Races

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2024 Barn to Bridge 5k Race Recap

OCT. 5, 2024

The 3rd year for this race.  A downhill course.  A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up??

Big negative:

  • I was training for a marathon and needed a 18 long run that day.

Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in 18 miles, as well.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I was working in NYC for 3 days and I ran 16 miles the previous weekend in preparation for the NYC marathon.

Needless to say, I was pooped and seriously considered staying in bed.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The race extends from the Hilton Barn area of New Scotland to the finish line across the bridge in Slingerlands. The race kicks off the Fall Fest at the Slingerlands trailhead that will feature live musical performances, food trucks and vendors, as well as fun games and activities as participants come down the home stretch. Shuttle service will be available. T-shirts and one free meal ticket for all participants. Awards for top 3 overall Male/Female. 

the “Barn”

the rail trail

the Bridge

Slingerlands parking lot and the race finish!

Race Day:

I had my standard breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I guess I’m a creature of habit.

Since the race didn’t start until 11 am, my plan was to park at the start, run 1.5 miles miles, meet two friends and run 8 miles, run 1.5 miles back to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run 4 miles back to my car… that would be my 18 mile long run.

Perfect, right?

And I did just what I planned pre-race.

11 miles done… 8 with Barb & Deb ❤ them

Since I ran this race last year, I was familiar with the course (as pictured below)

Race Course (according the web site)

There was no elevation chart but now I have one from my Garmin:

actually a very gradual downhill  -100 ft total descent from beginning to end.

I arrived at the start in plenty of time.  My friend Heidi had gotten my bib.  I changed my shoes and shirt and I was ready to go.

I bumped into many friends. We chatted and took a few pics.

Karen’s first race in a year due to COVID

Some of my local running friends came as well:

The weather was absolutely perfect!!

Unlike last year when it RAINED!!

There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember.

Can it be called a “race” recap if I didn’t race? LOL.

Mile 1: 

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started.  And there were not going to be any age group awards for me.

Judy was going to run the race.  Deirdre, Heidi and I were going to run/walk it (using Deirdre’s intervals 15:60??)

So we stood just somewhere in the back of the pack.

 

Although it was advertised as starting at the barn and going downhill from there on the rail trail, you actually had to run around the nearby neighborhood (in order to get to 3.1 miles by the parking lot).

That was not downhill and that was not fun.

The only positive part about circling the neighborhood was that I could run the tangents (if I were running the race.)

Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.

Mile 2: 

I believe the first year, there were no water stops but his year there was one.

Even with our long walk intervals, I was thirsty and stopped for a drink.

I didn’t take pictures this year (although I walking so I could have.)

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was little crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail.

I could see the finish line ahead

and so I left Heidi and Deirdre sprinted across it.

I looked up and saw my college BFF and her husband.  I was surprised and happy that she got to see me race (too bad, I wasn’t actually racing.)

Deirdre finished shortly after.

At the finish line, there was water and apples, bananas.

Post Race Activities:

As soon as you were done, you got your race shirt and a coupon for free food and drink.

There was also a kids race.

they got shirts and medals

This race was also part of a Fall Festival put on by the county.

check out the line for the food truck

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out many freebies.)

some of these pics are from the first year

I hung out with my BFF for a while.

I picked up some freebies (that I gave to Heidi) and even had a free ice cream float. (I turned down the free hot dog.)

My running friends went to get some food from the trucks… Me?  I had to run 4 more miles to get in my 18!!

What a struggle!  But I did it!!

Then I drove my car back to the finish area.

The festival was still happening so I used my food coupon and sat on a bench listening to the music.

so cute!

Two food trucks didn’t show (illness), one had run out of food so I waited A LONG TIME) from the ONE existing option.

While I was waiting I listened to the music and watched a few of kids shows.

Finally!!

It was delicious ( or maybe I was just hungry).

Additional Race Reflections:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this race. If I am around, I will probably run it again next year.

The past few years, I’ve mostly focused on half marathons and this year and last year training for a full marathon.

Next year, I hope to take this race seriously.

I doubt I’ll ever PR again. But I’d like to go back to sub-30 finish times.  But I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

However, I am happy to be healthy, to be running regularly and interacting with others.

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Positives:

  • Well organized
  • Participant guide provided beforehand
  • Inexpensive ($10)
  • Well marked course
  • Shuttle to the start from the finish and vice versa.
  • Cute gender specific race shirts
  • Lots of familiar faces.
  • Downhill course
  • Immediate results
  • One free meal ticket for all participants.
  • Free ice cream & hot dogs
  • Entertainment after.

