A very busy work week before I leave for Cape Cod…
Last Week –
Sunday – I had elaborate plans for the day but I really needed to get a lot of boring errands and stuff around the house done.
finally finished and now onto a new project…
Monday – Again the gym was calling and I said that I’d rather stay bed…
cats have the best life..
WFH and afterward, I arrived at my STEM group meeting early so I could run before the new runners arrived.
Week 3. Their goal 5k is Nov. 24.
Tuesday – Another busy WFH day… and after work I had a hair appt.
Wednesday – Today I had to teach live and then afterward, my tennis group’s monthly meet up was scheduled.
No running for the 2nd day in a row 😦
Thursday – I actually got up early to go to the gym since I was WFH.
After work, I drove to the end of the rail trail to run….
Then I met friends for ice cream..
chilly out!!
Of course, I had to rush home to pack for our weekend race-cation…
fingers crossed this is right…
Friday – We left early for Cape Cod in 3 cars. We met for lunch and then checked into our VrBo rental. After we settled in, we headed out to bib pickup (for the half marathoners) and scouted out the race start location and parking.
Saturday – Cape Cod Half Marathon. Four brave souls got up early to run 13.1 windy miles along the coast. The others who were running the 5k the next day had to pickup their bibs and then meet us at the finish line.
Sunday – Today those who ran the day before spectated and cheered on the 5k racers.
Check out FB and IG for weekend pics.
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – DAY OFF – Race-cation ends, Run (in Cape Cod)
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – PM run, STEM mentoring
Thursday – train to NYC (for work), run, meet a college friend for dinner
Friday- train home
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch) – 20 miles!!!
Sunday – gym, recovery
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Barn to Bridge 5k Recap
Friday – 5 Goals for my NYC Third Marathon
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.
As I have mentioned in previous years, theHudson Mohawk Runners Club sponsors FREE races throughout the year for its members. The course is pretty boring but free is free. Usually, I try to run most of the races held in the winter because there no other races.
I decided to sign up for this race for the following reasons:
There were 2 distances and I knew if I walked the shorter one, I wouldn’t get lost.
With no boating on Sunday, I had free time.
I would get to see many of runners that I know.
It was early enough so I could also participate in my scheduled afternoon activity.
I ran 13 miles the day before instead of the plan’s 16 so this would add time on my feet.
It was close to home.
The award winner was a family friend of my hubby.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
There was a choice of a 3.3 mile race or a 10k.
Sept. 21
Because I had been recovering from an injury plus having run 13 miles the day before, I chose the shorter distance.
Since I planned to walk the race, there was no prep…
I got up, had breakfast and left.
Race Day:
I arrived around 8:30 and signed in. Everyone got a beer glass..
I was greeted by so many familiar faces.
I also noticed when I looked at the course map that they changed the start and finish from previous years.
last year’s
Elevation according to my Garmin:
last year’s – not as hilly as it looks!
I immediately bumped into my friend Barbara.
She was running the shorter distance and she said “SLOWLY.” She wanted to run with me. I explained that I planned to walk it but then I decided to start with her and see how it went.
The races started with the award ceremony.
Although there was both a 3.3 miler and 10k, they started at the same time and location but the 10k runners ran in the opposite direction to start and then had to do the loop twice.
No timing mat at the beginning or end (although there is a clock at the end.) Since we were going to be going slow, we started at the back. Not a big race (maybe 25 with more running the 10k).
The course was similar to previous races that I’ve run but it started and ended in a different location.
Since I was planning to walk, I didn’t wear a watch…
There were no mile markers because of the 2 different distances so I relied on the course marshals and those ahead to lead the way.
As I mentioned I started to run with Barbara.
She ran slow enough that I didn’t feel the need to walk.
She thought I was pacing her but actually she motivated me to continue to run…
We started the race at the UAlbany campus…
Then we continued to loop around the state office campus..
The course is boring but much less so when you are chatting the whole time.
There was one water stop but at the speed we were running, I was not thirsty. And it was a beautiful fall day.
As we got toward the end of the race, I was confused on which way to go. Luckily Barbara led me in the right direction.
Once I saw the finish line, I took off…
always smile for the photographer
I crossed at approx. 38:50 and Barbara shortly after.
