Outside the Box

By Laura Clark

Over the past few years, runners have been forced to craft their own individual approaches to running safely during the pandemic. Solutions range from solo challenges, group training with the same pod of friends and hamster-wheel virtual races. But now, while the pandemic is probably not done with us, we are pretty much done with pandemic restrictions – at least during the warmer weather. This reprieve might be the perfect time to continue thinking outside the box.

Perhaps during the “break” you concentrated on distance; then a longer event which you might not have considered earlier would provide a challenging refresh to your running resume. Or possibly you avoided your normal gym routine and hit the trails – that signals it would be the perfect time to attempt your first trail race. Or, with increased fuel prices, you may elect to eschew lengthier travel plans and stick closer to home. Below is a mix of events to spark your interest and perhaps set you on the path to a new adventure.

For an entirely new event with a guaranteed PR, try Mountain Dog Running’s Grafton 15K on April 23 in Grafton. Director Bill Hoffman, is experienced in organizing similar events, such as November’s Moreau Half. The terrain at Grafton Lakes State Park, however, is more forgiving, perfect for taking winter-weary legs on an initial trail tour. The route, while technical, features mostly runnable terrain and Bill assures us that with only 900 feet of elevation gain, hiking poles will not be necessary. For a step farther outside the box, you can join Mountain Dog on June 4 for a 12-hour relay team event at Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort, Death by Staircase… need I say more? Visit: ultrasignup.com.

Or, if trails seem intimidating, this might be the year for you to attempt the ultimate road challenge: Prospect Mountain Uphill Road Race in Lake George on May 7, where “there is only one hill.” As with most uphill road races, there is an amazing contingent of older folks, so age is no excuse. Whether you run the entire distance, choose a run/walk mix, or opt for a strong hike, there is a welcome spot for you where completion, not competition is the goal. For an extra challenge, try running downhill as well and check off your weekly long run in one fell swoop. Defying all logic, you should plan on almost the same amount of time for the descent. And if, like Christopher Robin, you find yourself pausing halfway down, there are always cars heading back willing to give you a lift. Visit: zippyreg.com.

When is a 5K not a typical 5K? 

…When you get to revisit your college days at the Glens Falls Rotary 5K Run/Walk and Corporate Challenge on April 23 at the SUNY Adirondack campus in Queensbury. Back to the original route of this race, you can expect some hills to rise up and meet you on this paved road with generous shoulders. Ensure that everyone in the office begins the work week with bragging rights by forming five-member corporate teams. Proceeds benefit the Ben Osborn Memorial Fund and Southern Adirondack Independent Living. Visit: itsyourrace.com.

…When you can legally enter a run with your furry partner at the Peppertree Rescue’s Furry Fun Run 5K for People & Dogs on April 30 at Spa State Park’s Warming Hut. Enter the first 5K in the area to welcome dogs and reignite your New Year’s exercise resolution with the enthusiastic encouragement of your four-legged companion. Dogs are highly competitive when placed in a group situation, so let your friend pull you to victory and get a new personal best! Prizes are offered for the first three women, men and dogs as well as the top three fundraisers for Peppertree Rescue. Visit: peppertree.org.

…When you can run an event with an amazingly strong virtual component that can be repeated anytime during the month of May at the Joan Nicole Prince Home “Still Human” 5K Run & 1M Walk to support those most in need at the end of life. The in-person division is May 7 at Schenectady’s Central Park, with walkers starting five minutes after the runners to avoid collisions. Even if you choose this option, do download their virtual run/walk kit which showcases many ways you can personalize your race in honor of a loved one by mailing them an encouraging message, sharing a memory at every milestone, or a meal after the event.  Participants are urged to include family and friends, create scavenger hunts to help the miles speed by, and fundraise for the care residence in Scotia for terminally ill patients in need of a home in their final days. Visit: joannicoleprincehome.org. 

…When you can cheer your kids at their Saturday morning soccer game and still

get in a 3pm race with a chicken dinner to follow at the CCRC 5K Run/Walk/BBQ on May 14 at Christ Community Reformed Church in Clifton Park. Springing for the registrations will also earn you serious family points and a clean kitchen! There is an opportunity for solo and two-person family team competition, as well as a 1K Kids’ Run. No one goes away empty-handed as there is a huge raffle prize drawing for all. Visit: itsyourrace.com. 

Faced with overfull weekends and spring cleaning projects with little opportunity to squeeze in a race to sharpen your training? Then think outside the box once more and opt for a weekday event, most of which are free or ridiculously inexpensive. Albany Running Exchange kicks off their Spring Trail Run Series on Mondays, April 4 through May 16 at 6pm at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland. This series features a marked 3.5-mile course, with the option to do less or more. As evenings grow lighter in May, a five-mile route will be offered. The route, a mix of grassy areas and wooded trails, also features some hills. In early spring, expect some soggy areas, so bring an extra pair of shoes and socks for afterwards. Attendance ranges from 60-80 folks, with a mix of all ages and abilities, including walkers. For those with little ones, there is a fun playground for the kids. Although participation is absolutely free, it is requested that folks sign up ahead to facilitate pre-race check-in. Visit: albanyrunningexchange.org. 

Albany too far to travel? The Saratoga Stryders also have a free Monday Night Trail Series for runners and hikers beginning April 4 thru July 25 at 6pm. Only in this case, you visit different parks and trailheads, with usually a longer and shorter route planned. This is a good way to explore some areas you might have hesitated to visit on your own. New this year is Trails & Ales on every third Thursday of the month from April thru July where you run or walk and then head to a local pub for drinks and food. Featured events are: 4/21 – 100 Acre Wood Trails and Unified Beerworks, Malta; 5/19 – Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve and SingleCut Brewery, Clifton Park; 6/16 – Moreau Lake State Park and Artisanal Brewing, Wilton; 7/21: Fort Hardy Park and Bound by Fate, Schuylerville; 8/18 – Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Trail and The View Restaurant (Brookhaven Golf Course), Porter Corners. Visit: saratogastryders.org.

In Southern Saratoga County, the Roundabout Runners in Malta hits the neighborhoods on Tuesdays 5:15am from Starbucks, Wednesdays 6pm from Unified Beerworks, and Thursdays 5:15am from Twisted Bagel. Free for members and not yet members. Visit: roundaboutrunnersclub.com.

Finally, enter the Adi‘RUN’dack Trail Run Series 5K on Tuesdays, May 3-24 at Cole’s Woods in Glens Falls at 6pm. The cost is $10 per race, or if you choose all four – the 20K Challenge – you pay only $25. Trails are mostly wide, with a few hills, and are perfect for beginners or a new PR. The first 100 registered for all four races will receive a T-shirt. Visit: adirondackrunners.org.

This spring give yourself permission to experiment, remembering the sage advice of Lucy Bartholomew, an Australian runner and Ultrarunner correspondent who follows the sun, “If you always do what you have always done, you’ll always get what you have always got.”

Laura Clark (snowshoegal133@gmail.com) of Saratoga Springs is an avid trail runner, ultramarathoner, snowshoer and cross-country skier. She is a children’s librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.