WWC Labor Day 15k Trail Race
So I was kicking around where I wanted
to race over the Labor Day weekend. With all the miles that I have
been piling up at the WWC, why not jump in their 15K race. Many of
the trails used for the 15k were ones that I was already running.
Fast forward to Sunday morning, I
headed off in wave one. We quickly strung out with a couple of guys
putting a gap on the rest of us. This was fine with me. I had my plan
for the race, and I sticking to it.
After an out and back along the
western edge of the gravel road around the white water section, we
hopped on to the trail. I had 4 guys on my “six” and pushing me
to run faster. Two miles in, they were still on my tail. A couple of
times, I gave them the wide side of the trail to pass. While I was
open to letting them by, I was about to slow down for them. If they
wanted it, they needed to muscle up the speed and take it.
With them not making any real effort to
pass me, we settled into this pattern of my pulling away slightly on
the uphill while they came pounding back on the down hills.
We transitioned to the south main
trail. Here things flatten out and the trail widens. I expected a
flood of runners going by me.
Yet, this didn't happen. By not
plunging into the trail section in oxygen debt, I had maintained my
breathing and lactic acid levels. Now, we were running long the
river, and I was feeling good. Approaching the Wedge Loop, I sensed
that I had gap. The Wedge Loop is only about ½ mile but it suites my
running style. This allowed my to open my gap on them even further.
Adding to my inspiration, the 2nd place
runner was floating in and out of my vision at every turn. Nothing encourages a runner more than seeing a runner just
ahead.
Within a mile, I reeled him back to me.
Now, I was on his “six” and pressing him at every turn. I guess
he didn't like the hoofs pounding at this back door because he pulled
up and let me pass. Although thinking back now, I didn't believe that I was pressing my point that much
because I knew the trail head was about to open up. Giving me my
opportunity to get around him.
Entering the Lake Loop, I could tell
that I had nice gap. As many of you know the WWC Lake Loop is my
favorite. The terrain is pretty similar to running at McAlpine. Every
cruise section, I pushed harder to hoping to keep my gap growing.
Trail running makes it tough to gauge
distance. How well a runner can handle the terrain means more than
raw speed. But when we crossed the parking lot for the final section
of trail, I couldn't see any one close.
There were a number of 5k walkers
finishing up. I nearly ran over a couple of them. Calling out
“a heads up”, I am coming. They never moved. In fact, they didn't
move until I tapped them on the shoulder. They had their ear buds and
were tuning out the world around.
Once out on the gravel section, I was
free of the roots to run now. Loved their finish along the water on
the island. They should have all of their races start and end at this
location. In my opinion, everyone loved it.
I finished in second place 4 minutes
and 37 seconds behind with a time of 72:34. The guy that I passed for
2nd place ended up some 48 seconds behind me.
My only glimpse of the leader was
during our Wedge Loop, I was heading in while he was heading out. He
was likely about 3 minutes ahead of me at this point.
Kudos to Adam and his entire WWC crew.
They did an awesome job organizing the race, and gave away some nice
swag to the age groupers. Interesting enough, the WWC races don't
give overall awards. Not sure why, but it is what is.
Loved getting some trail time no matter
what. Even with the temps in the 60s, the humidity was awful. My Hoka
Race Jersey, shorts, and shoes were soaked. Who knows how many days
will need to pass before they dry out.
The Cool Down Runner
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