The Last Run was actually my last run of 2016.

This is a very popular local race. In fact, it always sells out (at 1900). The race starts with fireworks and then you run uphill, around the lights in the park and it ends with a downhill.

Here are some pics from a previous year:

One year, I ran this race in the rain.  Another year, in a blizzard.  Last year, it was cold and windy.

last year

I was hoping for better weather this year. But we ended up with the coldest weather we’ve experienced this year.

back in 2010 – I have that jacket in many colors

I normally pickup my bib & shirt beforehand to save time on race night but this year, I just forgot.

for years, we got windbreakers, then we got shirts with a logo – now this??

Of course, I debated about what to wear… I like to look festive. But it was COLD.  I hate to overdress but how to stay warm and also be comfortable???

I decided to leave my car at my yoga place at work (I hate that crowded parking garage) and walk the mile or so to the race start. I wore an extra coat (that would ditch before the race) and I was still cold. At least we get to wait inside.

As I mentioned, it is a popular race and I bumped into all sorts of people that I knew– runners from my turkey trot training group, runners from work, runners from tennis and FB friends.

me & Mary Pat (my tennis pal who started me running)

We chatted until it was time to head out.

I lost MP but found Holly (my AG rival from my turkey trot group). We waited outside together and admired everyone’s crazy costumes.

from the TU

Then all of a sudden the fireworks began.

The fireworks were great but we were FREEZING and anxious for the race to begin.

About 10 minutes late, it finally did.  Holly took off like a bat, as usual.  I knew that I could not keep up.  My legs were so stiff and it was cold.  I had a hard time breathing.  I felt like I was running fast but as I passed mile one at 9:46.  I obviously was not.

The race started with an uphill, went through the city before we entered the park. It was very very crowded at first and I was always running with many other costumed runner throughout the whole race.

courtesy of the Times Union (last year)

My legs continued to feel really sluggish. I think it was all that standing around in the cold and starting at 5 pm (I have much more energy to run in the morning.) And maybe I was tired from having run 20 miles between Sat and Mon. Who knows?

from the TU

The hills didn’t help.  Why do I not remember how hilly it was?  It didn’t bother me in previous years but this year, I struggled. I even walked up them.

So I just resigned myself to just run and enjoy the lights.  And I did!! I love this race!!!

I took these pics the other day when I ran through the park

The whole time I was running, I kept looking at the ground trying to avoid cracks and uneven pavement and keeping an eye out for potholes (I did fall during this race several years ago.)

Finally around mile 3, my hands and feet warmed up and I felt like I could run at a decent speed.  (Too little, too late LOL)

Eventually we left the park and ran downhill to the finish. I wanted to finish fast but was still  hesitant to run at top speed …in the dark.

It was dark so I couldn’t see my Garmin but I knew by the timing clocks that this would be my slowest 5k of the year.

I barely finished under 30 minutes.  Officially I finished at 29:43. 

done!

Two years, I was 3rd in my AG.  This year, I was 5th. (Even if I had a great race, I wouldn’t have placed. Darn those fast old women!)

Splits:

mile 1- 9:46
mile 2 – 10:01
mile 3 – 9:07
.15 – 7:42

So not an amazing finish time but such a fun race.  Sometimes, you just have to “finish fun” if you can’t “finish fast.”

So my year of racing has come to an end. 42 races!!

Looking forward to an even better 2017.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running?  How was your weekend? Did you run in a holiday race?