AM: Trail "15k" race in Brown County State Park. Part of an Indiana trail run and bike series. Fortunately, the trails are very familiar from lots of previous BCSP runs and races. Al ot of familiar faces at the race as well. I notice that not too many people are hopping up to the front of the start as we get ready to go. The rae starts with a healthy climb and most of everybody is aware and being conservaitve. I find myself in about 10th, but, aaftera hlaf a mile, the crowd thins out and I'm about 6 or 7. 2 other guys in front of me figure out that they are a little overzealous over the next few miles, and allow me to pass and immediately drop off.
Again, I am solo for about 4-5 miles of the race. The frustrating part is that I discover (too late) that I am very close to catching 3rd place. around the 8 mile mark and getting very close to finish line, I trip on a root and bite it hard. My left side and hip and thumb on my right hand break my fall. As I get up the thumb immediately starts throbbing. Fortunately, it turns out to be a strain of some sort and no breaks are evident. I come out of the wooded area to the clearing where the finish line is and see the 3rd place guy about 200m in front. Too bad - not enough left to catch him, though it might have been pretty close had I not face planted.
TH effort most the race. recovered well after climbs and felt strong on the downhills. 8.65 miles - 1:03:42
WU and CD were slow jogging on trails and waiting in bathroom.
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