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Weekly Run Down for 7.31.22-8.7.22: The Heat is Back On…

After a brief reprieve from the heat and humidity, summer weather returned in full force this week.

Not much could be done but as they say “Just do it!” And that’s what I did.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday!

Again I was treated to a gorgeous day for relaxing on the lake.

different dock at Red Rock Bay (Lake George)… same experience

Since my hubby had driven up the day before, we had two cars today.  That meant, I could stay later and do my own thing…

After he left, I walked around town admiring all the beautiful gardens.

Then I went for a few nature walks/hikes before heading home.

trails at the Sagamore followed by Up Yonda.

Of course, there was stop on the way at Martha’s for ice cream.

  • Monday – I really didn’t want to get up this morning to run but it was #nevermissamonday. As always, I was glad I did.

but holy humidity!!! Just chrysalis and bees today.

Having my run done before work allowed me to go for a leisurely walk on the rail trail with friends after work.

  • Tuesday – After a sleepless night, I was tired but I knew I HAD to run.

this run was dedicated to my sweet cat, Honey, who died the night before.

I do love all kinds of flowers but I really love sunflowers.  And I really needed a pick me up today!!

Two of the nearby fields did not plant this summer so I had to search out a new location.

And I found one!!  They are only open in the evenings which was perfect…Unfortunately my GPS did not take to the right location but a kind soul on the side of road directed me.  It was not free (however you got to cut your own flowers to bring home) and most of the fields had not bloomed yet.  (I plan a return visit in a few weeks.)

The flowers made me happy and it was definitely worth the trip!!

  • Wednesday – Yes, the third day in a row of getting up early to run. But again it freed up my evening for other things.

the bright sunshine was a killer today… those sunflowers are TALL…like my runfie?

My evening plans included dinner out with my former co-workers and walking pals.

  • Thursday – 100 degrees predicted for today!!! No running for me (since I don’t have access to a treadmill.)

Since I had to go into the office today, I did take a walk to the nearby Starbucks.

There were a few evening plans brewing – a group trail run for me and tennis for the hubby OR a Jimmy Buffet concert together.

It wasn’t the heat hat bothered me. It was the threat of thunderstorms (which may or may not materialize).

Well, we decided on the concert.  And it was the right decision.  While we were gone, there was a HUGE storm.  The power and internet went down. I wouldn’t have been able to go to the hike. My hubby’s tennis match was canceled.

The concert was awesome and NO RAIN!

The concert was held in Bethel, NY – the home of the famous Woodstock concert in 1969!!!

It was a very long drive (longer than I thought) and we got home at 1:30 am!!

  • Friday – Rest Day!! And a scheduled day off from work.

August 2021

I had planned (as I did last year) to visit a friend who was at a retreat on Lake George to hike and hang out on the lake.

As you can expect, I was very tired but my friend needed to get home and the weather was less than ideal so we decided to cancel.

I hate to waste a vacation day so I worked instead. (I’ll take another day off later in the month).

  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday!

We decided to start early (to beat the heat) and then meet for brunch.  Thanks to my friends, I got 12 miles done on the rail trail.

it was humid and warm but running intervals (and with friends) made me feel like I could run forever

  • Sunday –  Boating Sunday!!

So far so good. We’ve been lucky to have dry Sundays to use our boat for the day.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  DAY OFF – run, hike
  • Tuesday – rest day, walk
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – rest day, ARE trail walk
  • Friday – run, mah jongg
  • Saturday – rest day, boating
  • Sunday –  Run for the Roses 5k (+ miles)

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Places I’ve Run (S-Z)
  • Friday – Who’s an Athena?

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

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Ultimate Coffee Date for August ’22

It’s that time of the month…

Soleil Home™ Running Porcelain Mug - Run but First Coffee

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

1. Over coffee… 

I’d tell you that it has even been too hot this summer for me to join my running groups and run after work.

Yup, I became a sunrise runner.

What about you?  Did the summer temps force you to see the sun rise?

2.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I did join the group trail runs each Thursday evening.  But I’m too nervous to run on them.  I (and my running friends) always brought up the rear and walked each one.

Do you run on trails often?

