December 23, 2025 by Darlene

2025 RunFluent Christmas Race

actually, a 7k (4.4 mi) and started at 8:00 AM

It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever.

After our girls’ weekend in the Finger Lakes in September 2023, we were anxious to plan another race-cation.

My running friend, Deirdre (who winters in Florida) suggested the Hot Chocolate 15k in Tampa. Heidi & I raced (Deirdre was injured) and we had so much fun than we repeated our visit last December.

We had signed up for a 10k but after we registered, they changed the race date to January.

We still made the trip but no race.

just a fun trail run

Unfortunately, they kept the January race date so we had to choose a different race.

35th Annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Kids Race

This was NOT a race that I would choose as it is on trails (I do NOT race on trails!) but I agreed since the date and location worked for the others.

So I signed up for the RunFluent Christmas 7k because:

Florida in December!
A weekend away with my running friends.
A running friend winters nearby, and she offered us a free place to stay.
Peer pressure!
We got matching holiday-themed tank tops.

Race Description:

Back for year #3.
4 miler OR 7 hour multi lap!!!
Race Day T-shirt for all participants
Finisher awards for all finishers!
Awards for Top 3 male/female each distance!!!
Special award for anyone reaching a 50k by the 7th hour!!
Cash prize for 1st Place each distance male/female!!!
There will also be additional “trinkets” for each lap completed in the 7 hour event
Multiple Loop (for the 7 hour race)
Elevation = Rolling, ~2500 feet in 50 miles or 7 hours
Surface = Mostly groomed trail or dirt roads

The Course according to my watch:

Training:

If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I did run a 10K on Thanksgiving Day

and then 6 and 7 mile runs on the weekends before this race.

yup, had to find some dry paths to do it…

But, again my goal for this race was just finishing especially since I would NOT be acclimated to the temps and/or humidity and trails scare me. There would be a lot of walking and looking at my feet.

My goal would be NOT TO FALL!

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

We arrived very late Thursday evening and first thing Friday morning, I went out for a run in the neighborhood to try to get used to the heat/humidity. Fortunately, it was not that warm (for Florida but warm for me.)

And then out to lunch (where I met up with my ex-SIL whom I hadn’t seen in over 20 years.)

In the evening, we carb loaded on homemade pizza and went to a concert.

I’m usually pretty good about watching what I eat the night before a race… but this time I was very relaxed about the whole thing. There was a mimosa at lunch and beer at dinner. LOL.

Forecast:

perfect temps for an early morning race…

Race Day:

As I always do, I brought my race day breakfast from home: oatmeal. Up at 5:15 am and ready to leave at 6:15 am.

my travel buddy Heidi and our hosts Deirdre and Kevin

We arrived around 7 am and picked up our shirts and bibs.

There were real restrooms – always a plus.

And then we just hung out as they were setting things up.

Kevin planned on at least 50k

with 2 new friends – Donna & Ben

yes, we wore matching tanks

the 7 hour runners brought their families and everything they needed to be comfortable

used after the first lap

At 7:40, they gave directions followed by a prayer and the national anthem.

the finish line and where we started

Deirdre told me not to worry because Florida trails are not like upstate NY trails. They are flat and sandy with an occasional root…

She was right.

I decided to stick with Deirdre and Heidi (although they run much slower than I do) and follow their 30:30 intervals. It was perfect and if I got ahead, I just waited for them to catch up.

this was grassy section

The trails were very pretty and with lake views at times.

sandy section

There were several water stops… no cups because in your swag was a collapsible cup. I was not really thirsty but if I was running a longer distance; it would have been great. Around mile 2.5, we passed our car but then the course continued and eventually the finish was in sight.

I sprinted ahead and I was able to cheer on my two friends.

Post Race Activities:

They gave us our medals…

And now it was time to relax…

Nope, Deirdre and I decided it was too nice a day and we went back on the course…

Once we hit the car, we called it a day (or 2.5 more miles).

Deirdre’s friend Donna was still running (and ended after 22 miles) and Kevin and his friend Ben were going for a 50k.

We cheered for them every time they passed us..

