Innovative Edge Summer 5K Cross Country Series, Race 2

The Southern view from the paved road leading up to the top of the Cobbs Hill Reservoir.
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 74°F, 57% Humidity, Wind: NW @ 12 mph; feels like 74°F.
Run: 3.1 miles in 22-ish min. @ 7:00 p.m. + 2 miles each way
Pace: 7:40-ish min/mi.
Course: Cobbs Hill Park in the southern part of Rochester, in between Culver Road, Monroe Avenue, and Highland Avenue.

Pre-Run Ruminations: Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Harriers, I missed last weeks Race 1, and have hoped to run this course since I returned to running three years ago, due mostly to the fact that it is the same park in which I ran during high school. Though the start and finish are located in a different location, the BIG hill is still the same and the Reservoir hasn't moved. Last year, both of my boys ran with in a few of the Youth Development Cross Country races, so I figure it is time for me to give it a go, not as a competitive race (there are some studs there!), but as I nice training run before leaving for Wyoming.

Post-Race Reflections: There is definitely an energy present at trail runs that you don't always find at a traditional road race. Maybe it's the sprinkling of new, lean faces that you don't always see, or maybe it's the loose, "old school" vibe one gets from not wearing a timing chip or a large chest number. While I enjoy participating in both types of runs, the natural energy which builds in your torso as you cruise through darkening dirt trails, trying to be aware of roots, branches, and feet (your and those of others) is wonderful.

I'm not exact sure of my finishing time or what place I came in, and it really doesn't seem to matter. It was enough to soak in the green and catch up with some of the "regulars," (in addition to some shiny new faces).


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