time to join up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
1.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that instead taking expensive vacations, we are doing some home improvements.
During the heat wave, we were BBQing dinner every night
And once the morning temps cooled down, I will be eating my breakfast outside.
2. Over coffee…
I’d tell you that my favorite part of getting a new Trex deck was replacing our old hot tub with a new one…
3.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that we used to love going on the boat EVERY weekend. For many reasons (weather, our friends have left the marina, other interests) we have only spent TWO Days up there…
4.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I’m not a trail racer. I’m not even a trail runner.
Yet, I’ve run one race that was not on the road already this year…
and there will be one more in December (in Florida).
Dec 13, 2025
5.Over coffee…
I’d tell you that I already planned a race-cation for next March with a friend…
I’m excited as I’ve always wanted to visit there and tour the Biltmore Estate.
Not a very exciting week and although my chiro said that I was NOT injured, I continued to doubt her… and tried to baby my foot and re-visited her. I even scheduled a few PT appts.
Last Week –
Sunday – I was hoping to go on our boat but rain and thunderstorms were predicted.
So I limped my way to the gym and then decided to get my car inspected. It needed 2 new tires so I made an appt and when I got there, they told me the wait was 4-5 hours! What?
I called my hubby to pick me up and left the cat there. We did some errands and BBQ’ed on our “new” deck.
In the evening, I met a friend for a drink and then finally tested out the hot tub.
Monday – My Achilles was still sore so I hesitated to play tennis. However I couldn’t get a sub last minute.
It was on clay and I didn’t play hard… I had fun and hopefully no damage was done.
In the evening (against my better judgment), I went for my pickleball lesson. Foot felt fine (but there wasn’t a lot of running since the court is so small.)
Tuesday – I cancelled my morning run with Jenny and went to the gym instead and then after work, I visited my chiro and told her to work some magic.
This week, she worked on the tightness in my foot and told me to roll it on a golf ball.
Wednesday – An in-person teaching day (wearing sneakers).
great start to my day (chocolate cold brew)
I survived and ended the day with dinner out with my tennis friends..
always a fun evening
Thursday – Annual Track Day. My former co-worker and I have gone each summer for over 40 years!!
We had brunch while watching the horses warm up, bet some, had lunch, bet some more…All in all a fun day (even though I bet so little than I didn’t win more than I spent…)
Friday – My chiro told to skip my runs for a week.
But two of my running friends were doing their long runs early and my foot felt much better so…
I did a slow run/walk and completed 9 miles…
yeah, it was sore but no worse after than before. Maybe this is my new normal?
After dinner, I played mah jongg..
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch. We decided to take the boat out so I skipped brunch with my running friends..
air quality wasn’t great but otherwise a lovely day and a whole book was read…
Sunday –Keep Moo’ving 5k but I plan to walk most of it (w/4 friends) and eat ice cream. As we speak, it is POURING with thunderstorms predicted….. (yes, again!!!)
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.
When I first started running, this race was one of my favorite 5ks. I ran it in 2008, 2009, 2010.
in 2008 – my first year of running
in 2010, this is where I met AJH for the first time (I was wearing shorts back then.)
It’s funny how things have changed. AJH was trying to convince me to run a longer race than a 5k. Since then I have completed over 70 half marathons.
My 5k time back in 2010 was 29:34.
After 5 years off (from this race), I ran it again in 2015. And my time was 28:41. So things hadn’t changed that much (but I started to wear running skirts instead of shorts).
I enjoyed this race so much that I re-added it to my summer racing list and ran it again in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024 (28:27, 27:37, 27:28, 28:18, 28:05, 30:03)
2016
2017
2018
2019
2023
2024
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Due to the Pandemic, they discontinued this race for 3 years.
Two years ago, the organizers of the Firecracker 4 race took over this race and I decided to sign up.
I shocked myself with a decent pace so again I thought why not and my running friends were busy this weekend so it was a good excuse to skip my long run.