Negatives:

  • I could run here for FREE!
  • Late start (11 am)
  • Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-30, 30-59?)
  • Long wait for food (only ONE food truck)
  • No photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!  A good race to try for a 5K PR.

Final Stats:

2024

Splits:

None – I didn’t wear a watch.

Other than the 5k where I walked, this was a PW by far:

2023

2022

Next Up:

SouthCoast Wind Cape Cod Marathon Weekend

Half Marathon on 10/12/24

Happy Running! Run a 5k race lately?  Do you enjoy 5ks? Are you creative about fitting in a race around a long run? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

and tomorrow:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2024 Run 4 the River Half Marathon Race Recap

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

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

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

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

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

  • It was local and I could sleep in my own bed the night before.
  • It was local so I would know a lot of the runners.
  • I was familiar with most of the course as I had already run this half marathon three times.
  • I convinced some friends to run it too.
  • It was advertised as having a Net Downhill Course and FREE BEER, Food, and LIVE MUSIC
  • I could run it as a training run for my November MARATHON.

Honestly, this year, I mainly decided to run this race because my NYC Marathon plan called for 13 miles this weekend.

Half Marathon Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a half marathon training plan. But I was in the midst of training for my marathon and so I did complete three short runs during the work week.

And on the weekends, I always try to do my Long Run. I’m lucky to have the company of several running friends.  Due to the extreme heat and humidity this summer, I have adopted my friends’ run/walk intervals.  It really helped me get through the long runs. (We have also often joked and re-labeled them walk/run intervals since we walk so often.)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

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

We had several plans and they kept changing but we finally figured out the best option.

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

with an added throw-away

It was supposed to be little cooler than my previous long runs. But still warm and in the 70s by noon and very HUMID.  Thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon.

Race Day:

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

So I got up around 5:15 am on Saturday morning (ouch) and was on the road by 6:15 to meet Barbara and then I drove us to Deirdre’s. She would be driving us and Kevin plus Kevin’s friend to the start.

Some of our other friends would have parked their cars near the finish so I knew that Barbara & I could get a ride back.

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

We were early so I had time to chat with other runners and use the restrooms.

my only “race” photo

last year it was very foggy … not this year

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

LOCKED this!!! Boo.

Finally, it was time to head to the start.

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

obligatory pre-race photo

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

exactly the same in 2024

20210707_111324.jpg

 elevation on the website

according to my Garmin…

The NYC Marathon was my focus this fall so my goal for this race and my next race was to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)

All my long runs have been done slowly and with short intervals. I found out during my last race (which was a 10k) that it didn’t exactly make me slower (or maybe it did?) but I found it hard to run for more than a minute or two without walking… I used to be able to run 1-2 miles straight (not that it matters…)

Miles 1-3:

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

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

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

Unfortunately I already needed to walk by mile 1. That need continued each mile and the number of times I needed to walk increased as the race progressed (Ugh!)

Anyway, there was an un-official water stop around mile 1 but I did skip it. That was the only one I skipped. I did high five my neighbor who was there (she was recovering from an injury).

The canal was on our right and most of the race was run on the path with water views.

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

The first official water stop was a little after mile 3 at Pattersonville Bike Path parking on 5S.  This was where my running friends were volunteering.  It was great to hear them cheering us on.

Stan passed me by there and Barbara was catching up.

Instead of eating my first Gu, I ate some salt chews (something new!).  I was hoping they’d prevent me from cramping and feeling dizzy at the end of the race.

Miles 4-6

Most of what I remember is that my feet hurt (specifically the neuroma on my left foo and then a blister forming on my right foot).

Stan disappeared quickly ahead but I could see Barbara in the distance. She was getting farther and farther ahead and eventually disappearing from view as well.

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

There was second water stop little past mile 5 at Iroquois St/Bike Path. Here I ate my first GU.

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

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

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

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

Miles 7-10

The course was pretty flat and shady for the most part.  The temps were rising, the sun came out but it was not too bad. I have raced in a lot worse conditions.

Both of my feet continued to ache. Bunion? Stress fracture? Recurrence of the neuroma? As these thoughts ran through my head, I ran slower and walked more.

There was another water stop was a little before mile 8 at Kiwanis Park. I walked again and then ate two more salt chews.  My neighbor appeared again and cheered me on.

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

Miles 11-13.1

The final water stop was a little before Mile 11 at MH Bike Path lot. I stopped again and ate my second Gu.

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

All of a sudden, a racing friend who was way behind me caught up. We chatted for a minute as I struggled and then she passed me.

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

My friends who didn’t run the race were there cheering.  It was sooo nice to see familiar faces.

At least, this year, I knew that you had to turn right to get to the finish line…

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

And that racing friend who had just passed me was in my age group and that motivated me to move my tired legs.

