation? Do you find it hard to race in the hot weather? Please share.
I am currently in Naples, Florida with my tennis friends.
Even though it’s a tennis vacation, I did run a 5k yesterday.
Last Week –
Sunday – Since there wouldn’t be much running this week, after the gym, I went out for a short run.
a bluebird day finally but my legs were expectedly a little dragging…
The rest of the day was spent packing, cooking, errands (got my nails done)…
and TWO hours playing with cats!!
There’s a cat cafe where you can play with cats. Of course, they hope that you will want to adopt one. I went there because my hubby wants a 3rd cat. If one of the kittens (bottom right) were available, I would have taken one in a minute… I was tempted with one of the tuxedos but none felt right.
Monday– DAY OFF. Finally back on the trails for a hiking day. I went with my running friend Heidi and two others that we met on a hike last year (Priscilla and Emilee).
We all met at Kane Mountain trail head and hiked up to the fire tower (and down). The weather (and the company) couldn’t have been better.
it was challenging getting to the top but worth it for the view from the fire tower
Then we went out to lunch.
I still had to go to my pickleball lesson later…
what a difference a week made – from freezing to sweating.
Tuesday – WFH (but I slept in) and then squeezed in a run at lunch before going to set up for the next day.
beside the wind, the weather was great (and lots of cherry blossoms)
Afterward, I had a (needed) hair appt.
Wednesday -A busy day since I had to teach live (and it’s been a while).
After work, I ran a few miles nearby instead of waiting to meet up with the Training Challenge runners (for week 6).
windy again but it’s nice to run in a different location…
Then I rushed home to finish packing and to try to get to sleep early.
Thursday – A very early flight to Ft Myers followed by picking up our rental van, driving to Naples, meeting for lunch, checking into our villa and getting settled.
Friday- While the group had their first tennis lesson, I went for my first (sweaty) run and then played some doubles.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing at the beach and then out to dinner.
Saturday – Tropicool 5k.
I’ve run this race many times. It was in a different location last year and again this year in its 3rd location. (More details to come.)
This Coming Week on the Run –
Sunday – Wednesday = some runs, some tennis, some beach/pool time, dinners out, book club night, seeing the show Beautiful and more!
Thursday –flight home
Friday – recovery day off, gym, walk, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch – MY BIRTHDAY!!!
Sunday – gym, walk, Mother’s Day dinner with the family
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Do you race while on vacation? Any upcoming travel? Please share.
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.
This race has been around for a long time. The date was never convenient.
Truthfully I was not planning on running it.
I had just run a half marathon 2 weeks before and had a 5k planned in a week.
My friend Jenny pointed out that they offered a discounted race fee of $15 if you had never run the race.
So I figured Why Not? And I needed to stay in shape for the 2 ten milers at the end of May.
DESCRIPTION:
The Hudson Mohawk Road Runners have held this 10k as its Masters (40+) Championship event since 1982. The race was named after one of the Club’s longtime members, Bill Robinson. He was, without question, one of the fastest and toughest runners in the capital region on both the road and on the track. Bill won this race in 1987 and 1989. Bill was a member of an HMRRC masters team that won a USATF National 10k title in 1989. However, while training the year after, he had a tragic accident that left him paralyzed.
The 10k race starts and finishes at the entrance to Guilderland High School. For the first mile the race heads out on Meadowdale Road and then bears left onto Frederick Rd. and onto Hawes Rd for about 1.5 miles of rolling hills. At this point the course bears right onto Weaver Rd., and the course’s main long downhill, to the 5k turnaround. At this point runners turn around and race back to Guilderland High School.
not a flat spot on the course…
I had run several 5ks that started at the high school (2016-19) so I remember the hills. I am not opposed to walking up hills.
May 2019
Race Day:
The race started at 9 am so I left my house around 8 am (after having my standard breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.)
Yes, it’s spring but the temp when I got up was 35 degrees. As a result, I brought several options: cap, beanie, jacket, gloves, pants, etc.
I knew that you could wait inside the high school before the race and I could decide what to leave on and what to leave behind.
This race had a small crowd.. but I immediately ran into runners that I knew.
Sue, my racing travel companion
Another advantage of waiting indoors was the real restrooms.