You wrote your time and age on a card and handed to the RD.
can you spot me?
We waited to cheer on the 10k finishers, one of which was Barbara’s hubby and the other was the award winner.
Final Stats:
None!!
No Garmin…
#11 won the award in my AG.
Post Race:
There were apples, cookies and cider for everyone.
They gave out apple pies to the winner in each age group.
On a good day, I may have won… (previous 3.4 times were around 32 and 3.75 at 34ish)
Obviously since I was planning to walk, I was not disappointed at all.
I chatted with some other runners and then quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to attend a wool and sheep festival with friends.
yup, we twinned on Skirt Sports outfits
Additional Race Reflections:
I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity. HMRRC races are fun but if you want to take them seriously, you can. And with the longer distances offered, you could use them as training runs for a half or full marathon.
And then there’s the camaraderie of the local runners and free food!
Win Win for the HMRRC races!
Positives:
Ample parking.
Well marked course.
FREE if you are a member of HMRRC. $5 if not
Indoor restrooms
Warm place to congregate before and after
Several distances to choose from.
Many familiar faces.
Swag (glass for everyone)
Awards (fresh baked pie)
Post race refreshments
Free Photos
Negatives:
Self reported finish times (sometimes I forget to look at the clock or start my watch)
10 year age group awards and only 1 deep.
No mile markers.
Boring course.
Looped course if running more than 3.3 miles.
Would I recommend this race?
Absolutely. Great way to stay active..
Next Up:
Oct 5
miles, miles and more miles gearing up for a race-cation half marathon
Oct. 12
and then finally
Happy Running! Have you run any free races? Have you done a race just to stay active (and not for time)? Please share.
Sunday – I started the day at the gym (finally returned after a 4 week lay off).
In the afternoon, we celebrated my mother-in-law turning 99.
Monday – DAY OFF. It’s been a while since Heidi and I have been able to coordinate our schedules and go hiking.
I got up early and ran before my friends arrived at our meeting spot.
Then we headed off to Saratoga Spa State Park… between sickness and injuries, we wanted to take it easy.
5.25 miles followed by lunch and ice cream
I rushed home because it was my STEM volunteering night…
Tuesday – Back on the train to NYC.
After checking into my hotel, I decided that I didn’t feel like running so instead I walked south from my hotel.
I ended up in Freeman Alley where there was some interesting wall art.
Then I walked toward the Financial district because I wanted to check out the 3 new bronze statues at the Oculus.
more pics on FB and IG
I rushed back to the hotel by subway and changed my clothes since I had Broadway tix.
I was lucky to catch Cari for a quick walk from her office to the theater.
someday we may even run or race together…
Wednesday – A long work day in Jamaica, Queens.
It’s been a while since I’ve run in Central Park so I was tempted to head there.
But the East River was calling me so I took the subway there and ran while checking out the views.
After dinner (with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge), I walked around the Financial District and then took the subway back to the hotel from there.
more pics on FB and IG
Thursday – Just another long work day in Jamaica Queens and a late train home… later than usual since my hubby was playing tennis and I couldn’t get a ride home until 9:45 pm.
that did me extra time to wander around Hudson Yards… maybe the Vessel will be open by Marathon weekend.
Friday – Back to work… at least WFH and so I was able get in an early morning gym visit so I could sleep later.
In the afternoon, I went to my office and the chiropractor. I decided to prehab for my half marathon.
I ended the day with my mah jongg ladies.
Saturday – Long Run Day.
18 miles on my marathon plan but I had signed up for the Barn to Bridge 5k.
With the race not starting until 11 am… I could be creative in getting it all done. Timing was obviously tricky.
So at 7:30 am, I parked at the end of the rail trail and ran out and back 11 miles. I was lucky for have Deb and Barb’s company for 8 of those miles.
I slowly ran/walked the 5k race. (no awards and no reason to race it…). Deirdre, Judy and Heidi came to the race too.
my college BFF surprised me at the finish line.
Then we checked out the festival exhibits and had some refreshments (free root beer float!)
Finally I ran 4 miles back to my car.
Not pretty but 18 miles done!!!!!!
I drove back to the festival and cashed in on my free food ticket.
a long wait but worth it
Sunday – I plan on a gym visit and ???
