Tag Archives: Boilermaker 15K

A Run-on Blog Post?

Posted on July 17, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sunday I started a blog post about running but got bogged down and discouraged.  I sensibly saved the draft and share it now, with some editing and additions.

I ran yesterday , hoping to make a Running Commentary post before I went ahead with the rest of my day, but the day crowded in and, well, here I am Sunday morning.  However, it is quite appropriate for me to blog about running as today is Boilermaker Sunday in Utica, NY, a big deal around here and elsewhere.  In case you didn’t know, it is a premier 15K which a great portion of the community turns out to support.  I have run it in the past (perhaps you read some of my blog posts about it).  This morning I have been looking at Facebook posts from the Boilermaker and WKTV News and thinking, “Damn, I could be there.”  But so it is any year I do not run the Boilermaker.

In point of fact, as I ran this morning I was happy I had not signed up to run the Boilermaker 15K (I always specify 15K, because there is also a 5K in which I have absolutely no desire to participate).  It is EXTREMELY humid out!  I could hardly breathe!  Additionally, my legs were doing their best impression of overcooked elbow macaroni (which some find delicious in baked macaroni and cheese, but is not so good to run on) (maybe a run-on sentence) (but I digress).

Why do they always look less steep in pictures?

This is one of the hills I ran up Saturday.  I went on to run up to Herkimer College the back way.  It is less steep than the front way but longer.  I surprised myself by making it.  However, it was fairly painful, so I made up my mind that I would not run the Falling Leaves 14K Road Race in Utica in September, which features a lot of hills.  I have always wanted to run it, and it seemed within reach this year.  And then suddenly it didn’t.  What the hell, me?

Running, a drill sergeant in Army basic training taught me, is largely a matter of distracting yourself from how much it sucks.   One of the things I do to distract myself is to figure in my head how long I will be running each week if I increase my time by ten percent (recommended by many running experts).  And I figure how long it might take me to run 5K, 14K, or 15K or whatever.  Sometimes I go backwards from the date of the run to now.  Suddenly my figuring seemed hopelessly optimistic.

As Saturday wore on, I thought perhaps I had been hasty in my decision.  After all, the registration price for Falling Leaves did not go up till midnight Sunday.  If I had a great run Sunday, I would reconsider.  I suppose it will come as a surprise to no one that Sunday’s run was no great.  Never mind.  There are 5Ks that are within my grasp!

Like this one!

Looking to the future:  I ran into a friend who did run the Boilermaker 15K, and we made plans to run it together next year!  At least, we will start together and try to meet up again at the end.  He runs much faster than I do.  Further blog posts as events warrant.

 

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Even Blogging Is Getting Harder!

Posted on May 29, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

What a wasted week I am having!  Tuesday I ran two miles, thinking I could make a Two-Mile Tuesday post.  I had pictures on my phone, which I transferred to my Media Library, thinking to do a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post.  I spent at least some time each of those days staring at the blank Add Post page on my WordPress site.  Alas, to no avail. In fact, I experienced great resistance to logging on today, Thursday.  By the way, I ran three miles, wanting to have another Three-Mile Thursday, like I did last week.

I swear it was steeper when I was on it.

This is one of the hills I ran up on my run this morning.  It doesn’t look very impressive, does it?  I ran up a steeper hill next, which I do not have a picture of.  That hill continued up to Herkimer College, by some dorms in what I call the Kick Butt way to the college, because there are like three steep hills with flat(ish) spaces between.  Ahem, I did not run up to the college.  I made it up one stretch of steep then turned around and ran back down.  Later I ran up a couple more uphills.  I tell you, they do not get any easier.

Random picture, just to show something cheery before I start whining.

I learned to run in the Army, and I loved it, because it seemed that I just magically got better at it.  All I had to do was do it.  It was awesome!  Since the army, I have stopped and re-started running many times, usually because weather or work schedules made it difficult and I am notoriously lazy.  Each time I restarted, I found I was able to build myself back up to where I had left off with little or no problem.  I will admit that at no time have I ever run particularly fast.  Still, I was able to run the Boilermaker 15K several times (not in a row).

Until this year.  I decided early on not to try for the Boilermaker, but I am signed up to run the Pride Stride 5K in Little Falls, NY on June 14.  Why oh why, do my legs feel like overcooked macaroni?

Me before the Pride Stride in 2021.

Don’t mind my Old Age Existential Angst.  I really do not mind being your friendly neighborhood crazy old lady.  I only get a little disconcerted when my body behaves in what I consider a perverse, contrary fashion.  For example, if I am running on a regular basis, I feel I ought to be able TO run on a regular basis, and none of this complaining from my legs and lungs that, “We’re not going to maaaaake it!” (said in a pathetically whiny tone).  Or at least a little less complaining.

