6.39 miles (10k~), 45:37 - Palo Alto Moonlight Run
I finished 90th overall out of 656 runners, 79th out of 382 male runners. Not great but, I’ve never raced a 10k before. I had a bit left over at the end which tells me that I probably could have kept up a slightly faster pace throughout. The race was technically 6.2 miles but according to my forerunner it was a bit longer. Also, I didn’t get a chip for timing so I started my watch when I crossed the start and finish line. My official time was 45:53, about a 7:22 pace, so I guess they just timed everyone from the start gun. Unfortunately, I was a bit back in the back. My pal Space shot through the throng of runners towards the front. I just couldn’t quite keep track of him before we hit the paved path and darkness. It was fun running under the moon. I kept thinking that I saw Space and that I might catch him but, the next time I saw him was on the wrong end of the turn around and he was well ahead. He ended up finished 51st overall, about 2:30 ahead of me.
I definitely want to run this distance again. Probably racing in the day time when one can see a bit better might help. Though honestly I was pleasantly surprised that neither my awkward glasses, which I forgot to take off, nor the darkness interfered with having fun. California really does have fantastic races. The turnout was fantastic and the race raises a bunch of money for local charities.
Being back was rough. I already miss California a great deal. On Saturday morning after the race I drove up 280 to San Francisco for my eye doctor appointment. If you are visiting the bay area and you have the choice to drive on either 101 or 280, take 280. It has to be one of the most scenic highways in the entire United States. It used to be my daily commute but, even when I was groaning about the traffic I had an inkling that I was quite lucky. Now I’m sure of it.