3.Over coffee/wine…

I’d tell you that so far I have been able to do more hiking since I have every other Monday off.

Have you been doing much hiking lately?

4.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that I have NOT run a half marathon since May.  Remember I ran 6 half marathons the first 5 months of the year.

Don’t worry. I signed up for THREE this fall!!

    1. Race 4 the River – Sept 3
    2. Maine – Oct 2
    3. Upstate Classic – Nov. 20

Have you been taking a break from training this summer?  Have you signed up for any big races this fall?

5.Over coffee…

I’d tell you that if you are interested in the big NYC races, here are some important dates:

    • NYC Half Marathon – March 19, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: Mid-October 2022
    • Brooklyn Half Marathon  – May 20, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: Mid-December 2022
    • NYC Marathon – November 5, 2023 – Application and guaranteed-entry claim window: February 2023

So far, I am only definitely running the NYC Half.

United Airlines NYC Half-Marathon Race Results - New York, NY - 3/20/2022 - My BEST Runs - Worlds Best Road Races

Anyone planning to apply to run any of these NYC races?

*** Last but not least, thanks for all your kind words on FB and IG regarding the death of my cat, Honey.  Even losing an older cat is not easy. She was deaf and thin but still active with a hearty appetite. In fact, this week she ate a rabbit and the morning she died, a mouse. (I do think my younger 3 year old cat catches them.) My hubby thinks she died of old age but I kinda think she was poisoned.  Anyway, at least he found her dead on our deck, not I!!

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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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TT: Places I have Run (J-R)

Alphabet Challenge

J-R

Originally Donna from Running to Travel the World posted this challenge.  I completed it twice:

Last Tuesday, I changed it up and chose those PLACES where I’ve raced or run (A-I).  This is a continuation from that post.

  • J – Jones Beach (LI), NY

I grew up going to the beach quite often during the summer months. I even worked at the theater there during college vacations.

During the weekend of my 40th high school reunion, I decided to finally run there.

  • K – Killington, VT

I’ve run the Vermont City Marathon Relay twice but in this Vermont city, I have only run a 5k.  (It is a LONG drive!)

yes, a chair lift was part of the 5k and 15k.

  • L. – Las Vegas, NV

Many times before I became a runner, I travelled to Vegas for a vacation.  I did go back once to run the Rock n Roll 5k and half with some bloggers.

recognize anyone?

  • M – Montreal and Melbourne, FL

I’ve visited Montreal several times and have run there. I also ran the Rock N Roll half marathon and 5k in this city.

My sister-in-law used to live in Florida and when I visited her, I would run a half marathon (and it rained both times. boo!)

gotta love a Florida bridge

  • N – Naples, FL

I vacation there every May but it was where I ran my first half marathon. Since then, I’ve run a few 5ks there.

  • O – Orlando, FL

Yes, another Florida vacation.  No race this time. Just a run before visiting the Disney parks.

  • P – Philadelphia, PA and Panama City, FL.

Unfortunately, it was a rainy weekend for my half marathon in Philly.  I definitely want to re-visit this city.

My visit to Panama City was for a weekend with fellow running bloggers (and a half marathon, of course.)

You should recognize a few bloggers…

  • Q – Queens, NY

Well, I did run through Queens during the NYC Marathon.

  • R – Rochester, NY

Another city in NYS where I have run while travelling for work.  It’s probably my second favorite place to run besides NYC.

on the Lakeside trail along Lake Ontario

AND

along the Erie Canal

Happy Running! Ever run in any of these places? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

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

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Weekly Run Down for 7.24.22-7.31.22: Fitting it in…

Some weeks, I say that I’m happy that I fit in a run.  This was one of them.

For three days I was providing tech support for the NYS Bar Exam at a law school (7am-xx:xx). There was also a running group day at a lake, a trail run and a ZOOM with college friends.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday! In the 90’s!! Where else would I want to be?

perfect (didn’t even feel the heat) and no storms until that evening.

  • Monday –  Today our running group planned a day on Emerald Lake in VT.  Rain and the threat of thunderstorms called for a change in plans.

A later departure time allowed me to get my run in.

it was a wet one but it felt sooo good.