We changed our clothes, had lunch that we brought and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

I understand why many runner enjoy trails and ultra races. So relaxed. Everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic.

modeling our matching race shirts

Finally, everyone was finished and so we went out to celebrate…

Additional Race Reflections:

The race was fun. It was even better running it with friends and with good weather. The race directors did a great job organizing all the details of this event.

I know that I could have pushed myself and gotten a faster time. But I wanted to stay with my friends and just enjoy the whole day.

If I run this race again, I plan to sign up for the 7 hr. option and try to run 3 loops (and that would be a half marathon).

The Good:

Well organized before, during and after.
Real restrooms
Amble parking
Food for 7hr runners.
Collapsible cups provided to all runners
Well marked course
Flat and scenic course
Baby socks and pacifiers collected and donated to a charity.
Raffle for those who donated to the charity
7k and 7hr options
Perfect running weather.
Enthusiastic participants and supporters.
Running with friends
Thousands of professional looking photos

The Bad:

Nada

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. For all the reasons above.

Final Stats:

my time was 1:05:02

Next Up:

3 free fun races and then:

Feb, 1, 2026

Happy Running! Ever run a trail race? If so, did you enjoy it?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

December 21, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.12.25-12.21.25: Brrr!

I’m back in the Northeast and I think it feels colder since I was in Florida for several days…

I’m so grateful to be able to escape for a few days and am already looking forward to February. I’ll be more than ready to leave these cold temps again.

Last Week –

Friday – Although due to missing our connecting flight, we didn’t arrive at our friends’ place until 1:30 am, I was up bright and early to enjoy the warmer temps and go for a run.

sunshine & no layers= ❤

Then we went out to lunch and I met up with my ex-SIL (whom I hadn’t seen in over 20 years!)

sisters forever!! (and my favorite shrimp n grits)

For dinner, we carb loaded on homemade pizza and then went to a holiday concert.

Saturday – RUNFluent Christmas Race. There was a 7k and a 7 hr race. Heidi, Deirdre and I opted for the 7k which was only one loop.

We decided to stay together and run 30:30 intervals. The course was flatter and less challenging that I expected… and so much fun!!

After we were done, Deirdre & I went out for another loop and then we hung around to cheer on the other runners, many of whom completed a 50k.

the guys were running the 50k

Of course, a celebratory late lunch followed and drinks and some hot tub time in the evening.

Sunday – I had to take advantage of the weather and again went out for an early neighborhood run.

I could get used to this…

After my run, we went out to breakfast. And in the afternoon, we went to an outdoor bar and played music bingo (nope, no one won) and eventually went out to an early dinner.

We spent a relaxing evening in and watched a Hallmark movie: Oy to the World (in honor of the first night of Hanukkah.)

Monday – Last day of vacation and last warm weather run.

We were treated to homemade strawberry waffles and then headed to the airport.

No flight drama for our return flights home.

Tuesday – Back to reality and cold weather.

I had the morning off from work. So I headed to the gym first thing, then some grocery shopping, laundry and cooking.

In the afternoon, I went to the office and eventually to set up for my class the next day.

I met my BFF in the evening for a walk…

Wednesday – First of 3 days of live classes….

That meant Starbucks on the way…

and to bundle up and search out dry pavement for a post work run…

in town and not as cold as previous days…

Thursday – Same as the day before except that after work I attended my annual tennis friends holiday party.

fun evening with lots of food, music, gifts, etc…

Friday- Last day of live teaching and mah jongg in the evening. Though it warmed up, it rained most of the day. Good news: Snow is mostly gone.
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.

Though, the paths were clear of snow, the temps had dropped again and so I was wondering if the rail trail would be clear or would I end up at UAlbany?

phew, clear sailing..

Unfortunately, I had to run/walk my 8 miles solo but met (walking) friends after for brunch.

Sunday – Plan to play Santa with my granddaughter (since she is spending Christmas with her other grandparents). Then hit the gym, run some errands and eventually have dinner at my SIL’s…

FYI: Had to join the cool kids with ChatGPT:

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – run
Tuesday – run, b-day dinner with BFF, walk
Wednesday – gym
Thursday – run, Christmas dinner with the fam
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – gym, ??

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – RunFluent Christmas Race Recap
Friday – Runfessions

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any vacations planned? Do you like trail racing? Are you dealing with snow or ice? 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.