Yup. I beat her!!!! (She was very gracious. “Nice kick at the end,” she said to me.)

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

Post Race Activities:

Barbara had finished already and so had Stan. I joined my non-racing friends near the finish line to cheer in Sherry who had not finished yet.

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

It was crowded but fortunately we got a table. Rather than a boxed lunch (as the first year), you got a free beer and a choice of the food above from a buffet or a whole pizza. I chose the whole pizza (and I ate it ALL!)

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

Coke seemed to be the drink of choice. lol (I eventually had a FREE Mango Sour beer.)

I did check the results and noticed that I finished 2nd in my 70-99 year age group.

But I was too tired to pick up my award…

Additional Race Reflections:

Of course, I am glad that I ran the race. Much more fun than a boring 13 miler on the bike path… (at least at the after party!!)

Yet I was disappointed. Not in my finish time. But in how I struggled to finish 13.1 miles. I felt that I did everything right:

  • Long runs on the weekend
  • 3 Short runs during the week
  • 3 Visits to the gym during the week
  • Carb loaded the night before
  • Fueled before and during the race
  • The weather wasn’t perfect but not awful
  • The course was mostly flat.

IOW, what should I do differently? (Wear newer shoes??)

Positives:

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

Negatives:

  • 10 year age group awards.
  • No photos of everyone.
  • Restrooms at Mabee Farms locked.
  • Porta-potties only at one water stop.
  • Running alone.
  • Foot issues.

Would I recommend this race?

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

Final Stats:

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

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

Hooray for another course PW for 2024!!

(In hindsight, I am grateful that I completed the distance since I may not be running for a while. IOW, never take that gift for granted!!)

Next Up:

Another Half Marathon in 5 weeks.  Can I redeem myself? Due to injuries in a boating accident, will I even be able to run it???

2022 — Mayflower Wind Cape Cod Marathon — Race Roster — Registration, Marketing, Fundraising

Happy Running! Run any big races lately?  Are you planning any this Fall? Do you run the same race more than once? Ever use a race as a training run? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

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

and tomorrow:

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

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Weekly Run Down for 8.25.24-9.1.24: Race Week?

Just a 13 mile training run, right?

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

Last Week –

  • Sunday – As usual, I started the day at the gym… and it was raining!

But the rain stopped and the sun came out… so up to the lake we went.

For a change of pace, I decide on a hike…

Then I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, reading and listening to live music at the beach.

  • Monday – WFH today so I was able to get out for a short run before work.

explored a different neighborhood today

  • Tuesday – Since I wouldn’t be able to get out for a run before or after work on Wednesday, I ran again before work.

sunflowers always make a run better

After work, I met up for my weekly walk with former co-workers.

  • Wednesday – No WFH today…

Fall has officially begun

But the highlight was a meet-up with some of my tennis friends for dinner (I had missed July’s meet-up).

  • Thursday – Back to WFH so I could squeeze in a before work run…

cute mailbox (not mine)… loved the cooler temps

and I picked up my bib (and friends’ bibs) for Saturday’s race after work

the shirt was extra $$ and I opted to skip it

and then our last ARE summer trail event was scheduled…

The weather was perfect (although it rained where I live) and there was a BBQ afterwards. I’m sad to have our Thursday evening hikes end.

  • Friday –  Just a gym morning…

sunflowers live on for a few more days…

I skipped evening mah jongg in favor of errands and getting ready for an early morning wake up the next day.

hoping that the rain doesn’t happen until I’m done

  • Saturday – Run 4 the River Half Marathon.

My goal was to treat it as a training run and just enjoy the race… with my friends who were running it or volunteering.

It didn’t rain as predicted and it isn’t a hard course but it just wasn’t my day!  I struggled and it was painful.

I’m trying to stay positive that things will not get worse for my even longer runs.

  • Sunday – Back to the gym. Boating postponed until Monday (Labor Day).

Instead, a birthday party for my granddaughter who turns 1 next week.

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – Holiday Day Off. Run, boating (weather dependent)
  • Tuesday –  GYM, walk w/friends (COVID & flu vaccines  at lunch)
  • Wednesday – Run, walk with BFF
  • Thursday – AM Run, movie with a friend
  • Friday – GYM, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (14 mi.)
  • Sunday – GYM, Boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – How it all began
  • Friday –  Ultimate Coffee Date

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Ever run a race as training for a bigger race? What are your Labor Day plans? Did you have pumpkin flavored coffee yet? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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.

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TT: New York City Marathon Take 3

Today is a Free Topic.

When you are training for a marathon, is there anything else to talk about?

