At the starting line for the 2026 Apple Blossom 10K, I felt a mix of nerves and joy. The tension came from intense training, including nearly 30 miles the prior week, and the hope to PR the race. Could I do it? The joy came from the energy of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, seeing old friends, pink and green clothing, and smiles in every direction. As we all bunched up and the starting gun sounded, I set out to discover my running limits, but found something else in t