December 19, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Motivational Quotes That Keep You Going

For Today’s Post, I am picking FIVE Quotes that keep me going when running seems hard:

1.”Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” ~ Lance Armstrong

2.“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.” ~ Dean Karnazes

3. “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”~ Lucille Ball

4. “When you feel like giving up, remember why you started.” ~ Confuscius

Happy Running! What keeps you going? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

December 16, 2025 by Darlene

TT: 2025 in Photos

This week’s topic is: Your Year in Photos

Definitely one of my favorites topics because I LOVE to take pictures. The challenge was limiting each month to ONE or TWO pictures.

Here you go:

January

A work visit to NYC to start off the year.

Running some local fun races.

February

My annual vacation to Florida’s East coast to visit friends

Convincing a fellow blogger to join me in a Florida Half Marathon.

March

Racing in a New Place – Rock n Roll Half Marathon in DC

Meeting Up with Bloggers in DC

April

and in NYC

Completing one of my favorite local half marathons (in miserable weather).

May (my favorite month)

Visiting Naumkeag in MA (on my birthday)

Enjoying my annual tennis trip to Naples, Fla.

June

Participating in the Run for Women for the 18th time (in the rain.)

Visiting the NY Botanical Gardens

Finally Running the NYC Mini 10k in Central Park

July

Celebrating the Fourth in (running) style.

Celebrating Bastille Day with College Buddies.

Touring Brooklyn

Spending Sundays on Lake George

August

Tiptoeing through the Sunflowers!!

Visiting a college roommate on LI.

Celebrating my granddaughter’s 2nd birthday

and my MIL’s 100th.

September

Seeing Autumn Glow

Running a 10k on Governor’s Island

Starting up Monday Hikes

October

SVU Fangirling while on a work trip to NYC

Another Successful Race-cation.. this year in Lake Placid.

Celebrating 50+ Years of Friendship

Competing in two 5k races in one day

November

Spectating at the NYC marathon and celebrating our friends’ achievement.

Running a popular local 15k

Coaching Runners to their first 5k.

Turkey Trotting with Friends

December

Saying Good-Bye to One of My “Sole Sisters” (Denise, the one in black)

Seeing NYC at its finest.

Traveling to FL to meet up with Friends (and run a trail race)

Happy Running! What was your favorite photo or event from 2025? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) 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

December 14, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 12.7.25-12.11.25: I’m in Florida!!

I returned from a work trip to NYC and then packed my bags…

Last Week –

Sunday – I went for a run since I was going to miss my Monday and Tuesday runs.

doesn’t everyone get ice cream to warm up after a cold run?

Then I did some errands and even went to the gym.

I also finished decorating for the holidays… (Just a few shown below… I celebrate BOTH holidays…)

Monday – I took an early train to Manhattan with Heidi, Deb, Stan and Sherry.

After I dropped my bag off at my hotel, we had a quick lunch and then headed to Radio City to see the Christmas Show (with the Rockettes).

Our next adventure was to take the subway to Brooklyn for a walking tour of the Holiday Lights in Dyker Heights.

After a quick dinner, we headed back by subway to Manhattan to check out the Holiday decorations around Rockefeller Center.

it was a cold day but we had loads of fun…

Last stop before my friends had to head home was ~~a ride on the Christmas Carousel outside Macys~~

we ran out of time although we did have tix.

a holiday drink at the bar at the train station (instead).

Tuesday – A long work day. Subway to Jamaica, Queens. Work all Day. Subway back to Manhattan and then Amtrak home.
Wednesday – I bailed on a short run after work (It was snowing, windy and very icy.)

and instead I packed for my Florida trip.

Thursday – I got up to again snowy icy conditions…

and waited a bit before I ventured outside (with my trail shoes on)…

cold and windy… I froze (can you guess which snowman is real?

then worked a half day before I boarded a plane (with my friend Heidi) to Tampa, FL.

Our friends Deirdre and Kevin picked us up at the airport and drove an hour back to their home (where we would be staying until Monday.)

I’ll recap the rest of the week in my next WRD.

Check out IG and FB for photos.

weather looks much better than up North!!!!