I got my bib and shirt and chatted until it was time to head outside.
As you can see from the above pic, I took off my pants, jacket, wore a cap inside of a beanie (but left on my gloves.)
I was very cold at first but I knew that I would warm up (and I was correct.)
There was no electronic start line so we just started running.
I started with my friends Carolyn and Anne,
I tried to stay with them. First I lost Carolyn and then Anne and being no fast and not slow, it was pretty lonely out there.
Mile 1-3:
I was very cold at first but I knew that I would warm up (and I was correct.)
There was no electronic start line so we just ran.
I started with my friends Carolyn and Anne,
I tried to stay with them. Fist I lost Carolyn and then Anne and being not fast and not slow, it was pretty lonely out there.
The course turned out to be pretty straightforward, with a few mild turns and undulating hills. Up, up, up and and a slight down.
Where I live, there are no hills. When I run on the bike paths, the terrain is flat.
I knew that this race had hills and yes, I could have prepared for them.
But I did not!!
Not wanting to wreck my body, I just ran/walked up them. It seemed that the better runners ran the whole race at a consistent pace.
There was a water stop around mile 2. I wasn’t thirsty yet but I stopped as an excuse to walk.
Mile 3-6.2::
The third mile was great, as you find yourself flying down Hawes and then Weaver Road…
but then there’ was the turnaround and the fourth mile has you climbing back up.
There was a clock at the 5k point and it said 32-33 minutes. Not bad I thought with all that walking…
But the hills seemed longer and harder. Or maybe my legs were getting tired. I tried to run/walk up the hills. But I may have been walking longer than the first half the race.
Another water stop around mile 4, this time I was thirsty.. I actually felt warm. I had taken off my gloves (and a short sleeved shirt would have been fine.)
As I mentioned above, I was running alone… At least the course marshals were supportive and cheered runners on. (Being on country roads, there were no spectators.)
Eventually we turned into the school parking lot and I gave it all that I had as I crossed the finish line (at around 1:05:xx).
As soon as you crossed the finish line, they handed you a raffle ticket.
Post Race Activities:
I was actually please with my time. It wasn’t the old me but not even a PW.
Since this was my first time running this race, it was a course PR.
I grabbed some water and went inside.
Many of the runners were already finished and so they started calling out raffle numbers. If you won, you got to pick out some running clothes (shirt, jackets, hats, shorts, etc.)
I didn’t win….
For refreshments, there was homemade soup, bread, pastries, food and coffee. (I sampled it all.)
Due to the size of the race (56 runners!), the age group awards were for 10 year age groups.
Anne won in her AG.
Carolyn and I won in ours.
What’s worse than getting a generic medal?
a ribbon
Additional Race Reflections:
The race was on country roads with practically no traffic. It was well organized and I would recommend it you enjoy a challenge.
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked scenic course
Some familiar faces
Free photos
Only $15 for newbies
real restrooms
indoor place to wait before the race and hang out after
raffle prizes (race apparel)
perfect running weather
Negatives:
Hills, hills, hills
No local running friends
10 year age group awards
no spectators
low attendance
Would I recommend this race?
All in all, this was a fun race. The hills were a challenge but I’ve seen and experienced worse.
Final Stats:
Next Up:
May 2.
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? Please share.
And next week, I head to Florida for my annual tennis vacation.
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym.. (Minimal reaction to yesterday’s COVID vaccine.)
I had planned to walk at the arboretum again but it was pouring…
Instead I did my walk in the mall before (and after) meeting my BFF to see the Barbie exhibit at the NYS Museum.
I had actually seen a similar exhibit in Montreal in 2020
and a short visit last year to one in NYC.
I’m not a big Barbie collector but I did have one when I was younger. Did you? It was fun to be nostalgic and see how they have changed with the times.
Monday–My friend agreed to meet me for a run before work at the high school track…
frost on my lawn… brrr!! and I dug out my Boston running shoes!
I got talked in a speed workouts. A mile of 200s and then 2 miles of 400s. That will warm you up!
While I was working, I was also tracking some friends running the Boston marathon. (The perks of WFH.)