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – PM run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – Hair appt.
Wednesday – dinner with tennis friends
Thursday – PM run
Friday- Girls Race-cation begins – drive to Cape Cod, lunch, check into VRBO, bib pick up, carb load…
Saturday – Cape Cod Half Marathon!!
Sunday – Cheering on the 5k runners, recovering and sightseeing
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – HMRRC Anniversary Run Recap
Friday – 5 Goals to Accomplish Before the End of the Year
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Are the temps cooling down where you live? Are the leaves changing yet? 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.
Things have not been perfect and so there’s definitely room for improvement. Of course, many good things happened… and some not so good things.
AND there’s still THREE months left!!
The best is yet to come (as they say…)
Running-Related:
630 Miles
My annual goal is always 1000..
I started the year with a sprained ankle but even if I had stayed healthy and trained for that full marathon, I highly doubt that I would reach my goal.
Then on Labor Day, I got injured on our boat. As a result, I could not run for a while.
It’s all ok. I will run as many miles as I am able.
As always my favorite miles were those with friends…
However, one was a free local race, one was free since I was a mentor, one was the day after a 9 mile training run and so I only walked ONE serious race.
Run for Women 5k (7 of us walked)
only for ice cream
DNSed 4 Races
Three were also free local races so only ONE big DNS (for the 2nd year in a row).
Mentored 2 Running Groups
STEM (victims of Domestic Violence)
Race for Women Training Challenge group
It’s always rewarding to help others reach their goals.
Fitness-Related:
0 Bike Rides
Correction, maybe a few on the stationary bike early in the year when I couldn’t run.
Approx. 80 Gym Visits
When I was home, I tried to go to the gym on non-running days which was usually 3 times each week.
Hiking Mondays
Working full-time so no longer always an option to have the day off. But it’s a great alternative to running and an opportunity to visit new places.
7 Trail Thursdays
The ARE Summer trail series is over…
Again when I was in town, I walked them with friends
Many Walking Tuesdays
Whenever I’m in town and have friends available, there were walks on the local rail trail…
Non-Running Related:
Many visits to NYC
Mostly due to work and always an opportunity to connect with friends, see a Broadway show and/or visit a park or museum.
Two Florida Vacations
In February, I visited friends on the East coast (Delray Beach)
And in May, I traveled with tennis friends to the West coast (Naples)
Summer Sundays on Lake George
The weather has cooperated for the most part… Sad that it’s over!!
And I am continuing my quest for
my word for 2024
Happy Running! How has your year gone so far? What’s left on your list to complete before the year ends? Please share.
Some weeks are like that: friends, family, work, volunteering and running!! Rain!
You just do what you can…
Last Week –
Sunday – I ran 13 miles the day before so my plan was to walk a local free race today.
When I arrived, I bumped into a friend who was running it…. She said she would be going slowly so I thought… why not?
it was a 3.3m anniversary race for this running club and an distinguished service award 10k… the award winner was a family friend of my hubby
We went very slowly but we ran the whole thing… I was so happy!!
I quickly changed my clothes and headed up north to meet knitting (and running) friends to go to a sheep and wool expo.
we accidentally matched and the wool that I wanted is sold by someone that lives a block from my home (no need to have driven 1 hr. lol)
There was lots to see and we spent several hours there and then drove 1/2 hr south to meet others for a beer.
The weather was perfect and I was was so grateful to be feeling healthy enough to enjoy it.
Monday – My ribs continue to be sore and so I postponed the gym visit.
After work today was the first meeting for the STEM participants. I again agreed to volunteer on Mondays.
It’s Couch 2 5k so in the beginning, it’s mostly walking.
we had quite a large group and it was so exciting!
Tuesday – A busy work day but I was able to get in a short run and walk with my BFF after work.
Wednesday – I actually got up early to run because that was my only free time. It was RAINING!!
So I waited until lunch and squeezed in a short one.
Halloween decorations are starting to appear…
After work, I had to go set up for my live class the next day and then attend our monthly tennis friends meet-up.
Thursday – Yup, live class and so today I had run after work.
Boo! RAINED OUT!!
Friday – Day 2 of live teaching so nothing but mah jongg in the evening. And it was at my house.
