If you are tracking me, send me some good luck vibes!!
Last Week –
Sunday – I started the day at the gym, followed by errands and
first time that I’ve ever voted early…
and then a walk (before the fall foliage has completely disappeared.)
picture perfect day along the Normanskill Creek
Monday – DAY OFF – I went to the gym again this morning.
what was on my mind??
My hiking buddies are on the DL but I had to stay home anyway to get Ali on the Run live show tix before they sold out.
Nope. Sold out in a millisecond? (I actually tix had in 2019 but it was at the same time as Meb and I chose Meb).
So I went out to lunch with my SIL.
And in the evening, I attended week 6 with the STEM group.
that was a pic of the law school lit up with purple lights.. I guess I was running too fast. LOL
Tuesday – Back WFH.
Resting the legs this week so just a walk with my BFF after work.
Wednesday – After work, I had a prehab appt. with my chiro and then went to a farewell dinner for a friend who is moving to Fla.
Thursday –
Guess what? I got an email saying that I did get tix to Ali’s live show!!
Just WFH day for me followed by my last run before the marathon.
75 degrees!!!
Last year we had so many trick or treaters that I ran out of candy… So I bought more candy this time. And of course, very few this year (though they may have come when I was out running??).
The hubby and I will be eating lots of …
Maybe I will do what Des Linden does…
Friday – Just WFH again, packing and mah jongg in the evening
Saturday – I took an early train to NYC. As soon as I arrived, I checked my bag at the station and headed to the Ali on the Run live show.
It was fun… Keira D’Amato was her guest.
Keira had won our local 5k in June.
I was thrilled that I could also squeeze in time with Cari. We had lunch together after the show.
My next stop was the expo. As usual, it was so organized and I was in and out in no time.
Orange race shirt? I guess to match the ponchos…
Finally, I retrieved my bag, took the subway downtown to my hotel (in the financial district near the ferry), checked in and then met my friends for my carb loading dinner.
pizza, of course!!
#flatme
and throwaways organized for an early wake up (and sleepless night).
weather prediction…
Sunday – TCS NYC Marathon!!!!!
I don’t start until close to 11:00 am…
My running friends Sherry and Stan, who had decided to defer, came for the weekend to cheer me on. My friends Heidi and Deb came in for the day.
This year for the first time I took the ferry/bus to the start and it worked out fine.
Check out FB and IG for pics and to see how I did.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – recovering in NYC, Kelly Clarkson Show, HSS Recovery Zone in CP, lunch, train home
Tuesday – gym, train to NYC (for work)
Wednesday – train home
Thursday – run
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – Just 6 miles in preparation for two 10ks coming up.
Sunday – gym, walk/hike, Troy Glow
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Breaking Up With the Gym
Friday – Reasons to Run a Turkey Trot
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Did you get a lot of treat or treaters? Are you tracking the NYC marathon? 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.
time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
This weekend I will run my third NYC marathon. So I’m got a “New York state of mind.”
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that although I ran the NYC Marathon in 2019 AND 2023, I am still a little stressed about the logistics.
In 2019, I started at 10:30 am and chose the 7:00 am bus (and still had a long wait in the cold.)
Last year I had to choose the 6:15 am mid-town bus and I did not start until after 10:55 am. Luckily it wasn’t as cold.
This year, I decided to stay in the Financial District so I could walk to the Staten Island Ferry. I chose the 8:00 am ferry. Then you have to take a bus to the start village. My start this year is still 10:55 am.
We’ll see if this was a smarter choice.
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that last year I was in the Orange Wave which started at the top of the bridge.
Pink has the least climb and it has four 90 degree turns.
Blue has about 30 feet / 9 meters more climb than Pink. It has two 90 degree turns.
Orange has about 50 feet / 15 meters more climb than Pink. It has four 90 degree turns.
In 2019, I started in the Green wave (which is now Pink) so I was on the bottom.
Truthfully, I don’t remember much after the big cannon went off and the playing “New York, New York” with Frank Sinatra… I was so excited, I just ran over that big bridge…
So now, I’ve started both ways and I’ll tell you that I don’t remember a difference between starting at the top or the bottom of the bridge. It’s exciting either way.
So this year it’s pink. Bottom. A full circle.
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that in 2019, I was in a similar wave as last year and this year (due to a fast NYRR 10k time). IOW all the runners around me were much faster.
My projected finish time was 4:30 and I finished in 5:29. I was totally happy with that!
I had a similar projected finish time last year and I finished in 6:00 (while walking with a calf cramp for 16 miles). I was thrilled with that time. I thought it would be much slower.