This Coming Week on the Run –

Friday – hanging out with friends, meeting my ex SIL for lunch, concert in the evening
Saturday – RUNFluent Christmas (Trail) Run (7k)
Sunday – hanging out with friends
Monday – run, fly home
Tuesday – run, walk w/BFF
Wednesday – PM run?
Thursday – run?, tennis holiday party
Friday – ~~gym~~, work holiday meeting, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch
Sunday – breakfast w/granddaughter, gym, dinner with the fam

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – 2025 in Photos
Friday – Motivational Quotes That Keep You Going

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any warm weather vacations planned? Do you enjoy checking out holidays decorations in your town? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

December 12, 2025 by Darlene

FFF: Must-Have Accessories Under $30

For Today’s Post, I will pick my top FIVE:

1.GOODR Sunglasses

Cheap, durable, cute and comfy (and they can match all your outfits and seasons.)

2. SPI BELT

Holds your phone and you can even attach your bib to it. And it stays in place.

3. BASEBALL CAP

Holds your hair in place, protects your face from the sun and your eyes from the rain.

4. PORTABLE WATER BOTTLE

Hydrate whenever you need to… this one is light and easy to carry.

5. Comfy No Blister Socks

Nothing is perfect but these are close…

Happy Running! Anything to add? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

December 9, 2025 by Darlene

My Race Bling of 2025

This week’s topic is: Show Us Your Year in Bling

Lots of bling this year since I was relatively uninjured and I did complete 32 races. And I am proud of every finish line that I crossed (even the ones with no bling.)

Half Marathons:

5Ks:

Other Distances (10m, 10k, 7k)

Three Race Challenge

Happy Running! What was your favorite bling from 2025? Please share.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

and on Wednesday:

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

December 7, 2025 by Darlene

Weekly Run Down for 11.30.25-12.7.25: Looking Ahead…

Yup, looking ahead to tomorrow’s work trip to NYC where I plan to check out ALL the holiday decorations..

and then on Thursday, I leave for Florida to visit a friend (and run a Christmas Trail Race).

Last Week –

Sunday – I started the day at the gym and then went for a walk…

and it was soooo cold!

I started getting ready for the holiday… a little decorating, wrapping, addressing cards…

Monday – DAY OFF – With the predicted snowstorm on its way, I knew I had to go for a run.

I met up with my friend Sue and after our run, we got coffee and tried to figure out our flights for the Asheville HM that we are running together in March.

One of our running friends (in black shirt) is moving to Tacoma, WA so we had a farewell party for her in the evening..

Tuesday – Jenny & I tried to beat the snow with our early morning run.

and we did!! Barely…

It snowed the rest of the day.

In the evening, I was supposed to go to a special showing of Wicked 2 movie (sponsored by the the UAlbany Alumni Assoc.) but it got cancelled due to the snowstorm.

Wednesday – Lots of snow!! But I was able to get out and drive to the gym.

we got about 6″

The main roads weren’t too bad so I went to the office…

’tis the season for egg nogg latte

Then I stopped at UAlbany to check the path conditions and get some steps in…

and then went shopping for some last minute gifts (ha ha, it’s only Dec. 3!)

Thursday – WFH morning

coffee at home with some holiday spirit..

and then I met Jenny for a short run at lunch time.

snowing and windy. Brrrrr!

In the late afternoon, I met my BFF for a re-scheduled movie date.

Wicked: For Good - November 21, 2025 | Explore Oz

Friday – I didn’t even want to leave the house…

Eventually after work, I went to the gym when it warmed up to a balmy 20 degrees…

Mah Jongg in the evening…

Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. Too early to have to plan where to run before of the snow. 😦

Unfortunately we are limited to UAlbany loops or the roads. This weekend, we chose the roads. (Smaller attendance than usual due to the weather and the holidays. I ran 7 miles with Barb,. Sherry & Stan ran on their own. Of course, brunch followed. (Sorry I forgot to snap a pic.)

In the evening, I got to baby sit for my granddaughter!!

4 hrs of Disney movies…

Sunday – Gym visit planned and then packing for NYC trip (and maybe start for the Florida trip… holiday decorating too.

