Notes
2 decisions made before the race. 1) I was going barefoot 2) I would shoot to beat my time of last year, 25min (not to say the races should be comparable at all, but it was still the goal).
Corso was also shooting for 6:15 pace. The race started and about 6 Alumni were immediately hanging out in the back despite starting faster than 6mpm. We settled in and I found my footing acceptable. The opening hill didn't feel great but soon after we started passing runners and that theme would continue the rest of the race. 1st mile about 6:13.
I was feeling good. Still, fatigue sets in during the prairie loop and I was uncertain of my abilities. But Corso was still keying off me and I always had another runner to pass. 2nd mile 6:19.
Out of the prairie and I was feeling good but also wondering frequently if I was slowing down. I wasn't though, 3rd mile in 6:10.
With a 1/2 mile to go I finally got passed by another runner (just temporarily, but it's still a mind-shift). Right before the hill is also not the best for barefoot. The final hill wasn't fast but I passed people after the summit. It was good to have people to race and know I needed to keep pushing to get my goal. My kick was a bit sad but it was still a kick. Final mile in 6:07.
I got my goal with a 24:49 and am happy. I've had some thoughts of how far I've fallen and where my fitness should be on this comeback trail, but I'm trying to hold those off. I'm hoping today and some more Thursday trail races reinforces the fun to be had in racing.