In the meantime, I see I have done plenty of complaining in this blog post, and it has run longer than my usual posts.  Considering I missed two days of posting, I think that that is not bad.  Once again, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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To Run on Tuesday

Posted on August 2, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

I tell myself:  It could have been worse; it could have been Two Minute Tuesday.

I have been meaning to up my running game (and all my other games too, quite frankly, but let us take one game at a time).  After my unfortunate experience at the Utica Boilermaker 15K,  I have not been having an easy time running, last Sunday’s unintended hour-long run notwithstanding (I mentioned that in a blog post, I am sure).  I keep thinking if I just persevere, I can get my mojo back.  So I made up my mind to run today.

I did not get right into sports bras and on the road today.  First I had to send a couple of texts to my sister Diane.  We went on the South Beach Diet together starting today.   It is a great motivator to have somebody to compare notes with.  Full disclosure:  I have to get my diet mojo back, too.

Of course I practiced my usual multi-task of putting in laundry while I ran.  For one reason, I am out of clean work pants.  However, if the diet mojo returns, perhaps I will be able to fit into some previously worn trousers.  In the meantime,  a little exercise never hurts.

Off I went, and I did feel a little off.  Or a lot.  So old and thunky!  When I see people they tend to smile at me.  I suppose they are thinking, “Isn’t that nice, that old lady is trying to run.”  I can use all the good will I can get.

I changed my mind several times about which way to run, where to turn, and which side of the street to run on.  One thing I did not worry about was my speed, or rather lack thereof.  I often say that what I do is called running only by the most generous definition of the term.  And what, I ask you, is wrong with a little generosity once in a while?

The run started to feel less thunky as I went.  I never stopped huffing and puffing, but I did not feel I was in distress.  The shadier spots definitely felt better than the sunny ones.  A couple of times I crossed in the middle of the street to take advantage of a tree’s shadow that reached across.

I ended up running for 20 minutes and felt pretty pleased with myself.  I do not know how far I ran, because I misplaced my Garmin. I say I don’t worry about how fast I run, but it is nice to know.  Additionally,  I remember my Two Mile Tuesdays before the Boilermaker.  I guess I didn’t have one of those today.

 

 

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Also, I Made My Blog Post On Time

Posted on July 16, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had a Slacker Saturday today.  In fact, I almost put off making my Saturday blog post till Sunday.  I may yet.  We shall see.

“Well, you see, sir…”

As I type (peck in one letter at a time with the stylus on my Tablet) this, I am looking at an episode of Columbo.  I have been watching other DVDs than Columbo, but I keep going back to my beloved Peter Falk. I have not been watching DVDs all day.  I read an Agatha Christie book and looked at Facebook.  Mostly I had a headache.  It went away eventually but by then it was too hot and humid for me to feel like doing much of anything.

One positive step I took (so to speak).  I went for my first run since the Boilermaker 15K last Sunday.  It was a mere 20 minutes, but it felt pretty good, even with a headache.  I decided I would not worry how short and slow my runs are (OK, they are ALWAYS pretty slow).  I am not currently training for anything.  I may never train for anything again, but it is best not to make these decisions all at once.

I confess that I have had a bit of a bad week.  I think this is normal.  Grief is not a straight course.  You don’t necessarily feel a little bit better each day with no backsliding.  Some days are going to be harder than others.  I merely mention the phenomenon; I do not mean to complain.

He loved to dance!

I close with a picture of Steve busting a move, just to remember him when he was happiest.  I know I was blessed to have him.

 

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Still Tired on Tuesday

Posted on July 12, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

I said yesterday that I would try for a better blog post tomorrow, but that would be today, and I am having a Tired Tuesday.  In my defense, I am not a young woman and I had rather a hard time running the Boilermaker 15K two days ago.  Perhaps you read my blog posts about it.  I just glanced over yesterday’s post and noticed a few typos.  I left them there, as testimony to what bad shape I was in.

Oh, just listen to me whine!  I am embarrassing!  For heaven’s sake, I went for two walks yesterday, a short one before work today, and I worked on my feet for eight hours.  I am hardly on, you should pardon the expression, my last legs.  I should be grateful for the body I have and for the things it lets me do.  Of course I am, so you can stop playing that miniature violin (you know who you are).

Where was I?  Ah yes, trying to make some blog post, any blog post.  Perhaps a picture would pep things up.

I knew it wasn’t Friday.

A little Bela and Boris to brighten our day (that is Lugosi and Karloff, in case you needed to be reminded).  It was a rather Mondayish Tuesday for me, since I took Monday off.  I expect to remain confused about what day it is for the rest of the week.  These things happen.

