Notes
Interesting start as I went straight to the lead due to the combination of teams starting out easy and I'm getting used to getting out strong for road races. Then I liked being at the front and stayed there for the 1st mile (5:13), and really it didn't feel too difficult, yet I also knew at the end of that 1st mile that I was losing my stride. 2nd mile I got passed a lot (10:41). 3rd mile same (16:22), and ended in 22:11 for 21st place.
Some bittersweet feelings about this race. I still placed 4th for the Alumni as expected but ran slightly slower than last year. This is also one of my worst positive split races as I just kept getting slower, and yet, I don't feel like my fitness is too far from maintaining that 1st mile pace if I can get used to xc again. What's weird is I couldn't pinpoint where I lost it; my breathing was fine and my legs weren't tight, but my body in general was wearing down. At the least I feel like I'm stronger than last year. I guess we'll see.