I've done the 11K twice before, my first organized trail races. Decided to step it up to the 18k, even though it was really intimidating, as I had fitness coming off IM Canada, and was heading to Miami 70.3. This would be a nice hard run.

First mile is on a narrow trail, pretty hard to pass, which then turns into a gnarly steep, rock climbing single track where it's impossible to pass I knew the first two miles wre gonna be in the 11 minute mile general area, and they were. The 18K course splits off from the 11K course about 1.5 - 2 miles in, so this was all new territory. I knew there was some climbing but holy hell, mile 3 was 13 or so. Recent fires had denuded all of the vegetation, so I could see a long line of runners slowly making there way up a large hill in the distance. But the fires also exposed some amazing views of Pt Mugu and Oxnard in the distance.

Mile 4 started to flatten out a bit and started running fairly steadily, turning back southward. Came to the first aid station at mile 5, and got a little extra water. Soon we were on the fire road that would meet up with the 11K course, then climb some more until the big downhill

The first time I did the 11K i ran 13 minute miles. Last year, ran 12 minute miles. Both times walked a ton, this time didn't walk at all. Ran a 9:30 pace overall, so very happy with it.

The last 2-3 miles here are a wicked downhill. Even ran two sub 8 minute miles, a rarity fr me. Some people would come flying down the hill and I had to get out of their way. When I started to step aside for one lady she said "no, you're good," so I ran the last mile or so with her footsteps in my ear. Gave me motivation to keep the effort up

A little short at 10.95 miles.

Spits
11:49
11:04
12:54
8:59
8:54
9:03
10:30
8:31
8:42
7:50
7:15

As always, XTerra runs are so much fun, and every time I do one I wonder why I don't do more.