Fortunately one of my running friends does live on a lake and that was our back up plan.

The maiden voyage of my SUP… lots of laughs… didn’t even mind the mid day storm

  • Tuesday – Long work day – 7 am-5 pm  providing tech support to those taking the NYS Bar Exam.

But finally a beautiful (not steamy) run day so I accepted when a friend asked to accompany her on a run.

I got back just in time to a  ZOOM with college friends.

  • Wednesday – Back to my regular job.  I don’t like to run three days in a row but with thunderstorms and working at the Bar Exam on Thursday, I decided that I’d better run after work today.

humidity returned though

I had to rush the run because I forgot that I had a “wine” date with a friend.

  • Thursday – Back at the Bar Exam but I finished early enough to carpool with friends to the weekly trail run.

it was a long drive to Landis Arboretum but worth it..

  • Friday – Rest Day!! Finally! And I worked at the Bar Exam for the third and last day.
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday! 10 miles on the plan for Zim Smith bike path.

I was lucky to have the company of friends (and temps cooler than last week) plus brunch at Leah’s.

  • Sunday –  Boating Sunday!!

The heat seems to be back. Looking forward to a day on the lake.

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  run
  • Tuesday – rest day, walk with friends
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run, ARE trail walk (or Jimmy Buffet concert)
  • Friday – DAY OFF – a day with a friend on Lake George is planned.
  • Saturday – Long Run 
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Places I’ve Run (J-R)
  • Friday – Ultimate Coffee Date

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

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Runfessions for July ’22

It’s that time again. Time to get things off my chest with Marcia’s Runfessions at Marcia’s Healthy Slice…

Didn’t I just runfess?  This summer is flying by…

Here we go again:

1.  I runfess… 

I ran two races in 3 days and it was 90 degrees for the evening 5k that I ran with no water stops. No worries, right?

Thumbs up BEFORE the race

Then during the race, the runner in the photo below died. He was a running coach, had already run 19 marathons (including Boston many times) and won his age group at his previous 5k.

Gary Heard Obituary - Brooklyn, NY

And he was only 4 years older than me.  I have no idea if he had heart problems. But this does make you think.

very happy in retrospect that I took it slow during the race and walked often. You can be BOTP and still win your AG if you are the only one.

2.  I runfess…

Even though I had run a 5k in Brooklyn the night before, I knew I could not be in NYC without running in Central Park.

luckily Cari had company which enabled me to walk as needed and yes, she is a rockstar and can run with a backpack on.

3.  I runfess…

Almost all my walks, runs and hikes end with ice cream.  That’s a lot of ice cream each week. LOL

post run ice cream = mojo

4.  I Runfess…

Although I’ve been trying to add more walking and hiking to my running routine, there still has been ZERO working out and ZERO bike rides.

5 mile hikes every other Monday 

and 3.5 mile trail walks on Thursdays

4.  I Runfess…

I’ve been struggling with deciding between racing and running with friends.  Unfortunately they both could happen on Saturdays.  Both are fun!

What do I do?? FOMO either way.

or

Happy Running! Anything to runfess this month?  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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

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TT: Places I’ve Run A-I

Alphabet Challenge

A-I

Originally Donna from Running to Travel the World posted this challenge.  I completed it twice:

But for this post, I changed it up and chose those PLACES where I’ve raced or run.

Unfortunately, I was never a big traveler. Plus most of my traveling was done BEFORE I became a runner.

But here are those places that I have run or raced in (since 2008):

  • A – Asbury Park, NJ. and Albany, NY

I had a friend who lived Asbury Park and I like Bruce Springsteen’s music (that’s where he is from) so I ran a Half Marathon here.

I live near the capital of NYS so obviously have run there often.  My favorite race is held at Christmastime.

  • B – Brooklyn, NY and Burlington, VT.

I have raced in Brooklyn many times, all in Prospect Park – 2 half marathons, many 5ks and even a 15k.

But my favorite place to run is over the Brooklyn Bridge!

I’ve visited Burlington twice and stayed with the late blogger/runner AJH.  Each time, I ran a a different leg of the Vermont City Marathon.

miss AJH so much!!!

