28th MedVed Lilac 10k

Run: 6.2 miles in :42:24 @ 9:00 a.m.
Pace: :06:50 min. per mile

Weather Report: Light Drizzle, 55°F, 83% Humidity, Winds: From WSW @ 8 mph; feels like 55°F.

Pre-Race Observations: I began yesterday trying to determine the best way to get to this morning's race. The Lilac 10k begins and ends at Highland Park which is only slightly over one mile from our home. The Lilac 10k also happens to be one one of the most highly attended races in the area, by virtue of the fact that it is tied into an internationally recognized flower festival, the Monroe County Lilac Festival. In addition to the fact that the race is a Rochester Runner of the Year Race, meaning that it will typically attract some of the best runners in the Northeast. While these are both fun facts, they don't necessarily apply to me... I'm just here to have fun!

This run will represent my first at this distance (10k/6.2 miles) in a few months after quite a few 5ks. My current PR at the distance is around :42:16 (from December!), so matching (or exceeding) this feels like an appropriate personal goal for today.

Post-Race Reflections: After riding my bicycle to the Highland Park Conservatory, I made my way past the numerous varieties of lilacs to the race start where I had the chance to re-connect with some of my fellow footracers. It was great to see so many folks finishing the 5k Family Fun Run which had started at 8:00 a.m., and so many people preparing to run the 10k in advance of it's 9 0'clock start.

In the end, I nearly matched my previous PR of :42:16, and had I pushed myself a little more, I probably could have shaved at least a few seconds off! A beautiful day for a run and a satisfying time... HUZZAH!

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!