Webster Turkey Trot

Run: 4.4 miles in :27:24 min. @ 10:00 a.m.
Pace: 6:14 min./per mile

Weather: Rain, 38°F, 89% Humidity, Wind: NE @ 16 mph; feels like 29°F
Course: 4.4 miles on the southern part of Canandaigua Lake, in the neighborhood surrounding Webster Park.

Pre-Race Observations: This morning’s weather and the forecast, has resulted in a “Winter Storm Advisory” being instituted for today, at least until 4:00 p.m. I love challenges, especially those that are nature/weather related, so I have had one of my Thanksgiving “wishes” answered. A less-desiring challenge to be addressed today, however, will be the 1,000+ people who have registered (and therefore need to park at) today’s run, which is being held at a park with small-ish parking accommodations. While the race directors are suggesting carpooling, I will try to set out for the course early (having had my pre-run coffee and oatmeal already) to secure a spot to read the paper, thumb through a novel and prepare mentally for the run. My approach for today is to run comfortable, enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow trotters, and maybe place in the top third overall… I recognize though that this will not be easy given the quality of registrant and my own recent races, that have left me spent, but not completely undone.

Post-Race Reflections: Despite the cold, rainy, sleet-y, windy weather conditions, I had a great time at the race and performed (I think) pretty well. As a result of the very changeable weather conditions I felt as though I was running a few different races all at once. The start through the first mile was into a strong, cold wind, which was further complicated by a strong rainstorm. The second mile, during which time I could not feel my "magic hands" because they had frozen to the vine, the rain continued, though the course turned away from the wind. Miles three and four my body had warmed up and I settled into a comfortable pace and mental state. The last half mile the weather felt much more forgiving as the rain subsided. It was positively tropical afterwards as we huddled under in the pavilion awaiting the results... which I couldn't interpret anyway (two races--a 2.5 and 4.4--were on one page, and might just as well been in roman numerals)!

I had the opportunity to reconnect with some other runners I had lost track of recent months. Some ahd been busy training for different distancesm whiel tohers were recuperating from injuries, but it was good to be back on the course with those whom I feel competitive with.

Embrassez votre été invincible!