In the meantime, I see I am over 200 words.  Score!  We’ll see how I do tomorrow, on Wuss-out Wednesday.  If I remember that it is Wednesday.

 

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Post Boilermaker II

Posted on July 11, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

When we last left our heroine (that is me; I suppose I could have said blogger, to be clear), she was huffing and puffing towards the finish line of the Boilermaker 15K.  As I  got closer, I pushed myself to go faster and faster.  At least it felt faster to me.  I daresay to the outside observer it was not so impressive.

I crossed the finish line making terrible noises as I tried to breathe.  The Boilermaker volunteers were right there.  Two women were on either side of me, guiding me to a wheelchair. I was grateful to sit down.

“Lift your feet,” they told me, and I was surprised to find that I could.  They wheeled me into the first aid tent to a cot.  How embarrassing!  I leaned on the nice man that  helped me from the wheelchair onto the cot.

Then I was surrounded by people, taking my vitals, bringing me water, preparing me for IV fluids. I felt them take my sneakers and socks off an putting cool cloths on my feet.  They too my headband off.  I asked for a cloth for my eyes since the sweat was irritating them.

They found my blood pressure high, asked me about dizziness and chest pain, and tried to put in an IV.  My veins are usually pretty prominent, but I was a bit dehydrated at the time and it took them a couple of tries.  I laid back and let them do what they wanted, although I was a bit embarrassed.

I started to feel better soon.  After the contents of the IV were in my veins, they took my vitals and found them better.  They let me sit up and sip some water before allowing me to put my socks and shoes back on and proceed to the after party.  They were a little concerned that I had safe transport home.  I tlod them tjat if I got to my car and felt iffy that I would call someone.  I did not foresee such an eventuality and indeed it was not necessary.

I’m thinking this post is not as interesting as yesterday’s, but these things happen.  I am still recovering from my Boilermaker experience, so I will use that as an excuse.  As always, I will try for a better blog post tomorrow.

 

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Post-Boilermaker Post

Posted on July 10, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I ran the Boilermaker 15K in Utica, NY this morning.  Very slowly.  In fact,  I got slower every mile, except for the last little bit, which I inadvisedly tried to sprint.  I had to do it, although it was kind of the nail in the coffin (I do enjoy macabre imagery).

Anybody who is hoping for a cheery overview of a premiere event, this is not it.  The Boilermaker is a great, a wonderful, a unique event (and I do not use the term unique lightly).  I had fun, chatted with some nice people, and was glad to be a part of it.  But I had a little trouble. Since this is my blog about me, and I am going to tell it as I experienced it.

Things went pretty well for the first four miles.  Breathing was a little difficult due to humidity.  However, the temperature was not too hot; the overcast skies helped.  We felt a few sprinkles of rain before the race started, but that went away, and no thunder rumbled.

A couple of times I got a little stitch in my right side.  I lifted that arm over my head in a stretch and tried to breathe more deeply.  So far so good.  Then my left knee and my left hip started in on me.  The hip was more of a problem.  It hurt!  I kept saying, “Oh crap!”  Nobody paid me any mind to which I took no offense.  We all have our problems.

The last three miles were bad.  I had been saying to myself, “Just run your own pace, run your own race”  almost since we started.  Eventually I started saying to myself, “Just keep going.”  The spectators cheering us on helped.  My fellow runners, too encouraged me.

For a while I ran next to an older gentleman.  His walk was the pace of my run.  He told me how he had broken his foot one year but did not go to the doctor till after the Boilermaker, because the doctor would have told him not to run.  Wow!  At least all my bones were intact!

The last 1.3 miles took forever!  “You’re almost there!” they kept telling me, to which I replied, “Promises, promises!”  Then I figured if I had enough breath to be a wise-ass, I must be doing better than I thought.

In these races, be they 5K or 15, I try to keep myself from starting my final sprint too soon.  I have done that at the Reindeer Run 5K in Little Falls more than once, and it is not pretty (not that I am especially pretty by that point in a race anyways).  Today I questioned my ability to sprint or even speed up at all, but I firmly told myself not to worry about it.  Just finish!  That was my goal.

As I said in the first paragraph, I somehow found it in myself to sprint at the end.  Go faster, go faster, I urged myself, and my poor old body responded as best it could.  For one reason, I was so close to end I wanted to get there as soon as possible!

And it was not pretty.  However, I see I am over 500 words.  That is a long post for me.  I will stop blogging now.  I may tell the rest of my tale tomorrow.  But no promises.