Here is the map for the course that I ran in past years:
15 turns in this course!!
Here’s the 2023 course:
pretty similar… they have kept this course for 2024 and 2025.
I didn’t get much running during the week – too many other activities such as tennis, pickleball, hikes, and HEAT/HUMIDITY. Plus my ankle/achilles has been weirdly tight since tennis/pickleball on Monday.
Race Day:
The race started at 8 am.
This being the opening weekend of the Saratoga Flat Track, believe it or not, there would already be a lot of traffic at that hour.
I got up at 5:30am and had my usual race breakfast of coffee and oatmeal.
I left at 6:30 in order to get there early enough to get parking and pick up my bib.
It wasn’t raining where I live but I should have checked the forecast where I would be racing (about 45 mi, north).
It started to rain during my drive.
And there were no available parking lots this year so you had to park on the street.
Eventually I found a spot and now it was pouring.
I grabbed an umbrella and got my shirt/bib.
You also got a free ticket to the race track.
I went back to my car to drop off my shirt and now it was thundering and lightning… awesome?
But of course, I was going to run this race…
So I headed back… with my umbrella (that I would stash somewhere).
It is usually a very popular race but I didn’t see anyone I knew. I bet that most were seeking cover…
Of course, I needed a pre-race photo.
Soon it was time to line up.
I stood somewhere in the middle. This race attracts many speedy runners and I didn’t want to get run over… but I forgot that there was no timing mat or start line (and I started my watch late.)
Miles 1-3.1:
No reason to recap this race mile by mile.
There was torrential rain… The rain did not let up and rained harder and harder and the puddles got bigger and bigger.
the video is on VB/IG)
There was thunder and lightning so it got scary.
I started out at a decent pace because I wanted to get done but as the puddles became lakes, it was hard to keep up any kind of pace.
Plus I felt my gait was off and my ankle or achilles (can’t figure out which) was still tight. So I walked much more often the second half.
I managed to sprint across the finish line and not fall.
Post Race Activities:
I grabbed a water and found my umbrella.
I checked the results and I came in 2nd but I decided that I didn’t need another medal and left.
Additional Race Reflections:
Yes, it was an early morning and a long drive.
A miserably wet race (but not hot!)
And yes, it should have been a 7 mile long run as part of my half marathon training (Run 4 the River – Aug. 30).
But races challenge me and I think it’s important to challenge oneself.
Otherwise, my runs are slow and easy and I squeeze them in whenever I can. I also run with friends, some faster, some slower and always with run walk intervals.
So I don’t regret running this 5k. Though it was a course PW, it was expected.
Positives:
Well organized race
Well marked course with many course marshals (even in the rain)
Flat course
Immediate results
5 year age groups for awards
Free ticket to the race track.
Negatives:
RAIN!
Only bananas post race.
Unisex shirts
No parking lots
Would I recommend this race?
Maybe…
All in all, this was a fun race. Besides all the turns, the race course is pretty flat. It is well-organized.
Not sure if I would run it again because it is not nearby.
In past years, I added more miles after the race a nearby park (and so at least it counted as a long run.)
Final Stats:
Still queen of the positive splits:
With an increasing number of walks with each mile…
Next Up:
July 27
Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up? Do you run short races even when you are training for a big long race? Would you race in a thunderstorm? Please share.
Sunday – The friends whom I studied in France with during college planned a reunion in NYC to celebrate Bastille Day.
First we met at a French restaurant for lunch.
the food and company were great but the service was meh…
Then we headed to the Met to see an art exhibit: Sargent and Paris.
it was interesting to note how risque the painting of the black dress was because one strap was hanging down…
After the museum, we walked down Madison Avenue to take in some more of the holiday activities.
4 blocks of entertainment and food booths
Our final stop was Central Park where there was a huge French concert.
who knew how popular this would be…
Monday – Still in NYC celebrating Bastille Day.
One of my college friends, Valerie, stayed over in the hotel with me. So we started the day with a French breakfast.
loved this place!!
