Like a lot of others, this race was a tuneup for me and my goals were all about time and execution. A good bit of the field are pro/elite and sub-elite triathletes tuning up for IMCal and a few other early season races and I am a punter. The field is super competitive and very deep. On the old, course usually the first 200 runners all go Sub-90.

They announced the course change on Thursday Night and that was what I needed to sign up and do the race. I knew the course pretty well because I ride through there all the time and knew what sort of punishment the course could dish out.

Tried to run even effort and keep the HR down to a manageable level; especially in the first half. Just worked the hills and let whoever wanted to pass me. I would either see them again when they blew up OR they were faster than me and I would see them after I finished.

The highest point on the course was right at the half way point BUT knowing there were still some hills to tackle, I waited until mile 9 for my kick. From 9-12 is a net downhill and I pushed the pace and passed a few folks on the way to the WALL in the final mile.

At 12, I just dug in and powered up the hill but was in no mans land by this point. 4th Place overall Woman was pacing behind me but no one in front to catch or pace off of, I just had to gut it out and go it alone.

CLEARLY the new course is much tougher. With barely 50 runners going Sub-90, and the winning time (Luke McKenzie) of 1:14:57: It is clear this course certainly delivers the punishment and just keeps on giving.

I am still shocked to be anywhere near the top 100 overall and tickled to be in the top 10 AG.

This was a CR for me by 1:32 so I guess I suffered less than the others did. I trained right though this race (Logged 80 miles this week) On fresh legs with this as an "A" race, I could surely go Sub-90.


Kathy Loper puts on a very low key event but at the same time, draws some of the fastest folks from the running and Triathlon community.

This race is well worth the $50 entry fee :D