When I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019, it was my first marathon.

I said I was ONE and DONE!!

And I meant it (at the time…)

I mean (besides the training miles and the last 6 miles of the race), I really enjoyed the experience.  And it was practically perfect.

  • I loosely followed a training plan but got those long runs done.
  • I got support on those runs from my running friends.
  • Due to my job, I had free hotel rooms for race weekend.
  • I shared the NYC marathon experience with friends (Lacey, my roommate and Cari, fellow blogger.)
  • My tennis friends came down and cheered me on (at mile 18).
  • The weather was PERFECT!!
  • I met my finish time goal (in daylight and under 5:30).
  • I felt fine after the race (zero pain.)

I explained my reasons for repeating this experience in 2023: https://wp.me/pel7R-i3n and https://wp.me/pel7R-i3Y

Did the race turn out differently the second time around?

You bet!

I went into the race knowing the challenges:

  • I was four years older.
  • I hadn’t completed as many long races as I used to due to breaking my foot in February.
  • Most of my local running friends were not running the race until 2024.
  • My poor feet!! Since then, I had painful bunion, neuroma and hammertoe issues.

And the advantages:

  • I had qualified already for 2024 so I could do it again and make amends.
  • I was much more relaxed regarding the logistics of the race.
  • I was mostly working from home so  better able to fit in my weekday runs.
  • I had been doing strength training several times a week thanks to my gym membership.
  • I followed the Higdon Novice 1 Plan almost to a T.
  • I was more confident in my ability to finish 26.2 miles.

thumbs up!

So what happened?

Calf cramps had me walking the last 16 miles!!!

IOW, anything can happen on race day… no matter how prepared you feel.

So how is the third time different?

  • My training is much more relaxed… (I am only focusing on getting those 14, 16, 18 & 20 milers completed)

  • I have zero expectations on a good finish time.
  • I am training and running it with friends.

  • We’re staying near the ferry (so a later wake up time and less wait time).
  • Although yes, I already qualified for 2025, I only plan to go and support friends. I will not run it.  So this one needs to be FUN!!

cheers to NYCM 2024!

Happy Running! Have you run the same full or half marathon more than once? If so, was there anything you did differently? Please share.

runner-sig

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

and tomorrow:

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

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FFF: Bucket List Races

A Girl Can Dream, right?

Here are 5 that I’d love to run someday:

1.Beach to Beacon 10k (in ME)

TD Beach to Beacon 10k - The Maine Sports Commission

2.BolderBoulder 10k (in CO)

BOLDER Boulder 10K Race | Behind the Scenes footage

3.Detroit Free Press Half Marathon (in MI)

Fundraiser by Sam Menzin : Marathon for Matt

4. Cherry Blossom 10M (in DC)

Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run - Wikipedia

5. NYC Mini 10k (in NYC)

Mastercard New York Mini 10K® - Women's Race

Here are 5 that were on my list when I first started running?

1.Freihofer Run for Women

2. Troy Turkey Trot 10k

3. Naples Half Marathon

4.A Race in Paris

5. RnR Las Vegas Half Marathon

Happy Running! Which races are still on your bucket list? Which have you already run? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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2024 NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap

August 3, 2024 – 9:00 am

Obviously I signed up for this race because there was ice cream.

Well, only partly true.

  • I had a free hotel room that was going to expire.
  • I could combine this NYC trip with a visit to my roommate who lives on LI.
  • I like Governor’s Island.
  • It offered a 10k option and there are not many 10ks.
  • Yes, ice cream.

I’ve actually run a race before on Governor’s Island. Back in 2018.

my first unsuccessful attempt (with my friend from Russia) due to a thunderstorm

rescheduled a month later and it is still my 5k PR. I also won my age group at that race.

And I have already run a NYCRUNS Ice Cream Social race. Another 5k and it took place in Brooklyn. And also in 2018.

another age group award crystal paper weight

Just last month, I spent the day on Governor’s Island with a friend and so I was familiar with the logistics and the ferry.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The day before the race, I arrived by train in Manhattan and took the subway to my hotel in the Financial District. I chose this hotel because it was near the ferry to Governor’s Island.

It’s been a hot, humid summer and  today was no different. I decided to head to Brooklyn (by subway) and visit the Brooklyn Museum.  Museums are air-conditioned, right?

I thoroughly enjoyed it there as there were several great exhibits.

But it was still early and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was right next door so I thought, why not?

Beautiful but HOT HOT HOT.

Cari got out of work early and so she took the ferry to meet me (back near my hotel). We chatted and had pizza (carb loading for me) and ended our visit with drinks at the rooftop bar of my hotel.

oops, a race the next day…

Don’t ask me how many miles I put on my legs .. LOL.