  • C –  California and Corning, NY

The first trip to California was to race and visit a friend in Santa Clarita (outside LA) and the two other times were trips to Palm Springs.

My first race-cation with my current running group was to run the Wineglass half marathon in Corning, NY.

pre-race activity

  • D – Denver, CO

I went to a conference there and signed up for a running tour of the city.

  • E –East, Meadow, NY

This is where I grew up (on Long Island).  And I never ran when I lived there. I hope to do a half marathon there at some point but I have run there a few times (when I was there for work.).

in Eisenhower Park

  • F – Fort Lauderdale, FL

I have visited Florida many times. I ran this half marathon here in February of 2021.

  • G – Governor’s Island (NYC)

You can get there by ferry from Manhattan (or Brooklyn) and I’ve done a fun 5k there (Cari has run a few 10ks there.)

  • H – Hampton Beach, NH

Two race-cations.. The first time, we ran a virtual half marathon and then the next year, we ran the real race.

  • I – Ile de La Cite, Paris

Ok, I’ve taken liberties in using the French for this letter but I did run there during a 20k race.

Happy Running! Ever run in any of these places? Please share.

runner-sig

 

 

 

 

 

Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

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

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Weekly Run Down for 7.17.22-7.24.22: Working Five Days

I know most of you do work five days but this is the first week since the beginning of June where I had to work on Monday.

I now have every other Monday off and then there was also Juneteenth and Fourth of July Monday holidays.

So the week was tiring. I guess I’m out of practice.

There are group run opportunities every night of the week if I so choose.. but this week, it was just too hot to wait until the evening to run.

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday!

Again we were blessed with another dry warm day. We chose a new site and it may have become my favorite.

shade, lake breeze, beautiful views, good book = paradise

  • Monday – A rainy morning but it had stopped by lunch time but more rain was predicted for later in the day.

I planned to participate in a group run at The Crossings after work but decided not to risk getting rained on and skipped out for a run earlier..

drove to a different neighborhood for this run

Instead of participating in a Peloton run, I listened to a AMR podcast. It made me think of Judy‘s recent posts on HR. This runner talked about spikes in her HR.  She attributed most of the HR spikes to stress. She decided to run listening to music and/or a podcast.  This prevented her mind from going to her stressors: family/work issues, her pace, the weather, etc.  No HR spikes.  Ok, I’m not saying this is the only reason your heart rate goes up but it’s worth trying if you run in silence.

I did go for a walk after work on the rail trail with a friend  We did get rained on but it felt sooo good!!

  • Tuesday – Another scorcher but a Rest Day due to a hair appt!  Self-care is important, right? (I even got my nails done last Saturday.)
  • Wednesday – There was a SOAR run scheduled on the Albany end of the rail trail so I planned to join them. (also an ice cream run scheduled on the same trail, different location. Nice to have choices.)

But because of the predicted 95 degree temps (+humidity), it got cancelled.

So my only choice was to drag myself outta bed (after a poor night’s sleep due to all the thunderstorms) and run.

It was great and I need to do this EVERYDAY!!

Instead of that after work run, I did go for a walk…. even at 8 pm, I sweat.

  • Thursday – As I have done in previous weeks, I planned to do my run right after work and then drive up to the ARE trail run location to join my friends to walk the trails.

Another hot summer day so I wisely decided to run early before work. I woke up to NO INTERNET which would complicate things.  I would have to drive to my office.

talked to the guy fixing the Internet and he assured me that it would fixed by 8am!! Too sweaty again to show you what I looked like after my run lol

And the Internet returned and I was able to work from home. Phew!

It was still very hot and humid in the evening. No lie. But it was great to head to the mountains where it was a little cooler.

great views and lots of shade and that cold drink at a nearby restaurant was amazing!

  • Friday – Rest Day!! HOT HOT but mah jongg night in an air conditioned friend’s home… Ahhh!
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday! There was a local 5k that I thought about running…

But I do enjoy our group LONG runs and it was HOT so I skipped it.

starting early made all the difference and of course, brunch after with friends.

  • Sunday –  Boating Sunday!!

How hot will it get? 100??

The plan is to float in the lake and/or sit under an island tree and read a book (or both).

