Excellent race this weekend. Ran in 52:40 which is over 2 minutes faster than my 2006 time (last time I ran this race). Really focused on having a great time in the mountains with a controlled pace. I have been curious to see how I have been responding to my less-anal training regimen this summer with some biking, water-skiing, Tuesday Tempo Run Hammer Sessions and less long miles. Well, this strategy seems to have worked as I felt really great throughout the race.
Took it slow off the start up the first hill, probably mid-pack. From there I stayed mostly in line for the first mile or so until the little hills started coming. Picked off a bunch of other runners during each of these little hills. Kept the pace constrained and within myself focusing on nice short strides never really feeling out of breath or over the line. The first "real" hill went ok with no real problems, passed a few more. Then, the first technical downhill approached...this was in the trees on very tight, technical, rooted and slippery single-track. I was able to pick of one of the early runners that passed me as well as a few others. Loved the down-hill...running with the "laughing girl" who seemed to be having such a great time in the woods that she could not contrain her joy. This is trail running/racing at its best...just plain fun in the mountains.
Continued to keep things under control in the second half although I could tell I was getting a bit tired at the second to last aid station...paused a bit for some water mostly because the guys I was running with did the same. Started up again quickly without loosing any places and approached the last real challenging hill. I did a quick downshift to a race walk as it seemed I was at the pace that this seemed to make more sense. This worked as I again lost no places and felt a bit better than the guy in front of me sounded. Kept going for the rest of the run not letting anyone else pass. Was pleasantly surprised to see Bernie B. out there near the finish snapping pictures...he even shared a couple of words of encouragement.
Overall a great morning and a great day...especially with KT and the kids waiting at the finish. I definitely felt I had a little more to give out there, but I was very happy with the result nonetheless.
Looking forward to the Tuesday Tempo Run already!