I got my stuff ready for the next day.

Here  is the description of the race and the course map:

Treat yourself to two laps around Governors Island, and we’ll treat you to a well-deserved post-finish ice cream. Talk about a perfect summer day.

Entry to the NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10K includes a ferry ride, your race entry, a tech shirt, and post-race eats (the aforementioned ice cream!)

They also mailed you your bib several weeks before the race.

I tried unsuccessfully to get a good night’s sleep..

Race Day:

I got up before I needed to and had coffee and oatmeal in my hotel room. Although the race did not start until 9 am, they suggested that you take the 7 am or 7:30 am ferry.

I left my hotel around 6:45 am and arrived to a long line at the ferry.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. UGH!

I just missed getting on the 7 am ferry (it only hold 290 persons) but that was fine since I was planning on the 7:30 one.

The line got longer and longer (we joked that it may have stretched to the Brooklyn Bridge since there were about 900 runners for this race not counting families and spectators).

It was a nice quick ride.

As soon as we arrived, we noticed that there were real restrooms.  Always a great race perk.

Then I followed signs toward the race start.

It wasn’t a short walk but lots to view (old buildings, forts, Manhattan skyline).

Eventually I arrived at the starting area.

I picked up my shirt (You could wait until after but doubtful to get your size).

Bag check was very organized so I left my shirt there…

zone 4 since my bib ended in 45

Then I walked around checking out the logistics

Nuun and water tables

nearby start line

around the corner was the finish line being setup

and eventually taking a seat and chatting with other runners while waiting for the race to begin.

they even sold coffee

I had loved the course in the past and was excited to do this race…

As you can see from the map, the course winds around the island.. TWICE.  There were rolling hills throughout but nothing steep.

Yes, it was HOT… HUMID… SUNNY and NO SHADE!!!

I knew that it would be hard and I would suffer but it was worse than I thought!!

I am not going to give a mile by mile recap of the race (as I normally do). Suffice it to say, that I felt defeated by the heat but tried to enjoy the race as best as I could.

I was not smiling at the end. lol

From the get go, I was sweaty…

but so was everyone else…

I ran the first mile (what I thought was slowly). I normally only drink water but today luckily every water stop (and they were almost every mile) offered Nuun and I drank that in addition to water.

The hills as I said were not steep but annoying because it was so sunny and the trees provided zero shade.

As a result, I ran slower each mile and really thought of quitting after 3 miles.

But obviously I did not and I just walked A LOT.

The views were great and island scenery varied.

at least someone is happy during this race.. not I.

And I finished!!!

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some Nuun and water, retrieved my race shirt and of course, looked for the ice cream.  There were pretzels and Haagan Dazs ice cream cups and ice pops.

I grabbed a cup and ate it as I headed back toward the ferry.

I quickly checked the results to see if I won an award. And I did!! (They usually mail the award several weeks after.)

LOL. The OLDEST woman there!!

Honestly, I felt shaky (like I did after the Brooklyn half) and so I grabbed a seat on the ferry. On the way back to my hotel, I grabbed a bagel and a Starbucks cold brew…

Phew! Much better…

I showered, changed, checked out of my hotel and arrived in plenty of time at Penn. Sta. to catch the train to LI.

I quickly erased my 10k experience from my mind and enjoyed a few days with my college roommate.

Additional Race Reflections:

Definitely a tough one but hey, I did it.

Racing for me is always enjoyable (at least a few hours afterward.)

Positives:

  • 10k and 5k on separate days (less crowded)
  • Bibs mailed.
  • Free ferry.
  • Shirts distributed before after the race.
  • Real restrooms,
  • Organized bag check.
  • Nuun at the water stops.
  • Water Stops at each mile.
  • Well marked course.
  • Scenic views.
  • Ice Cream after the race.
  • Free Massages after and before.
  • Free MarathonFoto pics.

Negatives:

  • 10 year age group awards
  • Little shade
  • Warm temps (but hey, it’s August!)
  • Having to rush back to my hotel

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. And if I lived in NYC, I would run it again in the FALL or SPRING.

There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.

Final Stats:

Heat is not my racing friend!!!

10k PW by a long shot.  Even a slow pace for a half marathon…

scary positive splits

faster pace on my Garmin because the course was long

Next Up:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

hope its a cooler day…

Happy Running! Ever run an ice cream themed race? Does the heat affect your racing pace? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

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

and tomorrow:

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

 

by

Weekly Run Down for 8.2.24-8.11.24: Back to a normal routine?

I was away last Friday-Tuesday (NYC then LI).

So I’m playing catch-up below.

