I'm back...... This was my first official race since I started running again. I wanted to test my legs out and see where my fitness was at. The course was changed from precious years because of Farmington Canyon being closed. The course usually goes up a mountain trail and comes down the road. This year it went up the trail, then came back down the same trail. At the startline I ran into fellow blogger Matt (Dorsimus). When we started, he took off at a faster pace than I wanted to do. So I just settled into a comfortable pace and figured I would save energy for what was ahead. The trek up was challenging. It was mostly single track with little room for passing. When we got above the tree line, the trail opened up a bit. I was able to pass people. I was surprised at how much energy I had at this point. I was able to pass about thirty people between there and the top. One of which was Matt. Near the top I had to start stepping aside for the leads runners who were coming back. The nice thing about an out an back race, is that you can count the number of people ahead of you and know what your position is. As I got to the aid station at the top, I could see that I was in about 30th place. I decided to set a goal for coming in the top twenty. Several people at the aid station we taking their time and catching their breath. I was in and out quickly, which moved me up to about 23rd. The downhill was a blast. Technical downhill is one of my strong points. As I was coming down though, several runners were still coming up. At this point I was paying more attention to my footing than to position. One of the runners coming up told me I was number 18. Wow, I was in the top twenty already. Time for a new goal, Top Ten. I continued to pass people as we got back to the treeline. Runners were more spread out now I would go a ways without seeing anyone. But each time, as I came upon one of my fellow competitors, they stepped aside and let me continue bombing down. One of them commented to me after the race that I was running downhill at crazy speeds. At the end of the trail we hit road. I tried to run fast on the road, but didn't have much left in the tank. About a quarter mile before the finish, Ryan, a friend on mine that I usually beat, appeared from behind. I pushed hard to try to stay ahead, but he outkicked my to the line. Not that was fun. I definitely liked the alternate course and hoped they make that the route for next year. This race has the best finishers medals. They also were very organized. The results haven't been posted yet, but I think I finished in 12th to 14th place. If you feel like trying a race that pushes the limits of insanty, I recommend Bairgutsman. After I got home and took off my shoes, I realized that I had bloody toes on both feet. Battle wounds. | 