Notes
Garmin was on the fritz today during the race, and finally died afterward (never stopped recording, hence the two + miles of added data/noise).
Loved the Asics spikes on the grassy/gravel portions of the Lehigh XC course, but had absolutely no luck on pavement. Slipped at the start on push-off, had to slow around any hard turns on pavement (costing me a place at the finish/slowing out my final kick), and generally felt unstable on the asphalt. Completely different shoe on the grass - aggressive grab, light pushoff, really could maneuver and fight.
Tactically, a tremendous race - really levered my fitness to attack, challenge, and push over competitors. Field was gamey and plucky, really made for a run race. Several passes/re-passes between people, and used all tactics and course geometry to my advantage. Having down little prolonged pace work at 5K pace, I knew I would not be the fastest runner today, but I also knew that I would not wear down easily. Ability to outlast people and hammer the uphills really paid dividends today. Can't wait for more pace work to complete the transition to beast mode later in the training cycle.