This year? I couldn’t care less about my finish time. I have no clue how it will go.
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that last year I followed Hal Higdon Novice plan very closely. And much more closely than 2019 (when I had to travel more for work).
It didn’t seem to matter… I trained better and it went a lot worse.
So this year, I didn’t stress about my training. I minimally ran during the week and completed as many long runs as I could…
I just want to finish and hopefully I will…
and without pain would be ideal.
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I couldn’t have trained for this race without the support of my running friends.
That includes my “virtual” friends too.
Feel free to track me. My Bib # = 53817 (but remember I don’t start until 10:55ish)
I LOVE summer but here are a few things that I am enjoying this Fall:
1.Cooler and Less Humid Weather Conditions.
As I said, I normally love the sunshine and warm temps of summer.
Hopefully, my runs will be more comfortable and hence speedier.
2. Fall Foliage Viewing and More Hiking Activities.
Living in upstate New York, we are usually treated to gorgeous fall colors. Hopefully the DRY summer weather will not impact this.
The Fall is also for the same reason, my favorite season to hike in. Boating Sundays have ended and be replaced by Hiking Sundays.
3. More Racing Ops.
Many more races are scheduled in the Fall compared to the summer.
fall fest 5k on 10-5-24
4. A Race-cation with Friends.
Last year, I went to the Finger Lakes Region of NYS with my running friends and we had so much fun that this year, we rented a house again and spent 4 days on Cape Cod which included running a race and other assorted shenanigans.
5.Pumpkin everything and Cider Donuts!
Yes, I do love Fall food!! Especially those with added sugar. A must-have after a long run or race.
Happy Running! Are you looking forward to Fall? If so, what activities are on your bucket list?
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.
Race-cations have been an annual tradition with my running friends since 2017. We started in Corning, NY and then traveled to Montreal, and Brooklyn, NY.
In 2020 and 2021, my friends and I rented a house for 3 nights in Hampton Beach, NH and ran a half marathon (among other fun shenanigans.)
It was so much fun that the next year, we rented in Old Orchard Beach, Maine and we ran the Portland Half Marathon or Marathon Relay.
Last year, we stayed in NYS but rented a house in the Finger Lakes Region. We all raced different distances (5k, 13.1, 18 mi) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (despite some rain.)
We rented a house on Cape Cod this year.
So I signed up for the Cape Cod Half Marathon for several reasons:
A race-cation.
My friends would be racing with me.
Ocean views.
There was a 5k option in addition to a half marathon
The distance fit right into my marathon training plan.
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do run shorter distances several times during the work week. My weekday runs are usually solo.
And on the weekends, I try to do my Long Run. Usually most of my miles are with one or more of my running friends.
13, 16, 18!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
My taper consisted of a 18 mile marathon training run and two short runs during the work week:
We carpooled and left for Cape Cod early on Friday morning. Our first stop was lunch.
Next we checked into our VrBo in Falmouth, MA.
Then we headed to get our half marathon bib/shirts and check out the race start and parking.
Some of us signed up for the half and those who signed up for the 5k would pick up their bib/shirts on Saturday.
We walked around the expo (I didn’t buy anything.) but Sherry did buy Frank Shorter’s book and had him sign it.
By the time were were done, it was time for an early dinner. We ordered pizza (of course) and ate at our house.
Finally #flatmes were organized and we headed to bed early (though I never can sleep the night before a race.)
Race Day:
Sorry to be a broken record about not having a time goal. But my goal for races these days is to FINISH happy (that is not injured and ready to do another.)
For this race, however, due to the date, it would actually be a training run for the NYC Marathon on Nov. 3.
So if I had to guestimate my time, it would have been between 2:30 and 2:45.
Actually, even more important would be to run a smarter and less painful race than my last half marathon Labor Day weekend. Slower the first half so that I can enjoy the second half of the race…
The race was advertised as follows:
The race starts and finishes at the Mullen Hall School (130 Katharine Lee Bates Road, Falmouth, MA).
The Cape Cod Marathon Half race course is a fast and scenic route that hugs the Falmouth coastline of Nantucket Sound. Designed to maximize runners’ view of Martha’s Vineyard and the beautiful waters of the Sound, this out and back course is limited to one hill, the famous final hill for the Falmouth Road Race located in the Heights of Falmouth Heights. But don’t be alarmed – this one hill occurs at miles 6.6 and 10.5 and is over before you know it.
