Notes
NIRCA Regionals!
The race started off really controlled and through the first 3k I felt very relaxed. A top group of 5 broke off at the first hill, and the majority of our guys made up the "chase pack". One NW guy fell off from the top group going around the Florida loop, so I made a decision to move up out of my comfort zone to try and catch him and not let the lead group get too far ahead. Unfortunately, I got stuck out in no-man's land and really started to struggle to stay in control. The second hill was pretty brutal, and Cobert and Eric flew by going to the 6k, but I was pretty tight by them and couldn't move with them. Another group caught me with about a k to go that included Nick and Minnesota's 3, so I battled with them. I had a pretty decent finish, although the Minnesota guy came on too strong. Overall, it was an okay race. I'm glad I stuck my neck out there a little bit, but I need to be tougher and stay loose during the second half of the race.
Both teams were regional champs!! 5 men and 4 women all-regional, a pretty great for the club. Onto Nationals now!
*Edit*
Time was actually faster than I thought and a second faster than last year. Still not extremely happy with the time or race, but I'm very excited to improve upon this race for Nationals!