Vacations are great but it’s so hard to get back into a routine (whatever that is? lol)

For me, it’s: Work and fitting in gym time, running, walking and family/friend activities.

Last Week –

  • Friday – After an early morning train to Manhattan and checking into my hotel, I had to figure out what to do in the extreme heat..

So I took the subway to Brooklyn and visited the Brooklyn Museum (museums are air-conditioned!)

there was a great Paul McCartney photo exhibit

and several other very interesting exhibits..

The Brooklyn Museum is next door to the Botanic Gardens so I thought why not?

so pretty but sooo HOT!!!!!!!

Of course, when in NYC, there is usually a Cari meet-up!  She took the ferry to my area and I met her and then we walked to an Italian restaurant for dinner followed by the rooftop bar at my hotel for drinks.

surprise, surprise – no ice cream!

  • Saturday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k!

Long story short – I loved the race but I WILL NEVER RACE again in AUGUST!!!

The ferry and the race logistics were easy peasy but the race started at 9 am (with feels like 91 temps) … no shade, full sunshine and mile by mile I fell apart.

Yes, you got a nice shirt, ice cream after and I won my age group but …. running in the heat is no fun!!

The good news was that I didn’t die and I got to Penn Statin in time to catch the LIRR in order to spend a few days visiting my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons).

We started the weekend with a waterfront drink but then thunderstorms forced us indoors for dinner.

  • Sunday – I began the day with a run at a nearby preserve.

a view of Hampton Bay and a newborn fawn

The afternoon was spent at a wine tasting that also had live music.

Again rain forced us indoors for dinner.

  • Monday – I got up early again for a run (that may have been mostly walking).  This time I headed through the neighborhoods toward the bay.

When on LI, you must hit the beach and so we did.

Finally a dry evening.. we planned on a boat ride but it got cancelled so instead we just had drinks and dinner at an outdoor restaurant along the water.

  • Tuesday – The forecast was for rain so I didn’t get up early but then it didn’t. We decided to visit a wildlife sanctuary and walk the trails.

We barely made before the rains came. And then rain continued for the rest of the day.

I ended my visit with a nice lunch and then took the LIRR back to NYC and finally the train to return home.

  • Wednesday – Glad to be WFH and able to squeeze in a run before work..

the overnight rains had cooled down the temps but it was still very humid

So many errands after work…. (vacations are hard work!)

  • Thursday – After a rainy evening, another WFH day allowed me to get a run done before work.

temps in the 60s!! just a slow flowery run in a different neighborhood

Thursday night is trail run night or walk as I do it. Pouring Rain!! Boo!

Instead, we visited an injured running friend and ate ice cream sandwiches there.

  • Friday – Finally got up early to head to the gym… it had been a while.

Not a tropical storm but lots of rain!!

Even mah jongg in the evening was cancelled.

  • Saturday – Long Run Day (and Brunch).

11 miles on my schedule and fingers crossed that the rain would stop and I had company on some of the miles.

It wasn’t easy but yes to both and 6 of us were to get together for brunch (which was longer and more fun than the run. lol).

  • Sunday – Back to the gym and back up to the lake!!

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – Run
  • Tuesday –  GYM, movie/dinner with a friend
  • Wednesday – Run, walk w/BFF
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – GYM, mah jongg chez moi
  • Saturday – Long Run (12 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k Race Recap
  • Friday –  Finish Line Songs

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Any vacations planned? Get hit by Debby? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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.

by

Weekly Run Down for 7.28.24-8.4.24: Apparently I run for ice cream…

Yup.  A 5k last Sunday followed by ice cream.

A Trail run/walk on Thursday night followed by ice cream.

Yesterday a 10k race in NYC followed by ice cream.

After all, it is summer!!!

Last Week –

  • Sunday – I’d say I participated in the Keep MOO’ving 5k rather than raced it.

After a hard 9 mile run the day before, I decided to take it easy.

It was so fun and the ice cream was delicious (homemade at the farm where the race was held.)

In the evening, I made my annual trek to a sunflower farm.

❤ sunflowers

  • Monday – I hadn’t been to the gym in awhile so I headed there before work.
  • Tuesday – An early morning run on the rail trail…

the temps were ok but that humidity!!!

After a trip to set up for work the next day, I met my BFF for a walk and talk.

  • Wednesday – Not a WFH day so I had to postpone my run until after work (provided that the predicted rain didn’t happen).

Thunderstorm after thunderstorm afternoon!

  • Thursday – Another early morning run.

back on the rail trail but running, in the opposite direction from Tuesday and even more humid!!!

After work, our weekly ARE trail run took place.  I walked it as usual.  And this week, we went for ice cream after.

