I’m really excited because this Sunday, June 30th, I will be in another race! This time out, it’s the 10K race that is part of the Pasadena Half Marathon. The last race I was in was the Angels 5K back in March. So, I’ve had a lot of time training without the fun of getting to run with other runners. Needless to say, this Sunday will be so much fun!

Last year, I ran in the 5K race and earned my current 5K PR. I’ve been really hoping that I can make this race my 10K PR this Sunday. My training runs as part of prep work for the Disneyland Half Marathon shows that a 10K PR is an absolute possibility. However, I do have an unforseen obstacle…heat. On the Pasadena Marathon web site this was posted…

Important Advisory for Participants

This Sunday we expect ambient temperatures to range between 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 Celcius) at start time to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 Celcius) when the course will be closed, so please hydrate. We will be ready for the warm weather with extra water and iced towels at the support stations, but please prepare yourself for it as well.

The heat could be my PR spoiler. Time will tell. Last night, I ran the usual 5K route around my neighborhood in 80+ degree temps. It was actually over 90 degrees when I got home last evening (6:30pm). So, I waited a little longer to go out than usual. I think that it was around 85 degrees when I finally went out. At my wife’s prodding, I ran with water and the fuel belt (when I normally wouldn’t) and made sure to take in some water at about a mile and a half, just to be safe. The good thing for me was that most of my run was in the shade. So, it wasn’t all that bad. I’m not sure how much the water helped. But, it did give me peace of mind to know that I wouldn’t overheat (even on a short run).

Even though it will be a hot weekend here in Pasadena, running this 10K in that heat could prove to be an excellent opportunity to prepare for the heat that could be waiting for me Labor Day weekend at Disneyland. After all, September is traditionally the hottest month of the year for us in Southern California. If it is this hot that weekend, I will think back to the experience this weekend in Pasadena as a confidence builder.

Here are some of the details for this race weekend…

Location – Fuller Theological Seminary – 135 North Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91182

Times – 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Date – Saturday, June 29, 2013

All participants must pick up their packet (Bib, T-shirt, Goodie Bag) on Saturday, June 29, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm at Fuller Theological Seminary.  Entrance is free and open to the public.  Come check out the dozens of vendor and sponsors’ booths which will be showcasing some of their best services and products.

Confirmed Expo Vendors (* 2013 Pasadena Marathon Sponsors)

Body Fat Test

* Clif Bar *

Gardein

Longo Toyota-Scion-Lexus

Pasadena Pacers

* Run With Us *

Team Gluten Free

Current as of 21 Apr 13

Event Start Times

• 6:30am – Half Marathon Start
• 7:00am – 10K and 5K Start
• 8:00am – Kids’ Run Start

 Here is a link to the race course for the 10K. As you can see, it’s an out and back course that travels along Colorado Boulevard (home of the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day) all the way over the Colorado Street Bridge and back to Pasadena City College. Should be a fun run (even with the heat).