This Coming Week on the Run –

Monday – Train to NYC, Radio City Christmas Show, Dyker Heights lights, more Manhattan holiday lights…
Tuesday – work in Jamaica, Queens, train home
Wednesday – PM run
Thursday – AM run, PM fly to Tampa, FL
Friday – hanging out with friends
Saturday – RUNFluent Christmas (Trail) Run (7k)
Sunday – hanging out with friends
Monday – AM run?, fly home

This Coming Week on the Blog –

Tuesday – My Race Bling of 2025
Friday – Must-Have Accessories Under $30

Happy Running! Training for any big or small races? Any vacations planned? Do you enjoy checking out holidays decorations in your city? Have you seen Wicked Part 2? Please share.

I am linking up with Kim and Deborah for

December 5, 2025 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date for December 2025

It’s that time of the month…

time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

1.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I decluttered and got rid of sooo many pairs of running shoes.

So I ordered 3 different new older model Topos from REI.

Then I got an email with a REI discount code for $30 off.

Yes, I had to order a new pair. I couldn’t waste it.

2. Over coffee…

I’d tell you that is that I found a pair of NEW Topos in my closet that I’ve never worn.

I am NOT buying any shoes for a long long time.

3.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I entered the NON-NYRR guaranteed entry lottery for the NYC Half Marathon (on a whim). I didn’t care if I got in.

And of course, I did!

My goal race was supposed to the Asheville Half Marathon on March 21 (with my friend Sue).

My local running friends are on the fence about running the NYC HM again this year.

And the hotel prices are so high (I don’t have enough points for a free room.)

So we’ll see… (But as Cari says; I’ll probably do it…)

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that the friend that I often run with (who only runs marathons), just got into the Tokyo marathon on March 1, 2026. She ran it last year (and it didn’t go well.)

She is so excited and I’m happy that I will have a motivated running partner during the cold winter months.

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that on my local running friends is moving to Tacoma, WA and so we had a going away dinner for her.

we have named our group “Soul Sisters” and finally ordered shirts…

I told her that there’s a half marathon there in August…

Happy Running! What’s new with you? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and the Running Teacher!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

December 2, 2025 by Darlene

2025 Troy Turkey Trot 10k Race Recap

Nov. 27, 2025

This was my 8th time running the Troy Turkey Trot 10K.

I really enjoyed this race my first time I ran it in 2014 (in spite of the snowstorm) and now I look forward to running it every year.

happy because it was and still is my 10K PR (check out all the snow!)

: 2015 – 10K

: 2016 – 10K

: 2017 – 10K

: 2019 – 10K

: 2021 – 10K

: 2022 – 10k

: 2023 – 10k

In 2018, it was FREEZING and I DNSed the race partly because of the weather but mostly because I was going to be running a hilly Half Marathon 2 days later (which seemed more important.)

In 2020, the race went virtual and I did not run it.

In 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, I even ran both races – the 10K followed by the 5k. Why not? I was already dressed and ready to run. The past few years, I was not as crazy. Just the 10K as in my first year.

Last year, I was dressed and ready to race but the weather was horrible and the roads just too icy..

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

I did not sign up for the Turkey Trot Challenge this year. So there was no real training for this race. I considered it just a fun event to get outdoors and justify all the food that I would consume later in the day.

Previous Troy Turkey Trot 10K times:

2014 – 57:03 (PR)
2015 – 59:33
2016 – 57:51
2017 – 57:42
20:18 – DNS
2019 – 59:06
2:20 – cancelled
2021 – 59:49
2022 – 59:13
2023 – 1:02:40 (PW)
2024- DNS (bad weather)

I did 6 mile run on the weekend..

in addition for two shorter ones during the week.

I guess my ambitious goal for this year’s 10k could be to beat my 2023 time but I knew that it would highly unlikely.

2025 10k times:

- Electric City 10k – 1:09:42
- Mastercard NY Mini 10k – 1:07:18
- Squirrel Stampede 10k– 1:07:12

So really just being out there and running with friends would make me happy!

with my 2023 peeps

I picked up my bib/race shirt the previous Saturday so I didn’t have to rush on race morning. It usually to be a drive thru at a local high school… but this year, it was at the RPI field house.