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  DAY OFF – Day at Emerald Lake (with my running friends)
  • Tuesday – run (after working at the NYS bar exam)
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – working at the NYS bar exam, run before ARE trail walk
  • Friday – working at the NYS bar exam, rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run 
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – PlacesI’ve Run (A-I)
  • Friday – Runfessions

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.

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FFF: Five Ways to be a Better Running Friend

For a while, we were running alone… and not socializing.

Now it seems than more and more runners are racing and running with other runners.

Please do not take anything I say below personal.

It’s just my opinion.  We all interact with others differently.  And than includes virtually.

Here are a few suggestions on How to Be a Better Running Friend:

1.  Give a Smile, Hug or High Five.

Sounds so simple.

It is especially welcomed when you haven’t seen a friend in a while.

Or you are passing them on a run.

Or before or after a race.

Yes, I forget sometimes because I am thinking about myself… my problems, my run…

2. Be flexible.

Obviously, you can’t always be. Some of us work full-time and others have childcare needs…

But try to coordinate runs to meet each other’s schedules. IOW, sometimes you have to run at a time that you do not prefer.

I work until 4 pm but sometimes I have to wait until a friend gets out of work or get up early and run before work (which is hard for me).

And when running with a friend, if they ask for company, you may have to be flexible on how you run… Intervals, run slower, etc.

I’m sure Jenny slowed down for me…

It’s easy for me to change to anyone’s pace. (I’m pretty loosey goosey)

Of course if you seriously training for a PR, you may only want to run with a slower friend occasionally.

3. Listen (and don’t always offer advice)

Another no brainer but we often tend to talk about ourselves… our injuries, our pace, our last race. (or is it just me?)

IOW, ask your friend after a run how it went.   Ask them if they raced recently and how they did.  If you know that they are not running due to an injury, ask they how they are feeling…

I ran, she walked but we celebrated together after

Even if you a a certified coach, not everyone wants advice and to hear everything you know on the subject.

Of course, if they ask, you should offer advice. If you’ve had a similar injury, if they ask, you can tell them what you did and if it worked.

4. Communicate and Be Dependable

You can choose whatever method method works for you – text, FB, phone call.

Call a friend to plan a meet-up or see what’s new with them.

Ask what races, they are planning to sign up for.  Share the races that you may be doing (so they can decide whether or not to join you.)

Obviously, respond promptly to calls, texts or invitations. And if you have to skip a run or meet-up, always offer a reason. (Friends will understand.)

By being dependable, I mean if you say you are going run or race, show up or contact someone to tell them that you are unable (Things happen.)  And be punctual.

brrr … glad Karen didn’t keep me waiting…

5. Provide Support.

This may be the most important.

There are so many ways to support your friends.  All of the above are examples.

Also, go to a race that you are not running and cheer your friend on. Or if you are running the race and you finish first, stay and cheer at the finish line.

You bet I was screaming “Go Judy!”

Try not to complain about your pace and say that you are “slow” or a “BOTP” runner.  We are all aware that pace is so individual.  So many variables play a part… How long have you been running? How old are you?  Are you recovering from an injury?  Have you been training for longer races? Etc.

Enough said.

The Best Running is Running with Friends | Turkey Runner

and that includes my virtual friends

Happy Running?  Any other tips?  What is the most important to you when it comes to being a good running friend? 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 Zenaida!

So Join in!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

by

Al Goldstein 5k Race Recap

JULY 6, 2022 – 7:10 pm

If you follow my blog, you know that I often got sent to NYC for work.

Usually, I just tried to squeeze in a run along the East River, along the Hudson River or in Central Park.

Well several years ago, I found a race!!!!

Apparently during the summer months on alternating Wednesdays at 7:10 pm, there is a cheap ($7.50 – if you sign up for the whole series, each race costs only $5) 5k in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These races are organized by the Prospect Park Track Club (PPTC).

I ran one 5k in July 2017 and had a great time.

 Age group award and meeting “Al Goldstein”

I was excited that when they were scheduled again in 2018, two of the 5k races coincided with the dates that I would be working in NYC. I ran both of them.

