C Mantz Running

Got to the course about 90 minutes before we started.  Started warming up about 50 minutes before the race.  Felt pretty good.  A slight bit of tightness in my right hamstring, but luckily we weren't starting out insanely fast, so I wasn't too worried.  Goal was to stay at 4:50 pace for the first 4km, then the last 3km speed it up and have separation.  

The start is downhill and is a long stretch, so it was pretty quick. Luckily the race wasn't too packed, so even though I got out slow the first 200m, I caught up without having to weave around too many people.  I stuck to the left and had the edge on the first 4 turns, which was nice.  I got right behind Rory, then right next to him and ran side-by-side with him for most of the race.  It was enjoyable to run with teammates for a race again, although it made it hard to view it as a race.  I felt pretty good through the first 3 km.  At one part I looked back to see where our team was and saw Zac right behind me.  It was fun to see because right now he's the only other one running cross country that signed with me.  Right before 4km I was next to Luke Beattie, and was actually feeling a bit beat.  At the turn right after 4km, McMillan jumped out in front of all of us, and I thought to just let him go.  Then Shumway made a move as well, and his wasn't as quick of an acceleration, so it was easier to go with and catch up to McMillan.  I ran behind McMillan for a bit, then Danny passed me after a bit and then Rory passed us and we were pretty together. The last 300m was interesting because I felt like I was pushing and going really fast, but it seemed relaxed. 

After it was nice to talk to people that I hadn't seen in a while.  I'm from Smithfield, so racing in Cache Valley felt like home again.  6 mile cool down after.