Notes
Small invite on the Hamilton golf course, a preview of the states course (but shorter). I liked the course, don't think it was unreasonably "fast" though - some long, if gradual, uphills, and all wet grass. Very pleased with my race today (a first for xc...) Executed my plan well - went out very relaxed and found a good group with Paul. Came through the mile in 5:25 feeling groovy. 2nd mile had the larger, longer hill, moved up a lot during that mile. Came through 2 miles @ 11:07? By then a really solid pack of 6 had formed with me, Tyler, Paul, Dan, Aldous, and Brian. Was towards the front of that group for the 3rd mile, then with maybe a half mile they went by me. Once I lost contact my pace fell apart a bit, I think one guy might have came and got me.
Huge improvement from two weeks ago (same pace on a longer, slower course!) and exactly where I want to be at this point in the season. I definitely think that the final gap between me and the group in front of me can be closed, I just needed to be more focused over that final mile and not let them go, once I fell back a bit I had trouble keeping up the pace. But mostly a huge confidence boost that I can run well over hill and dale, honestly even when I was running well and feeling good today I was having some doubts that I was too far up and would end up bonking so I need to put those fears to rest. In great shape and should only be better over 8k. Can't wait for SPAC now, planning on running at least the same pace as today.