In 2019, I was only in NYC to run one of this 5K racing series.

met someone from my hometown

And in 2020 and 2021….  there were no NYC work trips (due to COVID).

My trips to NYC this year are limited so I was very fortunate to be in NYC on a Wednesday when one these 5ks was happening.

You know I can’t resist signing up for a race.  Besides, I needed to run 3 miles anyway.

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

This race was a spur of the moment decision. I mean I’d run a 4 mile race two days before

and then hiked up a mountain the day before.

Yes, I am crazy!!

Obviously, this was just for fun and an opportunity to run in Prospect Park with other runners..

Race Day:

I arrived in NYC around 11 am, checked into my hotel, and headed by subway to Queens to set up for my job the next day.  I had some lunch and then headed back to Manhattan to change into running clothes.

The race didn’t start until 7:10 pm so I still had time to kill.  I decided to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens since it was across the street from the park where the race would be held.

I spent several hours wandering around the gardens and loved every minute. The gardens closed at 6pm so I headed over to the Prospect Park.

Luckily there were signs and I followed them to LeFrak Center at Lakeside (where the bib pick up was). I had a scenic walk through the park. I passed the race start and end.

As I got closer, there were many signs pointing you in the right direction.

I was pretty early and it wasn’t crowded at all.

It was strange to be at a race where I didn’t know a soul.  But there were real restrooms, water and tables in the shade so I just hung out.

Eventually runners started arriving.  There were probably close to 500.

Soon it was time for everyone to walk down to the start.

The photographer caught me on the way.

There were no corrals so I just pushed into the crowd.

The important thing to note about this race was that it was HOT!!!!!!!!!!! Like 90 degrees!!

I was familiar with the course. I had a bottle of water before the race and there was usually one water stop at mile 2 and then water at the  finish.

Right before the start of the race, they announced that “one of their water stations has gone missing and if anyone’d seen or happened upon their water, please let them know or give it back!”

What!? That of course made me nervous even though I wasn’t planning to “race” it.  It was extremely warm out… No breeze and humid, as well.

As I mentioned above, I had run this course several times in the past. On the whole, although it was not an easy course, I always did fairly well and since it attracts a younger crowd, I usually won my age group.

Al Goldstein 5Ks:

2017 – 27:52
2018 – 28:24, 28:02
2019 – 28:48

Same course:
Building Brooklyn 5k: 2019 – 28:05
Brooklyn Ice Cream Social 5k: 2018  – 27:30

However, in 2022 on a very hot evening, anything could happen but I was NOT expecting any blazing speed.

The Course:

AGSS Course Map

Here’s a cool video of the course: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/840765?units=km

elevation according to my Garmin

I knew about the big LONG hill during mile 1 as well as some rolling hills the last mile.

I also remembered that there were usually runners of all ages who all looked like “runners” and the finish times were incredibly fast. A little intimidating. but it is what it is.  What else was there to do on a nice warm evening in NYC??

So here’s how it went down:

Mile 1:

starting my Garmin lol

and off I go…

I started running the first mile slowly. My legs felt like lead and I was already sweating.

don’t I look happy?

And then I got to the hill, I tried to run up it but it definitely wasn’t happening.  I did my best…

Mile 2:

Mile 2 was better but I was so hot AND thirsty.

Every who passed me by looked they had gone swimming. Even I was dripping wet from the humidity.

And so I ran then I walked and ran and then walked.  I hoped that I was running more than walking but I wasn’t sure.  And when I was running, I suppose I was running fast…

Mile 3-3.1:

By the end of mile 3, I was crashing. I tried to finish strong but I just had to walk. And walk again.

Hooray! I see that finish line!

I did not have enough energy to sprint and finished over 29 minutes. My slowest 5k this year.

But under the those miserable conditions, I was not disappointed in the least.

Post Race Activities:

I was a little dizzy and went directly to get water and sit down.

We did hear ambulances.  Apparently someone went down during the race.  (Unfortunately, I found out later on FB that the runner DIED!!! More info here.)

They quickly posted the results. I did win my age group (as I was the only one in my age group. LOL)

Additional Race Reflections:

Yes, it was a course PW.

But you can’t control the weather. And I’m happy that I ventured out to Brooklyn.

