Notes
Preface: It snowed more than a few inches last night and wasn't warm today (though it wasn't too cold, especially with some sun and little wind). I'm sure many people didn't show up and some apparently wanted it canceled (I assume for the refund), I don't know what kind of person signs up for an adventurous xc race then doesn't do it due to snow (traveling to the race is a different issue of course). But all this ends with the race being shortened by almost 2 miles, the start being delayed 15min, and the whole course is either snow-covered or ice.
9:15 AM Start
I started at the front and got out well, but quickly realized I should have worn spikes. I hadn't even considered this beforehand as the 1st mile is all cement, but today it was covered in ice. And without spikes, I think I started too fast as I tried to stay in my position, but every icy step was taking more out of me than normal. Just a mile or so in, my lower back and hips were super tight from the added exertion of stabilizing myself.
When we got to the fields, thus the snow ("packed" down by a 4 wheeler), I started to feel better as the pace slowed considerably, but obviously snow running is a much different kind of struggle. Plus, no one in front of me seemed to be struggling and coming back to me. After Drew left me about a mile in, I think I passed 2 guys and had 2 guys pass me in the last mile (1 I would get back).
I saw a 3.5mile marker (who knew if that was correct), but more importantly, I saw all the route we would not be running today, pretty much most of the stream crossings and difficult terrain. Then we were back on the icy roads and I realized we wouldn't even be doing the big hill. So as I realized the race was almost over, 2 guys in spikes passed me. I tried to jump off the road in the snow to get traction and that worked a bit. Once we were all back on the snow I easily caught them and we all sprinted after the last turn. I ended up 21st in 32:05 (incidentally my 10k PR) and 9th in my age group.
Overall, this race left a bitter taste in my mouth. Partly because I failed to put on spikes and how I ran the race. But mostly because without the alterations, I think I would have done much better. 2 of guys in the top 5 were guys Drew and I beat 3 weeks ago at Governors. Now I know LHF has much more road/flat running than Governors but as Nick Bowerman said, "They took out all the parts you guys are good at" (paraphrased). And with the race being my main (and final) goal of the fall, it was very disappointing. Upsides are I had some other great races this fall and I'm certainly in better shape (and healthier) than at this point last year.
This does make me want to race again though. There's a Des Moines trail race the same day as Drew's wedding, unfortunately, so maybe I'll check out if there's any Turkey Trots to do. If not I'll stick to my original plan: focus on climbing in December and take a class on lead climbing and belaying. Then we'll see what happens in 2016.