Valerie left to visit friends on LI and I took the subway to meet up with two friends in Brooklyn (you may recognize them from my Feb. Florida visits.)
My one Florida friend was staying with her brother who has a car and he offered to give us a grand tour of Brooklyn. We visited Bay Ridge, Coney Island, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO. (Brooklyn is a huge borough!!)
yes I ate a Nathan’s hot dog…
Unfortunately there were torrential rains in Manhattan that evening and my train was delayed in getting me home.
I would have missed my 3rd pickleball lesson but it got cancelled due to the rain.
Tuesday – After a technical snafu at work last week, I had to go into the office early. Long story short, all my files since 2022 were lost. 😦
I am also taking of my friend’s two cats while she’s on vacation… no time for the gym and I cancelled my run with Jenny.
Too hot and humid to run at lunch or after work… My walking friends were busy, as well.
Wednesday – Similar to Tuesday except that I also had an appt with my chiro. I haven’t gone in ages and during my 5k last Saturday my calf/ankle/achilles felt off so I went to see her today.
She said that I am not injured (phew) and that my ankle was locked up and my hips out of alignment. She worked her magic and told me to come back next week if it still bothers me.
I was tempted to run after work but again it was too HOT!!!!!!!!
Thursday – I decided to test out my leg with a short run before work. I woke up early to rain but that was short-lived… it was as humid as ever outside..
did my leg feel normal? not sure what that is… lol but I think it’s fine.
After work, I went out to dinner with friends.
We also had tickets to a play: Once. I had seen it twice years ago on Broadway and it was just as good as I remembered.
Friday – I finally went to the gym before work… After a late night, I slept in. Finally the humidity had lifted and it was noticeably cooler. But it was a rest day.
So I just played mah jongg in the evening,.
But the good news:
our new hot tub arrived!!
Saturday – Long Run and Brunch.
I haven’t run on Saturday with my running friends in weeks. I was a little worried that my last long run was THREE weeks and there has been little running lately due to the heat and my ankle/achilles.
I met up early with Deb, Barb, Deidre, Stan and Sherry who were all wanting to run 8 miles. But I decided to run my own 90:45 intervals so I could go slower and add or subtract miles.
Finally we had perfect weather for running…
I wound up switching to 1:1 for the last 4 miles to complete the distance but I can’t say I was pain-fee 😦
Sunday – A visit to the gym is planned and maybe a boat ride (weather dependent)
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.
On daily runs, I sometimes use the Runkeeper app on my Apple watch.
I use it to set up run/walk interval runs. It shows me the distance and the pace. That’s enough for me and I usually delete the stats afterward.
For races, I wear my Garmin watch and sync my stats to Strava.
My Garmin syncs to an app on my iPhone (and Garmin Connect). It shows me the distance, elevation, pace, cadence for each race.
The app also syncs to Strava. It shows me the same info but it also adds social interaction. And I can add photos. So I can share my stats with other runners and follow them, as well.
Happy Running! What do you use to track your running progress? Please share.
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. But I do try to do those weekday short runs (Mon, Tues, Wed this week).
And oops, there was a 5k the day before!!
But truthfully, if it’s fewer miles than a half marathon, I just go out and run it. At this stage of my racing, I don’t think about getting PRs.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
As I mentioned, this was a brand new race for this area (I believe the company sponsors this race elsewhere).
I have participated in several trail run/walks at here at Indian Ladder Farms.
But I was glad when they said the race course would NOT be on technical trails. (I am NOT a trail runner.) But it would be 2 loops and some grassy sections and some paved.
This race was only for fun… no pizza the night before. I think there was hot dogs, salad and ice cream followed by fireworks.
Race Day:
My Race Plan:
Do not get injured!! And most importantly, have fun!!
I would most likely do a lot of walking… because my legs would be tired after the 4 mile race I ran the day before and it’s hard to run fast on grass.
I hesitate to even call this a “RACE.”