 

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(B)Lame it on the Boilermaker

Posted on July 8, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am inordinately late making my Lame Post Friday post.  I made the conscious decision not to post last night.  I looked at the blank space on the Add New Post screen and said, “I don’t want to.” Perhaps it was reprensible of me as a self-proclaimed daily blogger, but these things happen.

I had suffered from a headache all day at my not heinous but also not air-conditioned job.  A cool shower felt good, but I could not just lounge around.  I had to go to the MVHS Health and Wellness Expo at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to pick up my packet for the Boilermaker 15K in Utica tomorrow (tomorrow?  Yikes!).

The Expo is a big deal and very well attended.  I had to contend with a goodly amount of traffic, which can be intimidating when you are not sure where you are going.  Yes, I have been to MVCC before but not since the mid-teens (that is the 20teens, not my teens).  I have never been much for crowd scenes,  especially when I am by myself.  However, one does what one must.

I might as well just admit that the Boilermaker has always intimidated me to a certain degree.  It’s not running 9.3 miles I fear; I can rely on my own stubbornness to get me through that.  It is just such a large event.  Will I find a place to park?  Will I make it through the long lines at the porta-potties before the race?  Will I be able to navigate the really large crowd at the after-party? These are the questions that haunt me.

The actual running is less of a problem.  I lament the crowds, but I cannot deny that all those people cheering us on can be a big help.  I like to read the signs, high five kids, dance to the bands… It is a fun run.

So now I have talked myself back into looking forward to it.  I expect to go back and forth as the day wears on.  No matter.  It will give me something to do while I hydrate.

 

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Boiling or Boilermaker?

Posted on July 6, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wuss-out Wednesday follows Tired Tuesday, we all know that.  If you didn’t know, you do now.  I’m going to blame the weather.

I think I am!

I took a walk this morning but did not run after work.  I ran yesterday for three miles, thinking it would be my last long run before the Boilermaker 15K.  I hope to walk every day and have one or two short runs in the next three days.  Only three day?  Yikes!

Now is about the time I ask myself why I signed up for this silly race anyways. I should perhaps mention that this has happened to me every time I have run the Boilermaker (can’t remember how many times that is;  I would have to count my Boilermaker glasses).  This year, of course, everything is different.

It seems I had some good reasons when I signed up.  I do not currently remember them.   I registered pretty much the minute registration opened.  A short time later the palliative care nurse called me and said we had to talk.  I know what palliative care is (my sisters had to look it up).  Thus started a very bad time in my life.

So this year my running the 15K feels all tied up in my grief and depression over my husband’s death.  I don’t know that I think something magical is going to happen as I cross the finish line.  I think mostly I feel grateful that the race gave me motivation to keep running.  Exercise has helped me a lot.

I guess I have not entirely wussed out today, as I see I am over 250 words.  Perhaps tomorrow I will take one of those shorter runs I mentioned and attempt a Running Commentary Post.  It is All Boilermaker All The Time Week after all.

 

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Ran Myself Ragged, But Didn’t Run

Posted on July 4, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last night I felt so tired from my after-work gyrations and reflecting that I had today (July 4) off, I lazily put away my Tablet and went to bed.  After all, I continued to justify to myself, I was unlikely to wake up with a headache, since I am going wine-less (but not whine-less) till after the Boilermaker 15K.  As it happens, not all headaches are due to wine.  However, it is not a bad one, and I expect it will go away as the morning progresses.

Where was I?  Ah yes, a late Monstrous Monday Post.  First, perhaps, a word or two about the previously mentioned gyrations.

“No! Monsters first!”

Maybe one monster.

I got home and immediately got on the phone to take care of a couple of things I had neglected.  Never mind what.   It’s not that interesting, and I am quite disinclined to emphasize the extent to which I do not have my act together.  I ran one errand, still dirty from work (for which you are welcome to judge me), and returned home to realize it had stopped raining long ago enough to make lawn mowing eligible.

Me hacking away at the overgrowth.

Regular readers may recall that I use a non-power mower.  It makes for a pretty good work out.  Since I had walked in the morning but not run that afternoon, I praised myself for the exertion (hey, I have to keep myself going anyway I can).  A soapy shower felt good after that.

My stomach, urging me to the grocery store.

I sat down for a while, but my body was soon reminding me I had not eaten.  One must stay nourished, I suppose.  I dragged myself to the grocery store.  As it happened, it was a great time to go.  The crowd had already gotten their Fourth of July supplies and left.  I got everything my list plus a couple of treats, which I felt I had earned.

“Did somebody say treats?”

Now I have made my Monday blog post, I can get on with my Tuesday gyrations.  Once again, thank you for tuning in.

 

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