Unfortunately when I think back to this race, I will be thinking of the runner who died.  He was only a few years older than I was, a NYRR coach who had completed 19 marathons and won his age group at the previous Al Goldstein 5k. But as some runners mentioned… he died doing something he loved. Still, very sad 😦

Positives:

  • Price – $7.50
  • Vaccination required for all runners.
  • Bag check
  • Bathrooms (real ones!)
  • Water before and after the race
  • Decent turnout (450 runners)
  • Chip Timing
  • Marker at each mile
  • 5 year Age group awards ceremony after the race
  • Results immediately emailed to you
  • MANY free photos

Negatives:

  • Travel time to Brooklyn
  • Evening Race
  • Hills
  • NO WATER stops
  • Death of a runner

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Yes. It’s a nice local race. It was definitely worth $7.50. And if I am ever in NYC at the same time as one of PPTC’s races, I plan to sign up again.

Final Stats:

Splits:

I was not kidding when I said I walked most of this race!! No regrets!

Next Up:

Possibly another July 5k and definitely a 5k in August before the THREE fall half marathons arrive.

Happy Running! Ever run a race while you are traveling for work? Do you try to improve your times on the same course? How does the heat affect your finish times? Please share.

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Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)

I’m also linking up here:

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

 

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Weekly Run Down for 7.10.22-7.17.22: The Heat is on…

We’ve had some warm days here and there (mostly on my race days lol) but this week, most days were warm and muggy!!

Not complaining. (I could live in the South!)

Last Week:

  • Sunday – Boating Sunday! 

Another perfect weather day!  And the fix for the boat was a quick one. Phew!

swimming, reading and relaxing on Log Bay

  • Monday – The second Monday off in my new work schedule.  My hiking buddy Heidi was not available but my friend Deirdre was able to accommodate my whim.  And off to Lenox, MA we went.

Our first stop was Pleasant Valley Nature Sanctuary but this time to climb Lenox Mountain.

we took the less steep but longer route – about 3 mi.

After lunch in Lenox, we hiked at Basin Pond in Lee.

some more hills for a little more than 2 mi.

We ended the day with ice cream (at the same place as last time).

I got home too late for the group run so I dragged myself out for run (as the sun was setting) since rain was predicted for Tuesday.

still warm and humid

  • Tuesday – Rest Day!! But where was the rain?? We didn’t get those predicted severe thunderstorms… just a little rain around 4 pm.

So I settled for a walk at the outdoor mall in my BFF.

full moon!!

  • Wednesday – After Monday’s struggle in the heat of the evening, I decided to get my run done before work.  Much nicer, I’m sure but still it was warm and HUMID!!!

yes, pink flowers were my distraction.

I forgot to download a Peloton run so I listened to one of Ali on the Run’s podcasts. Here’s some advice  from an élite runner who had some very disappointing races so just entered a race with no expectations:

Racing is the fun part of what we do… We put too much pressure on ourselves to do certain things… Race just to race. 

Now I hope I can remember that…

Instead of a run, I went for a walk on the rail trail with two friends.

5.5 miles tonight

  • Thursday – No time to run during my work day (plus so hot during lunchtime) so I ran right after work on the rail trail.

more birdhouses and still warm!

Then I joined my friends at the ARE trail run (or walk for us).

3.1 miles of trails followed by a new ice cream shop.

  • Friday – Rest Day!!
  • Saturday – Long Run Saturday!  Unfortunately many of my friends were busy today. But there were still a few of us left to gather for brunch. I ran intervals with Deb an then met Barbara and Denise after.

  • Sunday –  Boating Sunday!!

This Coming Week on the Run– 

  • Monday –  run
  • Tuesday – rest day, hair appt
  • Wednesday – run
  • Thursday – run, ARE trail walk
  • Friday – rest day, mah jongg
  • Saturday – Long Run (or 5k + 5 miles)
  • Sunday –  rest day, boating

This Coming Week on the Blog – 

  • Tuesday – Al Goldstein 5K Race Recap
  • Friday – Five Ways to Be a Better Running Friend

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.

Happy Running! How is your running going? Any in-person races run or planned? Has the weather been warm where you live? Please share.