  • Friday – DAY OFF. 

I took an early train to NYC and when I arrived, I checked into my hotel (which for a change was in the Financial District.)

Check out IG and FB for how I spent the day.

Of course there was a meet up with Cari!!

  • Saturday –  NYCRuns Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10k.

An early morning as I had to take the 7:30 am ferry to Governor’s Island for the race.

Check out IG and FB for how it went… AND there was ice cream!!

After the race, I took the ferry back to Manhattan, checked out of my hotel and headed to Penn Sta. to catch the LIRR. I had plans to stay with my college roommate (who lives in the Hamptons) for a few days.

  • Sunday – Run! Relax!  Maybe head to the beach… have fun!!

pic from my visit in 2021

This Coming Week on the Run – 

  • Monday – AM Run, some fun LI activities
  • Tuesday – AM Run, LIRR to NYC, Amtrak home
  • Wednesday – GYM
  • Thursday – AM run, trail walk
  • Friday – GYM
  • Saturday – Long Run (11 miles)
  • Sunday – GYM

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – What I am focusing on this month
  • Friday –  Training Tips for Running

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this summer? Still having hot, humid weather where you live? Has it affected your runs? Do you love ice cream like I do? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

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.

by

2024 Keep MOO’ving 5k Race Recap

High Lawn Farm has the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted…

Last year was the first year that they offered this race and of course, it was on my radar.

DESCRIPTION

The High Lawn Farm Keep Moo’ving 5K is a 3.1 mile walk or run that is open to all abilities and levels of fitness. 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit Berkshire Bounty. Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide.
The course is beautiful, starting runners at the farm, then passing along Laurel Lake before returning to the farm to celebrate at the food truck where runners enjoy a well-earned High Lawn Farm ice cream. Visit the historic century worth of memorabilia in the High Lawn Farm Museum, open specifically for the runners following the race!

But it’s a long drive and I was marathon training…

High Lawn Farm | What a great day! ☀️The High Lawn Farm Keep it Moo'ving 5k was a blast! Everyone who participated today did such an awesome job… | Instagram

2023

Some racing friends did go and they said that it was awesome.

So I mentioned it to my running friends Heidi and Sherry.

LOL. Heidi & I had already been there on Monday.

and they agreed with me.. Let’s do it!

definitely hillier than it looks here!!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Again I am training for a marathon.

I ran my long run of 9 miles the day before…

And then the hubby and I spent the rest of the day on the lake where I enjoyed a beer and a good book.

I was on the fence whether or not, I would just walk the whole thing or run/walk it.  Racing it was out of the question in my mind.

Race Day:

The race started at 8:30 am.

I got up at 5:15 am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:15 in order to get to Heidi’s house since she offered to drive.

It took us 45 minutes but we got there early enough to get parking and pick up my shirt/bib.

There were almost 300 runners at this race. I even bumped into quite a few familiar faces.  This is one of things I enjoy most about racing…its social element.

obligatory pre-race photo

The weather was warm … around 70 at the start and sunny. We just hung around and chatted while deciding on our race strategy.

Soon it was time to line up.

We decided to run together… that meant using Heidi’s intervals (2min:30 sec) since she was the slowest of the three.

It sounded like fun to me.

start and finish line

Mile 1:

It was pretty crowded but we tried to stay together.  The race started on a dirt path with holes and rocks.  It would have been hard to run on.

Then it was a long downhill (Of course since it was an out and back, you would be running up that long hill!!)

After that hill, it was just rolling and shady with a view of a lake on the right.

Mile 2:

By the second mile, it was getting increasingly hard to stay together.  It was crowded and when Heidi got behind us, it was hard to hear the beeps to know when we were walking and when we were supposed to run.

I also like to walk on the uphills and run on the downhills which didn’t always coordinate with the intervals.

So we got separated..

Sherry was close behind me and I often slowed for her to catch up… since we said that we would run the race together.

Somewhere after the turn around there was a water stop.

The course repeated itself so youknew what was coming…

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was wanting to be done… so I did my usual run some, walk some.

I actually felt pretty energetic and could have run this race…

But there was no reason to chance a injury.

And then there was that LONG annoying hill! I was glad that I actually wasn’t racing.

I crossed at 42:09. (41:57 – Garmin time)

A PW 5k but faster than the ones I walked.

No regrets!!

Post Race Activities:

Sherry finished right after new and we waited for Heidi to cross.

They gave you a coupon for free ice cream and there was also free chocolate milk…

farm fresh = delish!!

We got on line for our free ice cream

and chatted with the other runners while we waited.

posing with our empty milk bottles. lol

They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 5th in my age group.