There are 6 stations total plus pre and post hydration at the start and finish line. All water stops will have water and Gatorade.
Portable restrooms will be at start/finish area, as well as at each water station along the course.
Included in entry fee:
Long sleeve shirt
Customized bib
Secure gear check
Unique coastal medal
6 water/Gatorade stations with Port-a-Johns at each location on the course
Hot clam chowdah and soup station with vegan, gluten free and dairy free options at the finish line!
Apple cider donuts!
Changing tents at the finish (NEW)
The best town, volunteers and committee to answer any questions you may have!
elevation according to Strava
Four of us were running the half which started at 8:00 am.
There were close to 2000 runners in the half marathon which was the most popular of the 3 races
The runners left at 6:45 and we easily found parking. The others would arrive later and cheer us on.
I was definitely overdressed and took off most of my throw aways and hid them in the school. It was nice to have a warm place to wait.
I checked a bag with shoes and jacket for after the race. It turned out to be totally unnecessary.
Barb, Deb and Sherry left in search of the porta-potties. I waited inside for them.
Eventually they were starting the race. I guess the porta-potties lines were very long and so I left and headed to the race start.
They announced that they were starting in waves which was confusing since everyone just entered and started running when they crossed the start line.
that shirt stayed on for a minute, I think.
Miles 1-3:
We started at Mullen Hall School and then headed toward the water (actually Salt Pond not the ocean yet). It was sunny but very WINDY.
I had decided to only walk at each mile until I needed to walk more often. I made sure to drink at all water stops. I think there were at least 6 and eat a GU at every other or every 4 miles.
Miles 3-6:
We turned left onto a Bikeway which was really nice. Shady and less wind… but soon we were back along the water (now the ocean). It was again sunny but the wind seemed to be at our backs for a while. At mile 5 we turned onto Scranton Ave… still along the ocean but an inlet lined with restaurants and marinas.
Miles 6-9:
It was a beautiful course and now for several miles were running along the ocean.
The race advertised it as having one big hill… at mile 6.6. Yup. It was steep and annoying and so I walked up it. There were also some smaller hills so not as flat as I had heard. A little past mile 8, we turned into the neighborhood and circled around heading along the ocean in the opposite direction, Holy WIND!!! So hard to move forward…
Miles 9-13.1:
We got a little reprieve from the wind around mile 9.5 when we turned and ran about a mile around a neighborhood.
But soon we were back along the water running into the wind. And at mile 10.5, we hit the big hill again. Of course, it was worse this time because the wind was in our faces.
As the miles went on, I struggled more and more. I walked more often. Miles 9-12 were pretty ugly. Nothing major hurt, just the usual aching lower back and sore left foot.
I was glad to be finally heading back to the school and the finish line. As I approached the finish line, our friends were ringing bells and screaming my name. It was great to have their support. I tried to sprint and look good as I passed them.
Post Race Activities:
I got my medal and a foil wrap (that was unnecessary) and headed to bag check (also unnecessary.)
Barb had already finished (She ran a great race,) and we headed back to the finish line to cheer on Deb and then Sherry (who had walked).
the happy half marathoners
Once we all had finished, I went to the food tent and grabbed some chip (Cape Cod potato chips. LOL), some soup (You had a choice of clam chowder, turkey/rice or minestrone) and a cider donut.
Eventually we all headed home to shower, relax and then head out for a celebratory meal.
we went to a restaurant along the ocean
We ended the day with drinks and s’mores.
Additional Race Reflections:
It was so fun to be out there and soaking up the racing atmosphere. It was even more fun to run a race with friends.
Of course, initially I may have wanted a faster finish time…
I am competitive but I realized quickly that it was much more important enjoy this time with my friends and also not to be in pain.
I felt fine the next day. We went on a hike.
I even ran Monday morning.
Guess what? We already picked our race-cation location for next October…
Oct. 11, 2025
and rented our house:
Positives:
Part of a 4 day race-cation with friends.
Half marathon, 5k, marathon and marathon relay – 4 options
They gave our group a $10 discount.
Well-marked course.
Easy packet pick-up.
Frank Shorter at the expo.
Long sleeved tech shirts
Lots of volunteers and crowd support
Friends cheering you on at the finish line
Free Photos
Instant race results
Post race food – potato chips, apples, bananas, 3 types of soups (minestrone, clam chowder, turkey/rice and cider donuts
Nice medal provided to all runners.
Adequate number of water stops.
$$ as age group awards
Perfect weather
Plenty of free parking
1.5 miles from our rental
Negatives:
They changed the date of the 5k after we rented the house.
