Got up early this morning and headed over to the course. Watched some races for a little bit then started warming up to get ready for my race. Jogged around at the starting line some more to stay warm and then lined up to race. The gun went off and I got off the line pretty good, when the course narrowed onto the trail I was probably somewhere between 30th and 40th place and just kept trying to move up when I could but still I stayed pretty relaxed. I think I crossed the first mile around 5:05 and then we hit the switchbacks. The uphills were pretty tough throughout the race but I could really catch my breath and relax again on the downhills. When we got down the hill I heard Coach say I was in 14th and I saw that I was still pretty close to the leader, probably within 10-15 seconds. Passed a few more runners going up poopout hill. Just kept trying to stay relaxed on the flat section behind that hill. When we got to resevoir hill with about half a mile left I made my push and moved into 3rd. I was able to hold onto that position and finished 3rd. Really good race for me and a confidence booster going into the track season. This is definitely one of my favorite courses too, I always seem to run well here. Coach told me later that I was 33rd overall in all the races, so hopefully I can keep things going and qualify for nationals next year. It's going to be tough but it's definitely something I want to work towards.
Long drive back home after the race. We got stuck in the gorge and had to spend the night on the bus. It ended up being around 18 hours on the bus drive, 12 hours stuck within 20 miles from St. George. Let's just say I'm glad to be home!
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