After work, I went to my first week of Beginning Pickleball lessons. Yes, this is my third time taking this class and the instructor wasn’t happy but I don’t play in between sessions so this gives me the opportunity to play once a week with beginner players.
But it was so cold and windy. I FROZE!!!!!
Tuesday – Another gym morning (and still feeling like winter) … and a walk after work.
back at the Arboretum (since I didn’t go there on Sunday)
Wednesday – Another chilly drizzly day. Where is spring?
a rare selfie at the Y
After work, I met up with the Training Challenge runners (for week 5: 5 min walk, 90 sec run, 60 sec walk repeated, 5 min walk.) It wasn’t as chilly as it has been but if you look at the photo below, you don’t see any runners. There were some runners in the Intermediate and Beginning groups but my Run Walker did not show. I had to run alone.
Thursday – I started the day again with a Jenny run (but not on the track this time.) I do prefer morning runs and the sun made all the difference. We ran our run walk intervals with negative splits as I misjudged the time and ran an extra mile. (Again it helps to WFH so no one noticed that I was late.)
I headed to office after lunch…
pretty drink to go with the pretty flowers
and then afterward, I went for a walk at nearby UAlbany to take advantage of a sunny day (They have been rare lately) and to kill time until…
sorry to have missed the cherry blossoms (top) but still some flowering trees
I could visit my granddaughter.
getting bigger and cuter everyday!!
Friday- A gym morning, a walk at lunch with Jenny in a nearby park and mah jongg in the evening.
our cherry tree has finally flowered and two of the eggs have hatched…
Saturday – Bill Robinson Memorial 10k.
I’ve run a 5k here but never this course. I knew it would be hilly and I was right.
I did my best but since I never train on hills, I was cautious and ran/walked up them.
I definitely need to run on hills if I ever do this race again.
Though there were not a lot of runners, I knew many of them and I had a good time. I even came in 3rd in my 10 year age group.
After brunch (and a shower), I went to a tour of a historical home.. It was interesting but I was disappointed in the gardens…
On the way home, I stopped off at Washington Park to check out the gardens there (Tulip fest is in 2 weeks!)
many have not bloomed yet but the ones that had were beautiful. worth the trip. (many more pics on FB/IG)
Last stop was grocery shopping!
Sunday -gym, walk/run, nail appt, cooking, time to start packing for my trip…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – DAY OFF – gym, HIKE, pickleball lesson
Tuesday –run, haircut
Wednesday –run (training challenge week 5), pack!
Thursday –very early flight to Ft Myers, pick up rental van, drive to Naples, lunch, unpack, pool time, grocery shopping…
Friday – run, tennis, beach, dinner out
Saturday – Tropicool 5k
Sunday –run, tennis, beach
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Bill Robinson Memorial 10k Race Recap
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Hilly or flat races? How ‘s your weather? Any signs of spring? Any vacations planned? Please share.
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.
If you are training for a big race: a half marathon, a full marathon or an ultra, it is tempting to skip races during your training cycle so you can complete all the weekend runs on your plan.
If you are not training, you also may feel that there’s no reason to race. You can just run for fun on the weekend (for free).
I have no half marathons on my scheduled until Sept. 12!
I don’t know about you, but I rarely have fun during my weekend runs. I get them done. Period.
The atmosphere before a race is inspiring and the feeling of accomplishment after a race is addicting.
It’s a speed drill in disguise.
Even if you say that the race only a training run or you don’t care about your pace, most likely the enthusiasm and crowd support will have you running faster in a race than in your weekend run.
Free water stops, porta-potties and post-run refreshments.
Ok, not free because you have to pay to run the race but you know what I mean.
It’s welcomed support before, during and/or after your run.
You can practice race pace.
You may often run your weekend runs too fast or too slow.
Obviously it’s easier to practice “race pace” in a race.
You connect with other runners and make new friends..
When I first started running, I had no running friends so I would race on the weekends.
Now I do have friends to run with on the weekend but I always enjoy meeting new runners.
Here are a few more reasons (though they are not mine):
Bling
You get shiny medals.
Add to your Running Wardrobe
You get new shirts, caps, jackets, etc.
Happy Running! Do you ever use a race as a training run? Do you race often? Why or why not? Please share.