Advertised Course Map:
TWO Loops
Elevation:
I arrived early and parked in the grassy parking lot.
start and finish line in the distance…
I collected my shirt and bib.
What I thought was odd was that they gave you your medal before the race began.
And they said that you could wait and just get your donut and cider and NOT run the race at all??
Um… I was planned to do the race!!
It was crowded for a new race… probably over 250 runners. I race fairly often, as you know, and I didn’t recognize anymore?!
Maybe these people weren’t runners or maybe most local runners did the 4 miler the day before?
Anyway, I put my medal and shirt back in my car (so no post race medal pic)…
and got ready to head to the start…
Finally, someone I knew showed up.
happy to hang out with Linda
We discussed our race strategy which was the same since she had also run the Firecracker 4 the day before… slow running, walk often!
As I expected, there were many walkers and always annoying when they start in front.
We began on a rocky dirt road and then continued onto grass.
I ran slowly until there was a hill and then I walked.
This pace continued until the end.
Although it was advertised (see above) as a two loop course, there was several turn arounds. It was very confusing since runners were on different loops and often it was hard to know where to go…
They needed more course marshals on the turns but runners just kept running. I heard several runners saying that they went the wrong way.
I did not although I almost missed turning into the finish line.
Since the course did not go into the woods, it was very sunny and more humid that the day before.
I was glad to not be racing.
I occasionally glanced at my Garmin and was surprised when I saw that I completed 3.1 miles and there was no finish line in sight.
Eventually I did finish this 3.6 mile 5k!!
and then waited for Linda to arrive.
Actual course map:
and elevation:
Post Race Activities:
Since we already had our medals, Linda and I headed to the building with the cider and donuts.
I checked my email and saw that I won my age group (as I was the only one!!)
When we were approaching the building, I asked someone where the awards were given out. She replied that she didn’t know but would taken me to someone who did know. We went in the back, through the kitchen and eventually found out that the awards were way back at the race finish line.
I may have groaned since we were very sweaty and thirsty.
She handed us two freshly baked cider donuts and two glasses of cold cider…. ahead of a LONG line of race finishers.
Did we feel guilty?? Maybe just a little plus she didn’t take our tickets…
We then headed back to the finish.. and I got a golden star pin as my award.
By the time, we headed out to our cars, the line was miles long (so no temptation to wait and use our drink & donut tickets for seconds..)
Additional Race Reflections:
Racing two days in a row is not ideal (esp. at my age.)
I was happy with my finish time. Yes, it was slow but running on grass and dirt is not easy…
I am unbelievably happy that after the race, my legs/feet felt fine.. no pain anywhere (always a good thing at my age.)
All in all, I thought this was a fun race. No regrets.
The Good:
Easy packet pick-up before the race.
Lots of parking.
Trail but not a technical one.
Cool swag esp. the wine glass.
Many porta-potties in addition to real bathrooms
A cool medal (that is also a bottle opener).
Free finisher photo.
Cold spiked cider for all.
Warm cider donut for all.
Important charity.
Virtual option.
The Bad:
The DATE! (last minute change but they did option a refund.)
10 year age groups (but it wasn’t a huge race.)
Confusing course.
Long line for refreshments.
Course was over 3.1 miles!!
Cotton race shirts
Would I recommend this race?
Yes.
But since there are many other races in the area during the summer, I doubt I would repeat this one unless my friends decided to do it.
Final Stats:
more accurate pace
Next Up:
July 12, 2025
Happy Running! Ever run a spiked cider race? Do you like to run inaugural races? Do you run new races each year or repeat your favorites? Please share.
Tennis, Hiking, Pickleball, Track, Trails, and a 5k Race.
Last Week –
Sunday – Finally we took our boat. All the stars were aligned with the weather and our schedules. And it was so relaxing…
Monday – Becuse I worked on Juneteenth, they gave me an extra day off and today was that day.
I started off playing tennis.
Then I met a running friend for lunch.
