Running (off-road) race 38:23 [5] 8.37 km (4:35 / km) +342m 3:48 / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 2016
Traffic was terrible on the way down and we arrived very late as a result. Super quick change and run 600m to the start was my warm up. Got signed in with about 2 mins to spare, had a quick pee and then rocked up to the start group still pinning my number on. With about 20s to go realised I hadn't tied my shoes and that seemed pretty important so I did that, but wasn't finished before the start so I was right at the back.
Worked my way through the field up the first hill which was kinda fun, gave me something to think about other than the climbing. Said hello to Gina on my way past much to her surprise. Upon reaching the track part I kept working pretty hard, passing more people but in less dramatic style each time. Eventually I caught sight of Becky Quin and Brian McG ahead and knew I was back to roughly the right place in the field.
Took a bit of recovery on the down and then pushed on the road to pass Becky and bridge to Brian. Angus pulled up just as I passed him at the finish line. Brian saw me behind him at a sharp turn and pressed on for the technical part of the descent. Caught back a few more places here and hit the false flat bit in a group of 4 with Brian just in front.
Along here I concentrated on holding form and keeping a good stride rate. One of the guys tailed off and Brian kept kicking a little before me and the other guy would slowly bring him back. I wanted to keep a little something for the climb. When it did come (it doesn't show up on the elevation graph but it's just after the westmost hairpin) tried to just match Brian. Other guy with us started it quickly but we pegged him back and passed him out again. I hung on until about 50m to go when my legs just stopped working properly. Brian got a gap and the other guy came back to me. I recovered pretty quickly on the flat though and this section felt quick.
Worked hard, reckoned I could bridge to Brian but it would probably finish me. I left it to the last kick. I knew I could stay ahead on the down so turning the last hairpin I went for it. This was pretty painful but it worked well and I got and stayed ahead of him.
Good race. Was interesting starting at the back and I probably could have had another place or two starting further up. Having people I know are about the same ability as me does make it easier to push to keep up with them. Quite a lot faster than last year. I'll have to beat Brian by at least 3 places next week to take him in the league overall so there's something to work towards.
Running (off-road) warm up/down 13:04 [2] 1.37 km (9:32 / km) +67m 7:40 / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 2016
Cool down with Gina. Went along the trail in the forest a bit and then back to the car. Legs feeling pretty tired but such a nice forest for a jog in.