Notes
Run the tunnel race. Did this once back in 2012 in 27:42. Goal was to beat that time, maybe sub 26, and to hopefully compete for the win with Hank Clabaugh who normally wins the race. Unfortunately 400 meters into the race as we climbed to the campground Hank established he was the dominant runner and I couldn't stay in contact. There was another guy Andy with me though running neck and neck. Went through the mile in 6:15 which was better then last time. As we headed towards the Tunnel parking lot downhill Andy went pass me. I was confident with my climbing legs given the race a couple weeks ago and the running I was doing. But as we started the big climb on the course I just couldn't keep up with the guy in 2nd and he stretched out the lead. This was dissappointing. We had seperated from 4th though. Climbed to the 2nd mile mark in 13:52 so overall one second slower then last time. The 3rd mile was a little more rolling and I could tell I was quicker then Andy (2nd on the flat/downhill sections and now even on the hills) however he had a lead of around 15-17 seconds. Right before the 3 mile point though I started to slowly close then we got a 400-600 meter section of flat-downhill and I got moving and caught him. I made the decision to pass but then we started a slight uphill so I didn't fully attack the hill trying to make sure I had some left for the finish after closing hard to get in contact. As we got to the road to finish I started to make my kick in and as we turned in the parking lot I could tell I lengthen the lead.
Overall I feel my fitness is better then the time showed or at least hoped so. However last 2 weeks I have increased the volume big and the intensity back up so that may have had a little to do. I do think my aerobic power too is just lacking. Didn't like how i climbed today either. Positive though is how i raced. Think I could have been a little more focused at points but overall never gave up that I could catch 2nd after he got a gap on me. I know the nature of the course on trails allows bigger swings. It was also fun to have to use some tactics which I feel I did well.