On Wednesday evening, I planned my Thanksgiving running outfit. I tried to be festive but also comfortable for the running weather that day. I was very excited that it would not be as cold as previous mornings and that there would be no snow/ice on the roads this year.

tried to vary the outfit, ditched the beanie (since it used to fall off) and add the race shirt (as a first)…

I carb loaded with pasta instead of my usual pizza the night before (even though I only had to run 6.2 miles)

Race Day:

I woke up early, had my coffee and oatmeal and then checked the weather. Clear, windy but in the low 40s degrees. I grabbed a beanie, my DIY arm warmers, grabbed a down jacket and sprinted out the door at 6:30 am.

There was no traffic and I found parking in a lot across from a bowling alley where I parked in previous years. I was still early so I waited in my car until I saw some runners heading out.

I walked a few blocks to the Atrium where we can wait indoors for the race to begin.

The Atrium was open this year but no open coffee shop and NO rest rooms (just porta potties outdoors).

At least bag check was back. It was around the corner in a truck.

Instead of walking to bag check, I just left my jacket in an out of the way location at the Atrium.

Lots of runners were hanging out. It was nice to talk with runners whom I had not seen in awhile.

This is a very popular local race as I mentioned so I always bump into so many runners that I know. I chatted until it was time to get to the start area.

The 10K started at 8 am followed by the kid’s one mile race and then at 10 am, the most popular event, the 5K.

The 10K course this year was the same as previous years.

Elevation:

according to my Garmin – I think it lost a signal going over the bridge

As someone was singing the national anthem, I squeezed into the crowd in the 10 minute pace group with some friends.

My plan for the race was to not to start out too fast and to run at an even pace and to save some for the last mile. (I know. I say that for every race. LOL)

This race seemed more crowded than previous years (but not nearly as crowded at the 5k.). For my pace, I was running with others the whole race. Though, it seemed that they all were passing me by.

Miles 1-3.1:

The course is fairly flat. You start running down Broadway and then over the Green Island bridge,

turn around and run back into the city. I knew from my first few steps that the speed was gone from my legs. I was dragging already and I had just started. I tried to put off walking as long as I could. It didn’t help that at times, we were running into the wind.

I enjoyed seeing the fastest runners sprint by, as well as, those behind me. I tried cheer both groups on…

After the bridge, we took a left and ran along the city streets for few miles. The roads were closed to traffic which was nice.

The sun started to peak out and I was getting warm. I took off my gloves and rolled down my DIY arm warmers.

All of a sudden, we all saw a bald eagle flying over our heads. That was very cool.

I didn’t have to look at a watch to know that I was running too slow for a sub one hour race. I was pretty sure that I was running a course PW (not that it even mattered.)

There were three water stops. I stopped to walk at the first one around mile 1.5. They gave out bottles of water which was annoying. First of all, I only drank a little and second, the can to throw away the bottles was at the water stop.

My legs were tiring and I walked again around mile 3, I think.

Miles 3.1-6.2:

Around this point, we again turned around and headed back toward the start. There was a second water stop, again with bottles and I stopped and walked for a bit.

There was great crowd support. Better than normal since the weather was perfect. There were even tables passing out beer. LOL

And again since it was an out and back, you got to see both faster and slower runners.

I was running with other runners but as I mentioned above, most kept passing me by. All of the friends that I started with got way ahead.

I decided not to eat my GU and but did stop at the third water stop.

With the Hudson river in view, I knew that I was getting toward the end.

Finally I could hear the finish in the distance. I wanted to at least sprint through the finish line so I walked one more time.

I crossed around 1:04:xx (GT).

A course PW but I was glad to be done.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed a bottle of water and they gave you a medal. The only refreshments were bananas, apples and some packaged snacks.

I hung out for awhile chatting with my friends.

Then I checked out the results and found out that I came in 2nd in my age group.

my competition – Carolyn

I choose a cap.

I used to hang around to run the 5k. But I was getting chilled (from sweating) and headed back to my car.

On my walk back to my car, I got to see all those crazy 5k runners in costume.

Additional Race Reflections:

No matter what my finish time was, I was glad that I decided to run this race. I love the atmosphere of this race. I enjoy the challenge of a 10k as opposed to a 5k. It’s a great way to start off Thanksgiving Day.

I obviously have lost a lot of speed and stamina. But on a positive note, it was my fastest 10k of the year.

Positives: