Clean start and there was almost immediate separation with me and a group of 12 to 18 runners ahead. There was almost no one running around me. I was able to observe (at least for those first couple of miles) that no one in that lead pack runs the tangents. This always surprises me, but maybe its just because its something I obsess about.

My first few thoughts on the cold weather was that my face was going to freeze. Everything on it felt numb, but that slowly went away. My next issue was that my right foot was losing feeling and going numb. After a few miles, that too thankfully went away. After that I think my whole body just went numb cold. I don't recall feeling cold, nor did I overheat. In fact, I would say I dressed perfectly for it, but the cold seemed to blunt the overall experience of the race. I often couldn't tell if my quads were tightening up because of the amount of effort I was putting out, or if they were slowly turning into blocks of ice.

My pace held steady for most of the race with exception to the two miles on Switzer and 127th where my pace dipped on those climbs. I had faster splits on those stretches of road during my training runs, so I was a bit dismayed when those splits popped up on my watch. At the 69hwy/Switzer crossing I was alone, and had been for a while, and I stopped to walk. But that was short lived as I turned to see two runners coming up through the trees. So I got going again with about a 1.5 miles left. I didn't think I had much in me and every small undulation in the trail seemed to take its toll. I fully expected those two runners to overtake me before I finished. And then, out of no where, I caught a very small burst of energy. My numbness and pain in my legs subsided and I produced a solid kick propelling my body towards the finish line.

Splits:
6:37
6:48
6:45
6:42
6:47
6:40
7:14
7:10
6:45
6:42
7:05
6:46

No warm down, I needed to get warmed up. I staggered around the finish line to see what refreshments they had. No food, only half frozen water and hot chocolate.

I gladly accepted the hot chocolate.

Found out my overall placing, which was second in my age group, and I *think* there were age group awards for this, but there was no way I was sticking around to find out. I was beginning to shiver I needed to find some warmth.


Nothing. Despite the cold I don't think it hindered my performance. Although, if it were a few degrees warmer I don't think I would have complained.


I think some of the shortcomings had a lot to due with the cold. Small volunteer teams and only water offered (at least for HM). The delayed start wasn't fun for such a cold day. However, the course was well marked and intersections were well staffed. A big kudos to all those volunteers who did come out and spendt hours in the cold. I would compete in this event again.