Afterward, we went on two nearby hikes to see some waterfalls
Unfortunately, the 2nd one was shortened because we were getting attacked by bugs.
I ended the day with my second pickleball lesson. I have to say that I improved a lot from last week.
Tuesday – I had plans to run at 5:30 am but my friend Jenny cancelled. I was relieved because I had slept so poorly.
I dragged myself out to run at lunch which was a bad idea due to the heat and humidity. I didn’t get very far.
there is a gnome scavenger hunt on this trail…
In the evening, our STEM Board accepted a grant (at a local brewery) so I attended
provides grants to support local organizations in northeastern New York that focus on community wellness, environmental stewardship, and assisting those in need.
we’re the ones in purple
Wednesday – This morning I ran my re-scheduled 5;30 am run with Jenny. I got there early and there were already some people running on the track. We did some speedwork, some running, some walking and lots of chatting.
a great idea to get out early in this warm humid weather…
Thursday – WFH work day which due to computer issues ended up as an office day.
It was also ARE trail night and so I joined Barb & Heidi for a walk.
even bumped into a former co-worker
Friday – Day Off.
I got invited to accompany the STEM board president to to a lunch and then the ballet sponsored by the lawyer who provide legal services to STEM.
The lunch was delicious. I met some interesting women and the ballet amazing.
Then in the evening, I went to a birthday party.
Saturday – Silks and Satins 5k Race – Yup, another 5k that I’ve done many times in the past, It takes place during the first weekend of horse racing season.
I didn’t pay attention to the weather and it was warm and humid where I love. As soon as I started to head north, it started to rain.
Not only did it rain the entire race but it was torrential, plus thunder and lightning… and the puddles in the street became lakes!!!
that umbrellas is becoming a staple in my pre-race pics…
I came in 2nd in my AG but I didn’t stay for awards.
Afterward I planned to add 4 more miles to my day (with a friend) and then have brunch but I was TOO WET so I just drove home.
Finally a hair appt and then home to pack for a short stay in NYC.
Sunday – I’m taking an early train to NYC to meet up with college friends. We have planned a French lunch, visit to the Sargent & Paris exhibit at the Met, a stroll along Madison Ave for the Bastille Day activities and finally a French concert in Central Park…
This Coming Week on the Run –
Monday – NYC activities, train home
Tuesday – gym, walk
Wednesday – run
Thursday – gym, dinner and a show
Friday – gym, mah jongg
Saturday – Long Run
Sunday – gym, boating?
This Coming Week on the Blog –
Tuesday – Indian Ladder Farms Spiked Apple 5k Race Recap
Friday – Tracking Your Running Progress
Happy Running! Training for any big or small races this spring? Do you race a lot in the summer or is this your off season? 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.
1.A story of an overweight woman in New York City who sets out to lose weight and train for the NYC Marathon. Maybe unrealistic but fun to watch.
2.Louis “Louie” Zamperini, an American Olympic runner and WWII pilot survived a plane crash, 47 days adrift at sea, and years as a prisoner of war in Japan. A remarkable story!
3.The true story of the 1987 McFarland HS cross-county team which was the first team from McFarland, California to ever win the CIF-State Cross Country Championship. Very inspiring and enjoyable.
4.The true story of 2 British runners, Abrahams (a Jew) and Liddell (a devout Christian) who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics and struggled against anti-Semitism, class prejudice and other issues. Very powerful.
5.Chronicles 6 runners (3 amateurs and 2 elite racers) as they train for and compete in the Chicago Marathon. Anyone thinking of running a marathon needs to watch this one.
6. Directed and written by Alexi Pappas and and starring Pappas, it’s the story of a young talented runner preparing for the Olympic Trials and dealing with an injury.
I just have to add this one:
7.After Jenny breaks up with Forrest, he runs for three years, two months, 14 days, and 16 hours across the United States. Memorable to say the least.
Happy Running! What are your favorites? Have you seen any of the above? Please share.
My First 5K and More... 