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. yes. For all the reasons mentioned above.
Final Stats:
All in all, I was happy with my results. Yes, it was one of my slowest half marathons. But it was only 10 seconds slower than my last one which was on an easier course. And I’ve been training for a marathon. My expectations have dropped significantly and I ain’t getting any younger.
And when I checked the age group results:
Yes, I won my age group. No big deal but check this out:
I WON $75!!!!!!!!!! First time I’ve ever won money for a race.
Next Up:
11-3-24
Happy Running! Have you run a fall race yet? If so, how did go? Are you planning to run one? Any race-cations planned? Please share.
With the 20 miler over, there’s only TWO weeks to go!!
Last Weekend and Week –
Friday – We left early for Cape Cod in 3 cars. We all met for lunch
and then checked into our VrBo rental in Falmouth. After we settled in, we headed out to bib pickup (for the half marathoners) and scouted out the race start location and parking.
I even met Frank Shorter
We relaxed at home for a bit but soon it was time to carb load … on take-out pizza.
#Flatme organized and early to bed (though I didn’t sleep much).
Saturday – The 4 half marathoners got up early and headed to the race start… We had no problems finding parking and I was surprised that I didn’t need my throw-aways. I did check a bag (but didn’t need my jacket, either).
The course was very scenic- in neighborhoods, on a bike path but mostly along the water.
Sun and lots of wind along the water and some hills but we all finished. So all is well. (Our friends enthusiastically cheered us through the finish line).
Hot shower and lunch followed by a relaxing afternoon outside.
We celebrated our accomplishment with dinner along the water and roasting smores on our firepit.
Sunday – We got up early to cheer on the 5k racers.
After their race, we decided to take a boat to Martha’s Vineyard. We had lunch there, shopped and explored the area (i.e. the gingerbread houses.)
Monday – I decided to go for a run and headed toward the beach… it was lovely (until I got rained on).
We checked out of our rental and went for a hike at The Knob followed by lunch and then heading home.
Tuesday – Back to reality.
Dentist, WFH, unpacking, laundry, errands, etc. I wore my running clothes all day because I planned to run but never got out the door. Instead I went for a walk after work with my BFF (in the mall… too cold outside!!)
Wednesday – WFH again. Still never got my run done until after work when volunteering with the STEM group.
week 4…
Thursday – Early morning train to NYC. After checking into my hotel, I headed to Central Park because I hadn’t run there since July…
beautiful day although the leaves haven’t changed like upstate
In the evening, I went out to dinner with a college friend.
Friday – Early work day in Jamaica Queens and then back home on the train…
perfect timing for a sunset ride
Saturday – 20 miles!!!! I was so glad to have Judy’s company for 6.5 miles and Stan’s for 8 miles… It’s wasn’t easy but it’s done! The hay is in the barn as they say…
Sunday – I hope to return to the gym and go for a walk/hike…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run, dinner with a friend
Thursday – run
Friday- gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
Sunday – gym
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Cape Cod Half Marathon Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? 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.
Since my big race is in TWO weeks, this topic came to mind:
******FIVE GOALS******
1.CROSS THE FINISH LINE.
I loosely completed the Hal Higdon Novice 18 week plan (for the first 8 weeks) and the Senior Hal Higdon Novice Plan (very loosely) for the last 8 weeks.
All the long runs (13+miles) were hard.
So I don’t take this distance for granted.
2.NOT CRASH AND BURN THE 2ND HALF.
I pretty do that on all my races.
I did that in 2019.
It’s not easy when you are in a corral with faster runners.
In 2023, my cramped right calf had me walking the 16 miles. (Still don’t know why that happened.)
not happy!!
3.ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.
Soak up the amazing crowds, scenery, music.
4.APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF MY FRIENDS.
In 2019, my tennis friends drove down to cheer me on at mile 18.
Last year, some of my running friends were there to cheer me on during the race.
This year, some of my friends helped me get those long training runs done.
Even if they are not on the course, I know my friends will be tracking me and offering the needed virtual support.
5.FEEL GREAT AFTER.
26.2 miles on these old legs…
I hope to feel good enough to run another day….
I have a Thanksgiving 10k and another 10k in early December on my schedule.
in 2019, a week after the marathon, a 15k!
Thanksgiving 10k in 2023
TIME GOAL:
A: under 5:29 (PR)
B: under 6:00 (faster than 2023)
C: just finish the damn thing
Happy Running! Do your goals change for a race that you repeat? Please share.
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:
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.
My First 5K and More... 