I had zero expectations for this race. I knew I wanted to compete and race well but was also fearful that I wasn't ready for the mileage.
Loop 1 (4.3 miles): I took no hydra pack with me because it was a shorter loop. The start of this loop (2 &3 as well) was basically all down hill. That gave me a false sense of hope...I ran with the top 5 in my group for about the first 2 miles. Eventually the hills got ugly and I had a hard time breathing. I was still competitive and survived. My calves were getting really tight on the uphills in my speed instinct 2. I've loved these shoes but they don't have the hoka cushion I have loved in the other models. As I transitioned into loop 2 I had Marieta help me with a hydrapack and I switched into the more cushioned Napali. Running Time: 43:57
Loop 2 (8ish miles): The shoe change was an amazing idea! No more calf problems. I ran smooth for the first 4 miles. I ran with a guy named Ricardo for maybe 2 miles. He told me how sucky our current loop was going to get. I was not excited for the horror that lied ahead. Following a sandy dried up creek bed then some eventually tough climbing. I had no energy when I got to those places. My overall mentality changed. I went from being competitive into safety mode. I didn't want to burn out after only 8 miles into the race so I slowed my roll. For the last 2 miles I cruised into the last leg. Running Time: 1:30:38
Loop 3 (5ish miles): The last leg was mainly a hike. I ran smooth on anything flat or downhill. This race was brutal on my legs. Even on the downhills my knees were getting beat up. I ran with some shot bloks last week and those seemed to work well for my energy. The running center did not have any this week so I settled for honey stingers. I don't think those sat well. I felt nauseated and light headed. I knew I was going to pass out or throw up. I didn't know which was going to happen first. For about 2.5-3 miles I walked. I eventually feel to my knees and start throwing up all over the place. A runner came and helped me but I didn't want that. I think throwing up actually helped me feel better. I slowly toughed my way through the last 2.5 miles, running where I could. My IT band was giving some problems on this last leg too. In the back of my head I just kept thinking don't push anything that will do some damage and ruin xc practice. I think I found a good middle ground. So I finished the dang race! Nothing amazing to report, other than I finished my first trail race. Running Time: 1:17:53
Total time: 3:28:02
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