Saturday – Long Run Day (and brunch).
Many of my friends were away so I was lucky to have company for at least some of the miles… I ran/walked 8 solo and then met Deb for the last 8 and then met Deirdre for brunch.
those last 4 miles were a killer but 16 miles in the books (I earned those tiramisu waffles)
But there was FOMO on a race I usually run..
I will run it next year when I am not training for a marathon!!
Sunday – Plan to finally go to the gym and then in the afternoon go out to a restaurant to celebrate my MIL’s birthday. 99!!!!!!!!!
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – DAY OFF! – run, hike, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – train to NYC (for work), run in NYC, show tix
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – train home
Friday- gym, chiro appt, mah jongg
Saturday – Run, Fall Fest 5k, run
Sunday – gym, walk/hike
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – 3rd Quarter Update
Friday – Ultimate Coffee Update
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this fall? Anyone else struggling to fit it all in? Are the Halloween decorations up? 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.
Some of my running friends are now walking (by choice) and some of my running friends are walking due to injuries.
I have walked a few races myself and I may do so again in the future.
So here are a few tips:
Make sure the race is open long enough and allows walkers. Contact the RD if you are in doubt.
Respect Runners’ Etiquette. Start in the back and move over if runners are trying to pass you.
Train. Don’t just wing it. Practice walking the race distance (or close to it) several times.
Follow the same precautions as if you are running. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Eat appropriate pre-race food.
Brace for an Anticlimactic Finish. You may be last. The post-race refreshments table may be empty. There may not be many spectators cheering you on.
Embrace Your New Adventure and its Advantages. You will be able to talk comfortably, more easily view and enjoy the scenery and you will recover more quickly.
Have fun!
Happy Running! Have you ever walked a whole race? Please share.
Sunday – With boating out of the picture, I went back to where I walked last Sunday.
I parked in a different location so I had different views of the Mohawk R. and again the weather was delightful.
Afterward I went back to that nearby country store…
free cider donuts!!
And then later I met a running friend for dinner and drinks…
a lakeview…
Monday – More great weather… so I took a short run during my lunch break.
Boy was it hot!!!
Now that my face looked normal, I stopped off after work to visit my granddaughter.
even with a fever, she was happy and active
Tuesday – A day off from work for a doctor’s visit and to prepare for my work trip the next day.
Since I didn’t know if I would have time to run in NYC (and rain was in the forecast), I ran a few miles in the morning.
feathers from a …?
Later in the day, I went for a long walk with a former co-worker.
Wednesday – I took an early train to NYC for work. After checking into my hotel, my plan was to take the tram to Roosevelt Island to view some murals and run (provided that it wasn’t raining.)
The weather turned out to be beautiful and the island had so many interesting sights.
murals, woman puzzle, cat sanctuary, lighthouse, FDR memorial (more pics on FB)
Afterward I had enough time to take the subway to the meatpacking district… to see 100 elephants!!
all sizes, all different, cost from $8k to $22k… to raise money for Africa. (more pics on FB)
Thursday – My usual long work day starting with a subway ride at 6:45 am and returning at 5pm.
I several plans for after work: run in Central Park, see 3 new bronze statues at the Occulus Plaza or see the wall art in Freeman Alley.
Nope. Too pooped from standing all day… instead:
great decision .. it was really good!
Friday – Another long work and the train back home in the evening.
train ride along the Hudson R. at sunset.
Saturday – Long Run Day. Today’s brunch plans included a party hosted by one of the runners (who will soon be wintering in Florida.)
16 miles was on my marathon training plan. However, there was no way that would happen after a difficult 10 mile run the week before.
I arrived early and parked about 2.5 miles away and ran with Barb. Then I met up with Deb, ran/walked 8 more miles and finally continued solo back to my car.
13 miles followed by a mimosa or two and delicious homemade food!!
Sunday – I plan to walk this FREE race (3.3 miles)
and then join some friends at:
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – AM run, STEM mentoring
Tuesday – PM run, walk with BFF
Wednesday – gym, dinner with tennis friends
Thursday – PM run
Friday- mah jongg chez moi
Saturday – Long Run (and Brunch)
Sunday – gym, MIL b-day party (she turns 99)
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – How to walk a race
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.
My First 5K and More... 