The winners got to name a new calf (very cool). The age group winners just got a big prize ribbon.

And of course, the ice cream was worth the drive!!

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.

But I don’t regret participating in this 5k. Though it was a PW, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday morning (especially if you can convince friends to come along).

Next year when I will not be training for a marathon, I may even race it!!

Positives:

  • Well organized race
  • Well marked scenic course
  • Some familiar faces
  • Friends to share the experience
  • Nice gender-specific tech shirt
  • Free chocolate milk
  • Free (homemade) ice cream
  • Immediate results

Negatives:

  • Hilly
  • Long drive

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.

I plan run it again even though it is not nearby.

Final Stats:

I wonder how many calories that chocolate milk and ice cream cone were? LOL

Next Up:

a 10k.

Aug 3.

Then 13.1:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

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.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

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

and tomorrow:

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

 

 

by

2024 Silks and Satins 5k Race Recap

silks and satins logo

       ******July 13, 2024 8:00 am********

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 than a 5k. Since then I have completed over 60 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, 2018, 2019 and 2023  (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05)

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years.

Last year, the organizers of the Firecracker 4 race took over this race and I decided to sign up.

I shocked myself with a decent pace so again, I thought why not and my running friends were busy this weekend so it was a good excuse to skip my long run.

Here is the map for the course that I ran in past years:

15 turns in this course!!

Here’s the 2023 course:

pretty similar… 

Race Day:

The race started at 8 am.

This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there would already be a lot of traffic at that hour.

I got up at 5:30am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.

I left at 6:30 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up my bib.

view on the way 

I got a spot in a nearby lot, picked up my bib/shirt

and then left the shirt in the car.

There were about 600 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 75 at the start and sunny. I just hung around and chatted with other runners that I recognized.

isn’t he cute?

and there was a photo booth so I took my obligatory pre (and post) race photo.

Soon it was time to line up.

I stood somewhere in the middle. This race attracts many speedy runners and I didn’t want to get run over… but not too far back since there was no timing mat at the start.

Mile 1:

I always feel like I start out fast but it still seemed like everyone was passing me by…because they were. My legs felt dead.

But my biggest problem again was the heat (and yes, I know that it’s like this in most places and worse in Florida)..

And it was sunny and there was very little if any shade on the course.

Mile 2:

By the second mile, I was really wanting to walk… I was hoping to wait until the water stop which was about half way.

nothing exciting about the course…just around the neighborhood – pic from 2019’s Saratogian

Now that they changed the course by having an out and back on one street, I was able to cheer on runners who were way ahead as well as those behind me.

I did appreciate those folks who put sprinklers out… I ran through each one!

I made it to the water stop and walked (for probably too long)… but I felt a lot better after.

Mile 3-3.1:

By mile 3, I was really fading but I continued to make sure to hit the tangents (there were 15 of them!!)

Finally we turned the last corner…

I tried to get up enough energy to sprint through the finish line. I had hoped to finish under 31 minutes… a 2024 5k PR.

I crossed at 30: 03. (29:50 – Garmin time)

YAY!!

Post Race Activities:

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). There were only bananas so I grabbed one.

They posted the results pretty quickly and I saw that I came in 2nd in my age group.

Then they announced that any car in the nearby grass lot would be towed.

Yup, that be me!!

Off I ran and decided to leave rather than wait around for my age group award medal.

I drove up to the lake to meet up my hubby and some friends for a ride on the boat and a barbecue on an island.

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive. And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my marathon training.

But races challenge me and I think it’s important to challenge oneself.

Otherwise, my runs are slow and easy and I squeeze them in whenever I can. I also run with friends, some faster, some slower and always with run walk intervals.

So I don’t regret running this 5k.  Though it was a course PW, it actually was a faster finish than my previous 5ks race this year! That makes me happy.

Positives:

  • Well organized race
  • Well marked course with many course marshals
  • Flat course
  • Lots of familiar faces.
  • Immediate results
  • 5 year age groups for awards
  • Spectators with hoses and sprinklers

Negatives:

  • No longer get free tickets to the race track
  • 15 turns!!
  • Hot and Sunny!
  • Only bananas post race.
  • Unisex shirts
  • Only one water stop (on a hot day)

Would I recommend this race?

Maybe…

All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized.

Not sure if I would run it again because it is not nearby.

In past years, I added more miles after the race a nearby park (and so at least it counted as a long run.)

Final Stats:

Still queen of the positive splits:

With an increasing number of walks with each mile:

Next Up:

Another 5k or two.

July 28

And a 10k.

Aug 3

Then:

Run Your PR Down to Frog Alley Brewing! — Nark Running & Strength

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.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

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

and tomorrow:

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