Pace Setter : January 2026

The 2025 Stockade-athon 15k

The 2025 Stockade-athon 15k - By Benita Zahn

 

The Capital Region is loaded with running talent. Cara Udvadia captured first place for the fourth time at the 2025 MVP Stockade-athon, and Karen Bertasso, a top-10 finisher, will be inducted into the HMRRC Hall of Fame in December. Other top local female finishers included Kerry Flower, Karina Bolton, Emily Taft, and Windsor Ardner.

On the men’s side, eight of the top finishers— including the irrepressible Nick Conway—hail from the #518. Crossing the line 15th was Udvadia’s husband, Ryan, who also broke the tape at the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon in April.

But what about the rest of us, whose best times are fond memories? While some may scoff at an 11-, 12-, or 13-minute pace, we “back of the pack” runners are still getting it done. Rather than crying into our post-race beer over a slow time, we lace up and keep doing what we’ve always done: racing to the best of our ability.

 

 

I’m in the “over the hill” age group, and my training didn’t go as planned for a number of reasons. When that happens, you have two choices: give it a go anyway, or stay home and wonder whether you should have tried. I’d already paid the entry fee, and I hate wasting money. So I got dressed, grabbed a coffee and some “nutrition,” and headed to Schenectady. The only thing that would have stopped me from running was a downpour. Fortunately, the rain stopped as I pulled into the lot—and Santa got out of the car next to me. Clearly, the universe was telling me it was “go time.” And yes, Santa. You may have seen him standing at the corner of State and Church as we turned right into the heart of the Stockade.

As I made my way to the start line, I thought about how runners talk. We have two conversations on race day: either we’re listing all the reasons we’re not going to PR, or we’re pumped because this is going to be the race. Bill Moreland from Latham agreed. As we were chatting before the race, he noted that even when you don’t think you’re going to “smoke” the course, you still have a time in mind. His was 80 minutes. I checked the results—he was just two minutes off. Bravo, Bill!

 

 

Sometimes the greatest joy at a race isn’t found pounding the pavement, but in volunteering. Linda Lewis, a long-time runner who chose the volunteer route for the first time, was so enthused by the experience that she’s ready to do it again. Theresa Bourgeois, who also volunteered, shared that as she’s aged, the number of competitors in her age group has dwindled—so now she’s taking home hardware she never won in her younger days. Proof that “just showing up is half the battle.” A big thanks to all the volunteers; they’re critical to the success of any race.

There was something else I considered that race morning. No matter our fitness or training, we are going to slow down. Research shows the decline begins in our mid-30s and drops about 6–9% per decade. Sure, fitness and smart training can slow it, but in the end, Mother Nature wins. That’s where age-adjusted results come in. I love the analogy I once read: age-adjusted results are like a golf handicap—you get strokes to even the playing field. Granted, age-adjusted results won’t change race placement, but they provide a more accurate picture of your accomplishment.

Suffice it to say, I was slow on November 9. But when I looked at the age-adjusted time, it showed I was actually four minutes faster than my best—and very respectable—15K time from 20 years ago. It’s a nice little ego salve.

To try it out here’s a link: https://runbundle.com/tools/age-grading-calculator

 

As I walked the last, big hill in Central Park another volunteer reminded of the quote by author Mick Kremling “No matter how slow you go, you’re still lapping everybody on the couch.”

Truth is, there will always be someone who runs faster than you. Rather than give up, choose to show up and see what you’ve got on any given day. Run happy. Delight in the ability to move. And remember, whether you’re first or last you did it.  

 

Dr. Benita Zahn is a certified Health and Wellness Coach working with clients at Capital Cardiology Associates. Benita spent more than 40 years as a health reporter and news anchor at WNYT in Albany, NY. She covered issues such as wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition, and the latest health care trends. Benita’s work has taken her around the world and across the USA. Benita is a contributor to the weekly “Live Smart” page in the Times Union, the HMRRC Pace Setter and AAA Digital Magazine. Benita also created and co-hosts the podcast EVERYTHING THEATER.

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